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Construction Type Classification
- Thread starter melarch
- Start date
I think it depends somewhat on what perspective you're looking at it from. If I deduce correctly, you are on the design side, whereas I would be on the review side. In your case you have project specifications. "We need you to design this size building for us to do this." Once your parameters are known start with the occupancy type in first column of table 506.2 and go over to see where your square footage lands you. Basically, the further right you can go the cheaper it will be.
For example, customer says, I need a 45,000 square foot office building. You go down to B occupancy classification and go over as far right as you can and determine that it will be sprinklered and you can design using V-A construction type. Table 601 will tell you what fire ratings various elements of the building will need. Since you have to do V-A instead of V-B many elements will need at least a 1-hour rating.
The way I look at it is start with chapter 3 and verify each element of the design as I move through the chapters.
For example, customer says, I need a 45,000 square foot office building. You go down to B occupancy classification and go over as far right as you can and determine that it will be sprinklered and you can design using V-A construction type. Table 601 will tell you what fire ratings various elements of the building will need. Since you have to do V-A instead of V-B many elements will need at least a 1-hour rating.
The way I look at it is start with chapter 3 and verify each element of the design as I move through the chapters.
mtlogcabin
SAWHORSE
Under the old Legacy Codes "A" was fire resistive and "B" was non-fire resistive. Pretty much the same under the ICC "A" is fire rated "B" is not except for Type IB buildings which it is the distinction between 2 or 3 hour requirements.
steveray
SAWHORSE
A is higher rated and B is lower or non-rated...MT pretty much nailed it...
steveray
SAWHORSE
Yours was the thought process on construction type which is great....MT just had the down and dirty "definition" of A and B if you will...Not me though? I totally missed the mark?
just kidding