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  1. M

    What occupant load factor to use for an Arcade?

    It'll be a mix, some big machines, some small, some single users and some 2-4 users. And they'll change over time.
  2. M

    What occupant load factor to use for an Arcade?

    I have an arcade that I'm trying to determine the occupant load for. The total arcade space is 6,000 SF and there is a large concourse running through the middle of it approx. 2,000 SF. If I use Assembly Gaming floors to the total space (11 gross) that's 545 occupants which seems...
  3. M

    Handrail extensions beyond landings

    Question on ramp handrail extensions. I have a straight run ramp, at the top of the ramp is a level surface "landing" 5'4" deep and same width as the ramp. The level surface connects with a walkway on the right hand side. The inside right handrail turns and completes an extension to the...
  4. M

    Aisle vs. Corridor in restaurant design

    I have a restaurant/cigar bar in Texas, 2018 IBC, that was disapproved. For the most part the layout is "H" shaped. One side of the H is the restaurant, the other side the Cigar bar with a vestibule in the middle to access either side. Restrooms, 2 exits, kitchen, office are at the back with...
  5. M

    Gutter between 2 buildings

    I haven't come across one like this before and am open to suggestions. I have a new build, 2 stories, attaching to an existing structure where there is currently a gutter at the low end of the existing building and I'm trying to figure out the best approach for water drainage from the existing...
  6. M

    Access to Owner's private office on second floor

    I have a small hair salon space, first floor salon space is roughly 1,500 SF and then there are stairs leading to an owner's private office/tlt on the second floor, approx. 300 sf. I'm trying to figure out the best solution for how to access the space. Currently the base of stairs is open to...
  7. M

    Ambulatory Restrooms

    Not portable. It's permanent.
  8. M

    Ambulatory Restrooms

    Hi, I'm turning a metal container into toilet partitions with full walls dividing each one, and each toilet partition has an exterior door. Lavatories are located outside the container. We are required to have an ambulatory toilet. I'm trying to find a good solution for how to provide a 36"...
  9. M

    Change of Occupancy - Insulate Existing CMU exterior walls?

    I was looking at that one. I don't know how they would be able to prove it. The building hasn't been "used" for decades. I doubt they would have records of bills that far back. It's full of old school fluorescent lighting and the HVAC condenser unit is long gone. Remnants of the furnace and...
  10. M

    Change of Occupancy - Insulate Existing CMU exterior walls?

    Existing CMU storage building, was used as a bus barn for many years, will now be used for classrooms. I've specified adding insulation R-5.7 ci all along the exterior CMU walls, we are zone 2. They don't have the funds for it and would like to see if they can avoid it. We have to comply with...
  11. M

    3rd Party Reviewer

    Building Code. This is a smaller municipality that has 3 departments (site development, building code, and fire). They're looking for help with the building portion.
  12. M

    3rd Party Reviewer

    Any recommendations for 3rd Party reviewers? Asking for a municipality in Texas. They're looking for help with Commercial and Residential projects.
  13. M

    To insulate or not?

    2015 IBC and 2015 IECC
  14. M

    To insulate or not?

    Small commercial project designed to look like a house on piers (trying to match another existing structure), however the foundation is a continuous grade beam on piers 2' deep with several interior beams all the way around with no penetrations. There is a wood flooring system sitting on top...
  15. M

    Are all single hole toilet rooms required to be accessible

    I'm doing a gym and they don't have the width to put in a gang style restroom so we're doing individual restrooms. They are required to put in 2 restrooms and I have both of those as private restrooms and they are both accessible. The owner wants a 3rd restroom for convenience but there isn't...
  16. M

    Is a Mezzanine considered a "floor"?

    There will be stairs leading up. It will be redundant apparatuses.
  17. M

    Is a Mezzanine considered a "floor"?

    It's a gym that will use silks and lyras(rings). They also have pole dancing classes. So there are specific fixed apparatuses for each person with fairly sizeable clearances. In the main room they'll have 20 spots for silks (2,000 SF), but I know the FM is concerned with what happens if they...
  18. M

    Is a Mezzanine considered a "floor"?

    I checked, nothing in the amendments that relates.
  19. M

    Is a Mezzanine considered a "floor"?

    The fire marshal had indicated to my client that a sprinkler system was required for a mezzanine.
  20. M

    Is a Mezzanine considered a "floor"?

    Thank you. I had read that, but it didn't click. Having it in red helps!
  21. M

    Is a Mezzanine considered a "floor"?

    The footprint of the building is 3,500. They would like the mezzanine to be 1500 SF, but to be 1/3 of the space it would need to be 1,050 SF.
  22. M

    Is a Mezzanine considered a "floor"?

    I have a client doing an aerial gym, under 5,000 SF (w/ mezzanine). They are wanting to put in an open mezzanine to increase their square footage with redundant apparatuses. They'll be A-3, under 12,000 SF and under 300 occupants. They do not want to add a sprinkler system. Per sprinkler...
  23. M

    Determining H Occupancies

    Thanks for all the great info! We're looking at building a separate storage unit for the bulk storage of chemicals off-site (approximately 30' from the building), so the only quantities kept in the building will be in the tanks in a greatly diluted amount (open system). Most of the chemicals...
  24. M

    Determining H Occupancies

    cda, I'm an Architect. I typically do assembly, restaurants, retail, business, and residential work. This is my first project for a tenant improvement with hazardous chemicals. I'm reading through the codes and seeing it's not clear cut. I thought a little guidance from here couldn't hurt...
  25. M

    Determining H Occupancies

    Thanks for the help. According to the owners that was the complete list of hazardous chemicals, but I'll double check. I have the safety sheets on them but I don't know enough about these chemicals to feel like I'm selecting the correct material on the tables. I'll go ahead and call...
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