ryan81
Member
I am working on a project for a local Co-op and am seeking guidance or thoughts on the appropriate occupancy classification. Obviously, I can run this by the local AHJ, but thought I'd start here, in this forum.
Adopted Codes: 2021 IBC, 2021 IFC
Construction Type: IIB
Fire Protection: To be Determined according to need.
The building in question is a simple (enclosed) PEMB structure with two bays and two sectional overhead doors on both ends, allowing trucks to pull in and drive through (Egress doors are also provided). The facility will be used to both fill and empty tankers carrying gasoline and diesel fuel. The associated fuel storage tanks are located at the exterior of the building with closed-loop distribution piping connecting the pump house with the storage tanks. The piping is located in a trench within the building slab.
It seems I can rule out High-Hazard (H) classifications based on the commentary associated with 307.1, which clarifies the intent that materials stored outside the building envelope "are not included in evaluating the occupancy classification of the building", and Section 307.1.1 (item 3), which excludes those buildings with "closed piping system containing flammable or combustible liquids or gases utilized for the operation of machinery." 307.1.1 is not a perfect description for my condition (Utilized for the operation of machinery), but it seems to be similar in function.
Storage (S) groups don't seem appropriate as (again) nothing is being stored within the facility.
Group U might be appropriate from a standpoint of being accessory to another building or structure (in this case, accessory to the storage tanks???).
I'm leaning towards Factory/Industrial Group (F) as it seems loosely appropriate from the standpoint that one might consider the pumping up and pumping down of the tankers as an "operation" or "process".
Any thoughts?
Thanks everyone!
Adopted Codes: 2021 IBC, 2021 IFC
Construction Type: IIB
Fire Protection: To be Determined according to need.
The building in question is a simple (enclosed) PEMB structure with two bays and two sectional overhead doors on both ends, allowing trucks to pull in and drive through (Egress doors are also provided). The facility will be used to both fill and empty tankers carrying gasoline and diesel fuel. The associated fuel storage tanks are located at the exterior of the building with closed-loop distribution piping connecting the pump house with the storage tanks. The piping is located in a trench within the building slab.
It seems I can rule out High-Hazard (H) classifications based on the commentary associated with 307.1, which clarifies the intent that materials stored outside the building envelope "are not included in evaluating the occupancy classification of the building", and Section 307.1.1 (item 3), which excludes those buildings with "closed piping system containing flammable or combustible liquids or gases utilized for the operation of machinery." 307.1.1 is not a perfect description for my condition (Utilized for the operation of machinery), but it seems to be similar in function.
Storage (S) groups don't seem appropriate as (again) nothing is being stored within the facility.
Group U might be appropriate from a standpoint of being accessory to another building or structure (in this case, accessory to the storage tanks???).
I'm leaning towards Factory/Industrial Group (F) as it seems loosely appropriate from the standpoint that one might consider the pumping up and pumping down of the tankers as an "operation" or "process".
Any thoughts?
Thanks everyone!
