Arched doors and clear opening requirements

[nld-1]

I have a 36x80 arched doorway with the top of arch at 80". The door is the only point of egress out of a small office with Occ. load of 2. It proposed to be a pocket door.

Is the "arch" of an arched opening allowed to encroach on the clear opening requirement? Does the line of the arch need to be out of the 4" projection? Any other potential issues?

1008.1.1 Size of doors
The minimum width of each door opening shall be sufficient for the occupant load thereof and shall provide a clear width of 32 inches (813 mm). ... The height of door openings shall not be less than 80 inches (2032 mm).

1008.1.1.1 Projections into clear opening
There shall not be projections into the required clear width lower than 34 inches (864 mm) above the floor or ground. Projections into the clear opening width between 34 inches (864 mm) and 80 inches (2032 mm) above the floor or ground shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm).

Exception: Door closers and door stops shall be permitted to be 78 inches (1980 mm) minimum above the floor.

 

[classicT]

If it is a doorway, 32"x80" opening is required. No projections into that opening.

Now, if there was no door and it is an opening in a wall, I could agree with the application of Section 1008.1.1.1. However, the 4-inches for the projection should be measured from the edge of the opening, not the 32-inch required width.

I did a sketch based on your image to show what I mean.

 

[classicT]

Ultimate answer, the arched door as shown will not work.

 

[nld-1]

Thanks classicT!

I am not sure about your interpretation of the location of the 4" dimension. I read it as 4" into clear width (i.e. measured from the edge of the 32" clear width dimension).

Here is a revised diagram showing a updated opening that I believe is compliant. FYI—this space has limited head height, so we are trying to keep the opening as low as allowed.

Cheers,

 

[bill1952]

If it means what you drew, it should say required clear width. Close.

And first post suggests arch is 80, not 85".

I think quite a few inspectors would accept this, but not all.

 

[e hilton]

Is a pocket door acceptable as the only means of egress?

 

[Yikes]

1008.1.1 Size of doors
The minimum width of each door opening shall be sufficient for the occupant load thereof and shall provide a clear width of 32 inches (813 mm). ... The height of door openings shall not be less than 80 inches (2032 mm).

1008.1.1.1 Projections into clear opening
There shall not be projections into the required clear width lower than 34 inches (864 mm) above the floor or ground. Projections into the clear opening width between 34 inches (864 mm) and 80 inches (2032 mm) above the floor or ground shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm).

What code is this? 2022 IBC section 1008 is "Means of Egress Illumination".