• Welcome to The Building Code Forum

    Your premier resource for building code knowledge.

    This forum remains free to the public thanks to the generous support of our Sawhorse Members and Corporate Sponsors. Their contributions help keep this community thriving and accessible.

    Want enhanced access to expert discussions and exclusive features? Learn more about the benefits here.

    Ready to upgrade? Log in and upgrade now.

ATRIUMS

P

PETER CIRILLO

REGISTERED
Joined
Feb 7, 2020
Messages
30
Location
NEW YORK
In a three-story building Type VA construction, I would like to create an opening (6' x 6') connecting the first, second and third floor levels, would this be
considered an Atrium ?
If I were to install horizontal fire shutters or "Horizontal Fire Door assemblies" (BCNYS 712.1.13.1) at these openings would this allow me to, not treat these openings as an Atrium?
 
It would be an atrium. The code allows two-story volumes without complying with the atrium requirements, so using a fire door in at least one opening would be sufficient. The fire door assembly must comply with NFPA 288. Opening protectives that use horizontal curtains tested per UL 10D are not currently permitted. However, some jurisdictions have allowed them to create two-story smoke compartments to avoid the smoke control requirement of Section 404.5 (an attempt at using the intent of Exception 1).
 
On the subject of atriums, is a multi balcony performing arts theatre an atrium? I've worked on a number of them - smaller than in photo - and atrium requirements never seem to be mentioned.

1754565856240.jpeg
 
bill1952 said:
On the subject of atriums, is a multi balcony performing arts theatre an atrium? I've worked on a number of them - smaller than in photo - and atrium requirements never seem to be mentioned.

View attachment 16169
Click to expand...
How many stories does it connect?

[BG]ATRIUM.

A vertical space that is closed at the top, connecting two or more stories in Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies or three or more stories in all other occupancies.
 
The highest seating level is accessed by the 5th or 6th level. I could see one seating level being a mezzanine but not more. It's not unusual for the upper seating levels to be half or more of total occupancy load.
 
RLGA said:
It would be an atrium. The code allows two-story volumes without complying with the atrium requirements, so using a fire door in at least one opening would be sufficient. The fire door assembly must comply with NFPA 288. Opening protectives that use horizontal curtains tested per UL 10D are not currently permitted. However, some jurisdictions have allowed them to create two-story smoke compartments to avoid the smoke control requirement of Section 404.5 (an attempt at using the intent of Exception 1).
Click to expand...
Thank you.................If I were to limit the opening to two stories, does that require me to use both floor area's (First & Second) in calculating my fire area?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top