Chapter 31 Membrane Structures

[rktect 1]

Well, here we go.

Proposed membrane structure as a golf dome. Considered type 2B, fine. A-3 Assembly no sprinklers. 60 feet tall. It will have an 8 foot tall locked fence around it at about 12 feet from the edges, then thick forest area on three sides (think 60 foot public way/yards?). Supposedly unlimited area building of aprox 39,000 sq. ft. Of the membrane structure about 7900 sq. ft. is dedicated for active sports area for the golfers. Plus another actual type 2B structure 20 feet in front of this for 3500 sq. ft. no sprinklers, used as B use office.

Where to start and where to end?

 

[SCBO1]

Golf dome: Would it be a Group-U including fire and life hazard incidental to their occupancy. Membrane fire retardant, emergency/exiting lighting, egress path, etc?

 

[steveray]

FSD on the site plan for buildings on the same lot....Not sure if the 20' would be allowed for UA...I think the only gimme for no sprinklers is over athletic fields so that might get gray...And ask them what they are doing for "support provisions"...

 

[cda]

What occupant load are you assigning

 

[rktect 1]

What occupant load are you assigning

They haven't said yet. It is one of my first review question but I would think under 50.

 

[cda]

11,000 plus sq ft ???

 

[rktect 1]

I think I am looking for someone to check my thought process here. But it is in regards to the 1996 BOCA code.

Chapter 31 Special Construction
Section 3103 Membrane Structures
shall be considered type 2c construction
shall not exceed table 503 for height and area except for in section 506
shall not exceed 1 story nor table 503
signed/sealed by design professional

Section 3103 does not mention being able to use Section 507 unlimited area buildings,
therefore a membrane structure may not be unlimited area. It must conform to Table 503
and Section 506 specifically.

Table 503 for A-3 of type 2c construction allows 30 foot max height and 8,400
sq. ft. area. Section 506.2 allows a 2% increase for each 1% over the first 25%
perimeter with 30 ft yards, with 100% 30 foot yards. This gives you 75% x 2%
increase, or 150% x 8,400 sq. ft. 8400 sq. ft. + ( 8,400 sq. ft. X 150% ) = 21,000
sq. ft. total area.

 

[steveray]

Read the last sentence of 503.1...."except as specifically modified by this CHAPTER"...I think you get there...

 

[rktect 1]

503.1 "....except as specifically modified by this CHAPTER and the following sections:" which lists six specific sections. The last one is 3013.3.5 Membrane Structures.

503.1 code commentary "Each of these sections must be reviewed to determine the extent of ANY exceptions or modifications to table 503."

 

[rktect 1]

Sorry 3103.3.5 not 3013.3.5

 

[Builder Bob]

Rkteck has you going in the right direction. Membrane structures do not get to use
the unlimited provisions of the building code