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Code Change Denied Again (structural support of exit stairways)

jar546

CBO
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The original submittal was rejected in Orlando, it was modified with Comment 1 below and then rejected again after opposition that it was still unclear. I believe the proponent made a good case and was easily understood.

Comment 1:

IBC: 1023.2.1 (New); IFC: [BE] 1023.2.1 (New)
Proponents:
Jeffrey Grove, Coffman Engineers, Coffman Engineers (jeff.grove@coffman.com) requests As Modified by Committee (AMC2)
Replace as follows:

2024 International Building Code​

Add new text as follows:
1023.2.1 Supporting construction.
Structural elements that support interior exit stairways and ramps and that penetrate, or are installed within the membrane of a required fire resistance rated assembly shall be provided with a fire resistance rating not less than the enclosure.

2024 International Fire Code

Add new text as follows:
[BE] 1023.2.1 Supporting construction.
Structural elements that support interior exit stairways and ramps and that penetrate, or are installed within the membrane of a required fire resistance rated assembly shall be provided with a fire resistance rating not less than the enclosure.

Reason:
The previous proposed code change was located in 1011.7 and 1012.7 to address stairs and ramps (including exterior) that require a rating. However, after committee feedback this is being relocated to 1023.2.1 explicitly and reworded.


This comes into align with NFPA 101 Section 7.1.3.2.1(5):

"Structural elements, or portions thereof, that support exit components and either penetrate into a fire-resistance-rated assembly or are installed within a fire-resistance-rated wall assembly shall be protected, as a minimum, to the fire resistance rating required by 7.1.3.2.1(1) or 7.1.3.2.1(3).

Annex: It is not the intent to require the structural elements supporting outside stairs, or structural elements that penetrate within exterior walls or any other wall not required to have a fire resistance rating, to be protected by fire-resistance-rated construction."

This change brings in line the intent between the two codes that these elements need to be protected when leaving fire resistance rated enclosures.
Bibliography:

NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2024 Edition
Cost Impact:

Increase
Estimated Immediate Cost Impact:

Cost impact information unchanged from original proposal.
Estimated Immediate Cost Impact Justification (methodology and variables):

Cost impact information unchanged from original proposal.
 
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