College classroom: B or A-3 occupancy?

[Redmund]

Is the ‘Classroom area’ function in IBC Table 1004.5 considered an assembly function for the purpose of determining if a college classroom needs to be classified as an A-3 occupancy group? IBC 303.1.2 refers to rooms with an 'assembly purpose', and we typically use this section to determine if a conference room in a B occupancy office needs to be considered as an A-3 occupancy room. Does the same size test apply for a college classroom?

As an example, what would be the appropriate occupancy group for the following:

• A 1,000 sq. ft. college classroom.
• No fixed seating.
• The classroom uses an occupant load factor of 20 per IBC Table 1004. 5 (for a ‘classroom area’ use), resulting in 50 occupants in the classroom.

 

[steveray]

A classroom is a classroom no matter how large....Unless you do your classes in an auditorium.....

 

[RLGA]

I treat classrooms in adult settings, such as colleges, as assembly occupancies (Group A-3) when the occupant load exceeds 49 based on the "Classroom area" occupant load factor. Group A-3 includes lecture halls, and in my opinion, this is not any different than a classroom without fixed seating--the intent of both spaces is the same.

 

[Tim Mailloux]

I treat classrooms in adult settings, such as colleges, as assembly occupancies (Group A-3) when the occupant load exceeds 49 based on the "Classroom area" occupant load factor. Group A-3 includes lecture halls, and in my opinion, this is not any different than a classroom without fixed seating--the intent of both spaces is the same.

I do the same

 

[TheCommish]

lest than 50 a B, 50 or more A

 

[Tim Mailloux]

I have had large college classtoom over 750sf on projects where we have installed fixed seating to get under 50 occupants and keep it a B occupancy

 

[Redmund]

Thanks for all the comments.