Common Path

[Hyrax4978]

Wondering what the take is for the common path from a small second floor that includes one rated stair enclosure exit. We can meet all the requirements for a single exit but wondering how to interoperate the common path. I have typically carried the common path to the bottom of mezzanines that only have a single stairway as thats the point where they can go "two ways". But in a second floor, does the common path stop at the rated stairwell doorway? or do i need to take it in and down the stairwell. going down the stairwell seems counter productive to having a rated stairwell.

 

[steveray]

It stops at the rated exit enclosure.....Even if you have one...You are already in it, so don't need another......? Does that make sense?

 

[walker.t]

the common patch from a small second floor that includes one rated stair enclosure exit

The common path of egress travel only exists in the exit access, which is the part of the means of egress that leads to the exit:

2021 IBC Definition of Common Path of Egress Travel (emphasis added)
That portion of exit access travel distance measured from the most remote point of each room, area or space to that point where the occupants have separate and distinct access to two exits or exit access doorways.

2021 IBC Definition of Exit Access (emphasis added)
That portion of a means of egress system that leads from any occupied portion of a building or structure to an exit.

Just make sure that your rated stairway really is an interior exit stairway, meaning it leads to the exit discharge directly or to an exit passageway leading to an exit discharge. See 1023.3 Termination and 1023.3.1 Extension.

 

[Hyrax4978]

Ok. with the emphasis on "exit access" that makes it more clear, i was glossing over that and overthinking it a bit. Yes this exit has a direct discharge to the exterior.

 

[walker.t]

Yes this exit has a direct discharge to the exterior.

Sounds like you’re good to go then. Keep in mind that common path of egress travel distance is just one of the variables determining if you can have one exit, see Table 1006.2.1.

I have typically carried the common path to the bottom of mezzanines that only have a single stairway as thats the point where they can go "two ways".

For that to work there would have to be two ways out of the room, each leading to a separate exit.

going down the stairwell seems counter productive to having a rated stairwell.

That’s correct. Remember also that rating of the stair enclosure is determined by the number of stories connected and any rated floor assembly that is penetrated per 1023.2.

 

[Genduct]

Wondering what the take is for the common path from a small second floor that includes one rated stair enclosure exit. We can meet all the requirements for a single exit but wondering how to interoperate the common path. I have typically carried the common path to the bottom of mezzanines that only have a single stairway as thats the point where they can go "two ways". But in a second floor, does the common path stop at the rated stairwell doorway? or do i need to take it in and down the stairwell. going down the stairwell seems counter productive to having a rated stairwell.

By introducing / defining the area as a Mez, doesn't that mean it is not an additional floor? and therefore has some advantages and will not be treated like another separate floor?

 

[Hyrax4978]

Not sure i could get this situation to fly as a mezzanine. I would have to run through the mezz section again, but as its fully enclosed, not open to other spaces, not sure it could be a mezz, only one exit etc.

 

[Genduct]

Not sure i could get this situation to fly as a mezzanine. I would have to run through the mezz section again, but as its fully enclosed, not open to other spaces, not sure it could be a mezz, only one exit etc.

I don't think the mez is considered an additional floor is the point. And I understand your valid point about open of enclosed both under and the mez itself.

Does make this job interesting