sdpaddler50
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2012
- Messages
- 44
Scenario: Type V-N (wood roof and conc walls), 1 story, housing S-1 (rack storage of widgets). A control area is provided to allow storage of combustible liquids, so that the MAQ of these liquids is not exceeded.
Table 2703.8.3.2 (2009 IFC) allows up to 4 control areas (we have 2) and the fire barrier rating resistance required is 1 hour - so we are good to go. Footnote "b" says "Fire barriers shall include walls and floors as neccessary to provide separation from other portions of the building.
So, my question/concern; Why would the code not also require the ceiling/roof to be 1 hour rated for this control area? Why just the wall? Fire travels vertically, and if flammable liquids are involved, it's going to spread to the wood roof unless the sprinklers control it. I know the intent with control areas is to compartmentalize the building, so only the one area where the fire starts is involved, and hopefully the rest of the building is saved. But, if a fire gets in to a combustible wood roof, there is a good chance it will keep spreading across the entire building, regardless of how many fire barriers walls are present. Keep in mind, we are talking about a fire barrier per 707, not a fire wall as covered in 706, that has a 3 ft parapat, end wall proejections, etc.
Thanks in advance.
Table 2703.8.3.2 (2009 IFC) allows up to 4 control areas (we have 2) and the fire barrier rating resistance required is 1 hour - so we are good to go. Footnote "b" says "Fire barriers shall include walls and floors as neccessary to provide separation from other portions of the building.
So, my question/concern; Why would the code not also require the ceiling/roof to be 1 hour rated for this control area? Why just the wall? Fire travels vertically, and if flammable liquids are involved, it's going to spread to the wood roof unless the sprinklers control it. I know the intent with control areas is to compartmentalize the building, so only the one area where the fire starts is involved, and hopefully the rest of the building is saved. But, if a fire gets in to a combustible wood roof, there is a good chance it will keep spreading across the entire building, regardless of how many fire barriers walls are present. Keep in mind, we are talking about a fire barrier per 707, not a fire wall as covered in 706, that has a 3 ft parapat, end wall proejections, etc.
Thanks in advance.