Fire Wall

[Jon-Manuel]

My question is regarding the area separation wall referenced in the USG Area Separation Wall Systems brochure.
These systems commonly have rated door openings in them. In theory, either side of this wall assembly can collapse but the H-stud & 2-layers of rated gyp will remain. Do my rated doors also have to be independent and remain standing when either side of the wall assembly collapse?
I've attached a sketch for reference.

 

[steveray]

The doors are part of the wall....

 

[mtlogcabin]

Only a fire wall is required to remain standing.

An Area Separation Wall is an old legacy code term. What is the purpose of the wall

 

[Jon-Manuel]

To elaborate, I've seen the door built into the 2x4 portion of the wall. Yes, built into the portion of the wall that was meant to collapse and not affect the other side. I've always assumed this was incorrect.

 

[Jon-Manuel]

Only a fire wall is required to remain standing.

An Area Separation Wall is an old legacy code term. What is the purpose of the wall

Only a fire wall is required to remain standing.

An Area Separation Wall is an old legacy code term. What is the purpose of the wall

Area Separation Wall is the USG system; I am referring to a Fire Wall per IBC.

Thanks

 

[mtlogcabin]

GA-600-2009 Page 14
Area Separation Fire Walls

"Openings and through penetrations, including protected openings and penetrations , are not permitted in the area separation walls contained in this manual..

 

[Jon-Manuel]

GA-600-2009 Page 14
Area Separation Fire Walls

"Openings and through penetrations, including protected openings and penetrations , are not permitted in the area separation walls contained in this manual..

That's very interesting!
I'm curious if USG has a similar statement.

 

[steveray]

I have not seen it in USG's manual, but keep us posted...

 

[cda]

Welcome!!!

 

[cda]

That's very interesting!
I'm curious if USG has a similar statement.

Well it may not matter and more than likely nothing there

First start with the IBC or NFPA building code, which ever one is adopted
And see what they say

 

[JBI]

When relying on a design in a referenced standard, ALL details must be per that design to be in compliance.
The area separation wall provides specific details for the door location and installation, any deviations from that render the as-built non-compliant with the standard and, by extension, non-compliant with the Code.
I also agree that the 'door is part of the wall', in fact it is an integral part of the effectiveness of the wall.

 

[Examiner]

As stated the Area Separation Wall is no long in the Building Codes. It was used in the Uniformed Code as I recall but never was in the Standard Building Code. I do not recall if BOCA had it. I have been under all three Codes and NFPA 101. What Code does the AHJ use? Fire Walls have to remain in place upon collapse of the building on either side of the wall. The Fire Wall has specific extensions beyond the building's outer skin if the exceptions cannot be applied. The Fire Wall is used for separation of Building Area and you have to be careful when using them because you will lose some of the allowable perimeter building area increases due the Fire Wall is now a zero property line distance. You are limited to the amount of penetrations in a Fire Wall. The limit includes any door openings, HVAC etc because it is an accumulative total and there is a percentage limit as well.