gymnasium or not

[rktect 1]

I was looking at section 717.2.7 concealed sleepers after reviewing a small tenant finish out for a dance studio. About 1300 sq. ft. As we have found out a lot of the dance studios like to build a wood floor system over a 3/4" to 1 1/4" foam material so that the floor gives a little bit. Basically they use a 4"x4" block of this foam material at the four corners of the flooring system. The flooring system is usually 2'x2' or larger sections floating on the foam pads. They say it is better for the knees and legs. In type 1 and 2 construciton I have asked for the flame spread and smoke density tests of the material they are using for this and have also had them block out 100 sq. ft. areas per 717.2.7. But looking at exception #1 "fireblocking is not required for slab on grade floor in gymnasiums" I am starting to wonder about this decision.

Could you view a dance floor as a gymnasium?

 

[FM William Burns]

Yes, since the occupants are there for exercise and taining and it’s not relative to the other A3 classification of a dance floor; since I believe that is intended for social gathering where transient occupancy would be more expected. Also, the padding may be considered to be protected and may not be required to provide flame or smoke threshold requirements due to it being an underlayment and not the actual finish material as exposed.

 

[north star]

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rkteckt1,

I would say "no", not a gymnasium [ in the traditional definition or sense].

Gymnasiums are [ typically ] larger in size and occupant load.

The term "gymnasium" might also be termed ' an exercise area ', in which case

the AHJ could easily acknowledge and accept Exception # 1 ( to Section

717.2.7 ) and therefore not require the fireblocking.

FWIW, what has the business been classified as, ...Group "B" or Group

"A" occupancy?

* * *

 

[rktect 1]

B per 303.1 exception #1

Their occupant load is 21

 

[JBI]

I think you made the right call the first time.