I-2 Corridor Walls, 407.3

[Kmarie039]

I have an I-2, Condition 1, Type VA memory care facility that I am working on. Section 407.3 talks about corridor walls can be smoke partitions in accordance with 710 unless required elsewhere in the code. My plan has units along the exterior perimeter of the building with common spaces on the interior and the corridor makes a rectangle. We are bearing on the unit/corridor wall so that wall is rated as required by Type VA. The other corridor wall is separating amenities such as beauty, spa, offices, kitchen, etc. Am I understanding correctly that 407.3 is talking about walls separating units from corridor AS WELL AS other spaces from corridor? Thus meaning the common space core corridor walls need to be smoke partitions? The commentary in this section has made me second guess what I initially thought.

 

[walker.t]

Am I understanding correctly that 407.3 is talking about walls separating units from corridor AS WELL AS other spaces from corridor? Thus meaning the common space core corridor walls need to be smoke partitions?

That’s my understanding, that corridor walls are smoke partitions per 407.3 even when the corridor is adjacent to rooms that are not patient rooms.

2021 IBC Commentary Figure 407.3 “Group I-2: Corridor Walls” shows a corridor with patient rooms on one side and other uses on the other side, they have smoke partitions on the other (non-patient room) side of the corridor except where there are incidental uses.

 

[Kmarie039]

That’s my understanding, that corridor walls are smoke partitions per 407.3 even when the corridor is adjacent to rooms that are not patient rooms.

2021 IBC Commentary Figure 407.3 “Group I-2: Corridor Walls” shows a corridor with patient rooms on one side and other uses on the other side, they have smoke partitions on the other (non-patient room) side of the corridor except where there are incidental uses.

Thank you! I was pretty sure I was correct, but WI is 2015 IBC and that commentary had a sentence that made me second guess. Would love if we moved to 2021.....