IEBC Performance Compliance - Means of Egress Capacity and Number

[GEe]

Hello -

• Code references are to 2018 IBC and IEBC
  
  
• IEBC 1301.6.11 states, "In applying this section, the means of egress are required to conform to the following sections of the International Building Code: 1003.7, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1016.2, 1026.1, 1028.2, 1028.5, 1029.2, 1029.3, 1029.4 and 1030."
  
  
• The ICC commentary notes: "Before a building can be evaluated in this category, and Chapter 13 in general, it must comply with the listed sections of the IBC."

This seems clear enough. But then why does 'Category b' at 1301.6.11.1 only reference sections 1005 and 1006? Why not just require compliance with all of the above mentioned sections?

For reference:

• Category b: "Capacity of the means of egress complies with Section 1005 of the International Building Code, and the number of exits complies with the minimum number required by Section 1006 of the International Building Code."
  
  
• IBC 1005 regards means of egress sizing
  
  
• IBC 1006 regards number of exits

Thank you for your input -

 

[steveray]

Because you are placing it into a category in relation to "new code" as an evaluation...

 

[GEe]

Because you are placing it into a category in relation to "new code" as an evaluation...

Thank you for the reply. I'm not sure that I follow. Or, to be more clear in the question:

Full code section is pasted in below. Does the language in green (for category C as well) imply partial compliance is possible with the language in red?

For example, because 'category b' only specifically mentions IBC 1005 and 1006 as its criteria, it seems to imply that the other IBC sections listed at the start of the section don't need to be satisfied for this category.

Thanks again for input.

2018 1301.6.11 Means of Egress Capacity and Number
Evaluate the means of egress capacity and the number of exits available to the building occupants. In applying this section, the means of egress are required to conform to the following sections of the International Building Code: 1003.7, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1016.2, 1026.1, 1028.2, 1028.5, 1029.2, 1029.3, 1029.4 and 1030. The number of exits credited is the number that is available to each occupant of the area being evaluated. Existing fire escapes shall be accepted as a component in the means of egress when conforming to Section 504.
Under the categories and occupancies in Table 1301.6.11, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 1301.7 under Safety Parameter 1301.6.11, Means of Egress Capacity, for means of egress and general safety.

...TABLE 1301.6.11...

1301.6.11.1 Categories
The categories for means-of-egress capacity and number of exits are:

• Category a—Compliance with the minimum required means-of-egress capacity or number of exits is achieved through the use of a fire escape in accordance with Section 504.
  
  
• Category b—Capacity of the means of egress complies with Section 1005 of the International Building Code, and the number of exits complies with the minimum number required by Section 1006 of the International Building Code.
  
  
• Category c—Capacity of the means of egress is equal to or exceeds 125 percent of the required means-of-egress capacity, the means of egress complies with the minimum required width dimensions specified in the International Building Code, and the number of exits complies with the minimum number required by Section 1006 of the International Building Code.
  
  
• Category d—The number of exits provided exceeds the number of exits required by Section 1006 of the International Building Code. Exits shall be located a distance apart from each other equal to not less than that specified in Section 1007 of the International Building Code.
  
  
• Category e—The area being evaluated meets both Categories c and d.

 

[steveray]

It's kind of written backwards.....The category is figured out by 1005 and 1006 with a splash of 1007 and 504 thrown in...whether you meet or exceed those....And then it has to meet the other sections such as 1016.2 which is egress through intervening spaces....