Multiple corridors and ratings

[Robert]

Working on an addition to a bar. Type VB. I am adding a rear courtyard and accessible restrooms. I only need two exits from the main space. The third exit (corridor B) leads to the patio. Technically I don't need the alarmed gate at the rear of the patio (O.L. < 50). However, since I have one, does that make corridor "B" an exit, and if so, require the 1 hour rating? Corridor A will be rated.

As an option, can we post "Not an exit" at the interior side of corridor B and not rate it? People at the patio would exit the alarmed gate and not go back into a burning building. The CBC definition of corridor is "an exit access component that provides a path of egress travel". Thanks for your input.

 

[cda]

Interesting question

How long is corridor B???

Is corridor A existing already??

 

[Robert]

Corridor A is existing, however I am making it wider and shorter (17')
Corridor B is new and is 31'. (it gets wider the last 10'...my drawing is more conceptual).

 

[cda]

I was just wondering about eliminating A and making B the second exit.

But sounds like you might not gain anything/ usable space.

You might try to argue B is not required, so does not have to be rated.

Or as you say do not designate B as an exit, but you still might swing the exterior door inward

 

[Robert]

Yes, I wanted to eliminate A but the owner does not want patrons coming and going from the patio without going back into the bar (ATF frowns upon outdoor areas that are not well separated from non-alcohol areas). I'm leaning toward asking for nonrated corridor B, and posting signage. I have 4 doors in that corridor that would have to be rated and would like one to be a sliding barn door, so easier to do without being rated.

 

[RLGA]

Is the building sprinklered?

 

[Robert]

Not sprinklered. Fire Marshall will not require them unless we increase O.L.by 50%.
I also realize if the courtyard door is locked (from corridor B) that will become a dead end, so will need to post a sign "door to remain unlocked during business hours".

 

[cda]

Is the building sprinklered?[/QUOTE

Not sprinklered. Fire Marshall will not require them unless we increase O.L.by 50%.
I also realize if the courtyard door is locked (from corridor B) that will become a dead end, so will need to post a sign "door to remain unlocked during business hours".

Not a dead end if only 17 deep.

 

[cda]

Maybe just panic hardware the B door??

Put still don't call it an exit

 

[Robert]

corridor B is 31' so will need to keep that unlocked, and actually A also because that is the required exit into a public way. I think panic bar on each with exit lighting on A and a sign on B "not an exit".

 

[cda]

corridor B is 31' so will need to keep that unlocked, and actually A also because that is the required exit into a public way. I think panic bar on each with exit lighting on A and a sign on B "not an exit".

Boy I cannot read

Or put a door in B at the dead end point or sooner so it is not a dead end any more.

Or just rate the corridor and get it over with.

Not sure how much more three rated doors cost over three non rated doors???

 

[Robert]

I hear you. 4 doors. The reason I am trying to avoid the rating is one of the doors should be vented...an actual screened security gate so the equipment room can breathe (owner request). Then another door I am hoping to do a sliding or pocket...and not sure if those exist in a rated version.

 

[cda]

Ok

Back to adding a door across corridor B??

 

[PJC89]

No need for a fire resistance rating if the space is sprinklered throughout. This assumes 2015 IBC, but refer to Table 1020.1. This is consistent in the 2012 and 2009 IBC as well. Very often do you have to provide a fire resistance rating to such a corridor in sprinklered buildings.

https://up.codes/viewer/general/int_building_code_2015/chapter/10/means-of-egress#1020