123james321
Registered User
Hey all. Long time listener, first time caller.
We're using the 2018 IBC.
Our firm is beginning some programming work for an addition to an existing higher-education lab building.
The existing building is two-story, fully-sprinkled, Type IIB construction, with B and H-3 occupancies.
The existing and new buildings will be on the same lot.
Our new building will also house higher-education laboratory spaces. We're currently working within the provisions of Section 428, which I believe gives us a B Occupancy. We're exploring fully-sprinkled, Type IV, heavy timber construction for the addition. The new building will be two-stories and will connect to the existing by a smallish, ground floor corridor area. We're not planning on a large shared-wall scenario.
My questions are:
1) Assuming we meet the requirements of both options in 503.1.2, would it be better to classify the project as one or two buildings?
2) If we classify the buildings as a single structure, we wouldn't need a fire wall where new and old construction meet, right? Assuming we don't exceed the maximum area for which ever occupancy is most restrictive.
3) If we consider them separate structures, I believe we would need a firewall separation. In that case, locating the firewall where the connecting corridor meets the non-rated Type IIB walls seems problematic.
Thanks!
We're using the 2018 IBC.
Our firm is beginning some programming work for an addition to an existing higher-education lab building.
The existing building is two-story, fully-sprinkled, Type IIB construction, with B and H-3 occupancies.
The existing and new buildings will be on the same lot.
Our new building will also house higher-education laboratory spaces. We're currently working within the provisions of Section 428, which I believe gives us a B Occupancy. We're exploring fully-sprinkled, Type IV, heavy timber construction for the addition. The new building will be two-stories and will connect to the existing by a smallish, ground floor corridor area. We're not planning on a large shared-wall scenario.
My questions are:
1) Assuming we meet the requirements of both options in 503.1.2, would it be better to classify the project as one or two buildings?
2) If we classify the buildings as a single structure, we wouldn't need a fire wall where new and old construction meet, right? Assuming we don't exceed the maximum area for which ever occupancy is most restrictive.
3) If we consider them separate structures, I believe we would need a firewall separation. In that case, locating the firewall where the connecting corridor meets the non-rated Type IIB walls seems problematic.
Thanks!