Open-ended corridors with exterior exit stairs in Group R-2

[TXTrailRunner]

2018 IBC 1027.6 Exception 3 says that no separation is required between the rated corridor and the exterior exit stairs when all the conditions are met. The one condition I am curious about is Exception 3.5, which states that a clear opening of 35 sf min. is required if the corridor has a change of direction exceeding 45 degrees. Does anyone have experience with this issue? I do not find any clarification regarding WHERE the 35 sf opening is required to be located relative to the change of direction of the corridor.

My assumption is that if I am unable to provide the opening per Exception 3.5, then I would need to provide a separation between the corridor and the exterior exit stair, with opening protectives (rated door) similar to a typical interior exit stair.

 

[Jay Smith]

Imagine looking down the corridor at the change of direction. The required opening would be visible in the wall.

 

[classicT]

Agree with Jay, I've always interpreted that the opening has to be aligned with the corridor.

 

[TXTrailRunner]

Appreciate the responses. However, the opening would only be visible looking down one of the corridors, but not both. I guess it does not matter which one.