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"Other vertical shafts" Am I missing something?

C

codedevl

Member
Joined
Oct 28, 2009
Messages
5
I am working out of the Michigan Rehabilitation code for existing buildings 2009 edition. I think it is very similar to the IEBC.

The code section in question is in the Change of use chapter, 912.7.3 Other vertical shafts. Which reads Interior vertical shafts other than stairways, including but not limited to elevator hoistways and service and utility shafts, shall be enclosed as required by the IBC when there is a change of use to a higher hazard category as specified in table 912.4. OK fine if it’s a change of use and a higher hazard build it like its new.

The exception #2 allows vertical openings, other than stairways, in buildings of other than I-use and connecting less than six stories shall not be required to be enclosed if the entire building is provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system. Does this mean if I sprinkle the building as required for a R-use building changing from a B- use building I could have an open Mechanical shaft within the building?

Is this a typo? Am I missing something??

Any input would be appreciated.

Codedevl
 
If it is an existing building and was not constructed with a rated floor/ceiling assembly it would be difficult to rate the assembly now. You said connecting less than 6-stories. As pointed out to me just this week on this forum you are penetrating 5-floors and a roof but you are connecting six stories. If I am wrong someone will comment soon.
 
Does your Michigan code have similar lanquage that may send you to other chapters that may apply?

912.1.1 Compliance with Chapter 8.

The requirements of Chapter 8 shall be applicable throughout the building for the new occupancy classification based on the separation conditions set forth in Sections 912.1.1.1 and 912.1.1.2.
 
Sorry I wasn’t more specific as to the building 3-B with R-2 to R-2 horizontal and unit to unit separations. This particular building has new shafts built as 2 hour shafts but the floor continuity would only support one hour. Mt logcabin, Thank you, I looked for thatin the General section but didn’t expect to find it in the middle of the chapter. That would make sense level 3 would send you back to level 1 and 2 and ultimately if it’s a new shaft 701.3 would send you to the building code.

Thank you for your help!

Codedevl
 
3B in IBC doesn't require rating for floor or roof; shaft construction comes out of Chapter 7, and would be required to be 2 hours for more than 4 floors. You are going to higher hazard.
 
True, but try building a 2 hour floor inside of a 100 year old 3-B building. Its not the easiest. so I allowed the shafts to be built as 2 hour shafts with 1 hour floors and used 104.10 with the building sprinkled as per 403 (High rise). I just wish the code would offer some relef in situations that are impractical. The only way to build it 100% is to build block shafts. The last time someone tried to rehab this building it was only going to have one exit per 703.1.1 MRCEB exception # 9 for 4 R-2 units per floor. That did'nt pan out, so I felt lucky another investor was willing to put two exits in what was one of the last buildings in the historic down town section of town to be rehabed.

Thanks for the imput!
 
That is where "technically infeasible" falls into requesting a modification to the code.. talk to the building official.
 
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