Overhead suspended wood element

[pschrad65]

I have a client that wants to use a wood "pergola like" element suspended by airplane cable or threaded rod over areas of a retail space. I am trying to determine where this falls in the code to provide their millworker with direction on the flame spread and other code requirements. They intend to do this in various locations throughout the country, so I don't have a specific version of the code that I will reference. In some cases this will be suspended below a ceiling and other times it will not. Chapter 8 of the IBC addresses ceilings, decorative elements, and trim but this does not seem to fit cleanly into any of those categories as they are described in the code. For reference, I have attached an image of a similar installation.

 

[RLGA]

I would consider those "Decorative Materials" and use IBC Section 806. That section mentions "...curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings..."

The materials must comply with Section 806.4 and be limited to 10% of the ceiling area.

 

[steveray]

The limit on decorations (10%) is key and making sure it doesn't block the sprinklers...

 

[pschrad65]

I would consider those "Decorative Materials" and use IBC Section 806. That section mentions "...curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings..."

The materials must comply with Section 806.4 and be limited to 10% of the ceiling area.

I interpreted that section of code to only be referring to woven fabric type materials. I don't consider wood to be similar material to curtains, draperies, or fabric hangings.

 

[RLGA]

I interpreted that section of code to only be referring to woven fabric type materials. I don't consider wood to be similar material to curtains, draperies, or fabric hangings.

It is hanging, and it is combustible--it applies.

 

[pschrad65]

It is hanging, and it is combustible--it applies

 

[pschrad65]

It is hanging, and it is combustible--it applies. The section you refer to 806.2 in the 2021 version of IBC says these materials must comply with 806.4. Section 806.4 requires the materials to comply with NFPA 701. NFPA 701 is specifically about the certification of fabrics. I don't see how this applies to a wood decorative hanging element.

 

[RLGA]

"...or exhibit a maximum heat release rate of 100kW when tested in accordance with NFPA 289, using the 20 kW ignition source."

NFPA 289 is agnostic regarding materials, so it can be used to test any material.

 

[steveray]

Commentary is not super helpful on this but the intent is any combustible stuff....IMO

[F] 806.2​

In Groups A, B, E, I, M and R-1 and in dormitories in Group R-2, curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings shall comply with Section 806.4 and shall not exceed 10 percent of the specific wall or ceiling area to which such materials are attached.

 

[mtlogcabin]

They may require seismic restraints if close to other items.

 

[Penguin87]

803.1 - Wall & Ceiling Finishes

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

803.1 - Wall & Ceiling Finishes

If it's suspended from the ceiling, it's not a finish. It's a decorative material. Finishes are applied directly against a substrate.

IBC 2021 definitions:

[F] DECORATIVE MATERIALS. All materials applied
over the building interior finish for decorative, acoustical or
other effect including, but not limited to, curtains, draperies,
fabrics and streamers; and all other materials utilized for decorative
effect including, but not limited to, bulletin boards,
artwork, posters, photographs, batting, cloth, cotton, hay,
stalks, straw, vines, leaves, trees, moss and similar items, foam
plastics and materials containing foam plastics. Decorative
materials do not include wall coverings, ceiling coverings,
floor coverings, ordinary window shades, interior finish and
materials 0.025 inch (0.64 mm) or less in thickness applied
directly to and adhering tightly to a substrate.

Requirements are found in section 806 (as has been previously mentioned).

 

[bill1952]

If area, is it just the aggregate area of the individual pieces, or gross area of the assembled pieces.

 

[blugosi]

I would treat them as decoration. It it not difficult to produce them using limited combustibility wood products and laminates.
They also look heavy, looking at their hangers from a fire protection point of view would be a good idea.

On a more humorous mood, say the shop owner claims he is selling these wooden frames, and simply hangs them high for display.
Would they simply classify as a commodity and bypass all other restrictions?

I have had a similar example in a Casino where they brought in huge fake coconut trees. When they were challenged to approach them as decoration, they put price tags on them turning them into merchandise.