stair shaft enclosure conflicting sections in chapter 10 2015 IEBC

[mgmdavenport]

Can anyone comment on the seemingly conflicting provision of Section 1012.4.1 and Section 1012.7.2 with regard to stair shaft requirements in an occupancy conversion?

Section 1012.4.1 has specific direction stating "Stairways shall be enclosed in compliance with the applicable provisions of Section 903.1". Section 903.1 which states "Existing stairways that are part of a means of egress shall be enclosed in accordance with Section 803.2.1...". Section 803.2.1 states that "All existing interior vertical openings connecting two or more floors shall be enclosed with approved assemblies having a fire resistance rating of not less than 1 hour with exceptions 1 through 14, that for the sake of this question, allow an exemption to the enclosure requirements of 803.2.1 when an automatic fire suppression sprinkler is installed.

Section 1012.7.2 however has a blanket statement that "...interior stairways shall be enclosed as required by the IBC.". Exceptions are allowed by adding one hour rated cut off enclosures at each floor level but with no sprinkler allowance provided.

These two section seem to conflict on the face of it.

 

[RLGA]

IEBC Section 1012.7.2 applies to stairways involved in a change of occupancy where the change is made to a higher hazard category per Table 1012.4. If the change is not to a higher hazard category, then the other requirements apply.

Per IEBC Section 102,1, a specific requirement trumps the general requirement. Section 1012.7.2 is a specific requirement.

 

[mgmdavenport]

I did notice that and it looks like Section 1012.4.1 "Means of egress for change to higher hazard category" is referring to the same condition. (Section 1012.4.2 is a different section for changing to a equal or lesser hazard.) The preamble of both sections (1012.4.1 and 1012.7.2) are essentially identical.

 

[mgmdavenport]

Both of these sections refer to moving to a higher hazard. My guess is that as one or the other of these was intended to be removed at some point in the revisions process but was missed. This is not uncommon in the ICC publications.

 

[mgmdavenport]

crickets....

 

[Francis Vineyard]

Per IEBC Section 102,1, a specific requirement trumps the general requirement. Section 1012.7.2 is a specific requirement.

1012.4.2 is the means of egress general requirements. 1012.7.2 is a more specific or restrictive requirement applicable to stairway enclosures.

 

[jpsconsultingengineers]

Thanks for sharing these details about the building construction.