VermontDrafter
Member
I have read the earlier discussion on the topic of structural penetrations of a rated exit enclosure, but I remain unclear as to what is permissible.
We are working on a 5 story, Type II-B building. Vermont has replaced IBC chapter 1000 with NFPA 101 for matters of m.o.e.
We have a 2-hr wall assembly (steel studs and GWB UL assembly) protecting the (five-story) exit stairs. The structure supporting those walls (beams and columns) will be spray-fireproofed to 2-hrs as well. My questions:
1. The metal studs of the stair enclosure sit on the concrete slab of the (unrated) floor system. So the slab is interrupting the building side of the 2-hr assembly (a membrane penetration) Is this allowed, and if not, what alternative detailing could make this work (other than rating the whole floor system)? Will an approved joint protection system at the flutes of the deck where it penetrates the enclosure suffice to maintain the continuity of the enclosure?
2. The stair landings are supported by beams that penetrate the rated enclosure and frame into the spray-protected structural frame. Do these need to be sprayed as well? NFPA 101(6) reads: Structural elements, or portions thereof, that support exit components and either penetrate into a f.r.rated assembly or are installed within a f.r.rated wall assembly shall be protected . . ."
3. In general, has anyone seen a satisfactory way to detail a rated exit enclosure with steel stud walls rather than CMU? Does the code require that the support for the stairs be totally independent of the building frame outside of the stair enclosure?
Your comments are appreciated.
We are working on a 5 story, Type II-B building. Vermont has replaced IBC chapter 1000 with NFPA 101 for matters of m.o.e.
We have a 2-hr wall assembly (steel studs and GWB UL assembly) protecting the (five-story) exit stairs. The structure supporting those walls (beams and columns) will be spray-fireproofed to 2-hrs as well. My questions:
1. The metal studs of the stair enclosure sit on the concrete slab of the (unrated) floor system. So the slab is interrupting the building side of the 2-hr assembly (a membrane penetration) Is this allowed, and if not, what alternative detailing could make this work (other than rating the whole floor system)? Will an approved joint protection system at the flutes of the deck where it penetrates the enclosure suffice to maintain the continuity of the enclosure?
2. The stair landings are supported by beams that penetrate the rated enclosure and frame into the spray-protected structural frame. Do these need to be sprayed as well? NFPA 101(6) reads: Structural elements, or portions thereof, that support exit components and either penetrate into a f.r.rated assembly or are installed within a f.r.rated wall assembly shall be protected . . ."
3. In general, has anyone seen a satisfactory way to detail a rated exit enclosure with steel stud walls rather than CMU? Does the code require that the support for the stairs be totally independent of the building frame outside of the stair enclosure?
Your comments are appreciated.