Themal Barrier in insulated panel building with Mezzanine

[manifold]

Would a thermal barrier be required on exterior insulated metal panel walls per IBC 2603.4.1.4 for a building being classified as a one story building with an enclosed mezzanine?

IBC 2015. Type II-B. F-1 occupancy. Sprinklered. 50,000 SF footprint with an enclosed 14,000 SF mezzanine (access to 2 exits).

By my reading, it seems that the thermal barrier is not required, unless the mezzanine might be considered a second story for any reason. The first story is broken up into lots of smaller enclosed 20' high spaces, though the space is open above the first story lids.

 

[classicT]

Would a thermal barrier be required on exterior insulated metal panel walls per IBC 2603.4.1.4 for a building being classified as a one story building with an enclosed mezzanine?

IBC 2015. Type II-B. F-1 occupancy. Sprinklered. 50,000 SF footprint with an enclosed 14,000 SF mezzanine (access to 2 exits).

By my reading, it seems that the thermal barrier is not required, unless the mezzanine might be considered a second story for any reason. The first story is broken up into lots of smaller enclosed 20' high spaces, though the space is open above the first story lids.

Check with the IMP supplier, but most IMP will meet the index and other requirements of 2603.4.1.4 and are thus exempted from the thermal barrier.

If truly a mezzanine, it does not count as a story, and you should be ok. Otherwise, see Section 2603.5 and 2603.9.

2603.4.1.4 Exterior Walls-One-Story Buildings
For one-story buildings, foam plastic having a flame spread index of 25 or less, and a smoke-developed index of not more than 450, shall be permitted without thermal barriers in or on exterior walls in a thickness not more than 4 inches (102 mm) where the foam plastic is covered by a thickness of not less than 0.032-inch-thick (0.81 mm) aluminum or corrosion-resistant steel having a base metal thickness of 0.0160 inch (0.41 mm) and the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.​