I work in Virginia and we use the VEBC Chapter 14 Compliance Alternative frequently on adaptive reuse projects. There are sections of Chapter 14 that allow assemblies that are “not constructed in accordance” with the VCC.
Also, see the Ch. 14 opening section 1401.1 where “the provisions of this chapter are intended to maintain or increase the current degree of public safety, health, and general welfare in existing buildings or structures, while permitting changes of occupancy without requiring full compliance with Chapter 7, except where compliance with other provisions of this code is specifically required in this chapter”.
Consider the following sections:
- Section 1403.4 Tenant and Dwelling Unit Separations – There is a category for “fire partitions or floor assemblies with less than one-hour fire resistance rating or not constructed in accordance with Section 708 or 711 of the VCC, respectively.”
- Section 1403.5 Corridor Wall Values – There is a category for “less than one-hour fire resistance rating or not constructed in accordance with Section 708.4 of the VCC.”
- Section 1403.6 Vertical Opening Protection Value – There is a category for “less than one-hour.”
Consider the following design proposals that might comply with the categories above:
- Example 1 – A new ½-hour rated dwelling unit separation wall extends from the existing floor to the underside of the existing floor/ceiling assembly above. However, the existing floor/ceiling assembly is unrated, which does not comply with VCC 708.4 or VCC 711.2.4.3.
- Example 2 – A new ½-hour rated corridor wall extends from the existing floor to the underside of the existing floor/ceiling assembly above. However, the existing floor/ceiling assembly is unrated, which does not comply with VCC 708.4.
- Example 3 – A new stair between two existing floors is designed such that the stair is open/exposed on the first floor but includes a 1-hour fire rated enclosure and 45-minute door on the second floor. It is proposed that this design provides a less than 1-hour vertical opening protection value.
I have failed to find good commentary on the definition of “less than one-hour fire resistance rating” or “not constructed in accordance” with the VCC. A simple interpretation would include use of 30-min, or similar less than 1-hour, rated horizontal and vertical assemblies. But the notes about non-compliance with VCC 708 and 711 confuse the matter as there seems to be leeway about continuous enclosures or construction methods that deviate from the VCC. The phrase “not constructed in accordance” suggests some grey area between VCC compliance and non-protected that is open to interpretation.
Do you have any commentary explaining this or personal interpretations?
Also, see the Ch. 14 opening section 1401.1 where “the provisions of this chapter are intended to maintain or increase the current degree of public safety, health, and general welfare in existing buildings or structures, while permitting changes of occupancy without requiring full compliance with Chapter 7, except where compliance with other provisions of this code is specifically required in this chapter”.
Consider the following sections:
- Section 1403.4 Tenant and Dwelling Unit Separations – There is a category for “fire partitions or floor assemblies with less than one-hour fire resistance rating or not constructed in accordance with Section 708 or 711 of the VCC, respectively.”
- Section 1403.5 Corridor Wall Values – There is a category for “less than one-hour fire resistance rating or not constructed in accordance with Section 708.4 of the VCC.”
- Section 1403.6 Vertical Opening Protection Value – There is a category for “less than one-hour.”
Consider the following design proposals that might comply with the categories above:
- Example 1 – A new ½-hour rated dwelling unit separation wall extends from the existing floor to the underside of the existing floor/ceiling assembly above. However, the existing floor/ceiling assembly is unrated, which does not comply with VCC 708.4 or VCC 711.2.4.3.
- Example 2 – A new ½-hour rated corridor wall extends from the existing floor to the underside of the existing floor/ceiling assembly above. However, the existing floor/ceiling assembly is unrated, which does not comply with VCC 708.4.
- Example 3 – A new stair between two existing floors is designed such that the stair is open/exposed on the first floor but includes a 1-hour fire rated enclosure and 45-minute door on the second floor. It is proposed that this design provides a less than 1-hour vertical opening protection value.
I have failed to find good commentary on the definition of “less than one-hour fire resistance rating” or “not constructed in accordance” with the VCC. A simple interpretation would include use of 30-min, or similar less than 1-hour, rated horizontal and vertical assemblies. But the notes about non-compliance with VCC 708 and 711 confuse the matter as there seems to be leeway about continuous enclosures or construction methods that deviate from the VCC. The phrase “not constructed in accordance” suggests some grey area between VCC compliance and non-protected that is open to interpretation.
Do you have any commentary explaining this or personal interpretations?