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Whether to provide fireblocking or not

Simonsays

Simonsays

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Mar 2, 2010
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2006 IBC, section 717.2.2, tall single story building, designated as 5B construction although built with metal stud framing: Is fireblocking required in the concealed spaces (stud cavities) because the building is designated as a combustible type of construction? Or can fireblocking be eliminated because the studs themselves are not combustible?
 
fire blocking is only required where combustible construction is concealed. Dry wall on metal studs does not require fire blocking.
 
I agree agree with Coug, the first three words in the section, "In combustable construction", says it all.
 
I agree as well. A structure may be permitted to be constructed of combustible materials and be classified as combustible construction but actually be built of non-combustible materials.
 
I disagree.

(no, not really, but doesn't the BB crash or something else bad happen if everybody agrees?)
 
I agree for the most part. However, I've often wondered about this. I had a project where the floor on a second floor remodel (R-2 over an A-2) had a combustible floor (all V-B). The studs were all steel, but the ceiling construction above was all combustible. Without fireblocking, a fire in the combustible floor would quickly spread to the combustible ceiling and eventually the attic (the building was over 100 years old). Combustible construction, or non combustible construction, that is the question? Combustible floor, non combustible walls, combustible roof/ceiling. The walls become like chimneys in a fire.

I had them fire block everything, and do not feel bad about it at all.
 
Don't really see the issue... If the combustible framing below was fire blocked with non-combustible construction above, you have met the intent of the code. You have separated the concealed vertical space of the combustible framing from the vertical concealed spaces creted by non-combustible construction.

It 's almost providing a delineation line from combustible construction to combustible construction.
 
The reponse was to indicate "Minimum" that would be required by the code. This isn't any different than platform framing in use for residential construction today--- The lower level of the platform is sealed off by fire blocking and top plates, the non-combustible construction would be on top.......

Codes would allow the same two story configuration without "ANY" fireblocking required if you used structural steel studs......
 
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I know BB, you and the others are correct.

Doesn't mean I have to like it though.

The part that makes me uncomfortable is the "...tall single story building...". 'Fire' spread should also consider 'smoke' and 'heat' as well. Smoke and heat will not differentiate between steel studs and wood studs. Since steel studs have all those wonderful holes in them to facilitate wiring and plumbing, smoke and heat can move pretty quickly inside those 'chases'.
 
I agree with you JD and have the same gut feelings about it..... However, I have had my hand caught to many times in the cookie jar not to state what the minimums that are required by code.........The good news is, that metallic studs have aharder time meeting the energy code, thus insulation tends to be more in these cavities thus slowing the spread of fire.
 
TJacobs said:
Good point, although the OP only stated drywall on metal studs.
Click to expand...
I guess the OP used invisible ink to write "drywall."

Or you're too poor to pay attention.

2006 IBC, section 717.2.2, tall single story building, designated as 5B construction although built with metal stud framing: Is fireblocking required in the concealed spaces (stud cavities) because the building is designated as a combustible type of construction? Or can fireblocking be eliminated because the studs themselves are not combustible?
Click to expand...
 
brudgers said:
I guess the OP used invisible ink to write "drywall."Or you're too poor to pay attention.
Click to expand...
I stand corrected by our most perfect poster of all time. The first response to the OP had drywall in the post...my bad!
 
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