Wood framing in Type 2B Non Combustible Buildings

[magbride]

I have a tenant fit up project in Georgia in a Type 2B existing Building. Typically I show metal studs for interior non-load bearing framed walls. The contractor is asking to use wood studs in lieu of metal (noting cost of steel is high.)

I understand what is allowed per IBC 603.1 with combustible materials in type 1 & 2 buildings, so I realize fire treated wood framing would be allowed.

I had a code official once tell me in a similar situation that if I show the partitions being fully encapsulated in drywall, then they would allow the wood studs. I cannot seem to find an area within the 2018 IBC that explains this though.

Can anyone help me understand if this is allowed (wood non-loadbearing framing in type 2B building) if the drywall extends to the structural deck and slab? Any code references are appreciated!

Thanks

 

[Tim Mailloux]

I have a tenant fit up project in Georgia in a Type 2B existing Building. Typically I show metal studs for interior non-load bearing framed walls. The contractor is asking to use wood studs in lieu of metal (noting cost of steel is high.)

I understand what is allowed per IBC 603.1 with combustible materials in type 1 & 2 buildings, so I realize fire treated wood framing would be allowed.

I had a code official once tell me in a similar situation that if I show the partitions being fully encapsulated in drywall, then they would allow the wood studs. I cannot seem to find an area within the 2018 IBC that explains this though.

Can anyone help me understand if this is allowed (wood non-loadbearing framing in type 2B building) if the drywall extends to the structural deck and slab? Any code references are appreciated!

Thanks

this is allowed in Type IIB construction, but I would be suprised if FT wood studs were cheaper than metal.

603.1 Allowable materials. Combustible materials shall be permitted in buildings of Type I or II construction in the following applications and in accordance with Sections 603.1.1 through 603.1.3:
1. Fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted in:
1.1. Non-bearing partitions where the required fire-resistance rating is 2 hours or less.

 

[magbride]

Thanks for that reply, Tim. I am aware of the FT wood being allowed, but am more curious about using non-FT and encapsulating it in drywall. Is there anywhere in the code this is allowed? I have had a jurisdiction allowing it, but can't find any code section to back this up.

 

[TheCommish]

2015 IBC

 

[Tim Mailloux]

Thanks for that reply, Tim. I am aware of the FT wood being allowed, but am more curious about using non-FT and encapsulating it in drywall. Is there anywhere in the code this is allowed? I have had a jurisdiction allowing it, but can't find any code section to back this up.

section 603 lists all the instances where combustible materials are allowed in type I & type II construction. If you don't meet one of those listed conditions I would say your out of luck.

 

[Jay Smith]

Item #11 describes a situation where wood-framed 1-hour rated construction is allowed for partitions, but it limits them to 6 feet high. This condition and the one that allows FRT wood in full-height partitions seem to establish that a non-treated wood full-height partition isn’t allowed. There would otherwise be no reason for FRT or the 6-foot height limit to be specified.

 

[Sifu]

I had a fire marshal tell a builder it was ok to use combustible, non-FRT framing material in "interior framing". Not everyone knows the code, or maybe it is just an allowance he gives. I do not believe it is supported by the IBC.

 

[jar546]

I had a code official once tell me in a similar situation that if I show the partitions being fully encapsulated in drywall, then they would allow the wood studs.

Whoever told you that was an incompetent idiot

 

[jar546]

2015 IBC

View attachment 9491

I am not sure how this is relevant to wood framing in a Type 2B construction. Just because the walls and partitions don't require a specific rating that does not mean they can be combustible.

 

[jar546]

Thanks for that reply, Tim. I am aware of the FT wood being allowed, but am more curious about using non-FT and encapsulating it in drywall. Is there anywhere in the code this is allowed? I have had a jurisdiction allowing it, but can't find any code section to back this up.

it is not allowed. not at all. you cannot do it.

 

[rktect 1]

No. Not allowed.

 

[TheCommish]

I am not sure how this is relevant to wood framing in a Type 2B construction. Just because the walls and partitions don't require a specific rating that does not mean they can be combustible.

After phoning a friend, I withdraw my post 9481.