Work Area Calculation

[Boatpants]

Hello all,

I have read through several of the other threads on Work Area and have not found a clear answer for this, but please forgive me if this answer does exist somewhere and I have missed it.

I am renovating an existing PEMB and trying to calculate my Work Area hoping to not tip me into Level II alteration. Assume I am reconfiguring a space that is under 50% or the existing footprint at the North end of the building. Part of that work includes constructing a 2nd floor which is structurally independent of the existing PEMB. If I include the new 2nd floor space in my Work Area calculation, then that would tip me over 50% and into a Level II alteration. However, the 2nd floor footprint is included entirely within the Work Area designated on the first floor.

Do I consider the new space of the 2nd floor in my calculation of Work Area, or is it already part of the calculation due to its extent being contained within the 1st floor Work Area?

~Boatpants

 

[steveray]

50% is level 3.....But Welcome to THE Forum....And good first post....I would really have to think about that one and decide whether the 2nd floor is addition or alteration work area.....

 

[Mr. Inspector]

I would call the new 2nd floor an addition.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Why don't you use Chapter 5 which includes additions and alterations.
It is usually easier.
There are 3 methods for you to choose as the designer. Chapters 6 thru 12 "The Work Area Method" may not be the best choice for your project.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

The new space (whether it's a second story or a mezzanine) is an addition. It increases the floor area of the building.

2021 IEBC Definitions:

[A] ADDITION. An extension or increase in floor area,
number of stories, or height of a building or structure.

 

[e hilton]

.I would really have to think about that one and decide whether the 2nd floor is addition or alteration work area.....

Why? He said the second floor does not exist currently, how can it not be an addition?

 

[Boatpants]

Well, I've got to be honest, I really appreciate the prompt and helpful feedback. Under 24 hours.

Ok, so my understanding is that we can call the 2nd floor an "addition", and the rest of the construction work not associated directly with the construction of the 2nd floor would be subject to Chapter 6:

1101.3​

Any repair or alteration work within an existing building to which an addition is being made shall comply with the applicable requirements for the work as classified in Chapter 6.

This allows me to exclude the space on the 2nd floor from my Work Area calculations, hopefully keeping us below the 50% tipping point towards Level III (thank you for pointing out the typo steveray).

Does this sound correct?

Cheers

 

[steveray]

The new space (whether it's a second story or a mezzanine) is an addition. It increases the floor area of the building.

2021 IEBC Definitions:

Thats what I thought the definition said...

 

[steveray]

Why? He said the second floor does not exist currently, how can it not be an addition?

Because I did not read the definition at that time and wanted to make sure I remembered it correctly...Additional Stories was not in there at some point in history, but I believe floor area always was...Without a definition of course...