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Committee Input No. 8008-NFPA 5000-2015 [ Global Input ]
Updated references to SEI/ASCE 7 to the 2016 edition once it is available.
Submitter Information Verification
Submitter Full Name: Tracy Vecchiarelli
Organization:
National Fire Protection Assoc
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Wed Aug 12 10:06:58 EDT 2015
Committee Statement
Committee
Statement:
The committee is aware of the development of a revised edition of ASCE-7 that is
expected to be completed by October of 2016. The committee anticipates a need to
review and possibly revise some of the content in the new edition of NFPA 5000 as part
of its second draft preparation work in the summer of 2016.
Response
Message:
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Committee Input No. 8005-NFPA 5000-2015 [ Section No. 7.1.5 ]
7.1.5 Fire Department Access.
[1:18.2]
7.1.5.1
Fire department access and fire department access roads shall be provided and maintained in
accordance with 7.1.5. [1:18.2.1]
7.1.5.2 Fire Department Access Roads.
[1:18.2.3]
7.1.5.2.1 Required Access.
7.1.5.2.1.1
Approved fire department access roads shall be provided in accordance with 7.1.5 for every
facility, building, or portion of a building hereafter constructed or relocated. [1:18.2.3.1.1]
7.1.5.2.1.2
The provisions of 7.1.5.2.1 through 7.1.5.2.3.2 shall be permitted to be modified by the AHJ
where any of the following conditions exists:
(1)
One- and two-family dwellings protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system in
accordance with Section 13.1 of NFPA 1
(2)
Existing one- and two-family dwellings
(3)
Private garages having an area not exceeding 400 ft2
(4)
Carports having an area not exceeding 400 ft2
(5)
Agricultural buildings having an area not exceeding 400 ft2
(6)
Sheds and other detached buildings having an area not exceeding 400 ft2 [1:18.2.3.1.3]
7.1.5.2.1.3
When fire department access roads cannot be installed due to location on property,
topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades, or other similar conditions, the authority having
jurisdiction shall be authorized to require additional fire protection features. [1:18.2.3.1.4]
7.1.5.2.2 Access to Building.
7.1.5.2.2.1
A fire department access road shall extend to within 50 ft (15 m) of at least one exterior door
that can be opened from the outside and that provides access to the interior of the building.
[1:18.3.2.1]
7.1.5.2.2.2
Where a one- or two-family dwelling, or townhouse, is protected with an approved automatic
sprinkler system that is installed in accordance with NFPA 13D or NFPA 13R, as applicable,
the distance in 7.1.5.2.2.1 shall be permitted to be increased to 150 ft (46 m). [1: 18.2.3.2.1.1]
7.1.5.2.3 Additional Requirements.
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7.1.5.2.3.1
Fire department access roads shall be provided such that any portion of the facility or any
portion of an exterior wall of the first story of the building is located not more than 150 ft (46 m)
from fire department access roads as measured by an approved route around the exterior of
the building or facility. [1:18.2.3.2.2]
7.1.5.2.3.2
When buildings are protected throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system that is
installed in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems; NFPA
13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and
Manufactured Homes; or NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in
Low-Rise Residential Occupancies, the distance shall be permitted to be increased to 450 ft
(137 m). [1:18.2.3.2.2.1]
7.1.5.2.4 Multiple Access Roads.
More than one fire department access road shall be provided when it is determined by the
authority having jurisdiction that access by a single road could be impaired by vehicle
congestion, condition of terrain, climatic conditions, or other factors that could limit access.
[1:18.2.3.3]
7.1.5.2.5 Specifications.
[1:18.2.3.4]
7.1.5.2.5.1 Dimensions.
[1:18.2.3.4.1]
(A)
Fire department access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 ft (6100
mm). [1:18.2.3.4.1.1]
(B)
Fire department access roads shall have an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13
ft 6 in. (4.1 m). [1:18.2.3.4.1.2]
(C)
Vertical clearance shall be permitted to be reduced, provided such reduction does not impair
access by fire apparatus, and approved signs are installed and maintained indicating the
established vertical clearance when approved. [1:18.2.3.4.1.2.1]
(D)
Vertical clearances or widths shall be increased when vertical clearances or widths are not
adequate to accommodate fire apparatus. [1:18.2.3.4.1.2.2]
7.1.5.2.5.2 Surface.
Fire department access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads
of fire apparatus and shall be provided with an all-weather driving surface. [1:18.2.3.4.2]
7.1.5.2.5.3 Turning Radius.
(A)
The turning radius of a fire department access road shall be as approved by the authority
having jurisdiction. [1:18.2.3.4.3.1]
(B)
Turns in fire department access roads shall maintain the minimum road width.
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7.1.5.2.5.4 Dead Ends.
Dead-end fire department access roads in excess of 150 ft (46 m) in length shall be provided
with approved provisions for the fire apparatus to turn around. [1:18.2.3.4.4]
7.1.5.2.5.5 Bridges.
[1:18.2.3.4.5]
(A)
When a bridge is required to be used as part of a fire department access road, it shall be
constructed and maintained in accordance with nationally recognized standards.
[1:18.2.3.4.5.1]
(B)
The bridge shall be designed for a live load sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire
apparatus. [1:18.2.3.4.5.2]
(C)
Vehicle load limits shall be posted at both entrances to bridges where required by the authority
having jurisdiction. [1:18.2.3.4.5.3]
7.1.5.2.5.6 Grade.
[1:18.2.3.4.6]
(A)
The gradient for a fire department access road shall not exceed the maximum approved.
[1:18.2.3.4.6.1]
(B) *
The angle of approach and departure for any means of fire department access shall not
exceed 1 ft drop in 20 ft (305 mm drop in 6100 mm) or the design limitations of the fire
apparatus of the fire department, and shall be subject to approval by the authority having
jurisdiction. [1:18.2.3.4.6.2]
7.1.5.2.5.7 Marking of Fire Department Access Road.
Where required by the authority having jurisdiction, approved signs or other approved notices
shall be provided and maintained to identify fire department access roads or to prohibit the
obstruction thereof or both. [1:18.2.3.5.1]
Submitter Information Verification
Submitter Full Name: Tracy Vecchiarelli
Organization:
National Fire Protection Assoc
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Wed Aug 12 09:39:36 EDT 2015
Committee Statement
Committee
Statement:
This CI serves as a placeholder pending any revisions to the extracts from
NFPA 1.
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Response Message:
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Committee Input No. 8007-NFPA 5000-2015 [ Section No. 7.2.5 ]
7.2.5 Type IV (2HH) Construction.
7.2.5.1 Type IV Construction.
Type IV (2HH) construction shall be that type in which fire walls, exterior walls, and interior
bearing walls and structural elements that are portions of such walls are of approved
noncombustible or limited-combustible materials, except as allowed for exterior walls in
7.2.5.6.7 . Other interior structural elements, arches, floors, and roofs shall be of solid or
laminated wood or cross-laminated timber without concealed spaces or with concealed spaces
conforming to Section 7.2.5.6.7 and shall comply with the allowable dimensions of 7.2.5.5 .
7.2.5.2 Exterior Wall Separation.
Exterior walls greater than 30 ft (9.1 m) from the property line shall be permitted to be of heavy
timber construction, provided that the 2-hour rating as required by Table 7.2.1.1 is maintained
and such walls contain no combustible concealed spaces.
7.2.5.3 Interior Columns, Arches, Beams, Girders, and Trusses.
Interior columns, arches, beams, girders, and trusses of approved materials other than wood
shall be permitted, provided that they are protected to provide a fire resistance rating of not less
than 1 hour.
7.2.5.4 Concealed Space.
Certain concealed spaces shall be permitted in accordance with the following:
(1) Concealed spaces in accordance with 7.2.5.5.3.4.
(2) Concealed spaces within 1-hour fire resistance rated interior walls and partitions in
accordance with Section 7.2.5. 6.3 shall not require additional protection.
(3) Concealed spaces in floors, roofs or walls of Cross Laminated Timber construction in
accordance with one or more of the following and which do not contain combustibles other than
building elements and electrical, mechanical, fire protection, or plumbing materials and
equipment:
1. The building is sprinklered throughout and automatic sprinklers are also provided in the
concealed space.
2. The concealed space shall be filled completely with noncombustible insulation.
3. Surfaces within concealed spaces shall be fully sheathed with not less than 1/2 inch gypsum
board or non combustible materials.
7.2. 5.5 Type IV (2HH) Allowable Dimensions.
All dimensions in 7.2.5.5 for solid sawn members shall be considered nominal.
7.2.5.5.1
The net finished dimensions of glued-laminated members shall be equivalent to the nominal
dimensions of solid sawn timbers.
7.2.5.5.2
Cross-laminated timber dimensions shall be actual dimensions.
7.2.5.5.3 Columns.
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7.2.5.5.3.1
Wood columns supporting floor loads shall be not less than 8 in. (205 mm) in any dimension.
7.2.5.5.3.2
Wood columns supporting only roof loads shall be not less than 6 in. (150 mm) in width and not
less than 8 in. (205 mm) in depth.
7.2.5.5.4 Beams.
7.2.5.5.4.1
Wood beams and girders supporting floor loads shall be not less than 6 in. (150 mm) in width
and not less than 10 in. (255 mm) in depth.
7.2.5.5.4.2
Wood beams and girders and other roof framing supporting roof loads only shall be not less
than 4 in. (100 mm) in width and not less than 6 in. (150 mm) in depth.
7.2.5.5.5 Arches.
7.2.5.5.5.1
Framed or glued laminated arches that spring from the finished ground level or the floor line,
and timber trusses that support floor loads, shall be not less than 8 in. (205 mm) in width or
depth.
7.2.5.5.5.2
Framed or glued laminated arches for roof construction that spring from the finished ground
level or the floor line and do not support floor loads shall have members not less than 6 in. (150
mm) in width and not less than 8 in. (205 mm) in depth for the lower half of the member height,
and not less than 6 in. (150 mm) in depth for the upper half of the member height.
7.2.5.5.5.3
Framed or glued laminated arches for roof construction that spring from the top of walls or wall
abutments, and timber trusses that do not support floor loads, shall have members not less than
4 in. (100 mm) in width and not less than 6 in. (150 mm) in depth.
7.2.5.5.5.4
Spaced members shall be permitted to be composed of two or more pieces not less than 3 in.
(75 mm) in thickness where blocked solidly throughout their intervening spaces or where such
spaces are tightly closed by a continuous wood cover plate not less than 2 in. (51 mm) in
thickness that is secured to the underside of the members.
7.2.5.5.6 Splice Plates.
Splice plates shall be not less than 3 in. (75 mm) in thickness.
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7.2.5.5.7 Floors.
Floors shall be constructed without concealed spaces except as provided in 7.2.5.5.7(2) and
shall be permitted to be any of the following materials:
(1)
Materials shall be spline or tongue-and-groove plank not less than 3 in. (75 mm) in
thickness that is covered with 1 in. (25 mm) tongue-and-groove flooring, laid crosswise or
diagonally to the plank, or with 1⁄2 in. (13 mm) wood structural panel; or they shall be
constructed of laminated planks not less than 4 in. (100 mm) in width, set close together
on edge, spiked at intervals of 18 in. (455 mm), and covered with 1 in. (25 mm) tongueand-groove flooring, laid crosswise or diagonally to the plank, or with 1⁄2 in. (13 mm) wood
structural panel.
(2)
Cross-laminated timber complying with 45.5.7 8 shall be not less than 4 in. (102 cm)
thick and shall be continuous between supports. Individual timbers shall be fastened to
one another. Cross-laminated timbers shall be permitted to be connected to walls without
shrinkage gaps provided dimensional changes are considered in design. Concealed
spaces shall be permitted in accordance with Section 7.2.5.4.
7.2.5.5.8 Roof Decks.
Roof decks shall be permitted to be constructed of any of the following materials:
(1)
Spline or tongue-and-groove plank not less than 2 in. (51 mm) in thickness
(2)
Laminated planks not less than 3 in. (75 mm) in width, set close together on edge, and
laid as required for floors
(3)
1 1⁄8 in. (29 mm) thick interior wood structural panel (exterior glue)
(4)
Cross-laminated timber
(5)
Approved noncombustible or limited-combustible materials of equivalent fire durability
7.2.5.6 Special Requirements — Type IV Construction.
The special requirements in 7.2.5.6.1 through 7.2.5.6.8 shall apply to Type IV construction.
7.2.5.6.1 Structural Elements.
Structural elements shall be of heavy timber members (sawn or glued-laminated), crosslaminated timber, or fire resistance–rated construction as set forth in Table 7.2.1.1 when
materials other than heavy timber or cross-laminated timber are used.
7.2.5.6.2 Columns, Arches, Beams, and Roof Decking.
Where horizontal separation of 20 ft (6100 mm) or more is provided, wood columns, arches,
beams, and roof decking conforming to the requirements for heavy timber in 7.2.5.5 shall be
permitted to be used on the exterior of the building.
7.2.5.6.3 Partitions.
Permanent partitions shall be permitted to be of solid wood construction formed by not less than
two layers of matched boards of 1 in. (25 mm) nominal thickness or of 1-hour fire
resistance–rated construction as set forth in Table 7.2.1.1.
7.2.5.6.4 Floors.
Floors shall be permitted to be of heavy timber, masonry, concrete, wood, or steel and shall be
constructed as required in Chapter 8.
7.2.5.6.5 Roofs.
Roofs of 1-hour fire resistance–rated construction shall be permitted.
7.2.5.6.6 Stairways.
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7.2.5.6.6.1
Stairways shall be permitted to be constructed with wood treads and risers of not less than 2 in.
(51 mm) nominal thickness.
7.2.5.6.6.2
Where built-on, laminated, or plank inclines are required for floors, stairways shall be permitted
to be 1 in. (25 mm) nominal thickness or shall be permitted to be constructed as required for
buildings of Type I or Type II construction.
7.2.5.6.7 Exterior Walls.
Exterior walls having a required fire resistance rating of 2 hours or less shall be permitted to be
constructed with any of the following materials:
(1)
Noncombustible material shall be permitted.
(2)
Limited-combustible material shall be permitted.
(3)
Fire retardant–treated wood shall be permitted. Approved fire-retardant-treated wood
framing shall be permitted within the assembly of exterior walls having a horizontal
separation of not less than 60 in. (1525 mm), provided that the fire resistance rating is
maintained and the exposed outer and inner faces of such walls are constructed of limitedcombustible or noncombustible materials.
(4)
Cross-laminated timber complying with 45.5.7 shall be permitted provided the exterior
surface of the cross-laminated timber is protected by one of the following:
(5)
Fire retardant–treated wood not less than 15 ⁄ 32 in. (12 mm) thick
(6)
Gypsum board not less than 1 ⁄ 2 in. (12.7 mm) thick
(7)
Noncombustible material.
7.2.5.6.8 Exterior Nonbearing Walls.
Exterior nonbearing walls tested in accordance with, and meeting the conditions of acceptance
of, NFPA 285, Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of
Exterior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components, shall be
permitted.
Submitter Information Verification
Submitter Full Name: Tracy Vecchiarelli
Organization:
National Fire Protection Assoc
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Wed Aug 12 09:50:24 EDT 2015
Committee Statement
Committee Recent construction techniques involving the use of heavy timber structural members
Statement: have been designed and built globally. Many of these designs have exceeded traditional
height limits (four-five stories) and have been completed using performance based
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design or equivalency processes. The committee input is intended to introduce revised
height limits for such structural members. In addition, FPRF released a Phase 1 study on
feasibility of tall timber structures in March 2014. This study captured the potential
benefits, hazards, and concerns with this construction technique. Public comments on
this concept are encouraged.
Response
Message:
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Committee Input No. 8006-NFPA 5000-2015 [ New Section after 7.4.3.6.8.4 ]
7.4.3.6.9 Height of New Hotels and New Apartment Buildings of Mass Timber
The height limitation for New Hotels and New Apartment Buildings of Type IV construction shall
be permitted to be increased to nine stories and 100 feet (30 480 mm) where the building is
separated by not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from any other building on the lot and from
adjacent lot lines or lot lines on the opposite sides of public streets, provided all of the
following are met:
1. All load bearing structural elements shall be heavy timber complying with Sections
7.2.5.1; and of two hour fire resistance rating in accordance with Section 8.2.1.1.
2. The interior surfaces of all heavy timber walls and ceilings shall be covered by two
layers of 5/8" Type X gypsum board, with all edges of the face layer offset 18" from
those of the base layer. The base layer shall be attached with 1.75" #6 Type S drywall
screws at 12" o.c. in both directions and the face layer to be attached with 2.25" #6 Type
S drywall screws at 12" o.c. in both directions offset from the screws in the base layer
by 6 inches in both directions. One layer of 5/8" Type X gypsum sheathing shall be
attached to the outside of the exterior heavy timber walls with minimum 1 ¾" galvanized
roofing nails 12" on center each way and 6" on center at all joints or ends. All panel
edges shall be attached with drywall screws or roofing nails located at least 1.5 inches
but no more than 2 inches from the panel edge.
3. Fire-retardant treated wood , of light-frame construction, shall not be permitted
as a bearing element in any walls.
Submitter Information Verification
Submitter Full Name: Tracy Vecchiarelli
Organization:
National Fire Protection Assoc
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Wed Aug 12 09:43:40 EDT 2015
Committee Statement
Committee Recent construction techniques involving the use of heavy timber structural members
Statement: have been designed and built globally. Many of these designs have exceeded traditional
height limits (four-five stories) and have been completed using performance based
design or equivalency processes. The committee input is intended to introduce revised
height limits for such structural members. In addition, FPRF released a Phase 1 study on
feasibility of tall timber structures in March 2014. This study captured the potential
benefits, hazards, and concerns with this construction technique. Public comments on
this concept are encouraged.
Response
Message:
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Committee Input No. 8003-NFPA 5000-2015 [ Section No. 7.5.2 ]
7.5.2 Residential Sprinkler Increase.
For buildings classified as residential occupancies provided with an approved, electrically
supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13R, the allowable height for
nonsprinklered buildings shall be permitted to be increased by 20 ft (6100 mm), and the
allowable number of stories for nonsprinklered buildings shall be permitted to be increased by
one story, provided that the building height does not exceed 60 ft (18 m) and the number of
stories above grade plane does not exceed four.
Submitter Information Verification
Submitter Full Name: Tracy Vecchiarelli
Organization:
National Fire Protection Assoc
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Wed Aug 12 09:13:37 EDT 2015
Committee Statement
Committee This revision is being suggested to receive public comment on the allowance to use
Statement: NFPA 13R systems in what essentially are 5 story buildings (concrete pedestal design).
NFPA has been looking at the issue of severe property damage, but no life loss, in
buildings protected with NFPA 13R sprinkler systems. While these fires are infrequent,
they do occur on occasion. Concerns have been expressed about the appropriate use of
NFPA 13R in some of these circumstances. In preparation for the Second Draft meeting,
the committee wants to look at this problem in a holistic manner and look at other
potential contributing factors and solutions. These include, but are not limited to, limiting
the overall area of attics, limiting the overall area of the building square footage, develop
more refined requirements for attic and combustible concealed space draft stopping and
provide a renewed emphasis on inspection of draft stops. Public comments are
encouraged on this topic.
Response
Message:
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