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2018 International Building Code
First Printing: August 2017
ISBN: 978-1-60983-735-8 (soft-cover edition)
ISBN: 978-1-60983-734-1 (loose-leaf edition)
COPYRIGHT  2017
by
INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL, INC.
Date of First Publication: August 31, 2017
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This 2018 International Building Code is a copyrighted work owned by the International Code
Council, Inc. Without advance written permission from the copyright owner, no part of this book may be reproduced, distributed
or transmitted in any form or by any means, including, without limitation, electronic, optical or mechanical means (by way of
example, and not limitation, photocopying, or recording by or in an information storage retrieval system). For information on
use rights and permissions, please contact: Publications, 4051 Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478. Phone 1-888ICC-SAFE (422-7233).
Trademarks: “International Code Council,” the “International Code Council” logo, “ICC,” the “ICC” logo, “International Building Code,” “IBC” and other names and trademarks appearing in this book are trademarks of the International Code Council, Inc.,
and/or its licensors (as applicable), and may not be used without permission.
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
PREFACE
Introduction
The International Building Code (IBC) establishes minimum requirements for building systems
using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that
make possible the use of new materials and new building designs. This 2018 edition is fully compatible with all of the International Codes (I-Codes) published by the International Code Council
(ICC), including the International Energy Conservation Code, International Existing Building Code,
International Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Green Construction Code,
International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Private Sewage Disposal Code, International Property Maintenance Code, International Residential Code, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, International
Zoning Code and International Code Council Performance Code.
The I-Codes, including this International Building Code, are used in a variety of ways in both the
public and private sectors. Most industry professionals are familiar with the I-Codes as the basis of
laws and regulations in communities across the U.S. and in other countries. However, the impact of
the codes extends well beyond the regulatory arena, as they are used in a variety of nonregulatory
settings, including:
•
Voluntary compliance programs such as those promoting sustainability, energy efficiency
and disaster resistance.
•
The insurance industry, to estimate and manage risk, and as a tool in underwriting and rate
decisions.
•
Certification and credentialing of individuals involved in the fields of building design, construction and safety.
•
Certification of building and construction-related products.
•
U.S. federal agencies, to guide construction in an array of government-owned properties.
•
Facilities management.
•
“Best practices” benchmarks for designers and builders, including those who are engaged in
projects in jurisdictions that do not have a formal regulatory system or a governmental
enforcement mechanism.
•
College, university and professional school textbooks and curricula.
•
Reference works related to building design and construction.
In addition to the codes themselves, the code development process brings together building professionals on a regular basis. It provides an international forum for discussion and deliberation
about building design, construction methods, safety, performance requirements, technological
advances and innovative products.
Development
This 2018 edition presents the code as originally issued, with changes reflected in the 2003 through
2015 editions and further changes approved by the ICC Code Development Process through 2017. A
new edition such as this is promulgated every 3 years.
This code is intended to establish provisions that adequately protect public health, safety and
welfare; that do not unnecessarily increase construction costs; that do not restrict the use of new
materials, products or methods of construction; and that do not give preferential treatment to particular types or classes of materials, products or methods of construction.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
iii
Maintenance
The International Building Code is kept up to date through the review of proposed changes submitted by code enforcement officials, industry representatives, design professionals and other interested parties. Proposed changes are carefully considered through an open code development
process in which all interested and affected parties may participate.
The ICC Code Development Process reflects principles of openness, transparency, balance, due
process and consensus, the principles embodied in OMB Circular A-119, which governs the federal
government’s use of private-sector standards. The ICC process is open to anyone; there is no cost to
participate, and people can participate without travel cost through the ICC’s cloud-based app, cdpAccess. A broad cross section of interests are represented in the ICC Code Development Process.
The codes, which are updated regularly, include safeguards that allow for emergency action when
required for health and safety reasons.
In order to ensure that organizations with a direct and material interest in the codes have a voice
in the process, the ICC has developed partnerships with key industry segments that support the
ICC’s important public safety mission. Some code development committee members were nominated by the following industry partners and approved by the ICC Board:
•
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
•
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
•
National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM)
The code development committees evaluate and make recommendations regarding proposed
changes to the codes. Their recommendations are then subject to public comment and council-wide
votes. The ICC’s governmental members—public safety officials who have no financial or business
interest in the outcome—cast the final votes on proposed changes.
The contents of this work are subject to change through the code development cycles and by any
governmental entity that enacts the code into law. For more information regarding the code development process, contact the Codes and Standards Development Department of the International
Code Council.
While the I-Code development procedure is thorough and comprehensive, the ICC, its members
and those participating in the development of the codes disclaim any liability resulting from the
publication or use of the I-Codes, or from compliance or noncompliance with their provisions. The
ICC does not have the power or authority to police or enforce compliance with the contents of this
code.
Code Development Committee Responsibilities
(Letter Designations in Front of Section Numbers)
In each code development cycle, code change proposals to this code are considered at the Committee Action Hearings by 11 different code development committees. Four of these committees have
primary responsibility for designated chapters and appendices as follows:
IBC—Egress
Code Development Committee [BE]: Chapters 10, 11, Appendix E
IBC—Fire Safety
Code Development Committee [BF]: Chapters 7, 8, 9, 14, 26
IBC—General
Code Development Committee [BG]: Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33,
Appendices A, B, C, D, K, N
IBC—Structural
Code Development Committee [BS]: Chapters 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,
Appendices F, G, H, I, J, L, M
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2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
Code change proposals to sections of the code that are preceded by a bracketed letter designation, such as [A], will be considered by a committee other than the building code committee listed
for the chapter or appendix on the preceding page. For example, proposed code changes to Section
[F] 307.1.1 will be considered by the International Fire Code Development Committee during the
Committee Action Hearing in the 2018 (Group A) code development cycle.
Another example is Section [BF] 1505.2. While code change proposals to Chapter 15 are primarily the responsibility of the IBC—Structural Code Development Committee, which considers code
change proposals during the 2019 (Group B) code development cycle, Section 1505.2 is the responsibility of the IBC—Fire Safety Code Development Committee, which considers code change proposals during the 2018 (Group A) code development cycle.
The bracketed letter designations for committees responsible for portions of this code are as follows:
[A] = Administrative Code Development Committee;
[BE] = IBC—Egress Code Development Committee;
[BF] = IBC—Fire Safety Code Development Committee;
[BG] = IBC—General Code Development Committee;
[BS] = IBC—Structural Code Development Committee;
[E] = International Commercial Energy Conservation Code Development Committee or
International Residential Energy Conservation Code Development Committee;
[EB] = International Existing Building Code Development Committee;
[F] = International Fire Code Development Committee;
[FG] = International Fuel Gas Code Development Committee;
[M] = International Mechanical Code Development Committee; and
[P] = International Plumbing Code Development Committee.
For the development of the 2021 edition of the I-Codes, there will be two groups of code development committees and they will meet in separate years.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
v
Group A Codes
(Heard in 2018, Code Change Proposals
Deadline: January 8, 2018)
International Building Code
– Egress (Chapters 10, 11, Appendix E)
– Fire Safety (Chapters 7, 8, 9, 14, 26)
– General (Chapters 2–6, 12, 27–33,
Appendices A, B, C, D, K, N)
International Fire Code
International Fuel Gas Code
International Mechanical Code
International Plumbing Code
International Property Maintenance Code
International Private Sewage Disposal Code
Group B Codes
(Heard in 2019, Code Change Proposals
Deadline: January 7, 2019)
Administrative Provisions (Chapter 1 of all
codes except IECC, IRC and IgCC, administrative updates to currently referenced standards, and designated definitions)
International Building Code
– Structural (Chapters 15–25, Appendices F,
G, H, I, J, L, M)
International Existing Building Code
International Energy Conservation Code—
Commercial
International Energy Conservation Code—
Residential
– IECC—Residential
– IRC—Energy (Chapter 11)
International Green Construction Code
(Chapter 1)
International Residential Code
– IRC—Building (Chapters 1–10,
Appendices E, F, H, J, K, L, M, O, Q, R, S, T)
International Residential Code
– IRC—Mechanical (Chapters 12–23)
– IRC—Plumbing (Chapters 25–33,
Appendices G, I, N, P)
International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
International Wildland-Urban Interface Code
International Zoning Code
Note: Proposed changes to the ICC Performance Code will be heard by the code development committee noted in brackets [ ] in the text of the ICC Performance Code.
Code change proposals submitted for code sections that have a letter designation in front of
them will be heard by the respective committee responsible for such code sections. Because different committees hold Committee Action Hearings in different years, proposals for the IBC will be
heard by committees in both the 2018 (Group A) and the 2019 (Group B) code development cycles.
For instance, every section of Chapter 16 is the responsibility of the IBC—Structural Code Development Committee. As noted in the preceding table, that committee will hold its Committee Action
Hearings in 2019 to consider code change proposals for the chapters for which it is responsible.
Therefore any proposals received for Chapter 16 of this code will be assigned to the IBC—Structural
Code Development Committee and will be considered in 2019, during the Group B code change
cycle.
As another example, every section of Chapter 1 of this code is designated as the responsibility of
the Administrative Code Development Committee, which is part of the Group B portion of the hearings. This committee will hold its Committee Action Hearings in 2019 to consider code change proposals for Chapter 1 of all I-Codes except the International Energy Conservation Code, International
Residential Code and International Green Construction Code. Therefore, any proposals received for
Chapter 1 of this code will be assigned to the Administrative Code Development Committee for consideration in 2019.
It is very important that anyone submitting code change proposals understands which code
development committee is responsible for the section of the code that is the subject of the code
change proposal. For further information on the Code Development Committee responsibilities,
please visit the ICC website at www.iccsafe.org/scoping.
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2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
Marginal Markings
Solid vertical lines in the margins within the body of the code indicate a technical change from the
requirements of the 2015 edition. Deletion indicators in the form of an arrow ( ¬) are provided in
the margin where an entire section, paragraph, exception or table has been deleted or an item in a
list of items or a table has been deleted.
A single asterisk [*] placed in the margin indicates that text or a table has been relocated within
the code. A double asterisk [**] placed in the margin indicates that the text or table immediately
following it has been relocated there from elsewhere in the code. The following table indicates such
relocations in the 2018 edition of the International Building Code.
2018 LOCATION
2015 LOCATION
705.2.3.1
705.2.4
708.4.2
708.4.2
708.4.2
708.4.2
2304.11.1.1
2304.11.1.2
2304.11.1.3
2304.11.3
2304.11.3.2
2304.11.3.1
2304.11.4.1
2304.11.2
2304.11.2.2
2304.11.2.1
T2304.11.4.1
1406.3
1406.4
718.3.2
718.3.3
718.4.2
718.4.3
602.4.3
602.4.4
602.4.5
602.4.6
602.4.6.1
602.4.6.2
602.4.7
602.4.8
602.4.8.1
602.4.8.2
602.4
Coordination of the International Codes
The coordination of technical provisions is one of the strengths of the ICC family of model codes.
The codes can be used as a complete set of complementary documents, which will provide users
with full integration and coordination of technical provisions. Individual codes can also be used in
subsets or as stand-alone documents. To make sure that each individual code is as complete as possible, some technical provisions that are relevant to more than one subject area are duplicated in
some of the model codes. This allows users maximum flexibility in their application of the I-Codes.
Italicized Terms
Selected words and terms defined in Chapter 2, Definitions, are italicized where they appear in code
text and the Chapter 2 definition applies. Where such words and terms are not italicized, commonuse definitions apply. The words and terms selected have code-specific definitions that the user
should read carefully to facilitate better understanding of the code. Note: In Sections 1903 through
1905, italics indicate provisions that differ from ACI 318.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
vii
Adoption
The International Code Council maintains a copyright in all of its codes and standards. Maintaining
copyright allows the ICC to fund its mission through sales of books, in both print and electronic formats. The ICC welcomes adoption of its codes by jurisdictions that recognize and acknowledge the
ICC’s copyright in the code, and further acknowledge the substantial shared value of the public/private partnership for code development between jurisdictions and the ICC.
The ICC also recognizes the need for jurisdictions to make laws available to the public. All
I-Codes and I-Standards, along with the laws of many jurisdictions, are available for free in a
nondownloadable form on the ICC’s website. Jurisdictions should contact the ICC at adoptions@iccsafe.org to learn how to adopt and distribute laws based on the International Building Code in a manner that provides necessary access, while maintaining the ICC’s copyright.
To facilitate adoption, several sections of this code contain blanks for fill-in information
that needs to be supplied by the adopting jurisdiction as part of the adoption legislation. For
this code, please see:
Section 101.1. Insert: [NAME OF JURISDICTION]
Section 1612.3. Insert: [NAME OF JURISDICTION]
Section 1612.3. Insert: [DATE OF ISSUANCE]
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2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
EFFECTIVE USE OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE
The International Building Code (IBC) is a model code that provides minimum requirements to
safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare of the occupants of new and existing buildings and structures. The IBC is fully compatible with the ICC family of codes, including: International
Energy Conservation Code (IECC), International Existing Building Code (IEBC), International Fire
Code (IFC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), International Green Construction Code (IgCC),
International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), International Private
Sewage Disposal Code (IPSDC), International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), International
Residential Code (IRC), International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC ), International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC), International Zoning Code (IZC) and International Code
Council Performance Code (ICCPC).
The IBC addresses structural strength, means of egress, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation, accessibility, energy conservation and life safety in regard to new and existing buildings, facilities and systems. The codes are promulgated on a 3-year cycle to allow for new construction
methods and technologies to be incorporated into the codes. Alternative materials, designs and
methods not specifically addressed in the code can be approved by the building official where the
proposed materials, designs or methods comply with the intent of the provisions of the code (see
Section 104.11).
The IBC applies to all occupancies, including one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses that
are not within the scope of the IRC. The IRC is referenced for coverage of detached one- and twofamily dwellings and townhouses as defined in the exception to Section 101.2 and the definition for
“Townhouse” in Chapter 2. The IRC can also be used for the construction of live/work units (as
defined in Section 419) and small bed and breakfast-style hotels where there are five or fewer guest
rooms and the hotel is owner occupied. The IBC applies to all types of buildings and structures
unless exempted. Work exempted from permits is listed in Section 105.2.
Arrangement and Format of the 2018 IBC
Before applying the requirements of the IBC, it is beneficial to understand its arrangement and format. The IBC, like other codes published by ICC, is arranged and organized to follow sequential steps
that generally occur during a plan review or inspection.
Chapters
1-2
3
Subjects
Administration and definitions
Use and occupancy classifications
4, 31
Special requirements for specific occupancies or elements
5-6
Height and area limitations based on type of construction
7-9
Fire resistance and protection requirements
10
Requirements for evacuation
11
Specific requirements to allow use and access to a building for persons with
disabilities
12-13, 27-30
14-26
Building systems, such as lighting, HVAC, plumbing fixtures, elevators
Structural components—performance and stability
32
Encroachment outside of property lines
33
Safeguards during construction
35
Referenced standards
Appendices A-M Appendices
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
ix
The IBC requirements for hazardous materials, fire-resistance-rated construction, interior finish,
fire protection systems, means of egress, emergency and standby power, and temporary structures
are directly correlated with the requirements of the IFC. The following chapters/sections of the IBC
are correlated to the IFC:
IBC
Chapter/Section
IFC
Chapter/Section
Subject
Sections 307, 414, 415
Chapters 50-67
Hazardous materials and Group H requirements
Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Fire-resistance-rated construction (Fire and
smoke protection features in the IFC)
Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Interior finish, decorative materials and
furnishings
Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Fire protection systems
Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Means of egress
Chapter 27
Section 604
Standby and emergency power
Section 3103
Chapter 31
Temporary structures
The IBC requirements for smoke control systems, and smoke and fire dampers are directly correlated to the requirements of the IMC. IBC Chapter 28 is a reference to the IMC and the IFGC for
chimneys, fireplaces and barbecues, and all aspects of mechanical systems. The following chapters/
sections of the IBC are correlated with the IMC:
IBC
Chapter/Section
IMC
Chapter/Section
Subject
Section 717
Section 607
Smoke and fire dampers
Section 909
Section 513
Smoke control
The IBC requirements for plumbing fixtures and toilet rooms are directly correlated to the
requirements of the IPC. The following chapters/sections of the IBC are correlated with the IPC:
IBC
Chapter/Section
IPC
Chapter/Section
Chapter 29
Chapters 3 & 4
Subject
Plumbing fixtures and facilities
The following is a chapter-by-chapter synopsis of the scope and intent of the provisions of the
International Building Code.
Chapter 1 Scope and Administration. Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the
code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 is in two parts, Part 1—
Scope and Application (Sections 101-102) and Part 2—Administration and Enforcement (Sections
103-116). Section 101 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other I-Codes as applicable. Standards and codes are scoped to the extent referenced (see
Section 102.4).
The building code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document and it cannot be
effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. The provisions of
Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the building official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and
property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions. An alphabetical listing of all defined terms is located in Chapter 2. Defined
terms that are pertinent to a specific chapter or section are also found in that chapter or section
with a reference back to Chapter 2 for the definition. While a defined term may be listed in one
chapter or another, the meaning is applicable throughout the code.
Codes are technical documents and every word, term and punctuation mark can impact the
meaning of the code text and the intended results. The code often uses terms that have a unique
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2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
meaning in the code and the code meaning can differ substantially from the ordinarily understood
meaning of the term as used outside of the code. Where understanding of a term’s definition is
especially key to or necessary for understanding a particular code provision, the term is shown in
italics wherever it appears in the code.
The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are
essential to the correct interpretation of the code. Where a term is not defined, such terms shall
have the ordinarily accepted meaning.
Chapter 3 Use and Occupancy Classification. Chapter 3 provides for the classification of
buildings, structures and parts thereof based on the purpose or purposes for which they are used.
Section 302 identifies the groups into which all buildings, structures and parts thereof must be classified. Sections 303 through 312 identify the occupancy characteristics of each group classification.
In some sections, specific group classifications having requirements in common are collectively
organized such that one term applies to all. For example, Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5 are individual groups for assembly-type buildings. The general term “Group A,” however, includes each of
these individual groups. Other groups include Business (B), Educational (E), Factory (F-1, F-2), High
Hazard (H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5), Institutional (I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4), Mercantile (M), Residential (R-1, R-2,
R-3, R-4), Storage (S-1, S-2) and Utility (U). In some occupancies, the smaller number means a higher
hazard, but that is not always the case.
Defining the use of the buildings is very important as it sets the tone for the remaining chapters
of the code. Occupancy works with the height, area and construction type requirements in Chapters
5 and 6, as well as the special provisions in Chapter 4, to determine “equivalent risk,” or providing a
reasonable level of protection or life safety for building occupants. The determination of equivalent
risk involves three interdependent considerations: (1) the level of fire hazard associated with the
specific occupancy of the facility; (2) the reduction of fire hazard by limiting the floor area and the
height of the building based on the fuel load (combustible contents and burnable building components); and (3) the level of overall fire resistance provided by the type of construction used for the
building. The greater the potential fire hazards indicated as a function of the group, the lesser the
height and area allowances for a particular construction type.
Occupancy classification also plays a key part in organizing and prescribing the appropriate protection measures. As such, threshold requirements for fire protection and means of egress systems
are based on occupancy classification (see Chapters 9 and 10). Other sections of the code also contain requirements respective to the classification of building groups. For example, Section 706 specifies requirements for fire wall fire-resistance ratings that are tied to the occupancy classification of
a building and Section 803.11 contains interior finish requirements that are dependent upon the
occupancy classification. The use of the space, rather than the occupancy of the building, is utilized
for determining occupant loading (Section 1004) and live loading (Section 1607).
Over the useful life of a building, the activities in the building will evolve and change. Where the
provisions of the code address uses differently, moving from one activity to another or from one
level of activity to another is, by definition, a change of occupancy. The new occupancy must be in
compliance with the applicable provisions.
Chapter 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy. Chapter 4 contains the requirements for protecting special uses and occupancies, which are supplemental to the
remainder of the code. Chapter 4 contains provisions that may alter requirements found elsewhere
in the code; however, the general requirements of the code still apply unless modified within the
chapter. For example, the height and area limitations established in Chapter 5 apply to all special
occupancies unless Chapter 4 contains height and area limitations. In this case, the limitations in
Chapter 4 supersede those in other sections. An example of this is the height and area limitations
for open parking garages given in Section 406.5.4, which supersede the limitations given in Sections
504 and 506.
In some instances, it may not be necessary to apply the provisions of Chapter 4. For example, if a
covered mall building complies with the provisions of the code for Group M, Section 402 does not
apply; however, other sections that address a use, process or operation must be applied to that specific occupancy, such as stages and platforms, special amusement buildings and hazardous materials
(Sections 410, 411 and 414).
The chapter includes requirements for buildings and conditions that apply to one or more
groups, such as high-rise buildings, underground buildings or atriums. Special uses may also imply
specific occupancies and operations, such as for Group H, hazardous materials, application of flam2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
xi
mable finishes, drying rooms, organic coatings and combustible storage or hydrogen fuel gas rooms,
all of which are coordinated with the IFC. Unique consideration is taken for special use areas, such
as covered mall buildings, motor-vehicle-related occupancies, special amusement buildings and aircraft-related occupancies. Special facilities within other occupancies are considered, such as stages
and platforms, motion picture projection rooms, children’s play structures and storm shelters.
Finally, in order that the overall package of protection features can be easily understood, unique
considerations for specific occupancies are addressed: Groups I-1, I-2, I-3, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4;
ambulatory care facilities and live/work units.
Chapter 5 General Building Heights and Areas. Chapter 5 contains the provisions that regu-
late the minimum type of construction for area limits and height limits based on the occupancy of
the building. Height and area increases (including allowances for basements, mezzanines and equipment platforms) are permitted based on open frontage for fire department access, separation and
the type of sprinkler protection provided (Sections 503-506, 510). These thresholds are reduced for
buildings over three stories in height in accordance with Sections 506.2.3 and 506.2.4. Provisions
include the protection and/or separation of incidental uses (Table 509), accessory occupancies (Section 508.2) and mixed uses in the same building (Sections 506.2.2, 506.2.4, 508.3, 508.4 and 510).
Unlimited area buildings are permitted in certain occupancies when they meet special provisions
(Section 507).
Tables 504.3, 504.4 and 506.2 are the keystones in setting thresholds for building size based on
the building’s use and the materials with which it is constructed. If one then looks at Tables 504.3,
504.4 and 506.2, the relationship among group classification, allowable heights and areas and types
of construction becomes apparent. Respective to each group classification, the greater the fireresistance rating of structural elements, as represented by the type of construction, the greater the
floor area and height allowances. The greater the potential fire hazards indicated as a function of
the group, the lesser the height and area allowances for a particular construction type. Starting in
the 2015 edition, the table that once contained both height and area has been separated and these
three new tables address the topics individually. In addition, the tables list criteria for buildings with
and without automatic sprinkler systems.
Chapter 6 Types of Construction. The interdependence of these fire safety considerations can
be seen by first looking at Tables 601 and 602, which show the fire-resistance ratings of the principal
structural elements comprising a building in relation to the five classifications for types of construction. Type I construction is the classification that generally requires the highest fire-resistance ratings for structural elements, whereas Type V construction, which is designated as a combustible
type of construction, generally requires the least amount of fire-resistance-rated structural elements. The greater the potential fire hazards indicated as a function of the group, the lesser the
height and area allowances for a particular construction type. Section 603 includes a list of combustible elements that can be part of a noncombustible building (Types I and II construction).
Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features. The provisions of Chapter 7 present the fun-
damental concepts of fire performance that all buildings are expected to achieve in some form. This
chapter identifies the acceptable materials, techniques and methods by which proposed construction can be designed and evaluated against to determine a building’s ability to limit the impact of
fire. The fire-resistance-rated construction requirements within Chapter 7 provide passive resistance to the spread and effects of fire. Types of separations addressed include fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, horizontal assemblies, smoke barriers and smoke partitions. A fire produces heat
that can weaken structural components and smoke products that cause property damage and place
occupants at risk. The requirements of Chapter 7 work in unison with height and area requirements
(Chapter 5), active fire detection and suppression systems (Chapter 9) and occupant egress requirements (Chapter 10) to contain a fire should it occur while helping ensure occupants are able to
safely exit.
Chapter 8 Interior Finishes. This chapter contains the performance requirements for con-
trolling fire growth within buildings by restricting interior finish and decorative materials. Past fire
experience has shown that interior finish and decorative materials are key elements in the development and spread of fire. The provisions of Chapter 8 require materials used as interior finishes and
decorations to meet certain flame-spread index or flame-propagation criteria based on the relative
fire hazard associated with the occupancy. As smoke is also a hazard associated with fire, this chapter contains limits on the smoke development characteristics of interior finishes. The performance
of the material is evaluated based on test standards.
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2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
Chapter 9 Fire Protection Systems. Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active
systems of fire protection equipment to perform the following functions: detect a fire; alert the
occupants or fire department of a fire emergency; and control smoke and control or extinguish the
fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building, because these are the factors that most affect fire-fighting capabilities and the relative hazard
of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in
Chapter 9 of the International Fire Code (IFC); however, the IFC Chapter 9 also contains periodic
testing criteria that are not contained in the IBC. In addition, the special fire protection system
requirements based on use and occupancy found in IBC Chapter 4 are duplicated in IFC Chapter 9 as
a user convenience.
Chapter 10 Means of Egress. The general criteria set forth in Chapter 10 regulating the design
of the means of egress are established as the primary method for protection of people in buildings
by allowing timely relocation or evacuation of building occupants. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized in this chapter to provide for a basic approach in the determination of a
safe exiting system for all occupancies. It addresses all portions of the egress system (i.e., exit
access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating
individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of
means of egress components. Functional and operational characteristics also are specified for the
components that will permit their safe use without special knowledge or effort. The means of
egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and
detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter
10 of the IBC is duplicated in Chapter 10 of the IFC; however, the IFC contains one additional section
on the means of egress system in existing buildings.
Chapter 11 Accessibility. Chapter 11 contains provisions that set forth requirements for accessibility of buildings and their associated sites and facilities for people with physical disabilities. The
fundamental philosophy of the code on the subject of accessibility is that everything is required to
be accessible. This is reflected in the basic applicability requirement (see Section 1103.1). The
code’s scoping requirements then address the conditions under which accessibility is not required
in terms of exceptions to this general mandate. While the IBC contains scoping provisions for accessibility (for example, what, where and how many), ICC A117.1, Accessible and Usable Buildings and
Facilities, is the referenced standard for the technical provisions (in other words, how).
There are many accessibility issues that not only benefit people with disabilities, but also provide
a tangible benefit to people without disabilities. This type of requirement can be set forth in the
code as generally applicable without necessarily identifying it specifically as an accessibility-related
issue. Such a requirement would then be considered as having been “mainstreamed.” For example,
visible alarms are located in Chapter 9 and accessible means of egress and ramp requirements are
addressed in Chapter 10.
Accessibility criteria for existing buildings are addressed in the International Existing Building
Code (IEBC).
Appendix E is supplemental information included in the code to address accessibility for items in
the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design that were not typically enforceable through the standard traditional building code enforcement approach system (for example, beds, room signage).
The International Residential Code (IRC) references Chapter 11 for accessibility provisions; therefore, this chapter may be applicable to housing covered under the IRC.
Chapter 12 Interior Environment. Chapter 12 provides minimum standards for the interior
environment of a building. The standards address the minimum sizes of spaces, minimum temperature levels, and minimum light and ventilation levels. The collection of requirements addresses limiting sound transmission through walls, ventilation of attic spaces and under floor spaces (crawl
spaces). Finally, the chapter provides minimum standards for toilet and bathroom construction,
including privacy shielding and standards for walls, partitions and floors to resist water intrusion
and damage.
Chapter 13 Energy Efficiency. The purpose of Chapter 13 is to provide minimum design
requirements that will promote efficient utilization of energy in buildings. The requirements are
directed toward the design of building envelopes with adequate thermal resistance and low air
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leakage, and toward the design and selection of mechanical, water heating, electrical and illumination systems that promote effective use of depletable energy resources. For the specifics of these
criteria, Chapter 13 requires design and construction in compliance with the International Energy
Conservation Code (IECC).
Chapter 14 Exterior Walls. This chapter addresses requirements for exterior walls of buildings.
Minimum standards for wall covering materials, installation of wall coverings and the ability of the
wall to provide weather protection are provided. This chapter also requires exterior walls that are
close to lot lines, or that are bearing walls for certain types of construction, to comply with the minimum fire-resistance ratings specified in Chapters 6 and 7. The installation of each type of wall covering, be it wood, masonry, vinyl, metal composite material or an exterior insulation and finish
system, is critical to its long-term performance in protecting the interior of the building from the
elements and the spread of fire. Limitations on the use of combustible materials on exterior building elements such as balconies, eaves, decks and architectural trim are also addressed in this chapter.
Chapter 15 Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures. Chapter 15 provides standards for
both roof assemblies and structures that sit on top of the roofs of buildings. The criteria address
roof construction and covering, including the weather-protective barrier at the roof and, in most circumstances, a fire-resistant barrier. The chapter is prescriptive in nature and is based on decades of
experience with various traditional materials, but it also addresses newer products such as photovoltaic shingles. These prescriptive rules are very important for satisfying performance of one type
of roof covering or another. Section 1510 addresses rooftop structures, including penthouses,
tanks, towers and spires. Rooftop penthouses larger than prescribed in this chapter must be treated
as a story under Chapter 5.
Chapter 16 Structural Design. Chapter 16 prescribes minimum structural loading requirements
for use in the design and construction of buildings and structural components. It includes minimum
design loads, assignment of risk categories and permitted design methodologies. Standards are provided for minimum design loads (live, dead, snow, wind, rain, flood, ice and earthquake as well as
the required load combinations). The application of these loads and adherence to the serviceability
criteria will enhance the protection of life and property. The chapter references and relies on many
nationally recognized design standards. A key standard is the American Society of Civil Engineers’
Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE 7). Structural design must address
the conditions of the site and location. Therefore, maps are provided of rainfall, seismic, snow and
wind criteria in different regions.
Chapter 17 Special Inspections and Tests. Chapter 17 provides a variety of procedures and
criteria for testing materials and assemblies, labeling materials and assemblies and special inspection of structural assemblies. This chapter expands on the inspections of Chapter 1 by requiring special inspection where indicated and, in some cases, structural observation. It also spells out
additional responsibilities for the owner, contractor, design professionals and special inspectors.
Proper assembly of structural components, proper quality of materials used and proper application
of materials are essential to ensuring that a building, once constructed, complies with the structural
and fire-resistance minimums of the code and the approved design. To determine this compliance
often requires continuous or frequent inspection and testing. Chapter 17 establishes standards for
special inspection, testing and reporting of the work to the building official.
Chapter 18 Soils and Foundations. Chapter 18 provides criteria for geotechnical and structural
considerations in the selection, design and installation of foundation systems to support the loads
from the structure above. This chapter includes requirements for soils investigation and site preparation for receiving a foundation, including the allowed load-bearing values for soils and for protecting the foundation from water intrusion. Section 1808 addresses the basic requirements for all
foundation types. Later sections address foundation requirements that are specific to shallow foundations and deep foundations. Due care must be exercised in the planning and design of foundation
systems based on obtaining sufficient soils information, the use of accepted engineering procedures, experience and good technical judgment.
Chapter 19 Concrete. This chapter provides minimum accepted practices for the design and construction of buildings and structural components using concrete—both plain and reinforced. Chap-
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ter 19 relies primarily on the reference to American Concrete Institute (ACI) 318, Building Code
Requirements for Structural Concrete. This chapter also includes references to additional standards.
Structural concrete must be designed and constructed to comply with this code and all listed standards. There are specific sections of the chapter addressing concrete slabs, anchorage to concrete
and shotcrete. Because of the variable properties of material and numerous design and construction options available in the uses of concrete, due care and control throughout the construction
process is necessary.
Chapter 20 Aluminum. Chapter 20 contains standards for the use of aluminum in building construction. Only the structural applications of aluminum are addressed. This chapter does not
address the use of aluminum in specialty products such as storefront or window framing or architectural hardware. The use of aluminum in heating, ventilating or air-conditioning systems is
addressed in the International Mechanical Code (IMC). This chapter references national standards
from the Aluminum Association for use of aluminum in building construction, AA ASM 35, Aluminum Sheet Metal Work in Building Construction, and AA ADM 1, Aluminum Design Manual. By utilizing the standards set forth, a proper application of this material can be obtained.
Chapter 21 Masonry. This chapter provides comprehensive and practical requirements for
masonry construction. The provisions of Chapter 21 require minimum accepted practices and the
use of standards for the design and construction of masonry structures. The provisions address:
material specifications and test methods; types of wall construction; criteria for engineered and
empirical designs; and required details of construction, including the execution of construction.
Masonry design methodologies including allowable stress design, strength design and empirical
design are covered by provisions of this chapter. Also addressed are masonry fireplaces and chimneys, masonry heaters and glass unit masonry. Fire-resistant construction using masonry is also
required to comply with Chapter 7. Masonry foundations are also subject to the requirements of
Chapter 18.
Chapter 22 Steel. Chapter 22 provides the requirements necessary for the design and construction of structural steel (including composite construction), cold-formed steel, steel joists, steel cable
structures and steel storage racks. This chapter specifies appropriate design and construction standards for these types of structures. It also provides a road map of the applicable technical requirements for steel structures. Because steel is a noncombustible building material, it is commonly
associated with Types I and II construction; however, it is permitted to be used in all types of construction. Chapter 22 requires that the design and use of steel materials be in accordance with the
specifications and standards of the American Institute of Steel Construction, the American Iron and
Steel Institute, the Steel Joist Institute and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Chapter 23 Wood. This chapter provides minimum requirements for the design of buildings and
structures that use wood and wood-based products. The chapter is organized around three design
methodologies: allowable stress design (ASD), load and resistance factor design (LRFD) and conventional light-frame construction. Included in this chapter are references to design and manufacturing
standards for various wood and wood-based products; general construction requirements; design
criteria for lateral force-resisting systems and specific requirements for the application of the three
design methods. In general, only Type III, IV or V buildings may be constructed of wood.
Chapter 24 Glass and Glazing. This chapter establishes regulations for glass and glazing that,
when installed in buildings and structures, are subjected to wind, snow and dead loads. Engineering
and design requirements are included in the chapter. Additional structural requirements are found
in Chapter 16. Another concern of this chapter is glass and glazing used in areas where it is likely to
be impacted by the occupants. Section 2406 identifies hazardous locations where glazing installed
must either be safety glazing or blocked to prevent human impact. Safety glazing must meet stringent standards and be appropriately marked or identified. Additional requirements are provided for
glass and glazing in guards, handrails, elevator hoistways and elevator cars, as well as in athletic
facilities.
Chapter 25 Gypsum Board, Gypsum Panel Products and Plaster. Chapter 25 contains the
provisions and referenced standards that regulate the design, construction and quality of gypsum
board, gypsum panel products and plaster. It also addresses reinforced gypsum concrete. These
represent the most common interior and exterior finish materials in the building industry. This
chapter primarily addresses quality-control-related issues with regard to material specifications and
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installation requirements. Most products are manufactured under the control of industry standards. The building official or inspector primarily needs to verify that the appropriate product is
used and properly installed for the intended use and location. While often simply used as wall and
ceiling coverings, proper design and application are necessary to provide weather resistance and
required fire protection for both structural and nonstructural building components.
Chapter 26 Plastic. The use of plastics in building construction and components is addressed in
Chapter 26. This chapter provides standards addressing foam plastic insulation, foam plastics used
as interior finish and trim, and other plastic veneers used on the inside or outside of a building. Plastic siding is regulated by Chapter 14. Sections 2606 through 2611 address the use of light-transmitting plastics in various configurations such as walls, roof panels, skylights, signs and as glazing.
Requirements for the use of fiber-reinforced polymers, fiberglass-reinforced polymers and reflective plastic core insulation are also contained in this chapter. Additionally, requirements specific to
the use of wood-plastic composites and plastic lumber are contained in this chapter. Some plastics
exhibit rapid flame spread and heavy smoke density characteristics when exposed to fire. Exposure
to the heat generated by a fire can cause some plastics to deform, which can affect their performance. The requirements and limitations of this chapter are necessary to control the use of plastic
and foam plastic products such that they do not compromise the safety of building occupants.
Chapter 27 Electrical. Since electrical systems and components are an integral part of almost all
structures, it is necessary for the code to address the installation of such systems. For this purpose,
Chapter 27 references the National Electrical Code (NEC). In addition, Section 2702 addresses emergency and standby power requirements. Such systems must comply with the International Fire Code
(IFC) and referenced standards. This section also provides references to the various code sections
requiring emergency and standby power, such as high-rise buildings and buildings containing hazardous materials.
Chapter 28 Mechanical Systems. Nearly all buildings will include mechanical systems. This
chapter provides references to the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and the International Fuel
Gas Code (IFGC) for the design and installation of mechanical systems. In addition, Chapter 21 of
this code is referenced for masonry chimneys, fireplaces and barbecues.
Chapter 29 Plumbing Systems. Chapter 29 regulates the minimum number of plumbing fix-
tures that must be provided for every type of building. This chapter also regulates the location of
the required fixtures in various types of buildings. This section requires separate facilities for males
and females except for certain types of small occupancies. The regulations in this chapter come
directly from Chapters 3 and 4 of the International Plumbing Code (IPC).
Chapter 30 Elevators and Conveying Systems. Chapter 30 provides standards for the installation of elevators into buildings. Referenced standards provide the requirements for the elevator
system and mechanisms. Detailed standards are provided in the chapter for hoistway enclosures,
machine rooms and requirements for sizing of elevators. Beginning in the 2015 edition pf this code,
the elevator lobby requirements were moved from Chapter 7 to Chapter 30 to pull all the elevatorrelated construction requirements together. New provisions were added in the 2009 edition for fire
service access elevators required in high-rise buildings and for the optional choice of occupant evacuation elevators (see Section 403).
Chapter 31 Special Construction. Chapter 31 contains a collection of regulations for a variety of
unique structures and architectural features. Pedestrian walkways and tunnels connecting two buildings are addressed in Section 3104. Membrane and air-supported structures are addressed by Section 3102. Safeguards for swimming pool safety are addressed by way of reference to the
International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) in Section 3109. Standards for temporary structures, including permit requirements, are provided in Section 3103. Structures as varied as awnings,
marquees, signs, telecommunication and broadcast towers and automatic vehicular gates are also
addressed (see Sections 3105 through 3108 and 3110).
Chapter 32 Encroachments into the Public Right-of-way. Buildings and structures from
time to time are designed to extend over a property line and into the public right-of-way. Local regulations outside of the building code usually set limits to such encroachments, and such regulations
take precedence over the provisions of this chapter. Standards are provided for encroachments
below grade for structural support, vaults and areaways. Encroachments above grade are divided
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into below 8 feet, 8 feet to 15 feet, and above 15 feet, because of headroom and vehicular height
issues. This includes steps, columns, awnings, canopies, marquees, signs, windows and balconies.
Similar architectural features above grade are also addressed. Pedestrian walkways must also comply with Chapter 31.
Chapter 33 Safeguards During Construction. Chapter 33 provides safety requirements
during construction and demolition of buildings and structures. These requirements are intended to
protect the public from injury and adjoining property from damage. In addition the chapter provides for the progressive installation and operation of exit stairways and standpipe systems during
construction.
Chapter 34 Reserved. During the 2015 code change cycle the membership voted to delete Chap-
ter 34, Existing Structures, from this code and reference the International Existing Building Code
(IEBC)®. The provisions that were in Chapter 34 will appear in the IEBC. Sections 3402 through 3411
appear as IEBC Chapter 4 and Section 3412 as Chapter 14.
Chapter 35 Referenced Standards. The code contains numerous references to standards that
are used to regulate materials and methods of construction. Chapter 35 contains a comprehensive
list of all standards that are referenced in the code, including the appendices. The standards are
part of the code to the extent of the reference to the standard (see Section 102.4). Compliance with
the referenced standard is necessary for compliance with this code. By providing specifically
adopted standards, the construction and installation requirements necessary for compliance with
the code can be readily determined. The basis for code compliance is, therefore, established and
available on an equal basis to the building official, contractor, designer and owner.
Chapter 35 is organized in a manner that makes it easy to locate specific standards. It lists all of
the referenced standards, alphabetically, by acronym of the promulgating agency of the standard.
Each agency’s standards are then listed in either alphabetical or numeric order based upon the standard identification. The list also contains the title of the standard; the edition (date) of the standard
referenced; any addenda included as part of the ICC adoption; and the section or sections of this
code that reference the standard.
Appendices. Appendices are provided in the IBC to offer optional or supplemental criteria to the
provisions in the main chapters of the code. Appendices provide additional information for administration of the Department of Building Safety as well as standards not typically administered by all
building departments. Appendices have the same force and effect as the first 35 chapters of the IBC
only when explicitly adopted by the jurisdiction.
Appendix A Employee Qualifications. Effective administration and enforcement of the family
of International Codes depends on the training and expertise of the personnel employed by the
jurisdiction and his or her knowledge of the codes. Section 103 of the code establishes the Department of Building Safety and calls for the appointment of a building official and deputies such as
plans examiners and inspectors. Appendix A provides standards for experience, training and certification for the building official and the other staff mentioned in Chapter 1.
Appendix B Board of Appeals. Section 113 of Chapter 1 requires the establishment of a board of
appeals to hear appeals regarding determinations made by the building official. Appendix B provides
qualification standards for members of the board as well as operational procedures of such board.
Appendix C Group U—Agricultural Buildings. Appendix C provides a more liberal set of
standards for the construction of agricultural buildings, rather than strictly following the Utility
building provision, reflective of their specific usage and limited occupant load. The provisions of this
appendix, when adopted, allow reasonable heights and areas commensurate with the risk of agricultural buildings.
Appendix D Fire Districts. Fire districts have been a tool used to limit conflagration hazards in
areas of a city with intense and concentrated development. More frequently used under the model
codes that preceded the IBC, this appendix is provided to allow jurisdictions to continue the designation and use of fire districts. Fire district standards restrict certain occupancies within the district,
as well as setting higher minimum construction standards.
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Appendix E Supplementary Accessibility Requirements. The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (U.S. Access Board) has revised and updated its accessibility guidelines for buildings and facilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the
Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). Appendix E includes scoping requirements contained in the 2010
ADA Standards for Accessible Design that are not in Chapter 11 and not otherwise mentioned or
mainstreamed throughout the code. Items in the appendix address subjects not typically addressed
in building codes (for example, beds, room signage, transportation facilities).
Appendix F Rodentproofing. The provisions of this appendix are minimum mechanical methods
to prevent the entry of rodents into a building. These standards, when used in conjunction with
cleanliness and maintenance programs, can significantly reduce the potential of rodents invading a
building.
Appendix G Flood-resistant Construction. Appendix G is intended to fulfill the flood-plain
management and administrative requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that
are not included in the code. Communities that adopt the IBC and Appendix G will meet the minimum requirements of NFIP as set forth in Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Appendix H Signs. Appendix H gathers in one place the various code standards that regulate the
construction and protection of outdoor signs. Whenever possible, this appendix provides standards
in performance language, thus allowing the widest possible application.
Appendix I Patio Covers. Appendix I provides standards applicable to the construction and use
of patio covers. It is limited in application to patio covers accessory to dwelling units. Covers of
patios and other outdoor areas associated with restaurants, mercantile buildings, offices, nursing
homes or other nondwelling occupancies would be subject to standards in the main code and not
this appendix.
Appendix J Grading. Appendix J provides standards for the grading of properties. This appendix
also provides standards for administration and enforcement of a grading program including permit
and inspection requirements. Appendix J was originally developed in the 1960s and used for many
years in jurisdictions throughout the western states. It is intended to provide consistent and uniform code requirements anywhere grading is considered an issue.
Appendix K Administrative Provisions. Appendix K primarily provides administrative provisions for jurisdictions adopting and enforcing NFPA 70—the National Electrical Code (NEC). The provisions contained in this appendix are compatible with administrative and enforcement provisions
contained in Chapter 1 of the IBC and the other International Codes. Annex H of NFPA 70 also contains administrative provisions for the NEC; however, some of its provisions are not compatible with
IBC Chapter 1. Section K110 also contains technical provisions that are unique to this appendix and
are in addition to technical standards of NFPA 70.
Appendix L Earthquake Recording Instrumentation. The purpose of this appendix is to foster the collection of ground motion data, particularly from strong-motion earthquakes. When this
ground motion data is synthesized, it may be useful in developing future improvements to the
earthquake provisions of the code.
Appendix M Tsunami-Generated Flood Hazard. Addressing a tsunami risk for all types of
construction in a tsunami hazard zone through building code requirements would typically not be
cost effective, making tsunami-resistant construction impractical at an individual building level.
However, this appendix does allow the adoption and enforcement of requirements for tsunami hazard zones that regulate the presence of high-risk or high-hazard structures.
Appendix N Replicable Buildings. Many jurisdictions have recognized the need for some form
of expedited review process for replicable buildings. By codifying the approach contained in the ICC
G1-2010 Guidelines for Replicable Buildings, this appendix provides jurisdictions with a means of
incorporating replicable building requirements into their building code adoption process. The intent
is to streamline the plan review process at the local level by removing redundant reviews.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION . . . . 1
311
Storage Group S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
312
Utility and Miscellaneous Group U . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Section
101
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
102
Applicability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
CHAPTER 4 SPECIAL DETAILED
REQUIREMENTS BASED
ON USE AND OCCUPANCY. . . . . . . . 55
Section
PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND
ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
401
Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
402
Covered Mall and Open Mall Buildings . . . . . . . . . 55
103
Department of Building Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
403
High-rise Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
104
Duties and Powers of Building Official . . . . . . . . . . . 2
404
Atriums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
105
Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
405
Underground Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
106
Floor and Roof Design Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
406
Motor-vehicle-related Occupancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
107
Submittal Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
407
Group I-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
108
Temporary Structures and Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
408
Group I-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
109
Fees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
409
Motion Picture Projection Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
110
Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
410
111
Certificate of Occupancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Stages, Platforms and Technical
Production Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
112
Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
411
Special Amusement Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
113
Board of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
412
Aircraft-related Occupancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
114
Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
413
Combustible Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
115
Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
414
Hazardous Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
116
Unsafe Structures and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
415
Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
416
Spray Application of Flammable Finishes. . . . . . . . 93
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
417
Drying Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Section
418
Organic Coatings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
201
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
419
Live/work Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
202
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
420
Groups I-1, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
421
Hydrogen Fuel Gas Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
422
Ambulatory Care Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
423
Storm Shelters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
424
Children’s Play Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
425
Hyperbaric Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
426
Combustible Dusts,
Grain Processing and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
427
Medical Gas Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
428
Higher Education Laboratories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
CHAPTER 3 OCCUPANCY
CLASSIFICATION AND USE . . . . . . . 45
Section
301
Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
302
Occupancy Classification and Use Designation. . . . 45
303
Assembly Group A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
304
Business Group B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
305
Educational Group E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
306
Factory Group F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
307
High-hazard Group H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
308
Institutional Group I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
CHAPTER 5 GENERAL BUILDING
HEIGHTS AND AREAS . . . . . . . . . . . 103
309
Mercantile Group M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Section
310
Residential Group R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
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General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
502
Building Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
CHAPTER 8 INTERIOR FINISHES . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
503
General Building Height and Area Limitations . . . 103
Section
504
Building Height and Number of Stories. . . . . . . . . 104
801
Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
505
Mezzanines and Equipment Platforms . . . . . . . . . . 105
802
General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
506
Building Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
803
Wall and Ceiling Finishes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
507
Unlimited Area Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
804
Interior Floor Finish. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
508
Mixed Use and Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
805
509
Incidental Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Combustible Materials in Types I
and II Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
510
Special Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
806
Decorative Materials and Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
807
Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
808
Acoustical Ceiling Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
CHAPTER 6 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . 119
Section
601
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS. . . . . 217
602
Construction Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Section
603
Combustible Material in
Types I and II Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
901
General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
902
Fire Pump and Riser Room Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
903
Automatic Sprinkler Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
904
Alternative Automatic
Fire-extinguishing Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
CHAPTER 7 FIRE AND SMOKE
PROTECTION FEATURES . . . . . . . . 123
Section
905
Standpipe Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
906
Portable Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
907
Fire Alarm and Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
908
Emergency Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
701
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
702
Multiple Use Fire Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
703
Fire-resistance Ratings and Fire Tests . . . . . . . . . . . 123
704
Fire-resistance Rating of Structural Members . . . . . 124
909
Smoke Control Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
705
Exterior Walls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
910
Smoke and Heat Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
706
Fire Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
911
Fire Command Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
707
Fire Barriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
912
Fire Department Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
708
Fire Partitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
913
Fire Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
709
Smoke Barriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
914
Emergency Responder Safety Features . . . . . . . . . 253
710
Smoke Partitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
915
Carbon Monoxide Detection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
711
Floor and Roof Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
916
Gas Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
712
Vertical Openings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
917
Mass Notification Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
713
Shaft Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
918
Emergency Responder Radio Coverage . . . . . . . . 255
714
Penetrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
715
Fire-resistant Joint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
716
Opening Protectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
717
Ducts and Air Transfer Openings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
718
Concealed Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
719
Fire-resistance Requirements for Plaster . . . . . . . . 157
720
Thermal- and Sound-insulating Materials . . . . . . . 157
721
Prescriptive Fire Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
722
Calculated Fire Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
xx
CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Section
1001 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
1002 Maintenance and Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
1003 General Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
1004 Occupant Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
1005 Means of Egress Sizing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
1006 Number of Exits and
Exit Access Doorways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
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1007 Exit and Exit Access
Doorway Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
1204 Lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
1008 Means of Egress Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
1206 Sound Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
1009 Accessible Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
1207 Interior Space Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
1010 Doors, Gates and Turnstiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
1208 Access to Unoccupied Spaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
1011 Stairways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
1209 Toilet and Bathroom Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 325
1205 Yards or Courts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
1012 Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
1013 Exit Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
CHAPTER 13 ENERGY EFFICIENCY . . . . . . . . . . . 327
1014 Handrails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Section
1015 Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
1301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
1016 Exit Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
1017 Exit Access Travel Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
CHAPTER 14 EXTERIOR WALLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
1018 Aisles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Section
1019 Exit Access Stairways and Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
1401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
1020 Corridors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
1402 Performance Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
1021 Egress Balconies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
1403 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
1022 Exits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
1404 Installation of Wall Coverings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
1023 Interior Exit Stairways and Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
1405 Combustible Materials on the
Exterior Side of Exterior Walls. . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
1024 Exit Passageways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
1025 Luminous Egress Path Markings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
1026 Horizontal Exits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
1027 Exterior Exit Stairways and Ramps. . . . . . . . . . . . 293
1406 Metal Composite Materials (MCM) . . . . . . . . . . . 337
1407 Exterior Insulation and
Finish Systems (EIFS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
1028 Exit Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
1408 High-pressure Decorative Exterior-grade
Compact Laminates (HPL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
1029 Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
1409 Plastic Composite Decking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
1030 Emergency Escape and Rescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
CHAPTER 11 ACCESSIBILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
CHAPTER 15 ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND
ROOFTOP STRUCTURES. . . . . . . . 341
Section
Section
1101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
1501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
1102 Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
1502 Roof Drainage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
1103 Scoping Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
1503 Weather Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
1104 Accessible Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
1504 Performance Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
1105 Accessible Entrances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
1505 Fire Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
1106 Parking and Passenger Loading Facilities. . . . . . . 307
1506 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
1107 Dwelling Units and Sleeping Units . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
1507 Requirements for Roof Coverings . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
1108 Special Occupancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
1508 Roof Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
1109 Other Features and Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
1509 Radiant Barriers Installed Above Deck . . . . . . . . 356
1110 Recreational Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
1510 Rooftop Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
1111 Signage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
1511 Reroofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
1512 Photovoltaic Panels and Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
CHAPTER 12 INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT. . . . . . 321
Section
CHAPTER 16 STRUCTURAL DESIGN . . . . . . . . . 361
1201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Section
1202 Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
1601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
1203 Temperature Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
1602 Notations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
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1603 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
CHAPTER 19 CONCRETE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
1604 General Design Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Section
1605 Load Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
1901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
1606 Dead Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
1902 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
1607 Live Loads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
1903 Specifications for Tests and Materials . . . . . . . . . 459
1608 Snow Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
1904 Durability Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 460
1609 Wind Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
1905 Modifications to ACI 318 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 460
1610 Soil Lateral Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
1906 Structural Plain Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 462
1611 Rain Loads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
1907 Minimum Slab Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 462
1612 Flood Loads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
1908 Shotcrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 463
1613 Earthquake Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
1614 Atmospheric Ice Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
1615 Tsunami Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
CHAPTER 20 ALUMINUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465
Section
1616 Structural Integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
2001 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465
CHAPTER 17 SPECIAL INSPECTIONS
AND TESTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415
CHAPTER 21 MASONRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 467
Section
Section
1701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415
2101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 467
1702 New Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415
2102 Notations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 467
1703 Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415
2103 Masonry Construction Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . 467
1704 Special Inspections and Tests,
Contractor Responsibility
and Structural Observation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416
2104 Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 468
1705 Required Special Inspections and Tests . . . . . . . . 418
2107 Allowable Stress Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 468
1706 Design Strengths of Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426
1707 Alternative Test Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426
1708 In-situ Load Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426
1709 Preconstruction Load Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427
CHAPTER 18 SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS. . . . . . 429
Section
1801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 429
2002 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465
2105 Quality Assurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 468
2106 Seismic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 468
2108 Strength Design of Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469
2109 Empirical Design of Adobe Masonry . . . . . . . . . . 469
2110 Glass Unit Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 471
2111 Masonry Fireplaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 471
2112 Masonry Heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 473
2113 Masonry Chimneys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 474
2114 Dry-stack Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478
1802 Design Basis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 429
CHAPTER 22 STEEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 479
1803 Geotechnical Investigations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 429
Section
1804 Excavation, Grading and Fill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431
2201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 479
1805 Dampproofing and Waterproofing . . . . . . . . . . . . 432
2202 Identification of Steel for Structural Purposes . . . 479
1806 Presumptive Load-bearing Values of Soils . . . . . . 433
2203 Protection of Steel
for Structural Purposes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 479
1807 Foundation Walls, Retaining Walls
and Embedded Posts and Poles . . . . . . . . . . . . . 434
2204 Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 479
1808 Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439
2205 Structural Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 479
1809 Shallow Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443
2206 Composite Structural Steel and
Concrete Structures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 480
1810 Deep Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444
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2207 Steel Joists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 480
2509 Showers and Water Closets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 566
2208 Steel Cable Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 481
2209 Steel Storage Racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 481
2510 Lathing and Furring for Cement
Plaster (Stucco) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 566
2210 Cold-formed Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 481
2511 Interior Plaster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 567
2211 Cold-formed Steel Light-frame Construction . . . . 481
2512 Exterior Plaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 567
2513 Exposed Aggregate Plaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 568
CHAPTER 23 WOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 483
2514 Reinforced Gypsum Concrete. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 568
Section
2301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 483
2302 Design Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 483
2303 Minimum Standards and Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . 483
CHAPTER 26 PLASTIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 569
Section
2601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 569
2304 General Construction Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 487
2602 Finish and Trim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 569
2305 General Design Requirements for
Lateral Force-resisting Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . 500
2603 Foam Plastic Insulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 569
2604 Interior Finish and Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 575
2306 Allowable Stress Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 501
2605 Plastic Veneer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 575
2307 Load and Resistance Factor Design . . . . . . . . . . . 503
2606 Light-transmitting Plastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 576
2308 Conventional Light-frame Construction . . . . . . . . 503
2607 Light-transmitting Plastic Wall Panels . . . . . . . . . 577
2309 Wood Frame Construction Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . 534
2608 Light-transmitting Plastic Glazing . . . . . . . . . . . . 578
2609 Light-transmitting Plastic Roof Panels . . . . . . . . . 578
CHAPTER 24 GLASS AND GLAZING . . . . . . . . . . 555
2610 Light-transmitting Plastic Skylight Glazing . . . . . 579
Section
2611 Light-transmitting Plastic Interior Signs. . . . . . . . 580
2401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 555
2612 Plastic Composites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 580
2402 Glazing Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 555
2613 Fiber-reinforced Polymer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 580
2403 General Requirements for Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 555
2614 Reflective Plastic Core Insulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . 581
2404 Wind, Snow, Seismic and
Dead Loads on Glass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 555
CHAPTER 27 ELECTRICAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 583
2405 Sloped Glazing and Skylights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 557
Section
2406 Safety Glazing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 558
2701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 583
2407 Glass in Handrails and Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 560
2702 Emergency and Standby Power Systems . . . . . . . 583
2408 Glazing in Athletic Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 560
2409 Glass in Walkways, Elevator Hoistways
and Elevator Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 561
CHAPTER 28 MECHANICAL SYSTEMS . . . . . . . 585
Section
2801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 585
CHAPTER 25 GYPSUM BOARD,
GYPSUM PANEL PRODUCTS
AND PLASTER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 563
CHAPTER 29 PLUMBING SYSTEMS. . . . . . . . . . . 587
Section
2901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587
2501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 563
2502 Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 563
2503 Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 563
Section
2902 Minimum Plumbing Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 587
2504 Vertical and Horizontal Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . 563
CHAPTER 30 ELEVATORS AND
CONVEYING SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . 591
2505 Shear Wall Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 563
Section
2506 Gypsum Board and Gypsum
Panel Product Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 563
3001 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 591
2507 Lathing and Plastering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 564
3003 Emergency Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 592
2508 Gypsum Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 564
3004 Conveying Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 592
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
3002 Hoistway Enclosures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 591
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3005 Machine Rooms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 593
3314 Fire Watch During Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 610
3006 Elevator Lobbies and
Hoistway Opening Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 593
CHAPTER 34 RESERVED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 611
3007 Fire Service Access Elevator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 594
3008 Occupant Evacuation Elevators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 595
CHAPTER 35 REFERENCED STANDARDS . . . . . 613
CHAPTER 31 SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . 599
APPENDIX A EMPLOYEE
QUALIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 643
Section
3101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 599
3102 Membrane Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 599
3103 Temporary Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600
3104 Pedestrian Walkways and Tunnels . . . . . . . . . . . . 600
3105 Awnings and Canopies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 602
3106 Marquees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 602
3107 Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 602
3108 Telecommunication and Broadcast Towers . . . . . 602
Section
A101 Building Official Qualifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 643
A102 Referenced Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 643
APPENDIX B BOARD OF APPEALS . . . . . . . . . . . 645
Section
B101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 645
3109 Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs . . . . . . . . . . 603
APPENDIX C GROUP U—AGRICULTURAL
BUILDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 647
3110 Automatic Vehicular Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 603
Section
3111 Solar Energy Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 603
C101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 647
3112 Greenhouses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 603
C102 Allowable Height and Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 647
3113 Relocatable Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 603
C103 Mixed Occupancies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 647
C104 Exits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 647
CHAPTER 32 ENCROACHMENTS INTO THE
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY . . . . . . . . 605
APPENDIX D FIRE DISTRICTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 649
Section
Section
3201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 605
D101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 649
3202 Encroachments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 605
D102 Building Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 649
D103 Changes to Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 650
CHAPTER 33 SAFEGUARDS DURING
CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 607
Section
3301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 607
3302 Construction Safeguards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 607
3303 Demolition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 607
D104 Buildings Located Partially in the
Fire District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 650
D105 Exceptions to Restrictions in Fire District . . . . . . 650
D106 Referenced Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651
3305 Sanitary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608
APPENDIX E SUPPLEMENTARY
ACCESSIBILITY
REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 653
3306 Protection of Pedestrians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608
Section
3307 Protection of Adjoining Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . 609
E101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 653
3308 Temporary Use of Streets,
Alleys and Public Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 609
E102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 653
3309 Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 609
E104 Special Occupancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 653
3310 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 609
E105 Other Features and Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 654
3311 Standpipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 610
E106 Telephones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 654
3312 Automatic Sprinkler System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 610
E107 Signage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 655
3313 Water Supply for Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 610
E108 Bus Stops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 655
3304 Site Work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 607
xxiv
E103 Accessible Route. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 653
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
E109 Transportation Facilities and Stations . . . . . . . . . . 656
H115 Referenced Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 670
E110 Airports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 657
E111 Referenced Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 657
APPENDIX I
PATIO COVERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 671
Section
APPENDIX F RODENTPROOFING . . . . . . . . . . . . 659
I101
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 671
Section
I102
Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 671
F101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 659
I103
Exterior Walls and Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 671
I104
Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 671
APPENDIX G FLOOD-RESISTANT
CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 661
I105
Structural Provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 671
Section
APPENDIX J
G101 Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 661
Section
G102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 661
J101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 673
G103 Powers and Duties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 661
J102 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 673
G104 Permits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 662
J103 Permits Required. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 673
G105 Variances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 663
J104 Permit Application and Submittals . . . . . . . . . . . . 674
G201 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 664
J105 Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 674
G301 Subdivisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 664
J106 Excavations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 674
G401 Site Improvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 664
J107 Fills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 674
G501 Manufactured Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 665
J108 Setbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 674
G601 Recreational Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 665
J109 Drainage and Terracing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 676
G701 Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 665
J110 Erosion Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 676
G801 Other Building Work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 665
J111 Referenced Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 676
G901 Temporary Structures and
Temporary Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 666
GRADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 673
G1001 Utility and Miscellaneous Group U. . . . . . . . . . . . 666
APPENDIX K ADMINISTRATIVE
PROVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 677
G1101 Referenced Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 666
Section
K101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 677
APPENDIX H SIGNS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 667
K102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 677
Section
K103 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 677
H101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 667
K104 Construction Documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678
H102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 667
K105 Alternative Engineered Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678
H103 Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 667
K106 Required Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678
H104 Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 668
K107 Prefabricated Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678
H105 Design and Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 668
K108 Testing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 679
H106 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 668
K109 Reconnection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 679
H107 Combustible Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 668
K110 Condemning Electrical Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 679
H108 Animated Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 668
K111 Electrical Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 679
H109 Ground Signs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 669
H110 Roof Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 669
H111 Wall Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 669
H112 Projecting Signs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 669
H113 Marquee Signs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 670
H114 Portable Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 670
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
APPENDIX L EARTHQUAKE RECORDING
INSTRUMENTATION . . . . . . . . . . . 681
L101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 681
APPENDIX M TSUNAMI-GENERATED
FLOOD HAZARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 683
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M101 Refuge Structures for Vertical Evacuation
from Tsunami-generated Flood Hazard . . . . . . 683
M102 Referenced Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 683
APPENDIX N REPLICABLE BUILDINGS . . . . . . . 685
N101 Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 685
N102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 685
N103 Replicable Design Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 685
N104 Replicable Design Submittal Requirements . . . . . 685
N105 Review and Approval of Replicable Design . . . . . 686
N106 Site-specific Application of
Approved Replicable Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 686
N107 Site-specific Review and Approval of
Replicable Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 686
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 687
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2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
CHAPTER 1
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced.
Chapter 1 is in two parts: Part 1—Scope and Application (Sections 101–102) and Part 2—Administration and Enforcement (Sections 103–
116). Section 101 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other I-Codes as applicable. Standards and
codes are scoped to the extent referenced (see Section 102.4).
This code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having
jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner. Chapter 1 is largely concerned with maintaining “due process of law” in enforcing the building performance criteria contained in the body of the code.
Code development reminder: Code change proposals to this chapter will be considered by the Administrative Code Development Committee during the 2019 (Group B) Code Development Cycle. See explanation on page iv.
PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION
SECTION 101
GENERAL
[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the
Building Code of [NAME OF JURISDICTION], hereinafter
referred to as “this code.”
[A] 101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to
the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or
structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such
buildings or structures.
Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and
townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane
in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade
plane in height, shall comply with this code or the International Residential Code.
[A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices
shall not apply unless specifically adopted.
[A] 101.3 Intent. The purpose of this code is to establish the
minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of
safety, public health and general welfare through structural
strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to
life and property from fire, explosion and other hazards, and
to provide a reasonable level of safety to fire fighters and
emergency responders during emergency operations.
[A] 101.4 Referenced codes. The other codes listed in Sections 101.4.1 through 101.4.7 and referenced elsewhere in
this code shall be considered to be part of the requirements of
this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.
[A] 101.4.1 Gas. The provisions of the International Fuel
Gas Code shall apply to the installation of gas piping from
the point of delivery, gas appliances and related accesso2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
ries as covered in this code. These requirements apply to
gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to
the inlet connections of appliances and the installation and
operation of residential and commercial gas appliances
and related accessories.
[A] 101.4.2 Mechanical. The provisions of the International Mechanical Code shall apply to the installation,
alterations, repairs and replacement of mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings
and appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling,
air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators
and other energy-related systems.
[A] 101.4.3 Plumbing. The provisions of the International Plumbing Code shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems,
including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and
appurtenances, and where connected to a water or sewage
system and all aspects of a medical gas system. The provisions of the International Private Sewage Disposal Code
shall apply to private sewage disposal systems.
[A] 101.4.4 Property maintenance. The provisions of the
International Property Maintenance Code shall apply to
existing structures and premises; equipment and facilities;
light, ventilation, space heating, sanitation, life and fire
safety hazards; responsibilities of owners, operators and
occupants; and occupancy of existing premises and structures.
[A] 101.4.5 Fire prevention. The provisions of the International Fire Code shall apply to matters affecting or
relating to structures, processes and premises from the
hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices; from conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the
occupancy of structures or premises; and from the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire
suppression, automatic sprinkler systems and alarm systems or fire hazards in the structure or on the premises
from occupancy or operation.
1
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
[A] 101.4.6 Energy. The provisions of the International
Energy Conservation Code shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction of buildings for energy
efficiency.
[A] 101.4.7 Existing buildings. The provisions of the
International Existing Building Code shall apply to matters governing the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of existing buildings.
SECTION 102
APPLICABILITY
[A] 102.1 General. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific
requirement shall be applicable. Where, in any specific case,
different sections of this code specify different materials,
methods of construction or other requirements, the most
restrictive shall govern.
[A] 102.2 Other laws. The provisions of this code shall not
be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal
law.
[A] 102.3 Application of references. References to chapter
or section numbers, or to provisions not specifically identified by number, shall be construed to refer to such chapter,
section or provision of this code.
[A] 102.4 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and
standards referenced in this code shall be considered to be
part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent
of each such reference and as further regulated in Sections
102.4.1 and 102.4.2.
[A] 102.4.1 Conflicts. Where conflicts occur between provisions of this code and referenced codes and standards,
the provisions of this code shall apply.
[A] 102.4.2 Provisions in referenced codes and standards.
Where the extent of the reference to a referenced code or
standard includes subject matter that is within the scope of
this code or the International Codes listed in Section 101.4,
the provisions of this code or the International Codes listed
in Section 101.4, as applicable, shall take precedence over
the provisions in the referenced code or standard.
[A] 102.5 Partial invalidity. In the event that any part or provision of this code is held to be illegal or void, this shall not
have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts
or provisions.
[A] 102.6 Existing structures. The legal occupancy of any
structure existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be
permitted to continue without change, except as otherwise
specifically provided in this code, the International Existing
Building Code, the International Property Maintenance Code
or the International Fire Code.
[A] 102.6.1 Buildings not previously occupied. A building or portion of a building that has not been previously
occupied or used for its intended purpose in accordance
with the laws in existence at the time of its completion
shall comply with the provisions of the International
Building Code or International Residential Code, as appli-
2
cable, for new construction or with any current permit for
such occupancy.
[A] 102.6.2 Buildings previously occupied. The legal
occupancy of any building existing on the date of adoption
of this code shall be permitted to continue without change,
except as otherwise specifically provided in this code, the
International Fire Code or International Property Maintenance Code, or as is deemed necessary by the building
official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants
and the public.
PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 103
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING SAFETY
[A] 103.1 Creation of enforcement agency. The Department of Building Safety is hereby created and the official in
charge thereof shall be known as the building official.
[A] 103.2 Appointment. The building official shall be
appointed by the chief appointing authority of the jurisdiction.
[A] 103.3 Deputies. In accordance with the prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction and with the concurrence of the
appointing authority, the building official shall have the
authority to appoint a deputy building official, the related
technical officers, inspectors, plan examiners and other
employees. Such employees shall have powers as delegated
by the building official. For the maintenance of existing properties, see the International Property Maintenance Code.
SECTION 104
DUTIES AND POWERS OF BUILDING OFFICIAL
[A] 104.1 General. The building official is hereby authorized
and directed to enforce the provisions of this code. The building official shall have the authority to render interpretations
of this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to
clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations,
policies and procedures shall be in compliance with the intent
and purpose of this code. Such policies and procedures shall
not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code.
[A] 104.2 Applications and permits. The building official
shall receive applications, review construction documents
and issue permits for the erection, and alteration, demolition
and moving of buildings and structures, inspect the premises
for which such permits have been issued and enforce compliance with the provisions of this code.
[A] 104.2.1 Determination of substantially improved or
substantially damaged existing buildings and structures in flood hazard areas. For applications for reconstruction, rehabilitation, repair, alteration, addition or
other improvement of existing buildings or structures
located in flood hazard areas, the building official shall
determine if the proposed work constitutes substantial
improvement or repair of substantial damage. Where the
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building official determines that the proposed work constitutes substantial improvement or repair of substantial
damage, and where required by this code, the building
official shall require the building to meet the requirements
of Section 1612.
[A] 104.3 Notices and orders. The building official shall
issue necessary notices or orders to ensure compliance with
this code.
[A] 104.4 Inspections. The building official shall make the
required inspections, or the building official shall have the
authority to accept reports of inspection by approved agencies or individuals. Reports of such inspections shall be in
writing and be certified by a responsible officer of such
approved agency or by the responsible individual. The building official is authorized to engage such expert opinion as
deemed necessary to report on unusual technical issues that
arise, subject to the approval of the appointing authority.
[A] 104.5 Identification. The building official shall carry
proper identification when inspecting structures or premises
in the performance of duties under this code.
[A] 104.6 Right of entry. Where it is necessary to make an
inspection to enforce the provisions of this code, or where the
building official has reasonable cause to believe that there
exists in a structure or on a premises a condition that is contrary to or in violation of this code that makes the structure or
premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the building official is authorized to enter the structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed by this
code, provided that if such structure or premises be occupied
that credentials be presented to the occupant and entry
requested. If such structure or premises is unoccupied, the
building official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate
the owner or other person having charge or control of the
structure or premises and request entry. If entry is refused, the
building official shall have recourse to the remedies provided
by law to secure entry.
[A] 104.7 Department records. The building official shall
keep official records of applications received, permits and
certificates issued, fees collected, reports of inspections, and
notices and orders issued. Such records shall be retained in
the official records for the period required for retention of
public records.
[A] 104.8 Liability. The building official, member of the
board of appeals or employee charged with the enforcement
of this code, while acting for the jurisdiction in good faith and
without malice in the discharge of the duties required by this
code or other pertinent law or ordinance, shall not thereby be
civilly or criminally rendered liable personally and is hereby
relieved from personal liability for any damage accruing to
persons or property as a result of any act or by reason of an
act or omission in the discharge of official duties.
[A] 104.8.1 Legal defense. Any suit or criminal complaint
instituted against an officer or employee because of an act
performed by that officer or employee in the lawful discharge of duties and under the provisions of this code shall
be defended by legal representatives of the jurisdiction
until the final termination of the proceedings. The building
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official or any subordinate shall not be liable for cost in
any action, suit or proceeding that is instituted in pursuance of the provisions of this code.
[A] 104.9 Approved materials and equipment. Materials,
equipment and devices approved by the building official shall
be constructed and installed in accordance with such
approval.
[A] 104.9.1 Used materials and equipment. Materials
that are reused shall comply with the requirements of this
code for new materials. Used equipment and devices shall
not be reused unless approved by the building official.
[A] 104.10 Modifications. Where there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the
building official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, upon application of the owner or
the owner’s authorized agent, provided that the building official shall first find that special individual reason makes the
strict letter of this code impractical, the modification is in
compliance with the intent and purpose of this code and that
such modification does not lessen health, accessibility, life
and fire safety or structural requirements. The details of
action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in
the files of the department of building safety.
[A] 104.10.1 Flood hazard areas. The building official
shall not grant modifications to any provision required in
flood hazard areas as established by Section 1612.3 unless
a determination has been made that:
1. A showing of good and sufficient cause that the
unique characteristics of the size, configuration or
topography of the site render the elevation standards
of Section 1612 inappropriate.
2. A determination that failure to grant the variance
would result in exceptional hardship by rendering
the lot undevelopable.
3. A determination that the granting of a variance will
not result in increased flood heights, additional
threats to public safety, extraordinary public
expense, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing laws or ordinances.
4. A determination that the variance is the minimum necessary to afford relief, considering the flood hazard.
5. Submission to the applicant of written notice specifying the difference between the design flood elevation and the elevation to which the building is to be
built, stating that the cost of flood insurance will be
commensurate with the increased risk resulting from
the reduced floor elevation, and stating that construction below the design flood elevation increases
risks to life and property.
[A] 104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of
construction and equipment. The provisions of this code
are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or
to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or
method of construction shall be approved where the building
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official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and
complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and
that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose
intended, not less than the equivalent of that prescribed in this
code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety. Where the alternative material, design or
method of construction is not approved, the building official
shall respond in writing, stating the reasons why the alternative was not approved.
[A] 104.11.1 Research reports. Supporting data, where
necessary to assist in the approval of materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in this code, shall consist of valid research reports from approved sources.
[A] 104.11.2 Tests. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this code, or
evidence that a material or method does not conform to the
requirements of this code, or in order to substantiate
claims for alternative materials or methods, the building
official shall have the authority to require tests as evidence
of compliance to be made without expense to the jurisdiction. Test methods shall be as specified in this code or by
other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods, the building official shall
approve the testing procedures. Tests shall be performed
by an approved agency. Reports of such tests shall be
retained by the building official for the period required for
retention of public records.
SECTION 105
PERMITS
[A] 105.1 Required. Any owner or owner’s authorized agent
who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to
erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or
replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system,
the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause
any such work to be performed, shall first make application to
the building official and obtain the required permit.
[A] 105.1.1 Annual permit. Instead of an individual permit for each alteration to an already approved electrical,
gas, mechanical or plumbing installation, the building official is authorized to issue an annual permit upon application therefor to any person, firm or corporation regularly
employing one or more qualified tradepersons in the building, structure or on the premises owned or operated by the
applicant for the permit.
[A] 105.1.2 Annual permit records. The person to whom
an annual permit is issued shall keep a detailed record of
alterations made under such annual permit. The building
official shall have access to such records at all times or
such records shall be filed with the building official as designated.
[A] 105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from
permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant
authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordi4
nances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for
the following:
Building:
1. One-story detached accessory structures used as
tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar
uses, provided that the floor area is not greater
than 120 square feet (11 m2).
2. Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high.
3. Oil derricks.
4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm)
in height measured from the bottom of the footing
to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.
5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the
capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons (18 925
L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width is
not greater than 2:1.
6. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches
(762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any
basement or story below and are not part of an
accessible route.
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets,
counter tops and similar finish work.
8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater
stage sets and scenery.
9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a
Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches
(610 mm) deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons
(18 925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.
10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or
agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory
to detached one- and two-family dwellings.
12. Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior wall that do not
project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the
exterior wall and do not require additional support.
13. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks,
counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches
(1753 mm) in height.
Electrical:
1. Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work,
including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to
approved permanently installed receptacles.
2. Radio and television transmitting stations: The
provisions of this code shall not apply to electrical
equipment used for radio and television transmissions, but do apply to equipment and wiring for a
power supply and the installations of towers and
antennas.
3. Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be
required for the installation of any temporary system
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required for the testing or servicing of electrical
equipment or apparatus.
Gas:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter
approval of equipment or make such equipment
unsafe.
Mechanical:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Portable ventilation equipment.
3. Portable cooling unit.
4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any part that does not alter its
approval or make it unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative cooler.
7. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10
pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated
by motors of 1 horsepower (0.75 kW) or less.
Plumbing:
1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or
vent pipe, provided, however, that if any concealed
trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe
becomes defective and it becomes necessary to
remove and replace the same with new material,
such work shall be considered as new work and a
permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in
pipes, valves or fixtures and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided that such repairs
do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
¬
[A] 105.2.1 Emergency repairs. Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit application shall be submitted within the
next working business day to the building official.
[A] 105.2.2 Public service agencies. A permit shall not be
required for the installation, alteration or repair of generation, transmission, distribution or metering or other related
equipment that is under the ownership and control of public service agencies by established right.
[A] 105.3 Application for permit. To obtain a permit, the
applicant shall first file an application therefor in writing on a
form furnished by the department of building safety for that
purpose. Such application shall:
1. Identify and describe the work to be covered by the
permit for which application is made.
2. Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be
done by legal description, street address or similar
description that will readily identify and definitely
locate the proposed building or work.
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3. Indicate the use and occupancy for which the proposed
work is intended.
4. Be accompanied by construction documents and other
information as required in Section 107.
5. State the valuation of the proposed work.
6. Be signed by the applicant, or the applicant’s authorized agent.
7. Give such other data and information as required by the
building official.
[A] 105.3.1 Action on application. The building official
shall examine or cause to be examined applications for
permits and amendments thereto within a reasonable time
after filing. If the application or the construction documents do not conform to the requirements of pertinent
laws, the building official shall reject such application in
writing, stating the reasons therefor. If the building official
is satisfied that the proposed work conforms to the requirements of this code and laws and ordinances applicable
thereto, the building official shall issue a permit therefor as
soon as practicable.
[A] 105.3.2 Time limitation of application. An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to
have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing,
unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a
permit has been issued; except that the building official is
authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for
additional periods not exceeding 90 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause
demonstrated.
[A] 105.4 Validity of permit. The issuance or granting of a
permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an
approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this
code or of any other ordinance of the jurisdiction. Permits
presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall
not be valid. The issuance of a permit based on construction
documents and other data shall not prevent the building official from requiring the correction of errors in the construction
documents and other data. The building official is authorized
to prevent occupancy or use of a structure where in violation
of this code or of any other ordinances of this jurisdiction.
[A] 105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall become
invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit
is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the
work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or
abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is
commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in
writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more
than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
[A] 105.6 Suspension or revocation. The building official is
authorized to suspend or revoke a permit issued under the
provisions of this code wherever the permit is issued in error
or on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of
the provisions of this code.
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[A] 105.7 Placement of permit. The building permit or copy
shall be kept on the site of the work until the completion of
the project.
tion documents and shall be approved prior to the start of
system installation. Shop drawings shall contain all information as required by the referenced installation standards
in Chapter 9.
SECTION 106
FLOOR AND ROOF DESIGN LOADS
[A] 106.1 Live loads posted. In commercial or industrial
buildings, for each floor or portion thereof designed for live
loads exceeding 50 psf (2.40 kN/m2), such design live loads
shall be conspicuously posted by the owner or the owner’s
authorized agent in that part of each story in which they
apply, using durable signs. It shall be unlawful to remove or
deface such notices.
[A] 107.2.3 Means of egress. The construction documents
shall show in sufficient detail the location, construction,
size and character of all portions of the means of egress
including the path of the exit discharge to the public way
in compliance with the provisions of this code. In other
than occupancies in Groups R-2, R-3, and I-1, the construction documents shall designate the number of occupants to be accommodated on every floor, and in all rooms
and spaces.
[A] 106.2 Issuance of certificate of occupancy. A certificate
of occupancy required by Section 111 shall not be issued
until the floor load signs, required by Section 106.1, have
been installed.
[A] 107.2.4 Exterior wall envelope. Construction documents for all buildings shall describe the exterior wall
envelope in sufficient detail to determine compliance with
this code. The construction documents shall provide
details of the exterior wall envelope as required, including
flashing, intersections with dissimilar materials, corners,
end details, control joints, intersections at roof, eaves or
parapets, means of drainage, water-resistive membrane
and details around openings.
[A] 106.3 Restrictions on loading. It shall be unlawful to
place, or cause or permit to be placed, on any floor or roof of
a building, structure or portion thereof, a load greater than is
permitted by this code.
SECTION 107
SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS
[A] 107.1 General. Submittal documents consisting of construction documents, statement of special inspections, geotechnical report and other data shall be submitted in two or
more sets with each permit application. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional
where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the
project is to be constructed. Where special conditions exist,
the building official is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design
professional.
Exception: The building official is authorized to waive the
submission of construction documents and other data not
required to be prepared by a registered design professional
if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such
that review of construction documents is not necessary to
obtain compliance with this code.
[A]107.2.5 Exterior balconies and elevated walking
surfaces. Where balconies or other elevated walking surfaces are exposed to water from direct or blowing rain,
snow, or irrigation, and the structural framing is protected
by an impervious moisture barrier, the construction documents shall include details for all elements of the impervious moisture barrier system. The construction documents
shall include manufacturer’s installation instructions.
[A] 107.2.1 Information on construction documents.
Construction documents shall be dimensioned and drawn
on suitable material. Electronic media documents are permitted to be submitted where approved by the building official. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity
to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and
regulations, as determined by the building official.
[A] 107.2.6 Site plan. The construction documents submitted with the application for permit shall be accompanied by a site plan showing to scale the size and location
of new construction and existing structures on the site, distances from lot lines, the established street grades and the
proposed finished grades and, as applicable, flood hazard
areas, floodways, and design flood elevations; and it shall
be drawn in accordance with an accurate boundary line
survey. In the case of demolition, the site plan shall show
construction to be demolished and the location and size of
existing structures and construction that are to remain on
the site or plot. The building official is authorized to waive
or modify the requirement for a site plan where the application for permit is for alteration or repair or where otherwise warranted.
[A] 107.2.2 Fire protection system shop drawings. Shop
drawings for the fire protection system(s) shall be submitted to indicate conformance to this code and the construc-
[A] 107.2.6.1 Design flood elevations. Where design
flood elevations are not specified, they shall be established in accordance with Section 1612.3.1.
[A] 107.2 Construction documents. Construction documents shall be in accordance with Sections 107.2.1 through
107.2.8.
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The construction documents shall include manufacturer’s installation instructions that provide supporting
documentation that the proposed penetration and opening
details described in the construction documents maintain
the weather resistance of the exterior wall envelope. The
supporting documentation shall fully describe the exterior
wall system that was tested, where applicable, as well as
the test procedure used.
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[A] 107.2.7 Structural information. The construction
documents shall provide the information specified in Section 1603.
107.2.8 Relocatable buildings. Construction documents
for relocatable buildings shall comply with Section 3112.
[A] 107.3 Examination of documents. The building official
shall examine or cause to be examined the accompanying
submittal documents and shall ascertain by such examinations whether the construction indicated and described is in
accordance with the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws or ordinances.
[A] 107.3.1 Approval of construction documents. When
the building official issues a permit, the construction documents shall be approved, in writing or by stamp, as
“Reviewed for Code Compliance.” One set of construction documents so reviewed shall be retained by the building official. The other set shall be returned to the
applicant, shall be kept at the site of work and shall be
open to inspection by the building official or a duly authorized representative.
[A] 107.3.2 Previous approvals. This code shall not
require changes in the construction documents, construction or designated occupancy of a structure for which a
lawful permit has been heretofore issued or otherwise lawfully authorized, and the construction of which has been
pursued in good faith within 180 days after the effective
date of this code and has not been abandoned.
[A] 107.3.3 Phased approval. The building official is
authorized to issue a permit for the construction of foundations or any other part of a building or structure before the
construction documents for the whole building or structure
have been submitted, provided that adequate information
and detailed statements have been filed complying with
pertinent requirements of this code. The holder of such
permit for the foundation or other parts of a building or
structure shall proceed at the holder’s own risk with the
building operation and without assurance that a permit for
the entire structure will be granted.
[A] 107.3.4 Design professional in responsible charge.
Where it is required that documents be prepared by a registered design professional, the building official shall be
authorized to require the owner or the owner’s authorized
agent to engage and designate on the building permit
application a registered design professional who shall act
as the registered design professional in responsible
charge. If the circumstances require, the owner or the
owner’s authorized agent shall designate a substitute registered design professional in responsible charge who
shall perform the duties required of the original registered
design professional in responsible charge. The building
official shall be notified in writing by the owner or the
owner’s authorized agent if the registered design professional in responsible charge is changed or is unable to
continue to perform the duties.
The registered design professional in responsible
charge shall be responsible for reviewing and coordinating
submittal documents prepared by others, including phased
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and deferred submittal items, for compatibility with the
design of the building.
[A] 107.3.4.1 Deferred submittals. Deferral of any
submittal items shall have the prior approval of the
building official. The registered design professional in
responsible charge shall list the deferred submittals on
the construction documents for review by the building
official.
Documents for deferred submittal items shall be
submitted to the registered design professional in
responsible charge who shall review them and forward
them to the building official with a notation indicating
that the deferred submittal documents have been
reviewed and found to be in general conformance to the
design of the building. The deferred submittal items
shall not be installed until the deferred submittal documents have been approved by the building official.
[A] 107.4 Amended construction documents. Work shall
be installed in accordance with the approved construction
documents, and any changes made during construction that
are not in compliance with the approved construction documents shall be resubmitted for approval as an amended set of
construction documents.
[A] 107.5 Retention of construction documents. One set of
approved construction documents shall be retained by the
building official for a period of not less than 180 days from
date of completion of the permitted work, or as required by
state or local laws.
SECTION 108
TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND USES
[A] 108.1 General. The building official is authorized to
issue a permit for temporary structures and temporary uses.
Such permits shall be limited as to time of service, but shall
not be permitted for more than 180 days. The building official
is authorized to grant extensions for demonstrated cause.
[A] 108.2 Conformance. Temporary structures and uses
shall comply with the requirements in Section 3103.
[A] 108.3 Temporary power. The building official is authorized to give permission to temporarily supply and use power
in part of an electric installation before such installation has
been fully completed and the final certificate of completion
has been issued. The part covered by the temporary certificate
shall comply with the requirements specified for temporary
lighting, heat or power in NFPA 70.
[A] 108.4 Termination of approval. The building official is
authorized to terminate such permit for a temporary structure
or use and to order the temporary structure or use to be discontinued.
SECTION 109
FEES
[A] 109.1 Payment of fees. A permit shall not be valid until
the fees prescribed by law have been paid, nor shall an
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amendment to a permit be released until the additional fee, if
any, has been paid.
[A] 109.2 Schedule of permit fees. On buildings, structures,
electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing systems or alterations requiring a permit, a fee for each permit shall be paid
as required, in accordance with the schedule as established by
the applicable governing authority.
[A] 109.3 Building permit valuations. The applicant for a
permit shall provide an estimated permit value at time of
application. Permit valuations shall include total value of
work, including materials and labor, for which the permit is
being issued, such as electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing
equipment and permanent systems. If, in the opinion of the
building official, the valuation is underestimated on the application, the permit shall be denied, unless the applicant can
show detailed estimates to meet the approval of the building
official. Final building permit valuation shall be set by the
building official.
[A] 109.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any
person who commences any work on a building, structure,
electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee established
by the building official that shall be in addition to the required
permit fees.
[A] 109.5 Related fees. The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or demolition for work done in
connection to or concurrently with the work authorized by a
building permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the
permit from the payment of other fees that are prescribed by
law.
[A] 109.6 Refunds. The building official is authorized to
establish a refund policy.
SECTION 110
INSPECTIONS
[A] 110.1 General. Construction or work for which a permit
is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official and such construction or work shall remain visible and
able to be accessed for inspection purposes until approved.
Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to
be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or
of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspections presuming
to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this
code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be
valid. It shall be the duty of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent to cause the work to remain visible and able to be
accessed for inspection purposes. Neither the building official
nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the
removal or replacement of any material required to allow
inspection.
[A] 110.2 Preliminary inspection. Before issuing a permit,
the building official is authorized to examine or cause to be
examined buildings, structures and sites for which an application has been filed.
[A] 110.3 Required inspections. The building official, upon
notification, shall make the inspections set forth in Sections
110.3.1 through 110.3.11.
8
[A] 110.3.1 Footing and foundation inspection. Footing
and foundation inspections shall be made after excavations
for footings are complete and any required reinforcing
steel is in place. For concrete foundations, any required
forms shall be in place prior to inspection. Materials for
the foundation shall be on the job, except where concrete
is ready mixed in accordance with ASTM C94, the concrete need not be on the job.
[A] 110.3.2 Concrete slab and under-floor inspection.
Concrete slab and under-floor inspections shall be made
after in-slab or under-floor reinforcing steel and building
service equipment, conduit, piping accessories and other
ancillary equipment items are in place, but before any concrete is placed or floor sheathing installed, including the
subfloor.
[A] 110.3.3 Lowest floor elevation. In flood hazard
areas, upon placement of the lowest floor, including the
basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the
elevation certification required in Section 1612.4 shall be
submitted to the building official.
[A] 110.3.4 Frame inspection. Framing inspections shall
be made after the roof deck or sheathing, all framing, fireblocking and bracing are in place and pipes, chimneys and
vents to be concealed are complete and the rough electrical,
plumbing, heating wires, pipes and ducts are approved.
[A] 110.3.5 Lath, gypsum board and gypsum panel
product inspection. Lath, gypsum board and gypsum
panel product inspections shall be made after lathing, gypsum board and gypsum panel products, interior and exterior, are in place, but before any plastering is applied or
gypsum board and gypsum panel product joints and fasteners are taped and finished.
Exception: Gypsum board and gypsum panel products
that are not part of a fire-resistance-rated assembly or a
shear assembly.
[A]110.3.6 Weather-exposed balcony and walking surface waterproofing. Where balconies or other elevated
walking surfaces are exposed to water from direct or blowing rain, snow or irrigation, and the structural framing is
protected by an impervious moisture barrier, all elements
of the impervious moisture barrier system shall not be concealed until inspected and approved.
Exception: Where special inspections are provided in
accordance with Section 1705.1.1, Item 3.
[A] 110.3.7 Fire- and smoke-resistant penetrations.
Protection of joints and penetrations in fire-resistancerated assemblies, smoke barriers and smoke partitions
shall not be concealed from view until inspected and
approved.
[A] 110.3.8 Energy efficiency inspections. Inspections
shall be made to determine compliance with Chapter 13
and shall include, but not be limited to, inspections for:
envelope insulation R- and U-values, fenestration U-value,
duct system R-value, and HVAC and water-heating equipment efficiency.
[A] 110.3.9 Other inspections. In addition to the inspections specified in Sections 110.3.1 through 110.3.8, the
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building official is authorized to make or require other
inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code and other laws that
are enforced by the department of building safety.
3. The name and address of the owner or the owner’s
authorized agent.
[A] 110.3.10 Special inspections. For special inspections,
see Chapter 17.
5. A statement that the described portion of the structure
has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code for the occupancy and division of
occupancy and the use for which the proposed occupancy is classified.
[A] 110.3.11 Final inspection. The final inspection shall
be made after all work required by the building permit is
completed.
[A] 110.3.11.1 Flood hazard documentation. If
located in a flood hazard area, documentation of the
elevation of the lowest floor as required in Section
1612.4 shall be submitted to the building official prior
to the final inspection.
[A] 110.4 Inspection agencies. The building official is
authorized to accept reports of approved inspection agencies,
provided that such agencies satisfy the requirements as to
qualifications and reliability.
[A] 110.5 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the
holder of the building permit or their duly authorized agent to
notify the building official when work is ready for inspection.
It shall be the duty of the permit holder to provide access to
and means for inspections of such work that are required by
this code.
[A] 110.6 Approval required. Work shall not be done
beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection
without first obtaining the approval of the building official.
The building official, upon notification, shall make the
requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of
the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or notify
the permit holder or his or her agent wherein the same fails to
comply with this code. Any portions that do not comply shall
be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the building official.
SECTION 111
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
[A] 111.1 Change of occupancy. A building or structure
shall not be used or occupied, and a change of occupancy of a
building or structure or portion thereof shall not be made,
until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefor as provided herein. Issuance of a certificate of
occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of
the jurisdiction.
Exception: Certificates of occupancy are not required for
work exempt from permits in accordance with Section
105.2.
[A] 111.2 Certificate issued. After the building official
inspects the building or structure and does not find violations
of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced
by the department of building safety, the building official shall
issue a certificate of occupancy that contains the following:
1. The building permit number.
2. The address of the structure.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
4. A description of that portion of the structure for which
the certificate is issued.
6. The name of the building official.
7. The edition of the code under which the permit was
issued.
8. The use and occupancy, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3.
9. The type of construction as defined in Chapter 6.
10. The design occupant load.
11. If an automatic sprinkler system is provided, whether
the sprinkler system is required.
12. Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.
[A] 111.3 Temporary occupancy. The building official is
authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy
before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied
safely. The building official shall set a time period during
which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.
[A] 111.4 Revocation. The building official is authorized to,
in writing, suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy or
completion issued under the provisions of this code wherever
the certificate is issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect
information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code.
SECTION 112
SERVICE UTILITIES
[A] 112.1 Connection of service utilities. A person shall not
make connections from a utility, source of energy, fuel or
power to any building or system that is regulated by this code
for which a permit is required, until released by the building
official.
[A] 112.2 Temporary connection. The building official shall
have the authority to authorize the temporary connection of
the building or system to the utility, source of energy, fuel or
power.
[A] 112.3 Authority to disconnect service utilities. The
building official shall have the authority to authorize disconnection of utility service to the building, structure or system
regulated by this code and the referenced codes and standards
set forth in Section 101.4 in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property or
where such utility connection has been made without the
approval required by Section 112.1 or 112.2. The building
official shall notify the serving utility, and wherever possible
9
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
the owner and occupant of the building, structure or service
system of the decision to disconnect prior to taking such
action. If not notified prior to disconnecting, the owner or
occupant of the building, structure or service system shall be
notified in writing, as soon as practical thereafter.
SECTION 113
BOARD OF APPEALS
[A] 113.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of
orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of this code,
there shall be and is hereby created a board of appeals. The
board of appeals shall be appointed by the applicable governing authority and shall hold office at its pleasure. The board
shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business.
[A] 113.2 Limitations on authority. An application for
appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this
code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully
apply or an equally good or better form of construction is proposed. The board shall not have authority to waive requirements of this code.
[A] 113.3 Qualifications. The board of appeals shall consist
of members who are qualified by experience and training to
pass on matters pertaining to building construction and are
not employees of the jurisdiction.
SECTION 114
VIOLATIONS
[A] 114.1 Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for any person,
firm or corporation to erect, construct, alter, extend, repair,
move, remove, demolish or occupy any building, structure or
equipment regulated by this code, or cause same to be done,
in conflict with or in violation of any of the provisions of this
code.
[A] 114.2 Notice of violation. The building official is authorized to serve a notice of violation or order on the person
responsible for the erection, construction, alteration, extension, repair, moving, removal, demolition or occupancy of a
building or structure in violation of the provisions of this
code, or in violation of a permit or certificate issued under the
provisions of this code. Such order shall direct the discontinuance of the illegal action or condition and the abatement of
the violation.
[A] 114.3 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation
is not complied with promptly, the building official is authorized to request the legal counsel of the jurisdiction to institute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to restrain,
correct or abate such violation, or to require the removal or
termination of the unlawful occupancy of the building or
structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the
order or direction made pursuant thereto.
[A] 114.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a
provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the
requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, alters or
repairs a building or structure in violation of the approved
10
construction documents or directive of the building official,
or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this
code, shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.
SECTION 115
STOP WORK ORDER
[A] 115.1 Authority. Where the building official finds any
work regulated by this code being performed in a manner
either contrary to the provisions of this code or dangerous or
unsafe, the building official is authorized to issue a stop work
order.
[A] 115.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writing
and shall be given to the owner of the property involved, the
owner’s authorized agent or the person performing the work.
Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall
immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason
for the order and the conditions under which the cited work
will be permitted to resume.
[A] 115.3 Unlawful continuance. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work
order, except such work as that person is directed to perform
to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to
penalties as prescribed by law.
SECTION 116
UNSAFE STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT
[A] 116.1 Conditions. Structures or existing equipment that
are or hereafter become unsafe, insanitary or deficient
because of inadequate means of egress facilities, inadequate
light and ventilation, or that constitute a fire hazard, or are
otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, or
that involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate
maintenance, shall be deemed an unsafe condition. Unsafe
structures shall be taken down and removed or made safe, as
the building official deems necessary and as provided for in
this section. A vacant structure that is not secured against
entry shall be deemed unsafe.
[A] 116.2 Record. The building official shall cause a report
to be filed on an unsafe condition. The report shall state the
occupancy of the structure and the nature of the unsafe condition.
[A] 116.3 Notice. If an unsafe condition is found, the building official shall serve on the owner, agent or person in control of the structure, a written notice that describes the
condition deemed unsafe and specifies the required repairs or
improvements to be made to abate the unsafe condition, or
that requires the unsafe structure to be demolished within a
stipulated time. Such notice shall require the person thus notified to declare immediately to the building official acceptance
or rejection of the terms of the order.
[A] 116.4 Method of service. Such notice shall be deemed
properly served if a copy thereof is: delivered to the owner
personally; sent by certified or registered mail addressed to
the owner at the last known address with the return receipt
requested; or delivered in any other manner as prescribed by
local law. If the certified or registered letter is returned show2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
ing that the letter was not delivered, a copy thereof shall be
posted in a conspicuous place in or about the structure
affected by such notice. Service of such notice in the foregoing manner on the owner’s agent or on the person responsible
for the structure shall constitute service of notice on the
owner.
[A] 116.5 Restoration. Where the structure or equipment
determined to be unsafe by the building official is restored to
a safe condition, to the extent that repairs, alterations or additions are made or a change of occupancy occurs during the
restoration of the structure, such repairs, alterations, additions and change of occupancy shall comply with the requirements of the International Existing Building Code.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
11
12
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
CHAPTER 2
DEFINITIONS
User notes:
About this chapter: Codes, by their very nature, are technical documents. Every word, term and punctuation mark can add to or change the
meaning of a technical requirement. It is necessary to maintain a consensus on the specific meaning of each term contained in the code.
Chapter 2 performs this function by stating clearly what specific terms mean for the purpose of the code.
Code development reminder: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [A] or [BS] will be considered by one of the
code development committees meeting during the 2019 (Group B) Code Development Cycle. See explanation on page iv.
SECTION 201
GENERAL
201.1 Scope. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this code, have
the meanings shown in this chapter.
201.2 Interchangeability. Words used in the present tense
include the future; words stated in the masculine gender
include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes
the plural and the plural, the singular.
201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not
defined in this code and are defined in the International
Energy Conservation Code, International Fuel Gas Code,
International Fire Code, International Mechanical Code or
International Plumbing Code, such terms shall have the
meanings ascribed to them as in those codes.
201.4 Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined
through the methods authorized by this section, such terms
shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context
implies.
SECTION 202
DEFINITIONS
[BG] 24-HOUR BASIS. The actual time that a person is an
occupant within a facility for the purpose of receiving care. It
shall not include a facility that is open for 24 hours and is
capable of providing care to someone visiting the facility
during any segment of the 24 hours.
[BS] AAC MASONRY. Masonry made of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) units, manufactured without internal
reinforcement and bonded together using thin- or thick-bed
mortar.
[BE] ACCESSIBLE. A site, building, facility or portion
thereof that complies with Chapter 11.
[BE] ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS. A continuous
and unobstructed way of egress travel from any accessible
point in a building or facility to a public way.
[BE] ACCESSIBLE ROUTE. A continuous, unobstructed
path that complies with Chapter 11.
[BE] ACCESSIBLE UNIT. A dwelling unit or sleeping unit
that complies with this code and the provisions for Accessible
units in ICC A117.1.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
[BS] ACCREDITATION BODY. An approved, third-party
organization that is independent of the grading and inspection
agencies, and the lumber mills, and that initially accredits and
subsequently monitors, on a continuing basis, the competency and performance of a grading or inspection agency
related to carrying out specific tasks.
[A] ADDITION. An extension or increase in floor area,
number of stories or height of a building or structure.
[BS] ADHERED MASONRY VENEER. Veneer secured
and supported through the adhesion of an approved bonding
material applied to an approved backing.
[BS] ADOBE CONSTRUCTION. Construction in which
the exterior load-bearing and nonload-bearing walls and partitions are of unfired clay masonry units, and floors, roofs and
interior framing are wholly or partly of wood or other
approved materials.
Adobe, stabilized. Unfired clay masonry units to which
admixtures, such as emulsified asphalt, are added during
the manufacturing process to limit the units’ water absorption so as to increase their durability.
Adobe, unstabilized. Unfired clay masonry units that do
not meet the definition of “Adobe, stabilized.”
[F] AEROSOL CONTAINER. A metal can or plastic container up to a maximum size of 33.8 fluid ounces (1000 ml),
or a glass bottle up to a maximum size of 4 fluid ounces (118
ml), designed and intended to dispense an aerosol.
[F] AEROSOL PRODUCT. A combination of a container, a
propellant and a material that is dispensed. Aerosol products
shall be classified by means of the calculation of their chemical heats of combustion and shall be designated Level 1,
Level 2 or Level 3.
Level 1 aerosol products. Those with a total chemical
heat of combustion that is less than or equal to 8,600 British thermal units per pound (Btu/lb) (20 kJ/g).
Level 2 aerosol products. Those with a total chemical
heat of combustion that is greater than 8,600 Btu/lb (20 kJ/
g), but less than or equal to 13,000 Btu/lb (30 kJ/g).
Level 3 aerosol products. Those with a total chemical
heat of combustion that is greater than 13,000 Btu/lb (30
kJ/g).
[BS] AGGREGATE. In roofing, crushed stone, crushed slag
or water-worn gravel used for surfacing for roof coverings.
13
DEFINITIONS
[BG] AGRICULTURAL BUILDING. A structure designed
and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural products. This structure
shall not be a place of human habitation or a place of employment where agricultural products are processed, treated or
packaged, nor shall it be a place used by the public.
[BF] AIR-IMPERMEABLE INSULATION. An insulation
having an air permeance equal to or less than 0.02 l/s × m2 at
75 pa pressure differential tested in accordance with ASTM
E2178 or ASTM E283.
[BG] AIR-INFLATED STRUCTURE. A structure that
uses air-pressurized membrane beams, arches or other elements to enclose space. Occupants of such a structure do not
occupy the pressurized area used to support the structure.
[BG] AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURE. A structure
wherein the shape of the structure is attained by air pressure
and occupants of the structure are within the elevated pressure area. Air-supported structures are of two basic types:
Double skin. Similar to a single skin, but with an attached
liner that is separated from the outer skin and provides an
airspace which serves for insulation, acoustic, aesthetic or
similar purposes.
Single skin. Where there is only the single outer skin and
the air pressure is directly against that skin.
[BE] AISLE. An unenclosed exit access component that
defines and provides a path of egress travel.
[BE] AISLE ACCESSWAY. That portion of an exit access
that leads to an aisle.
[F] ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE. A fire alarm
system component such as a bell, horn, speaker, light or text
display that provides audible, tactile or visible outputs, or any
combination thereof.
[F] ALARM SIGNAL. A signal indicating an emergency
requiring immediate action, such as a signal indicative of fire.
[F] ALARM VERIFICATION FEATURE. A feature of
automatic fire detection and alarm systems to reduce
unwanted alarms wherein smoke detectors report alarm conditions for a minimum period of time, or confirm alarm conditions within a given time period, after being automatically
reset, in order to be accepted as a valid alarm-initiation signal.
[BS] ALLOWABLE STRESS DESIGN. A method of proportioning structural members, such that elastically computed
stresses produced in the members by nominal loads do not
exceed specified allowable stresses (also called “working
stress design”).
[A] ALTERATION. Any construction or renovation to an
existing structure other than repair or addition.
[BE] ALTERNATING TREAD DEVICE. A device that
has a series of steps between 50 and 70 degrees (0.87 and
1.22 rad) from horizontal, usually attached to a center support
rail in an alternating manner so that the user does not have
both feet on the same level at the same time.
[BG] AMBULATORY CARE FACILITY. Buildings or
portions thereof used to provide medical, surgical, psychiatric, nursing or similar care on a less than 24-hour basis to per14
sons who are rendered incapable of self-preservation by the
services provided or staff has accepted responsibility for care
recipients already incapable.
[BG] ANCHOR BUILDING. An exterior perimeter building of a group other than H having direct access to a covered
or open mall building but having required means of egress
independent of the mall.
[BS] ANCHORED MASONRY VENEER. Veneer secured
with approved mechanical fasteners to an approved backing.
[BF] ANNULAR SPACE. The opening around the penetrating item.
[F] ANNUNCIATOR. A unit containing one or more indicator lamps, alphanumeric displays or other equivalent means
in which each indication provides status information about a
circuit, condition or location.
[A] APPROVED. Acceptable to the building official.
[A] APPROVED AGENCY. An established and recognized
agency that is regularly engaged in conducting tests, furnishing inspection services or furnishing product certification
where such agency has been approved by the building official.
[BS] APPROVED FABRICATOR. An established and
qualified person, firm or corporation approved by the building official pursuant to Chapter 17 of this code.
[A] APPROVED SOURCE. An independent person, firm or
corporation, approved by the building official, who is competent and experienced in the application of engineering principles to materials, methods or systems analyses.
[BS] AREA (for masonry).
Gross cross-sectional. The area delineated by the out-toout specified dimensions of masonry in the plane under
consideration.
Net cross-sectional. The area of masonry units, grout and
mortar crossed by the plane under consideration based on
out-to-out specified dimensions.
[BG] AREA, BUILDING. The area included within surrounding exterior walls, or exterior walls and fire walls,
exclusive of vent shafts and courts. Areas of the building not
provided with surrounding walls shall be included in the
building area if such areas are included within the horizontal
projection of the roof or floor above.
[BE] AREA OF REFUGE. An area where persons unable to
use stairways can remain temporarily to await instructions or
assistance during emergency evacuation.
[BE] AREA OF SPORT ACTIVITY. That portion of an
indoor or outdoor space where the play or practice of a sport
occurs.
[BG] AREAWAY. A subsurface space adjacent to a building
open at the top or protected at the top by a grating or guard.
ASSEMBLY SEATING, MULTILEVEL. See “Multilevel
assembly seating.”
[BG] ATRIUM. An opening connecting two or more stories
other than enclosed stairways, elevators, hoistways, escalators, plumbing, electrical, air-conditioning or other equipment, which is closed at the top and not defined as a mall.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
DEFINITIONS
¬
Stories, as used in this definition, do not include balconies
within assembly groups or mezzanines that comply with Section 505.
[BG] ATTIC. The space between the ceiling framing of the
top story and the underside of the roof.
[F] AUDIBLE ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE.
A notification appliance that alerts by the sense of hearing.
[F] AUTOMATIC. As applied to fire protection devices, a
device or system providing an emergency function without
the necessity for human intervention and activated as a result
of a predetermined temperature rise, rate of temperature rise
or combustion products.
[F] AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM.
An approved system of devices and equipment which automatically detects a fire and discharges an approved fire-extinguishing agent onto or in the area of a fire.
[F] AUTOMATIC SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEM. A
fire alarm system that has initiation devices that utilize smoke
detectors for protection of an area such as a room or space
with detectors to provide early warning of fire.
[F] AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM. An automatic
sprinkler system, for fire protection purposes, is an integrated
system of underground and overhead piping designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards. The system
includes a suitable water supply. The portion of the system
above the ground is a network of specially sized or hydraulically designed piping installed in a structure or area, generally
overhead, and to which automatic sprinklers are connected in a
systematic pattern. The system is usually activated by heat
from a fire and discharges water over the fire area.
[F] AUTOMATIC WATER MIST SYSTEM. A system
consisting of a water supply, a pressure source and a distribution piping system with attached nozzles, which, at or above a
minimum operating pressure defined by its listing, discharges
water in fine droplets meeting the requirements of NFPA 750
for the purpose of the control, suppression or extinguishment
of a fire. Such systems include wet-pipe, dry-pipe and preaction types. The systems are designed as engineered, preengineered, local-application or total-flooding systems.
[F] AVERAGE AMBIENT SOUND LEVEL. The root
mean square, A-weighted sound pressure level measured over
a 24-hour period, or the time any person is present, whichever
time period is less.
[BG] AWNING. An architectural projection that provides
weather protection, identity or decoration and is partially or
wholly supported by the building to which it is attached. An
awning is comprised of a lightweight frame structure over
which a covering is attached.
[BF] BACKING. The wall or surface to which the veneer is
secured.
[BE] BALANCED DOOR. A door equipped with doublepivoted hardware so designed as to cause a semicounterbalanced swing action when opening.
[F] BALED COTTON. A natural seed fiber wrapped in and
secured with industry accepted materials, usually consisting
of burlap, woven polypropylene, polyethylene or cotton or
sheet polyethylene, and secured with steel, synthetic or wire
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
bands or wire; also includes linters (lint removed from the
cottonseed) and motes (residual materials from the ginning
process).
[F] BALED COTTON, DENSELY PACKED. Cotton
made into banded bales with a packing density of not less
than 22 pounds per cubic foot (360 kg/m3), and dimensions
complying with the following: a length of 55 inches (1397
mm), a width of 21 inches (533.4 mm) and a height of 27.6 to
35.4 inches (701 to 899 mm).
[BS] BALLAST. In roofing, ballast comes in the form of
large stones or paver systems or light-weight interlocking
paver systems and is used to provide uplift resistance for
roofing systems that are not adhered or mechanically attached
to the roof deck.
[F] BARRICADE. A structure that consists of a combination
of walls, floor and roof, which is designed to withstand the
rapid release of energy in an explosion and which is fully
confined, partially vented or fully vented; or other effective
method of shielding from explosive materials by a natural or
artificial barrier.
Artificial barricade. An artificial mound or revetment a
minimum thickness of 3 feet (914 mm).
Natural barricade. Natural features of the ground, such
as hills, or timber of sufficient density that the surrounding
exposures that require protection cannot be seen from the
magazine or building containing explosives when the trees
are bare of leaves.
[BS] BASE FLOOD. The flood having a 1-percent chance of
being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
[BS] BASE FLOOD ELEVATION. The elevation of the
base flood, including wave height, relative to the National
Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD), North American Vertical
Datum (NAVD) or other datum specified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
[BS] BASEMENT (for flood loads). The portion of a building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all
sides. This definition of “Basement” is limited in application
to the provisions of Section 1612.
[BG] BASEMENT. A story that is not a story above grade
plane (see “Story above grade plane”). This definition of
“Basement” does not apply to the provisions of Section 1612
for flood loads.
[BS] BEARING WALL STRUCTURE. A building or other
structure in which vertical loads from floors and roofs are primarily supported by walls.
[BS] BED JOINT. The horizontal layer of mortar on which a
masonry unit is laid.
[BE] BLEACHERS. Tiered seating supported on a dedicated structural system and two or more rows high and is not
a building element (see “Grandstand”).
[BG] BOARDING HOUSE. A building arranged or used for
lodging for compensation, with or without meals, and not
occupied as a single-family unit.
[F] BOILING POINT. The temperature at which the vapor
pressure of a liquid equals the atmospheric pressure of 14.7
pounds per square inch (psia) (101 kPa) or 760 mm of mer15
DEFINITIONS
cury. Where an accurate boiling point is unavailable for the
material in question, or for mixtures which do not have a constant boiling point, for the purposes of this classification, the
20-percent evaporated point of a distillation performed in
accordance with ASTM D86 shall be used as the boiling
point of the liquid.
[BS] BRACED WALL LINE. A straight line through the
building plan that represents the location of the lateral resistance provided by the wall bracing.
[BS] BRACED WALL PANEL. A full-height section of
wall constructed to resist in-plane shear loads through interaction of framing members, sheathing material and anchors.
The panel’s length meets the requirements of its particular
bracing method and contributes toward the total amount of
bracing required along its braced wall line.
[BE] BREAKOUT. For revolving doors, a process whereby
wings or door panels can be pushed open manually for means
of egress travel.
[BS] BRICK.
Calcium silicate (sand lime brick). A pressed and subsequently autoclaved unit that consists of sand and lime,
with or without the inclusion of other materials.
Clay or shale. A solid or hollow masonry unit of clay or
shale, usually formed into a rectangular prism, then burned
or fired in a kiln; brick is a ceramic product.
Concrete. A concrete masonry unit made from Portland
cement, water, and suitable aggregates, with or without the
inclusion of other materials.
[A] BUILDING. Any structure utilized or intended for supporting or sheltering any occupancy.
BUILDING AREA. See “Area, building.”
[BG] BUILDING ELEMENT. A fundamental component
of building construction, listed in Table 601, which may or
may not be of fire-resistance-rated construction and is constructed of materials based on the building type of construction.
BUILDING HEIGHT. See “Height, building.”
[BS] BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC
(BIPV) PRODUCT. A building product that incorporates
photovoltaic modules and functions as a component of the
building envelope.
[BS] BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC
ROOF PANEL (BIPV ROOF PANEL). A photovoltaic
panel that functions as a component of the building envelope.
[BG] BUILDING LINE. The line established by law,
beyond which a building shall not extend, except as specifically provided by law.
[A] BUILDING OFFICIAL. The officer or other designated
authority charged with the administration and enforcement of
this code, or a duly authorized representative.
[BS] BUILT-UP ROOF COVERING. Two or more layers
of felt cemented together and surfaced with a cap sheet, mineral aggregate, smooth coating or similar surfacing material.
[BG]
CABLE-RESTRAINED,
AIR-SUPPORTED
STRUCTURE. A structure in which the uplift is resisted by
cables or webbings which are anchored to either foundations
or dead men. Reinforcing cable or webbing is attached by
16
various methods to the membrane or is an integral part of the
membrane. This is not a cable-supported structure.
[BG] CANOPY. A permanent structure or architectural projection of rigid construction over which a covering is attached
that provides weather protection, identity or decoration. A
canopy is permitted to be structurally independent or supported by attachment to a building on one or more sides.
[F] CAPACITOR ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM. A stationary, rechargeable energy storage system consisting of
capacitors, chargers, controls and associated electrical equipment designed to provide electrical power to a building or
facility. The system is typically used to provide standby or
emergency power, an uninterruptable power supply, load
shedding, load sharing or similar capabilities.
Preengineered capacitor energy storage system. A
capacitor energy storage system consisting of capacitors,
an energy management system, components and modules
that are produced in a factory, designed to constitute the
system when assembled and shipped to the job site for
assembly.
Prepackaged capacitor energy storage system. A capacitor energy storage system consisting of capacitors, an
energy management system, components and modules that
is factory assembled and then shipped as a complete unit
for installation at the job site.
[F] CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS.
A system supplying carbon dioxide (CO2) from a pressurized
vessel through fixed pipes and nozzles. The system includes a
manual- or automatic-actuating mechanism.
[F] CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM. A single- or multiple-station alarm intended to detect carbon monoxide gas and
alert occupants by a distinct audible signal. It incorporates a
sensor, control components and an alarm notification appliance in a single unit.
[F] CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR. A device with
an integral sensor to detect carbon monoxide gas and transmit
an alarm signal to a connected alarm control unit.
[BG] CARE SUITE. In Group I-2 occupancies, a group of
treatment rooms, care recipient sleeping rooms and the support rooms or spaces and circulation space within the suite
where staff are in attendance for supervision of all care recipients within the suite, and the suite is in compliance with the
requirements of Section 407.4.4.
[BS] CAST STONE. A building stone manufactured from
Portland cement concrete precast and used as a trim, veneer
or facing on or in buildings or structures.
[F] CEILING LIMIT. The maximum concentration of an
airborne contaminant to which one may be exposed. The ceiling limits utilized are those published in DOL 29 CFR Part
1910.1000. The ceiling Recommended Exposure Limit
(REL-C) concentrations published by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Threshold
Limit Value—Ceiling (TLV-C) concentrations published by
the American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH), Ceiling Workplace Environmental
Exposure Level (WEEL-Ceiling) Guides published by the
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), and other
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
DEFINITIONS
approved, consistent measures are allowed as surrogates for
hazardous substances not listed in DOL 29 CFR Part
1910.1000.
[BF] CEILING RADIATION DAMPER. A listed device
installed in a ceiling membrane of a fire-resistance-rated
floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly to limit automatically
the radiative heat transfer through an air inlet/outlet opening.
Ceiling radiation dampers include air terminal units, ceiling
dampers and ceiling air diffusers.
[BG] CELL (Group I-3 occupancy). A room within a housing unit in a detention or correctional facility used to confine
inmates or prisoners.
[BS] CELL (masonry). A void space having a gross crosssectional area greater than 11/2 square inches (967 mm2).
[BG] CELL TIER. Levels of cells vertically stacked above
one another within a housing unit.
[BS] CEMENT PLASTER. A mixture of Portland or
blended cement, Portland cement or blended cement and
hydrated lime, masonry cement or plastic cement and aggregate and other approved materials as specified in this code.
[BF] CERAMIC FIBER BLANKET. A high-temperature
mineral wool insulation material made of alumina-silica
ceramic or calcium magnesium silicate soluble fibers and
weighing 4 to 10 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) (64 to 160 kg/
m3).
[BS] CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE. A certificate
stating that materials and products meet specified standards
or that work was done in compliance with approved construction documents.
[A] CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY. A change in the use of a
building or a portion a building which results in one of the
following:
1. A change of occupancy classification.
2. A change from one group to another group within an
occupancy classification.
3. Any change in use within a group for which there is a
change in application of the requirements of this code.
[BG] CHILDREN’S PLAY STRUCTURE. A structure
composed of one or more components, where the user enters
a play environment.
[M] CHIMNEY. A primarily vertical structure containing
one or more flues, for the purpose of carrying gaseous products of combustion and air from a fuel-burning appliance to
the outdoor atmosphere.
Factory-built chimney. A listed and labeled chimney
composed of factory-made components, assembled in the
field in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and
the conditions of the listing.
Masonry chimney. A field-constructed chimney composed of solid masonry units, bricks, stones, or concrete.
Metal chimney. A field-constructed chimney of metal.
[M] CHIMNEY TYPES.
High-heat appliance type. An approved chimney for
removing the products of combustion from fuel-burning,
high-heat appliances producing combustion gases in
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
excess of 2000°F (1093°C) measured at the appliance flue
outlet (see Section 2113.11.3).
Low-heat appliance type. An approved chimney for
removing the products of combustion from fuel-burning,
low-heat appliances producing combustion gases not in
excess of 1000°F (538°C) under normal operating conditions, but capable of producing combustion gases of
1400°F (760°C) during intermittent forces firing for periods up to 1 hour. Temperatures shall be measured at the
appliance flue outlet.
Masonry type. A field-constructed chimney of solid
masonry units or stones.
Medium-heat appliance type. An approved chimney for
removing the products of combustion from fuel-burning,
medium-heat appliances producing combustion gases not
exceeding 2000°F (1093°C) measured at the appliance
flue outlet (see Section 2113.11.2).
[BE] CIRCULATION PATH. An exterior or interior way
of passage from one place to another for pedestrians.
[F] CLEAN AGENT. Electrically nonconducting, volatile or
gaseous fire extinguishant that does not leave a residue upon
vaporation.
[BF] CLIMATE ZONE. A geographical region that has
been assigned climatic criteria as specified in Chapters 3CE
and 3RE of the International Energy Conservation Code.
[BG] CLINIC, OUTPATIENT. Buildings or portions
thereof used to provide medical care on less than a 24-hour
basis to persons who are not rendered incapable of self-preservation by the services provided.
[F] CLOSED SYSTEM. The use of a solid or liquid hazardous material involving a closed vessel or system that remains
closed during normal operations where vapors emitted by the
product are not liberated outside of the vessel or system and
the product is not exposed to the atmosphere during normal
operations; and all uses of compressed gases. Examples of
closed systems for solids and liquids include product conveyed through a piping system into a closed vessel, system or
piece of equipment.
[BS] COASTAL A ZONE. Area within a special flood hazard area, landward of a V zone or landward of an open coast
without mapped coastal high-hazard areas. In a coastal A
zone, the principal source of flooding must be astronomical
tides, storm surges, seiches or tsunamis, not riverine flooding.
During the base flood conditions, the potential for breaking
wave height shall be greater than or equal to 11/2 feet (457
mm). The inland limit of the coastal A zone is (a) the Limit of
Moderate Wave Action if delineated on a FIRM, or (b) designated by the authority having jurisdiction.
[BS] COASTAL HIGH-HAZARD AREA. Area within the
special flood hazard area extending from offshore to the
inland limit of a primary dune along an open coast and any
other area that is subject to high-velocity wave action from
storms or seismic sources, and shown on a Flood Insurance
Rate Map (FIRM) or other flood hazard map as velocity Zone
V, VO, VE or V1-30.
[BS] COLLAR JOINT. Vertical longitudinal space between
wythes of masonry or between masonry wythe and backup
construction that is permitted to be filled with mortar or
grout.
17
DEFINITIONS
[BS] COLLECTOR. A horizontal diaphragm element parallel and in line with the applied force that collects and transfers diaphragm shear forces to the vertical elements of the
lateral force-resisting system or distributes forces within the
diaphragm, or both.
[BF] COMBINATION FIRE/SMOKE DAMPER. A listed
device installed in ducts and air transfer openings designed to
close automatically upon the detection of heat and resist the
passage of flame and smoke. The device is installed to operate automatically, controlled by a smoke detection system,
and where required, is capable of being positioned from a fire
command center.
[BS] COMBINED PILE RAFT. A geotechnical composite
construction that combines the bearing effect of both foundation elements, raft and piles, by taking into account interactions between the foundation elements and the subsoil.
[F] COMBUSTIBLE DUST. Finely divided solid material
that is 420 microns or less in diameter and which, when dispersed in air in the proper proportions, could be ignited by a
flame, spark or other source of ignition. Combustible dust
will pass through a U.S. No. 40 standard sieve.
[F] COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS. Readily ignitable and freeburning materials in a fibrous or shredded form, such as
cocoa fiber, cloth, cotton, excelsior, hay, hemp, henequen,
istle, jute, kapok, oakum, rags, sisal, Spanish moss, straw,
tow, wastepaper, certain synthetic fibers or other like materials. This definition does not include densely packed baled
cotton.
[F] COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. A liquid having a closed
cup flash point at or above 100°F (38°C). Combustible liquids shall be subdivided as follows:
Class II. Liquids having a closed cup flash point at or
above 100°F (38°C) and below 140°F (60°C).
Class IIIA. Liquids having a closed cup flash point at or
above 140°F (60°C) and below 200°F (93°C).
Class IIIB. Liquids having a closed cup flash point at or
above 200°F (93°C).
The category of combustible liquids does not include compressed gases or cryogenic fluids.
[F] COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE. A motor vehicle used to transport passengers or property where the motor
vehicle meets one of the following:
1. Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds
(4540 kg) or more.
2. Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
[BE] COMMON PATH OF EGRESS TRAVEL. That portion of exit access travel distance measured from the most
remote point of each room, area or space to that point where
the occupants have separate and distinct access to two exits or
exit access doorways.
[BE] COMMON USE. Interior or exterior circulation paths,
rooms, spaces or elements that are not for public use and are
made available for the shared use of two or more people.
[F] COMPRESSED GAS. A material or mixture of materials that meets both of the following:
1. Is a gas at 68°F (20°C) or less at 14.7 pounds per square
inch atmosphere (psia) (101 kPa) of pressure.
18
2. Has a boiling point of 68°F (20°C) or less at 14.7 psia
(101 kPa) which is either liquefied, nonliquefied or in
solution, except those gases which have no other
health- or physical-hazard properties are not considered
to be compressed until the pressure in the packaging
exceeds 41 psia (282 kPa) at 68°F (20°C).
The states of a compressed gas are categorized as follows:
1. Nonliquefied compressed gases are gases, other than
those in solution, which are in a packaging under the
charged pressure and are entirely gaseous at a temperature of 68°F (20°C).
2. Liquefied compressed gases are gases that, in a packaging under the charged pressure, are partially liquid at a
temperature of 68°F (20°C).
3. Compressed gases in solution are nonliquefied gases
that are dissolved in a solvent.
4. Compressed gas mixtures consist of a mixture of two or
more compressed gases contained in a packaging, the
hazard properties of which are represented by the properties of the mixture as a whole.
[BS] CONCRETE.
Carbonate aggregate. Concrete made with aggregates
consisting mainly of calcium or magnesium carbonate,
such as limestone or dolomite, and containing 40 percent
or less quartz, chert or flint.
Cellular. A lightweight insulating concrete made by mixing a preformed foam with Portland cement slurry and
having a dry unit weight of approximately 30 pcf (480 kg/
m3).
Lightweight aggregate. Concrete made with aggregates
of expanded clay, shale, slag or slate or sintered fly ash or
any natural lightweight aggregate meeting ASTM C330
and possessing equivalent fire-resistance properties and
weighing 85 to 115 pcf (1360 to 1840 kg/m3).
Perlite. A lightweight insulating concrete having a dry
unit weight of approximately 30 pcf (480 kg/m3) made
with perlite concrete aggregate. Perlite aggregate is produced from a volcanic rock which, when heated, expands
to form a glass-like material of cellular structure.
Sand-lightweight. Concrete made with a combination of
expanded clay, shale, slag, slate, sintered fly ash, or any
natural lightweight aggregate meeting ASTM C330 and
possessing equivalent fire-resistance properties and natural sand. Its unit weight is generally between 105 and 120
pcf (1680 and 1920 kg/m3).
Siliceous aggregate. Concrete made with normal-weight
aggregates consisting mainly of silica or compounds other
than calcium or magnesium carbonate, which contains
more than 40-percent quartz, chert or flint.
Vermiculite. A light weight insulating concrete made
with vermiculite concrete aggregate which is laminated
micaceous material produced by expanding the ore at high
temperatures. When added to a Portland cement slurry the
resulting concrete has a dry unit weight of approximately
30 pcf (480 kg/m3).
[BG] CONGREGATE LIVING FACILITIES. A building
or part thereof that contains sleeping units where residents
share bathroom or kitchen facilities, or both.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
DEFINITIONS
¬
[F] CONSTANTLY ATTENDED LOCATION. A designated location at a facility staffed by trained personnel on a
continuous basis where alarm or supervisory signals are monitored and facilities are provided for notification of the fire
department or other emergency services.
[A] CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS. Written, graphic
and pictorial documents prepared or assembled for describing
the design, location and physical characteristics of the elements of a project necessary for obtaining a building permit.
[BG] CONSTRUCTION TYPES. See Section 602.
Type I. See Section 602.2.
Type II. See Section 602.2.
Type III. See Section 602.3.
Type IV. See Section 602.4.
Type V. See Section 602.5.
[BF] CONTINUOUS INSULATION (ci). Insulating material that is continuous across all structural members without
thermal bridges other than fasteners and service openings. It
is installed on the interior or exterior, or is integral to any
opaque surface of the building envelope.
[F] CONTROL AREA. Spaces within a building where
quantities of hazardous materials not exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area are stored, dispensed, used or handled. See the definition of “Outdoor
control area” in the International Fire Code.
[BS] CONTROLLED LOW-STRENGTH MATERIAL.
A self-compacted, cementitious material used primarily as a
backfill in place of compacted fill.
[BS] CONVENTIONAL LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION. Construction whose primary structural elements are
formed by a system of repetitive wood-framing members. See
Section 2308 for conventional light-frame construction provisions.
[BG] CORNICE. A projecting horizontal molded element
located at or near the top of an architectural feature.
[BE] CORRIDOR. An enclosed exit access component that
defines and provides a path of egress travel.
CORRIDOR, OPEN-ENDED. See “Open-ended corridor.”
[BF] CORRIDOR DAMPER. A listed device intended for
use where air ducts penetrate or terminate at horizontal openings in the ceilings of fire-resistance-rated corridors, where
the corridor ceiling is permitted to be constructed as required
for the corridor walls.
[BS] CORROSION RESISTANCE. The ability of a material to withstand deterioration of its surface or its properties
when exposed to its environment.
[F] CORROSIVE. A chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical
action at the point of contact. A chemical shall be considered
corrosive if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits
by the method described in DOTn 49 CFR, Part 173.137,
such chemical destroys or changes irreversibly the structure
of the tissue at the point of contact following an exposure
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
period of 4 hours. This term does not refer to action on inanimate surfaces.
[BG] COURT. An open, uncovered space, unobstructed to
the sky, bounded on three or more sides by exterior building
walls or other enclosing devices.
[BG] COVERED MALL BUILDING. A single building
enclosing a number of tenants and occupants, such as retail
stores, drinking and dining establishments, entertainment and
amusement facilities, passenger transportation terminals,
offices and other similar uses wherein two or more tenants
have a main entrance into one or more malls. Anchor buildings shall not be considered as a part of the covered mall
building. The term “covered mall building” shall include
open mall buildings as defined below.
Mall. A roofed or covered common pedestrian area within
a covered mall building that serves as access for two or
more tenants and not to exceed three levels that are open
to each other. The term “mall” shall include open malls as
defined below.
Open mall. An unroofed common pedestrian way serving
a number of tenants not exceeding three levels. Circulation
at levels above grade shall be permitted to include open
exterior balconies leading to exits discharging at grade.
Open mall building. Several structures housing a number
of tenants, such as retail stores, drinking and dining establishments, entertainment and amusement facilities, offices,
and other similar uses, wherein two or more tenants have a
main entrance into one or more open malls. Anchor buildings are not considered as a part of the open mall building.
[BS] CRIPPLE WALL. A framed stud wall extending from
the top of the foundation to the underside of floor framing for
the lowest occupied floor level.
[F] CRITICAL CIRCUIT. A circuit that requires continuous operation to ensure safety of the structure and occupants.
[BS] CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER. A prefabricated
engineered wood product consisting of not less than three
layers of solid-sawn lumber or structural composite lumber
where the adjacent layers are cross oriented and bonded with
structural adhesive to form a solid wood element.
[F] CRYOGENIC FLUID. A liquid having a boiling point
lower than -150°F (-101°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch
atmosphere (psia) (an absolute pressure of 101 kPa).
[BG] CUSTODIAL CARE. Assistance with day-to-day living tasks; such as assistance with cooking, taking medication,
bathing, using toilet facilities and other tasks of daily living.
Custodial care includes persons receiving care who have the
ability to respond to emergency situations and evacuate at a
slower rate and/or who have mental and psychiatric complications.
[BS] DALLE GLASS. A decorative composite glazing
material made of individual pieces of glass that are embedded
in a cast matrix of concrete or epoxy.
DAMPER. See “Ceiling radiation damper,” “Combination
fire/smoke damper,” “Corridor damper,” “Fire damper” and
“Smoke damper.”
19
DEFINITIONS
[BS] DANGEROUS. Any building, structure or portion
thereof that meets any of the conditions described below shall
be deemed dangerous:
1. The building or structure has collapsed, has partially
collapsed, has moved off its foundation or lacks the
necessary support of the ground.
2. There exists a significant risk of collapse, detachment
or dislodgment of any portion, member, appurtenance
or ornamentation of the building or structure under service loads.
[F] DAY BOX. A portable magazine designed to hold explosive materials constructed in accordance with the requirements for a Type 3 magazine as defined and classified in
Chapter 56 of the International Fire Code.
[BS] DEAD LOAD. The weight of materials of construction
incorporated into the building, including but not limited to
walls, floors, roofs, ceilings, stairways, built-in partitions,
finishes, cladding and other similarly incorporated architectural and structural items, and the weight of fixed service
equipment, such as cranes, plumbing stacks and risers, electrical feeders, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems and automatic sprinkler systems.
[BS] DECORATIVE GLASS. A carved, leaded or Dalle
glass or glazing material whose purpose is decorative or artistic, not functional; whose coloring, texture or other design
qualities or components cannot be removed without destroying the glazing material and whose surface, or assembly into
which it is incorporated, is divided into segments.
[F] DECORATIVE MATERIALS. All materials applied
over the building interior finish for decorative, acoustical or
other effect including, but not limited to, curtains, draperies,
fabrics and streamers; and all other materials utilized for decorative effect including, but not limited to, bulletin boards,
artwork, posters, photographs, batting, cloth, cotton, hay,
stalks, straw, vines, leaves, trees, moss and similar items,
foam plastics and materials containing foam plastics. Decorative materials do not include wall coverings, ceiling coverings, floor coverings, ordinary window shades, interior finish
and materials 0.025 inch (0.64 mm) or less in thickness
applied directly to and adhering tightly to a substrate.
[BS] DEEP FOUNDATION. A deep foundation is a foundation element that does not satisfy the definition of a shallow
foundation.
[BE] DEFEND-IN-PLACE. A method of emergency
response that engages building components and trained staff
to provide occupant safety during an emergency. Emergency
response involves remaining in place, relocating within the
building, or both, without evacuating the building.
[A] DEFERRED SUBMITTAL. Those portions of the
design that are not submitted at the time of the application
and that are to be submitted to the building official within a
specified period.
[F] DEFLAGRATION. An exothermic reaction, such as the
extremely rapid oxidation of a flammable dust or vapor in air,
in which the reaction progresses through the unburned material at a rate less than the velocity of sound. A deflagration
can have an explosive effect.
20
[BF] DELAYED-ACTION CLOSER. A self-closing
device that incorporates a delay prior to the initiation of closing. Delayed-action closers are mechanical devices with an
adjustable delay.
[F] DELUGE SYSTEM. A sprinkler system employing
open sprinklers attached to a piping system connected to a
water supply through a valve that is opened by the operation
of a detection system installed in the same areas as the sprinklers. When this valve opens, water flows into the piping system and discharges from all sprinklers attached thereto.
[BS] DESIGN DISPLACEMENT. See Section 1905.1.1.
[BS] DESIGN EARTHQUAKE GROUND MOTION. The
earthquake ground motion that buildings and structures are
specifically proportioned to resist in Section 1613.
[BS] DESIGN FLOOD. The flood associated with the
greater of the following two areas:
1. Area with a flood plain subject to a 1-percent or greater
chance of flooding in any year.
2. Area designated as a flood hazard area on a community’s flood hazard map, or otherwise legally designated.
[BS] DESIGN FLOOD ELEVATION. The elevation of the
“design flood,” including wave height, relative to the datum
specified on the community’s legally designated flood hazard
map. In areas designated as Zone AO, the design flood elevation shall be the elevation of the highest existing grade of the
building’s perimeter plus the depth number (in feet) specified
on the flood hazard map. In areas designated as Zone AO
where a depth number is not specified on the map, the depth
number shall be taken as being equal to 2 feet (610 mm).
DESIGN PROFESSIONAL, REGISTERED. See “Registered design professional.”
DESIGN
PROFESSIONAL
IN
RESPONSIBLE
CHARGE, REGISTERED. See “Registered design professional in responsible charge.”
[BS] DESIGN STRENGTH. The product of the nominal
strength and a resistance factor (or strength reduction factor).
[BS] DESIGNATED SEISMIC SYSTEM. Those nonstructural components that require design in accordance with
Chapter 13 of ASCE 7 and for which the component importance factor, Ip, is greater than 1 in accordance with Section
13.1.3 of ASCE 7.
[F] DETACHED BUILDING. A separate single-story
building, without a basement or crawl space, used for the
storage or use of hazardous materials and located an
approved distance from all structures.
[BS] DETAILED PLAIN CONCRETE STRUCTURAL
WALL. See Section 1905.1.1.
[BE] DETECTABLE WARNING. A standardized surface
feature built in or applied to walking surfaces or other elements to warn visually impaired persons of hazards on a circulation path.
[F] DETECTOR, HEAT. A fire detector that senses heat—
either abnormally high temperature or rate of rise, or both.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
DEFINITIONS
[F] DETONATION. An exothermic reaction characterized
by the presence of a shock wave in the material which establishes and maintains the reaction. The reaction zone progresses through the material at a rate greater than the velocity
of sound. The principal heating mechanism is one of shock
compression. Detonations have an explosive effect.
[BG] DETOXIFICATION FACILITIES. Facilities that
provide treatment for substance abuse, serving care recipients
who are incapable of self-preservation or who are harmful to
themselves or others.
[BS] DIAPHRAGM. A horizontal or sloped system acting to
transmit lateral forces to vertical elements of the lateral forceresisting system. When the term “diaphragm” is used, it shall
include horizontal bracing systems.
Diaphragm, blocked. In light-frame construction, a diaphragm in which all sheathing edges not occurring on a
framing member are supported on and fastened to blocking.
Diaphragm boundary. In light-frame construction, a
location where shear is transferred into or out of the diaphragm sheathing. Transfer is either to a boundary element or to another force-resisting element.
Diaphragm chord. A diaphragm boundary element perpendicular to the applied load that is assumed to take axial
stresses due to the diaphragm moment.
Diaphragm, unblocked. A diaphragm that has edge nailing at supporting members only. Blocking between supporting structural members at panel edges is not included.
Diaphragm panels are field nailed to supporting members.
[BS] DIMENSIONS (for Chapter 21).
Nominal. The specified dimension plus an allowance for
the joints with which the units are to be laid. Nominal
dimensions are usually stated in whole numbers. Thickness is given first, followed by height and then length.
Specified. Dimensions specified for the manufacture or
construction of a unit, joint or element.
[BE] DIRECT ACCESS. A path of travel from a space to an
immediately adjacent space through an opening in the common wall between the two spaces.
[F] DISPENSING. The pouring or transferring of any material from a container, tank or similar vessel, whereby vapors,
dusts, fumes, mists or gases are liberated to the atmosphere.
DOOR, BALANCED. See “Balanced door.”
DOOR, LOW-ENERGY POWER-OPERATED. See
“Low-energy power-operated door.”
DOOR, POWER-ASSISTED. See “Power-assisted door.”
DOOR, POWER-OPERATED. See “Power-operated door.”
DOORWAY, EXIT ACCESS. See “Exit access doorway.”
[BG] DORMITORY. A space in a building where group
sleeping accommodations are provided in one room, or in a
series of closely associated rooms, for persons not members
of the same family group, under joint occupancy and single
management, as in college dormitories or fraternity houses.
[BF] DRAFTSTOP. A material, device or construction
installed to restrict the movement of air within open spaces of
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
concealed areas of building components such as crawl spaces,
floor/ceiling assemblies, roof/ceiling assemblies and attics.
DRAG STRUT. See “Collector.”
[BS] DRILLED SHAFT. A cast-in-place deep foundation
element, also referred to as a caisson, drilled pier or bored
pile, constructed by drilling a hole (with or without permanent casing or drilling fluid) into soil or rock and filling it
with fluid concrete after the drilling equipment is removed.
Socketed drilled shaft. A drilled shaft with a permanent
pipe or tube casing that extends down to bedrock and an
uncased socket drilled into the bedrock.
[F] DRY-CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING AGENT. A
powder composed of small particles, usually of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, urea-potassium-based bicarbonate, potassium chloride or monoammonium phosphate,
with added particulate material supplemented by special
treatment to provide resistance to packing, resistance to moisture absorption (caking) and the proper flow capabilities.
[BS] DRY FLOODPROOFING. A combination of design
modifications that results in a building or structure, including
the attendant utilities and equipment and sanitary facilities,
being water tight with walls substantially impermeable to the
passage of water and with structural components having the
capacity to resist loads as identified in ASCE 7.
[A] DWELLING. A building that contains one or two dwelling units used, intended or designed to be used, rented,
leased, let or hired out to be occupied for living purposes.
[A] DWELLING UNIT. A single unit providing complete,
independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking
and sanitation.
DWELLING UNIT OR SLEEPING UNIT, MULTISTORY. See “Multistory unit.”
[BE] EGRESS COURT. A court or yard which provides
access to a public way for one or more exits.
[BF] ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT PROTECTIVE SYSTEM. A specific construction of devices, materials, or coatings installed as a fire-resistive barrier system applied to
electrical system components, such as cable trays, conduits
and other raceways, open run cables and conductors, cables,
and conductors.
[F] ELEVATOR GROUP. A grouping of elevators in a
building located adjacent or directly across from one another
that responds to common hall call buttons.
[F] EMERGENCY ALARM SYSTEM. A system to provide indication and warning of emergency situations involving hazardous materials.
[F] EMERGENCY CONTROL STATION. An approved
location on the premises where signals from emergency
equipment are received and which is staffed by trained personnel.
[BE] EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENING. An operable window, door or other similar device that
provides for a means of escape and access for rescue in the
event of an emergency.
21
DEFINITIONS
[F] EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM. A source of automatic electric power of a required capacity and duration to
operate required life safety, fire alarm, detection and ventilation systems in the event of a failure of the primary power.
Emergency power systems are required for electrical loads
where interruption of the primary power could result in loss
of human life or serious injuries.
[F] EMERGENCY VOICE/ALARM COMMUNICATIONS. Dedicated manual or automatic facilities for originating and distributing voice instructions, as well as alert and
evacuation signals pertaining to a fire emergency, to the
occupants of a building.
[BG] EMPLOYEE WORK AREA. All or any portion of a
space used only by employees and only for work. Corridors,
toilet rooms, kitchenettes and break rooms are not employee
work areas.
[BS] ENGINEERED WOOD RIM BOARD. A full-depth
structural composite lumber, wood structural panel, structural
glued laminated timber or prefabricated wood I-joist member
designed to transfer horizontal (shear) and vertical (compression) loads, provide attachment for diaphragm sheathing, siding and exterior deck ledgers, and provide lateral support at
the ends of floor or roof joists or rafters.
ENTRANCE, PUBLIC. See “Public entrance.”
ENTRANCE, RESTRICTED. See “Restricted entrance.”
ENTRANCE, SERVICE. See “Service entrance.”
[BG] EQUIPMENT PLATFORM. An unoccupied, elevated platform used exclusively for mechanical systems or
industrial process equipment, including the associated elevated walkways, stairways, alternating tread devices and ladders necessary to access the platform (see Section 505.3).
[BS] ESSENTIAL FACILITIES. Buildings and other structures that are intended to remain operational in the event of
extreme environmental loading from flood, wind, snow or
earthquakes.
[F] EXHAUSTED ENCLOSURE. An appliance or piece of
equipment that consists of a top, a back and two sides providing a means of local exhaust for capturing gases, fumes,
vapors and mists. Such enclosures include laboratory hoods,
exhaust fume hoods and similar appliances and equipment
used to locally retain and exhaust the gases, fumes, vapors
and mists that could be released. Rooms or areas provided
with general ventilation, in themselves, are not exhausted
enclosures.
[A] EXISTING BUILDING. A building erected prior to the
date of adoption of the appropriate code, or one for which a
legal building permit has been issued.
[BS] EXISTING STRUCTURE. A structure erected prior to
the date of adoption of the appropriate code, or one for which
a legal building permit has been issued.
[BE] EXIT. That portion of a means of egress system
between the exit access and the exit discharge or public way.
Exit components include exterior exit doors at the level of exit
discharge, interior exit stairways and ramps, exit passageways, exterior exit stairways and ramps and horizontal exits.
22
[BE] EXIT ACCESS. That portion of a means of egress system that leads from any occupied portion of a building or
structure to an exit.
[BE] EXIT ACCESS DOORWAY. A door or access point
along the path of egress travel from an occupied room, area or
space where the path of egress enters an intervening room,
corridor, exit access stairway or ramp.
[BE] EXIT ACCESS RAMP. A ramp within the exit access
portion of the means of egress system.
[BE] EXIT ACCESS STAIRWAY. A stairway within the
exit access portion of the means of egress system.
[BE] EXIT DISCHARGE. That portion of a means of
egress system between the termination of an exit and a public
way.
[BE] EXIT DISCHARGE, LEVEL OF. The story at the
point at which an exit terminates and an exit discharge
begins.
EXIT, HORIZONTAL. See “Horizontal exit.”
[BE] EXIT PASSAGEWAY. An exit component that is separated from other interior spaces of a building or structure by
fire-resistance-rated construction and opening protectives,
and provides for a protected path of egress travel in a horizontal direction to an exit or to the exit discharge.
[BF] EXPANDED VINYL WALL COVERING. Wall covering consisting of a woven textile backing, an expanded
vinyl base coat layer and a nonexpanded vinyl skin coat. The
expanded base coat layer is a homogeneous vinyl layer that
contains a blowing agent. During processing, the blowing
agent decomposes, causing this layer to expand by forming
closed cells. The total thickness of the wall covering is
approximately 0.055 inch to 0.070 inch (1.4 mm to 1.78 mm).
[F] EXPLOSION. An effect produced by the sudden violent
expansion of gases, which may be accompanied by a shock
wave or disruption, or both, of enclosing materials or structures. An explosion could result from any of the following:
1. Chemical changes such as rapid oxidation, deflagration
or detonation, decomposition of molecules and runaway polymerization (usually detonations).
2. Physical changes such as pressure tank ruptures.
3. Atomic changes (nuclear fission or fusion).
[F] EXPLOSIVE. A chemical compound, mixture or device,
the primary or common purpose of which is to function by
explosion. The term includes, but is not limited to: dynamite,
black powder, pellet powder, initiating explosives, detonators, safety fuses, squibs, detonating cord, igniter cord, and
igniters.
The term “explosive” includes any material determined to
be within the scope of USC Title 18: Chapter 40 and also
includes any material classified as an explosive other than
consumer fireworks, 1.4G by the hazardous materials regulations of DOTn 49 CFR Parts 100-185.
High explosive. Explosive material, such as dynamite,
which can be caused to detonate by means of a No. 8 test
blasting cap when unconfined.
Low explosive. Explosive material that will burn or deflagrate when ignited. It is characterized by a rate of reaction
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
DEFINITIONS
that is less than the speed of sound. Examples of low
explosives include, but are not limited to: black powder;
safety fuse; igniters; igniter cord; fuse lighters; fireworks;
and propellants, 1.3C.
Mass-detonating explosives. Division 1.1, 1.2 and 1.5
explosives alone or in combination, or loaded into various
types of ammunition or containers, most of which can be
expected to explode virtually instantaneously when a
small portion is subjected to fire, severe concussion,
impact, the impulse of an initiating agent or the effect of a
considerable discharge of energy from without. Materials
that react in this manner represent a mass explosion hazard. Such an explosive will normally cause severe structural damage to adjacent objects. Explosive propagation
could occur immediately to other items of ammunition and
explosives stored sufficiently close to and not adequately
protected from the initially exploding pile with a time
interval short enough so that two or more quantities must
be considered as one for quantity-distance purposes.
UN/DOTn Class 1 explosives. The former classification
system used by DOTn included the terms “high” and
“low” explosives as defined herein. The following terms
further define explosives under the current system applied
by DOTn for all explosive materials defined as hazard
Class 1 materials. Compatibility group letters are used in
concert with the division to specify further limitations on
each division noted (i.e., the letter G identifies the material
as a pyrotechnic substance or article containing a pyrotechnic substance and similar materials).
Division 1.1. Explosives that have a mass explosion
hazard. A mass explosion is one which affects almost
the entire load instantaneously.
Division 1.2. Explosives that have a projection hazard
but not a mass explosion hazard.
Division 1.3. Explosives that have a fire hazard and
either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard
or both, but not a mass explosion hazard.
Division 1.4. Explosives that pose a minor explosion
hazard. The explosive effects are largely confined to
the package and no projection of fragments of appreciable size or range is to be expected. An external fire
must not cause virtually instantaneous explosion of
almost the entire contents of the package.
Division 1.5. Very insensitive explosives. This division
is comprised of substances that have a mass explosion
hazard, but that are so insensitive there is very little
probability of initiation or of transition from burning to
detonation under normal conditions of transport.
Division 1.6. Extremely insensitive articles which do
not have a mass explosion hazard. This division is comprised of articles that contain only extremely insensitive detonating substances and which demonstrate a
negligible probability of accidental initiation or propagation.
[BE] EXTERIOR EXIT RAMP. An exit component that
serves to meet one or more means of egress design require-
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
ments, such as required number of exits or exit access travel
distance, and is open to yards, courts or public ways.
[BE] EXTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAY. An exit component
that serves to meet one or more means of egress design
requirements, such as required number of exits or exit access
travel distance, and is open to yards, courts or public ways.
[BF] EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISH SYSTEMS (EIFS). EIFS are nonstructural, nonload-bearing,
exterior wall cladding systems that consist of an insulation
board attached either adhesively or mechanically, or both, to
the substrate; an integrally reinforced base coat and a textured
protective finish coat.
[BF] EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISH SYSTEMS (EIFS) WITH DRAINAGE. An EIFS that incorporates a means of drainage applied over a water-resistive
barrier.
[BF] EXTERIOR SURFACES. Weather-exposed surfaces.
[BF] EXTERIOR WALL. A wall, bearing or nonbearing,
that is used as an enclosing wall for a building, other than a
fire wall, and that has a slope of 60 degrees (1.05 rad) or
greater with the horizontal plane.
[BF] EXTERIOR WALL COVERING. A material or
assembly of materials applied on the exterior side of exterior
walls for the purpose of providing a weather-resisting barrier,
insulation or for aesthetics, including but not limited to,
veneers, siding, exterior insulation and finish systems, architectural trim and embellishments such as cornices, soffits,
facias, gutters and leaders.
[BF] EXTERIOR WALL ENVELOPE. A system or
assembly of exterior wall components, including exterior
wall finish materials, that provides protection of the building
structural members, including framing and sheathing materials, and conditioned interior space, from the detrimental
effects of the exterior environment.
[BF] F RATING. The time period that the through-penetration firestop system limits the spread of fire through the penetration when tested in accordance with ASTM E814 or UL
1479.
[BF] FABRIC PARTITION. A partition consisting of a finished surface made of fabric, without a continuous rigid backing, that is directly attached to a framing system in which the
vertical framing members are spaced greater than 4 feet
(1219 mm) on center.
[BS] FABRICATED ITEM. Structural, load-bearing or
lateral load-resisting members or assemblies consisting of
materials assembled prior to installation in a building or
structure, or subjected to operations such as heat treatment,
thermal cutting, cold working or reforming after manufacture
and prior to installation in a building or structure. Materials
produced in accordance with standards referenced by this
code, such as rolled structural steel shapes, steel reinforcing
bars, masonry units and wood structural panels, or in
accordance with a referenced standard that provides
requirements for quality control done under the supervision
of a third-party quality control agency, are not “fabricated
items.”
23
DEFINITIONS
[F] FABRICATION AREA. An area within a semiconductor fabrication facility and related research and development
areas in which there are processes using hazardous production materials. Such areas are allowed to include ancillary
rooms or areas such as dressing rooms and offices that are
directly related to the fabrication area processes.
[A] FACILITY. All or any portion of buildings, structures,
site improvements, elements and pedestrian or vehicular
routes located on a site.
[BS] FACTORED LOAD. The product of a nominal load
and a load factor.
[BS] FENESTRATION. Products classified as either vertical fenestration or skylights and sloped glazing, installed in
such a manner as to preserve the weather-resistant barrier of
the wall or roof in which they are installed. Fenestration
includes products with glass or other transparent or translucent materials.
[BS] FENESTRATION, VERTICAL. Windows that are
fixed or movable, opaque doors, glazed doors, glazed block
and combination opaque and glazed doors installed in a wall
at less than 15 degrees from the vertical.
[BS] FIBER-CEMENT (BACKER BOARD, SIDING,
SOFFIT, TRIM AND UNDERLAYMENT) PRODUCTS. Manufactured thin section composites of hydraulic
cementitious matrices and discrete nonasbestos fibers.
[BF] FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMER. A polymeric
composite material consisting of reinforcement fibers, such
as glass, impregnated with a fiber-binding polymer which is
then molded and hardened. Fiber-reinforced polymers are
permitted to contain cores laminated between fiber-reinforced polymer facings.
[BS] FIBERBOARD. A fibrous, homogeneous panel made
from lignocellulosic fibers (usually wood or cane) and having
a density of less than 31 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) (497 kg/
m3) but more than 10 pcf (160 kg/m3).
FIELD NAILING. See “Nailing, field.”
FIRE ALARM BOX, MANUAL. See “Manual fire alarm
box.”
[F] FIRE ALARM CONTROL UNIT. A system component that receives inputs from automatic and manual fire
alarm devices and may be capable of supplying power to
detection devices and transponders or off-premises transmitters. The control unit may be capable of providing a transfer
of power to the notification appliances and transfer of condition to relays or devices.
[F] FIRE ALARM SIGNAL. A signal initiated by a fire
alarm-initiating device such as a manual fire alarm box,
automatic fire detector, waterflow switch or other device
whose activation is indicative of the presence of a fire or fire
signature.
[F] FIRE ALARM SYSTEM. A system or portion of a combination system consisting of components and circuits
arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of fire alarm or
supervisory signal-initiating devices and to initiate the appropriate response to those signals.
[BF] FIRE AREA. The aggregate floor area enclosed and
bounded by fire walls, fire barriers, exterior walls or hori24
zontal assemblies of a building. Areas of the building not provided with surrounding walls shall be included in the fire area
if such areas are included within the horizontal projection of
the roof or floor next above.
[BF] FIRE BARRIER. A fire-resistance-rated wall assembly of materials designed to restrict the spread of fire in
which continuity is maintained.
[F] FIRE COMMAND CENTER. The principal attended or
unattended location where the status of detection, alarm communications and control systems is displayed, and from
which the systems can be manually controlled.
[BF] FIRE DAMPER. A listed device installed in ducts and
air transfer openings designed to close automatically upon
detection of heat and resist the passage of flame. Fire dampers are classified for use in either static systems that will
automatically shut down in the event of a fire, or in dynamic
systems that continue to operate during a fire. A dynamic fire
damper is tested and rated for closure under elevated temperature airflow.
[F] FIRE DETECTOR, AUTOMATIC. A device designed
to detect the presence of a fire signature and to initiate action.
[BF] FIRE DOOR. The door component of a fire door
assembly.
[BF] FIRE DOOR ASSEMBLY. Any combination of a fire
door, frame, hardware and other accessories that together
provide a specific degree of fire protection to the opening.
FIRE DOOR ASSEMBLY, FLOOR. See “Floor fire door
assembly.”
[BF] FIRE EXIT HARDWARE. Panic hardware that is
listed for use on fire door assemblies.
[F] FIRE LANE. A road or other passageway developed to
allow the passage of fire apparatus. A fire lane is not necessarily intended for vehicular traffic other than fire apparatus.
[BF] FIRE PARTITION. A vertical assembly of materials
designed to restrict the spread of fire in which openings are
protected.
[BF] FIRE PROTECTION RATING. The period of time
that an opening protective will maintain the ability to confine
a fire as determined by tests specified in Section 716. Ratings
are stated in hours or minutes.
[F] FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM. Approved devices,
equipment and systems or combinations of systems used to
detect a fire, activate an alarm, extinguish or control a fire,
control or manage smoke and products of a fire or any combination thereof.
[BF] FIRE-RATED GLAZING. Glazing with either a fire
protection rating or a fire-resistance rating.
[BF] FIRE RESISTANCE. That property of materials or
their assemblies that prevents or retards the passage of excessive heat, hot gases or flames under conditions of use.
[BF] FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING. The period of time a
building element, component or assembly maintains the ability to confine a fire, continues to perform a given structural
function, or both, as determined by the tests, or the methods
based on tests, prescribed in Section 703.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
DEFINITIONS
[BF] FIRE-RESISTANT JOINT SYSTEM. An assemblage of specific materials or products that are designed,
tested and fire-resistance rated in accordance with either
ASTM E1966 or UL 2079 to resist for a prescribed period of
time the passage of fire through joints made in or between
fire-resistance-rated assemblies.
[F] FIRE SAFETY FUNCTIONS. Building and fire control
functions that are intended to increase the level of life safety
for occupants or to control the spread of harmful effects of
fire.
[BF] FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE. The distance measured from the building face to one of the following:
1. The closest interior lot line.
2. To the centerline of a street, an alley or public way.
3. To an imaginary line between two buildings on the lot.
The distance shall be measured at right angles from the
face of the wall.
[BF] FIRE WALL. A fire-resistance-rated wall having protected openings, which restricts the spread of fire and extends
continuously from the foundation to or through the roof, with
sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to allow
collapse of construction on either side without collapse of the
wall.
[BF] FIRE WINDOW ASSEMBLY. A window constructed
and glazed to give protection against the passage of fire.
[BF] FIREBLOCKING. Building materials, or materials
approved for use as fireblocking, installed to resist the free
passage of flame to other areas of the building through concealed spaces.
[M] FIREPLACE. A hearth and fire chamber or similar prepared place in which a fire may be made and which is built in
conjunction with a chimney.
[BS] FIREPLACE THROAT. The opening between the top
of the firebox and the smoke chamber.
FIRESTOP, MEMBRANE-PENETRATION. See “Membrane-penetration firestop.”
FIRESTOP, PENETRATION. See “Penetration firestop.”
FIRESTOP SYSTEM, THROUGH-PENETRATION.
See “Through-penetration firestop system.”
[F] FIREWORKS. Any composition or device for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect for entertainment
purposes by combustion, deflagration or detonation that
meets the definition of 1.4G fireworks or 1.3G fireworks.
Fireworks, 1.3G. Large fireworks devices, which are
explosive materials, intended for use in fireworks displays
and designed to produce audible or visible effects by combustion, deflagration or detonation. Such 1.3G fireworks
include, but are not limited to, firecrackers containing
more than 130 milligrams (2 grains) of explosive composition, aerial shells containing more than 40 grams of pyrotechnic composition, and other display pieces which
exceed the limits for classification as 1.4G fireworks. Such
1.3G fireworks are also described as fireworks, UN0335
by the DOTn.
Fireworks, 1.4G. Small fireworks devices containing
restricted amounts of pyrotechnic composition designed
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
primarily to produce visible or audible effects by combustion or deflagration that complies with the construction,
chemical composition and labeling regulations of the
DOTn for fireworks, UN0336, and the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) as set forth in CPSC
16 CFR: Parts 1500 and 1507.
[BG] FIXED BASE OPERATOR (FBO). A commercial
business granted the right by the airport sponsor to operate on
an airport and provide aeronautical services, such as fueling,
hangaring, tie-down and parking, aircraft rental, aircraft
maintenance and flight instruction.
[BE] FIXED SEATING. Furniture or fixture designed and
installed for the use of sitting and secured in place including
bench-type seats and seats with or without backs or armrests.
[BF] FLAME SPREAD. The propagation of flame over a
surface.
[BF] FLAME SPREAD INDEX. A comparative measure,
expressed as a dimensionless number, derived from visual
measurements of the spread of flame versus time for a
material tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
[F] FLAMMABLE GAS. A material that is a gas at 68°F
(20°C) or less at 14.7 pounds per square inch atmosphere
(psia) (101 kPa) of pressure [a material that has a boiling
point of 68°F (20°C) or less at 14.7 psia (101 kPa)], which
also meets one of the following:
1. Is ignitable at 14.7 psia (101 kPa) when in a mixture of
13 percent or less by volume with air.
2. Has a flammable range at 14.7 psia (101 kPa) with air
of at least 12 percent, regardless of the lower limit.
The limits specified shall be determined at 14.7 psi (101
kPa) of pressure and a temperature of 68°F (20°C) in accordance with ASTM E681.
[F] FLAMMABLE LIQUEFIED GAS. A liquefied compressed gas which, under a charged pressure, is partially liquid at a temperature of 68°F (20°C) and which is flammable.
[F] FLAMMABLE LIQUID. A liquid having a closed cup
flash point below 100°F (38°C). Flammable liquids are further categorized into a group known as Class I liquids. The
Class I category is subdivided as follows:
Class IA. Liquids having a flash point below 73°F (23°C)
and a boiling point below 100°F (38°C).
Class IB. Liquids having a flash point below 73°F (23°C)
and a boiling point at or above 100°F (38°C).
Class IC. Liquids having a flash point at or above 73°F
(23°C) and below 100°F (38°C). The category of flammable liquids does not include compressed gases or cryogenic fluids.
[F] FLAMMABLE MATERIAL. A material capable of
being readily ignited from common sources of heat or at a
temperature of 600°F (316°C) or less.
[F] FLAMMABLE SOLID. A solid, other than a blasting
agent or explosive, that is capable of causing fire through friction, absorption or moisture, spontaneous chemical change,
or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which
has an ignition temperature below 212°F (100°C) or which
burns so vigorously and persistently when ignited as to create
25
DEFINITIONS
a serious hazard. A chemical shall be considered a flammable
solid as determined in accordance with the test method of
CPSC 16 CFR; Part 1500.44, if it ignites and burns with a
self-sustained flame at a rate greater than 0.1 inch (2.5 mm)
per second along its major axis.
[F] FLAMMABLE VAPORS OR FUMES. The concentration of flammable constituents in air that exceeds 25 percent
of their lower flammable limit (LFL).
[F] FLASH POINT. The minimum temperature in degrees
Fahrenheit at which a liquid will give off sufficient vapors to
form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface or in the
container, but will not sustain combustion. The flash point of
a liquid shall be determined by appropriate test procedure and
apparatus as specified in ASTM D56, ASTM D93 or ASTM
D3278.
[BE] FLIGHT. A continuous run of rectangular treads,
winders or combination thereof from one landing to another.
[BS] FLOOD or FLOODING. A general and temporary
condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry
land from:
1. The overflow of inland or tidal waters.
2. The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
[BS] FLOOD DAMAGE-RESISTANT MATERIALS.
Any construction material capable of withstanding direct and
prolonged contact with floodwaters without sustaining any
damage that requires more than cosmetic repair.
FLOOD, DESIGN. See “Design flood.”
FLOOD ELEVATION, DESIGN. See “Design flood elevation.”
[BS] FLOOD HAZARD AREA. The greater of the following two areas:
1. The area within a flood plain subject to a 1-percent or
greater chance of flooding in any year.
2. The area designated as a flood hazard area on a community’s flood hazard map, or otherwise legally designated.
FLOOD HAZARD AREAS, SPECIAL. See “Special
flood hazard area.”
[BS] FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM). An official map of a community on which the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) has delineated both the special flood hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
[BS] FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY. The official report
provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
containing the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), the Flood
Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM), the water surface elevation of the base flood and supporting technical data.
[BS] FLOODWAY. The channel of the river, creek or other
watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved
in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively
increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated
height.
[BE] FLOOR AREA, GROSS. The floor area within the
inside perimeter of the exterior walls of the building under
26
consideration, exclusive of vent shafts and courts, without
deduction for corridors, stairways, ramps, closets, the thickness of interior walls, columns or other features. The floor
area of a building, or portion thereof, not provided with surrounding exterior walls shall be the usable area under the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above. The gross floor
area shall not include shafts with no openings or interior
courts.
[BE] FLOOR AREA, NET. The actual occupied area not
including unoccupied accessory areas such as corridors,
stairways, ramps, toilet rooms, mechanical rooms and closets.
[BF] FLOOR FIRE DOOR ASSEMBLY. A combination
of a fire door, a frame, hardware and other accessories
installed in a horizontal plane, which together provide a specific degree of fire protection to a through-opening in a fireresistance-rated floor (see Section 712.1.13.1).
[F] FOAM-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM. A special system discharging a foam made from concentrates, either
mechanically or chemically, over the area to be protected.
[BF] FOAM PLASTIC INSULATION. A plastic that is
intentionally expanded by the use of a foaming agent to produce a reduced-density plastic containing voids consisting of
open or closed cells distributed throughout the plastic for
thermal insulating or acoustical purposes and that has a density less than 20 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) (320 kg/m3).
[BE] FOLDING AND TELESCOPIC SEATING. Tiered
seating having an overall shape and size that is capable of
being reduced for purposes of moving or storing and is not a
building element.
[BG] FOOD COURT. A public seating area located in the
mall that serves adjacent food preparation tenant spaces.
[BG] FOSTER CARE FACILITIES. Facilities that provide
care to more than five children, 21/2 years of age or less.
[BS] FOUNDATION PIER (for Chapter 21). An isolated
vertical foundation member whose horizontal dimension
measured at right angles to its thickness does not exceed three
times its thickness and whose height is equal to or less than
four times its thickness.
[BS] FRAME STRUCTURE. A building or other structure
in which vertical loads from floors and roofs are primarily
supported by columns.
[F] FUEL CELL POWER SYSTEM, STATIONARY. A
stationary energy-generation system that converts the chemical energy of a fuel and oxidant to electric energy (DC or AC
electricity) by an electrochemical process.
Field-fabricated fuel cell power system. A stationary
fuel cell power system that is assembled at the job site and
is not a preengineered or prepackaged factory-assembled
fuel cell power system.
Preengineered fuel cell power system. A stationary fuel
cell power system consisting of components and modules
that are produced in a factory and shipped to the job site
for assembly.
Prepackaged fuel cell power system. A stationary fuel
cell power system that is factory assembled as a single,
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
DEFINITIONS
complete unit and shipped as a complete unit for installation at the job site.
[BS] GABLE. The triangular portion of a wall beneath the
end of a dual-slope, pitched, or mono-slope roof or portion
thereof and above the top plates of the story or level of the
ceiling below.
[BE] GAMING. To deal, operate, carry on, conduct, maintain or expose for play any game played with cards, dice,
equipment or any mechanical, electromechanical or electronic device or machine for money, property, checks, credit
or any representative of value except where occurring at private home or operated by a charitable or educational organization.
[BE] GAMING AREA. Single or multiple areas of a building or facility where gaming machines or tables are present
and gaming occurs, including but not limited to, primary
casino gaming areas, VIP gaming areas, high-roller gaming
areas, bar tops, lobbies, dedicated rooms or spaces such as in
retail or restaurant establishments, sports books and tournament areas.
[BE] GAMING MACHINE TYPE. Categorization of gaming machines per type of game played on them, including, but
not limited to, slot machines, video poker and video keno.
[BE] GAMING TABLE TYPE. Categorization of gaming
tables per the type of game played on them, including, but not
limited to, baccarat, bingo, blackjack/21, craps, pai gow,
poker, roulette.
[F] GAS CABINET. A fully enclosed, ventilated noncombustible enclosure used to provide an isolated environment
for compressed gas cylinders in storage or use. Doors and
access ports for exchanging cylinders and accessing pressureregulating controls are allowed to be included.
[F] GAS DETECTION SYSTEM. A system or portion of a
combination system that utilizes one or more stationary sensors to detect the presence of a specified gas at a specified
concentration and initiate one or more responses required by
this code, such as notifying a responsible person, activating
an alarm signal, or activating or deactivating equipment. A
self-contained gas detection and alarm device is not classified
as a gas detection system.
[F] GAS ROOM. A separately ventilated, fully enclosed
room in which only compressed gases and associated equipment and supplies are stored or used.
[F] GASEOUS HYDROGEN SYSTEM. An assembly of
piping, devices and apparatus designed to generate, store,
contain, distribute or transport a nontoxic, gaseous hydrogencontaining mixture having not less than 95-percent hydrogen
gas by volume and not more than 1-percent oxygen by volume. Gaseous hydrogen systems consist of items such as
compressed gas containers, reactors and appurtenances,
including pressure regulators, pressure relief devices, manifolds, pumps, compressors and interconnecting piping and
tubing and controls.
[BF] GLASS FIBERBOARD. Fibrous glass roof insulation
consisting of inorganic glass fibers formed into rigid boards
using a binder. The board has a top surface faced with asphalt
and kraft reinforced with glass fiber.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
[BS] GRADE (LUMBER). The classification of lumber in
regard to strength and utility in accordance with American
Softwood Lumber Standard DOC PS 20 and the grading rules
of an approved lumber rules-writing agency.
[BE] GRADE FLOOR OPENING. A window or other
opening located such that the sill height of the opening is not
more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above or below the finished
ground level adjacent to the opening.
[BG] GRADE PLANE. A reference plane representing the
average of finished ground level adjoining the building at
exterior walls. Where the finished ground level slopes away
from the exterior walls, the reference plane shall be established by the lowest points within the area between the building and the lot line or, where the lot line is more than 6 feet
(1829 mm) from the building, between the building and a
point 6 feet (1829 mm) from the building.
GRADE PLANE, STORY ABOVE. See “Story above
grade plane.”
[BE] GRANDSTAND. Tiered seating supported on a dedicated structural system and two or more rows high and is not
a building element (see “Bleachers”).
[BG] GREENHOUSE. A structure or thermally isolated
area of a building that maintains a specialized sunlit environment used for and essential to the cultivation, protection or
maintenance of plants.
[BG] GROSS LEASABLE AREA. The total floor area
designed for tenant occupancy and exclusive use. The area of
tenant occupancy is measured from the centerlines of joint
partitions to the outside of the tenant walls. All tenant areas,
including areas used for storage, shall be included in calculating gross leasable area.
[BG] GROUP HOME. A facility for social rehabilitation,
substance abuse or mental health problems that contains a
group housing arrangement that provides custodial care but
does not provide medical care.
[BE] GUARD. A building component or a system of building components located at or near the open sides of elevated
walking surfaces that minimizes the possibility of a fall from
the walking surface to a lower level.
[BG] GUESTROOM. A room used or intended to be used
by one or more guests for living or sleeping purposes.
[BS] GYPSUM BOARD. The generic name for a family of
sheet products consisting of a noncombustible core primarily
of gypsum with paper surfacing. Gypsum wallboard, gypsum
sheathing, gypsum base for gypsum veneer plaster, exterior
gypsum soffit board, predecorated gypsum board and waterresistant gypsum backing board complying with the standards
listed in Tables 2506.2, 2507.2 and Chapter 35 are types of
gypsum board.
[BS] GYPSUM PANEL PRODUCT. The general name for
a family of sheet products consisting essentially of gypsum.
[BS] GYPSUM PLASTER. A mixture of calcined gypsum
or calcined gypsum and lime and aggregate and other
approved materials as specified in this code.
[BS] GYPSUM VENEER PLASTER. Gypsum plaster
applied to an approved base in one or more coats normally
not exceeding 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) in total thickness.
27
DEFINITIONS
[BG] HABITABLE SPACE. A space in a building for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet rooms,
closets, halls, storage or utility spaces and similar areas are
not considered habitable spaces.
[F] HALOGENATED EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM. A
fire-extinguishing system using one or more atoms of an element from the halogen chemical series: fluorine, chlorine,
bromine and iodine.
[F] HANDLING. The deliberate transport by any means to a
point of storage or use.
[BE] HANDRAIL. A horizontal or sloping rail intended for
grasping by the hand for guidance or support.
[BS] HARDBOARD. A fibrous-felted, homogeneous panel
made from lignocellulosic fibers consolidated under heat and
pressure in a hot press to a density not less than 31 pcf (497 kg/
m3).
HARDWARE. See “Fire exit hardware” and “Panic hardware.”
[F] HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Those chemicals or substances that are physical hazards or health hazards as classified in Section 307 and the International Fire Code, whether
the materials are in usable or waste condition.
[F] HAZARDOUS PRODUCTION MATERIAL (HPM).
A solid, liquid or gas associated with semiconductor manufacturing that has a degree-of-hazard rating in health, flammability or instability of Class 3 or 4 as ranked by NFPA 704
and which is used directly in research, laboratory or production processes which have as their end product materials that
are not hazardous.
[BS] HEAD JOINT. Vertical mortar joint placed between
masonry units within the wythe at the time the masonry units
are laid.
[F] HEALTH HAZARD. A classification of a chemical for
which there is statistically significant evidence that acute or
chronic health effects are capable of occurring in exposed
persons. The term “health hazard” includes chemicals that are
toxic or highly toxic, and corrosive.
HEAT DETECTOR. See “Detector, heat.”
[BG] HEIGHT, BUILDING. The vertical distance from
grade plane to the average height of the highest roof surface.
[BS] HELICAL PILE. Manufactured steel deep foundation
element consisting of a central shaft and one or more helical
bearing plates. A helical pile is installed by rotating it into the
ground. Each helical bearing plate is formed into a screw
thread with a uniform defined pitch.
[F] HELIPAD. A structural surface that is used for the landing, taking off, taxiing and parking of helicopters.
[F] HELIPORT. An area of land or water or a structural surface that is used, or intended for use, for the landing and taking off of helicopters, and any appurtenant areas that are
used, or intended for use, for heliport buildings or other heliport facilities.
[F] HELISTOP. The same as “heliport,” except that no fueling, defueling, maintenance, repairs or storage of helicopters
is permitted.
28
[F] HIGHER EDUCATION LABORATORY. Laboratories in Group B occupancies used for educational purposes
above the 12th grade. Storage, use and handling of chemicals
in such laboratories shall be limited to purposes related to
testing, analysis, teaching, research or developmental activities on a nonproduction basis.
[F] HIGHLY TOXIC. A material which produces a lethal
dose or lethal concentration that falls within any of the following categories:
1. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 50
milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when
administered orally to albino rats weighing between
200 and 300 grams each.
2. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 200
milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when
administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or
less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin
of albino rabbits weighing between 2 and 3 kilograms
each.
3. A chemical that has a median lethal concentration
(LC50) in air of 200 parts per million by volume or less
of gas or vapor, or 2 milligrams per liter or less of mist,
fume or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for 1 hour (or less if death occurs within 1 hour) to
albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
Mixtures of these materials with ordinary materials, such
as water, might not warrant classification as highly toxic.
While this system is basically simple in application, any hazard evaluation that is required for the precise categorization
of this type of material shall be performed by experienced,
technically competent persons.
[BF] HIGH-PRESSURE DECORATIVE EXTERIORGRADE COMPACT LAMINATE (HPL). Panels consisting of layers of cellulose fibrous material impregnated with
thermosetting resins and bonded together by a high-pressure
process to form a homogeneous nonporous core suitable for
exterior use.
[BF] HIGH-PRESSURE DECORATIVE EXTERIORGRADE COMPACT LAMINATE (HPL) SYSTEM. An
exterior wall covering fabricated using HPL in a specific
assembly including joints, seams, attachments, substrate,
framing and other details as appropriate to a particular design.
[BG] HIGH-RISE BUILDING. A building with an occupied floor located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the
lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
[A] HISTORIC BUILDINGS. Any building or structure
that is one or more of the following:
1. Listed or certified as eligible for listing by the State
Historic Preservation Officer or the Keeper of the
National Register of Historic Places, in the National
Register of Historic Places.
2. Designated as historic under an applicable state or local
law.
3. Certified as a contributing resource within a National
Register, state designated or locally designated historic
district.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
DEFINITIONS
[BF] HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLY. A fire-resistance-rated
floor or roof assembly of materials designed to restrict the
spread of fire in which continuity is maintained.
[BE] HORIZONTAL EXIT. An exit component consisting
of fire-resistance-rated construction and opening protectives
intended to compartmentalize portions of a building thereby
creating refuge areas that afford safety from the fire and
smoke from the area of fire origin.
[BG] HOSPITALS AND PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS.
Facilities that provide care or treatment for the medical, psychiatric, obstetrical, or surgical treatment of care recipients
who are incapable of self-preservation.
[BG] HOUSING UNIT. A dormitory or a group of cells with
a common dayroom in Group I-3.
HPM. See “Hazardous Production Material.”
[F] HPM ROOM. A room used in conjunction with or serving a Group H-5 occupancy, where HPM is stored or used
and which is classified as a Group H-2, H-3 or H-4 occupancy.
[BS] HURRICANE-PRONE REGIONS. Areas vulnerable
to hurricanes defined as:
1. The U. S. Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico coasts
where the ultimate design wind speed, Vult, for Risk Category II buildings is greater than 115 mph (51.4 m/s);
2. Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands and American Samoa.
[F] HYDROGEN FUEL GAS ROOM. A room or space
that is intended exclusively to house a gaseous hydrogen system.
[BS] ICE-SENSITIVE STRUCTURE. A structure for
which the effect of an atmospheric ice load governs the
design of a structure or portion thereof. This includes, but is
not limited to, lattice structures, guyed masts, overhead lines,
light suspension and cable-stayed bridges, aerial cable systems (e.g., for ski lifts or logging operations), amusement
rides, open catwalks and platforms, flagpoles and signs.
[F] IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE AND
HEALTH (IDLH). The concentration of airborne contaminants which poses a threat of death, immediate or delayed
permanent adverse health effects, or effects that could prevent escape from such an environment. This contaminant
concentration level is established by the National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) based on both toxicity and flammability. It generally is expressed in parts per
million by volume (ppmv/v) or milligrams per cubic meter
(mg/m3). If adequate data do not exist for precise establishment of IDLH concentrations, an independent certified industrial hygienist, industrial toxicologist, appropriate regulatory
agency or other source approved by the building official shall
make such determination.
[BS] IMPACT LOAD. The load resulting from moving
machinery, elevators, craneways, vehicles and other similar
forces and kinetic loads, pressure and possible surcharge
from fixed or moving loads.
[BG] INCAPABLE OF SELF-PRESERVATION. Persons
who, because of age, physical limitations, mental limitations,
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
chemical dependency or medical treatment, cannot respond
as an individual to an emergency situation.
[F] INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS. Materials that, when
mixed, have the potential to react in a manner that generates
heat, fumes, gases or byproducts which are hazardous to life
or property.
[F] INERT GAS. A gas that is capable of reacting with other
materials only under abnormal conditions such as high temperatures, pressures and similar extrinsic physical forces.
Within the context of the code, inert gases do not exhibit
either physical or health hazard properties as defined (other
than acting as a simple asphyxiant) or hazard properties other
than those of a compressed gas. Some of the more common
inert gases include argon, helium, krypton, neon, nitrogen
and xenon.
[F] INITIATING DEVICE. A system component that originates transmission of a change-of-state condition, such as in a
smoke detector, manual fire alarm box or supervisory switch.
[BE] INTENDED TO BE OCCUPIED AS A RESIDENCE. This refers to a dwelling unit or sleeping unit that
can or will be used all or part of the time as the occupant’s
place of abode.
[BE] INTERIOR EXIT RAMP. An exit component that
serves to meet one or more means of egress design requirements, such as required number of exits or exit access travel
distance, and provides for a protected path of egress travel to
the exit discharge or public way.
[BE] INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAY. An exit component
that serves to meet one or more means of egress design
requirements, such as required number of exits or exit access
travel distance, and provides for a protected path of egress
travel to the exit discharge or public way.
[BF] INTERIOR FINISH. Interior finish includes interior
wall and ceiling finish and interior floor finish.
[BF] INTERIOR FLOOR FINISH. The exposed floor surfaces of buildings including coverings applied over a finished
floor or stair, including risers.
[BF] INTERIOR FLOOR-WALL BASE. Interior floor finish trim used to provide a functional or decorative border at
the intersection of walls and floors.
[BF] INTERIOR SURFACES. Surfaces other than weather
exposed surfaces.
[BF] INTERIOR WALL AND CEILING FINISH. The
exposed interior surfaces of buildings, including but not limited to: fixed or movable walls and partitions; toilet room privacy partitions; columns; ceilings; and interior wainscoting,
paneling or other finish applied structurally or for decoration,
acoustical correction, surface insulation, structural fire resistance or similar purposes, but not including trim.
[BS] INTERLAYMENT. A layer of felt or nonbituminous
saturated felt not less than 18 inches (457 mm) wide, shingled
between each course of a wood-shake roof covering.
[BF] INTUMESCENT FIRE-RESISTANT COATINGS.
Thin film liquid mixture applied to substrates by brush, roller,
spray or trowel which expands into a protective foamed layer
to provide fire-resistant protection of the substrates when
exposed to flame or intense heat.
29
DEFINITIONS
[BS] JOINT. The opening in or between adjacent assemblies
that is created due to building tolerances, or is designed to
allow independent movement of the building in any plane
caused by thermal, seismic, wind or any other loading.
[A] JURISDICTION. The governmental unit that has
adopted this code.
[BF] L RATING. The air leakage rating of a through penetration firestop system or a fire-resistant joint system when
tested in accordance with UL 1479 or UL 2079, respectively.
[A] LABEL. An identification applied on a product by the
manufacturer that contains the name of the manufacturer, the
function and performance characteristics of the product or
material and the name and identification of an approved
agency, and that indicates that the representative sample of
the product or material has been tested and evaluated by an
approved agency (see Section 1703.5, “Manufacturer’s designation” and “Mark”).
[A] LABELED. Equipment, materials or products to which
has been affixed a label, seal, symbol or other identifying
mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, approved
agency or other organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of the production of
the above-labeled items and whose labeling indicates either
that the equipment, material or product meets identified standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified
purpose.
[F] LABORATORY SUITE. A fire-rated, enclosed laboratory area providing one or more laboratory spaces within a
Group B educational occupancy that includes ancillary uses
such as offices, bathrooms and corridors that are contiguous
with the laboratory area, and are constructed in accordance
with Section 428.
LEVEL OF EXIT DISCHARGE. See “Exit discharge,
level of.”
[BF] LIGHT-DIFFUSING SYSTEM. Construction consisting in whole or in part of lenses, panels, grids or baffles made
with light-transmitting plastics positioned below independently mounted electrical light sources, skylights or lighttransmitting plastic roof panels. Lenses, panels, grids and baffles that are part of an electrical fixture shall not be considered as a light-diffusing system.
[BS] LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION. A type of construction whose vertical and horizontal structural elements
are primarily formed by a system of repetitive wood or coldformed steel framing members.
[BF] LIGHT-TRANSMITTING PLASTIC ROOF PANELS. Structural plastic panels other than skylights that are
fastened to structural members, or panels or sheathing and
that are used as light-transmitting media in the plane of the
roof.
[BF] LIGHT-TRANSMITTING PLASTIC WALL PANELS. Plastic materials that are fastened to structural members, or to structural panels or sheathing, and that are used as
light-transmitting media in exterior walls.
[BS] LIMIT OF MODERATE WAVE ACTION. Line
shown on FIRMs to indicate the inland limit of the 11/2-foot
(457 mm) breaking wave height during the base flood.
30
[BS] LIMIT STATE. A condition beyond which a structure
or member becomes unfit for service and is judged to be no
longer useful for its intended function (serviceability limit
state) or to be unsafe (strength limit state).
[F] LIQUID. A material that has a melting point that is equal
to or less than 68°F (20°C) and a boiling point that is greater
than 68°F (20°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute
(psia) (101 kPa). When not otherwise identified, the term
“liquid” includes both flammable and combustible liquids.
[F] LIQUID STORAGE ROOM. A room classified as a
Group H-3 occupancy used for the storage of flammable or
combustible liquids in a closed condition.
[F] LIQUID USE, DISPENSING AND MIXING ROOM.
A room in which Class I, II and IIIA flammable or combustible liquids are used, dispensed or mixed in open containers.
[A] LISTED. Equipment, materials, products or services
included in a list published by an organization acceptable to
the building official and concerned with evaluation of products or services that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic
evaluation of services and whose listing states either that the
equipment, material, product or service meets identified
standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.
[BG] LIVE/WORK UNIT. A dwelling unit or sleeping unit
in which a significant portion of the space includes a nonresidential use that is operated by the tenant.
[BS] LIVE LOAD. A load produced by the use and occupancy of the building or other structure that does not include
construction or environmental loads such as wind load, snow
load, rain load, earthquake load, flood load or dead load.
[BS] LIVE LOAD, ROOF. A load on a roof produced:
1. During maintenance by workers, equipment and materials;
2. During the life of the structure by movable objects such
as planters or other similar small decorative appurtenances that are not occupancy related; or
3. By the use and occupancy of the roof such as for roof
gardens or assembly areas.
[BS] LOAD AND RESISTANCE FACTOR DESIGN
(LRFD). A method of proportioning structural members and
their connections using load and resistance factors such that
no applicable limit state is reached when the structure is subjected to appropriate load combinations. The term “LRFD” is
used in the design of steel and wood structures.
[BS] LOAD EFFECTS. Forces and deformations produced
in structural members by the applied loads.
[BS] LOAD FACTOR. A factor that accounts for deviations
of the actual load from the nominal load, for uncertainties in
the analysis that transforms the load into a load effect, and for
the probability that more than one extreme load will occur
simultaneously.
[BS] LOADS. Forces or other actions that result from the
weight of building materials, occupants and their possessions,
environmental effects, differential movement and restrained
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
DEFINITIONS
dimensional changes. Permanent loads are those loads in
which variations over time are rare or of small magnitude,
such as dead loads. All other loads are variable loads (see
“Nominal loads”).
[BG] LODGING HOUSE. A one-family dwelling where
one or more occupants are primarily permanent in nature and
rent is paid for guest rooms.
[A] LOT. A portion or parcel of land considered as a unit.
[A] LOT LINE. A line dividing one lot from another, or
from a street or any public place.
[BE] LOW-ENERGY POWER-OPERATED DOOR. A
swinging, sliding or folding door that opens automatically
upon an action by a pedestrian such as pressing a push plate
or waving a hand in front of a sensor. The door closes automatically, and operates with decreased forces and decreased
speeds (see “Power-assisted door” and “Power-operated
door”).
[F] LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT (LFL). The minimum
concentration of vapor in air at which propagation of flame
will occur in the presence of an ignition source. The LFL is
sometimes referred to as “LEL” or “lower explosive limit.”
[BS] LOWEST FLOOR. The lowest floor of the lowest
enclosed area, including basement, but excluding any unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable solely for vehicle
parking, building access or limited storage provided that such
enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation
of Section 1612.
[BS] MAIN WINDFORCE-RESISTING SYSTEM. An
assemblage of structural elements assigned to provide support and stability for the overall structure. The system generally receives wind loading from more than one surface
MALL BUILDING, COVERED and MALL BUILDING,
OPEN. See “Covered mall building.”
[F] MANUAL FIRE ALARM BOX. A manually operated
device used to initiate an alarm signal.
[A] MANUFACTURER’S DESIGNATION. An identification applied on a product by the manufacturer indicating that
a product or material complies with a specified standard or
set of rules (see “Label” and “Mark”).
[A] MARK. An identification applied on a product by the
manufacturer indicating the name of the manufacturer and the
function of a product or material (see “Label” and “Manufacturer’s designation”).
[BG] MARQUEE. A canopy that has a top surface which is
sloped less than 25 degrees from the horizontal and is located
less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from operable openings above or
adjacent to the level of the marquee.
[BS] MASONRY. A built-up construction or combination of
building units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gypsum, stone or other approved units bonded together with or
without mortar or grout or other accepted methods of joining.
Glass unit masonry. Masonry composed of glass units
bonded by mortar.
Plain masonry. Masonry in which the tensile resistance of
the masonry is taken into consideration and the effects of
stresses in reinforcement are neglected.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
Reinforced masonry. Masonry construction in which
reinforcement acting in conjunction with the masonry is
used to resist forces.
Solid masonry. Masonry consisting of solid masonry
units laid contiguously with the joints between the units
filled with mortar.
Unreinforced (plain) masonry. Masonry in which the
tensile resistance of masonry is taken into consideration
and the resistance of the reinforcing steel, if present, is
neglected.
[BS] MASONRY UNIT. Brick, tile, stone, glass block or
concrete block conforming to the requirements specified in
Section 2103.
Hollow. A masonry unit whose net cross-sectional area in
any plane parallel to the load-bearing surface is less than
75 percent of its gross cross-sectional area measured in
the same plane.
Solid. A masonry unit whose net cross-sectional area in
every plane parallel to the load-bearing surface is 75 percent or more of its gross cross-sectional area measured in
the same plane.
[BF] MASTIC FIRE-RESISTANT COATINGS. Liquid
mixture applied to a substrate by brush, roller, spray or trowel
that provides fire-resistant protection of a substrate when
exposed to flame or intense heat.
[BE] MEANS OF EGRESS. A continuous and unobstructed
path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to a public way. A
means of egress consists of three separate and distinct parts:
the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge.
[BG] MECHANICAL-ACCESS OPEN PARKING
GARAGES. Open parking garages employing parking
machines, lifts, elevators or other mechanical devices for
vehicles moving from and to street level and in which public
occupancy is prohibited above the street level.
[BF] MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT SCREEN. A rooftop
structure, not covered by a roof, used to aesthetically conceal
plumbing, electrical or mechanical equipment from view.
[BG] MEDICAL CARE. Care involving medical or surgical
procedures, nursing or for psychiatric purposes.
[BG] MEMBRANE-COVERED CABLE STRUCTURE.
A nonpressurized structure in which a mast and cable system
provides support and tension to the membrane weather barrier and the membrane imparts stability to the structure.
[BG] MEMBRANE-COVERED FRAME STRUCTURE.
A nonpressurized building wherein the structure is composed
of a rigid framework to support a tensioned membrane which
provides the weather barrier.
[BF] MEMBRANE PENETRATION. A breach in one side
of a floor-ceiling, roof-ceiling or wall assembly to accommodate an item installed into or passing through the breach.
[BF] MEMBRANE-PENETRATION FIRESTOP. A
material, device or construction installed to resist for a prescribed time period the passage of flame and heat through
openings in a protective membrane in order to accommodate
cables, cable trays, conduit, tubing, pipes or similar items.
31
DEFINITIONS
[BF] MEMBRANE-PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEM. An assemblage consisting of a fire-resistance-rated
floor-ceiling, roof-ceiling or wall assembly, one or more penetrating items installed into or passing through the breach in
one side of the assembly and the materials or devices, or both,
installed to resist the spread of fire into the assembly for a
prescribed period of time.
[BE] MERCHANDISE PAD. A merchandise pad is an area
for display of merchandise surrounded by aisles, permanent
fixtures or walls. Merchandise pads contain elements such as
nonfixed and moveable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and
partitions as indicated in Section 105.2 from which customers
browse or shop.
[BF] METAL COMPOSITE MATERIAL (MCM). A factory-manufactured panel consisting of metal skins bonded to
both faces of a solid plastic core.
[BF] METAL COMPOSITE MATERIAL (MCM) SYSTEM. An exterior wall covering fabricated using MCM in a
specific assembly including joints, seams, attachments, substrate, framing and other details as appropriate to a particular
design.
[BS] METAL ROOF PANEL. An interlocking metal sheet
having a minimum installed weather exposure of 3 square
feet (0.279 m2) per sheet.
[BS] METAL ROOF SHINGLE. An interlocking metal
sheet having an installed weather exposure less than 3 square
feet (0.279 m2) per sheet.
[BG] MEZZANINE. An intermediate level or levels
between the floor and ceiling of any story and in accordance
with Section 505.
[BS] MICROPILE. A micropile is a bored, grouted-in-place
deep foundation element that develops its load-carrying
capacity by means of a bond zone in soil, bedrock or a combination of soil and bedrock.
[BF] MINERAL BOARD. A rigid felted thermal insulation
board consisting of either felted mineral fiber or cellular
beads of expanded aggregate formed into flat rectangular
units.
[BF] MINERAL FIBER. Insulation composed principally
of fibers manufactured from rock, slag or glass, with or without binders.
[BF] MINERAL WOOL. Synthetic vitreous fiber insulation
made by melting predominately igneous rock or furnace slag,
and other inorganic materials, and then physically forming
the melt into fibers.
[BS] MODIFIED BITUMEN ROOF COVERING. One or
more layers of polymer-modified asphalt sheets. The sheet
materials shall be fully adhered or mechanically attached to
the substrate or held in place with an approved ballast layer.
[BS] MORTAR. A mixture consisting of cementitious materials, fine aggregates, water, with or without admixtures, that
is used to construct unit masonry assemblies.
[BS] MORTAR, SURFACE-BONDING. A mixture to
bond concrete masonry units that contains hydraulic cement,
glass fiber reinforcement with or without inorganic fillers or
organic modifiers and water.
32
[BE] MULTILEVEL ASSEMBLY SEATING. Seating
that is arranged in distinct levels where each level is comprised of either multiple rows, or a single row of box seats
accessed from a separate level.
[F] MULTIPLE-STATION ALARM DEVICE. Two or
more single-station alarm devices that can be interconnected
such that actuation of one causes all integral or separate audible alarms to operate. A multiple-station alarm device can
consist of one single-station alarm device having connections
to other detectors or to a manual fire alarm box.
[F] MULTIPLE-STATION SMOKE ALARM. Two or
more single-station alarm devices that are capable of interconnection such that actuation of one causes the appropriate
alarm signal to operate in all interconnected alarms.
[BE] MULTISTORY UNIT. A dwelling unit or sleeping
unit with habitable space located on more than one story.
[BS] NAILING, BOUNDARY. A special nailing pattern
required by design at the boundaries of diaphragms.
[BS] NAILING, EDGE. A special nailing pattern required
by design at the edges of each panel within the assembly of a
diaphragm or shear wall.
[BS] NAILING, FIELD. Nailing required between the
sheathing panels and framing members at locations other than
boundary nailing and edge nailing.
[BS] NATURALLY DURABLE WOOD. The heartwood of
the following species except for the occasional piece with
corner sapwood, provided 90 percent or more of the width of
each side on which it occurs is heartwood.
Decay resistant. Redwood, cedar, black locust and black
walnut.
Termite resistant. Redwood, Alaska yellow cedar, Eastern red cedar and Western red cedar.
[BS] NOMINAL LOADS. The magnitudes of the loads
specified in Chapter 16 (dead, live, soil, wind, snow, rain,
flood and earthquake).
[BS] NOMINAL SIZE (LUMBER). The commercial size
designation of width and depth, in standard sawn lumber and
glued-laminated lumber grades; somewhat larger than the
standard net size of dressed lumber, in accordance with
DOCPS 20 for sawn lumber and with the ANSI/AWC NDS
for glued-laminated lumber.
[BG] NONCOMBUSTIBLE MEMBRANE STRUCTURE. A membrane structure in which the membrane and all
component parts of the structure are noncombustible.
[BS] NONSTRUCTURAL CONCRETE. Any element
made of plain or reinforced concrete that is not part of a structural system required to transfer either gravity or lateral loads
to the ground.
[F] NORMAL TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE
(NTP). A temperature of 70°F (21°C) and a pressure of 1
atmosphere [14.7 psia (101 kPa)].
[BE] NOSING. The leading edge of treads of stairs and of
landings at the top of stairway flights.
NOTIFICATION ZONE. See “Zone, notification.”
[F] NUISANCE ALARM. An alarm caused by mechanical
failure, malfunction, improper installation or lack of proper
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
DEFINITIONS
maintenance, or an alarm activated by a cause that cannot be
determined.
[BG] NURSING HOMES. Facilities that provide care,
including both intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing
facilities where any of the persons are incapable of self-preservation.
[BE] OCCUPANT LOAD. The number of persons for
which the means of egress of a building or portion thereof is
designed.
[BG] OCCUPIABLE SPACE. A room or enclosed space
designed for human occupancy in which individuals congregate for amusement, educational or similar purposes or in
which occupants are engaged at labor, and which is equipped
with means of egress and light and ventilation facilities meeting the requirements of this code.
[BG] OPEN PARKING GARAGE. A structure or portion
of a structure with the openings as described in Section
406.5.2 on two or more sides that is used for the parking or
storage of private motor vehicles as described in Section
406.5.3.
[F] OPEN SYSTEM. The use of a solid or liquid hazardous
material involving a vessel or system that is continuously
open to the atmosphere during normal operations and where
vapors are liberated, or the product is exposed to the atmosphere during normal operations. Examples of open systems
for solids and liquids include dispensing from or into open
beakers or containers, dip tank and plating tank operations.
[F] OPEN-AIR ASSEMBLY SEATING. Seating served by
means of egress that is not subject to smoke accumulation
within or under a structure and is open to the atmosphere.
[BE] OPEN-ENDED CORRIDOR. An interior corridor
that is open on each end and connects to an exterior stairway
or ramp at each end with no intervening doors or separation
from the corridor.
[BF] OPENING PROTECTIVE. A fire door assembly, fire
shutter assembly, fire window assembly or glass-block
assembly in a fire-resistance-rated wall or partition.
[F] OPERATING BUILDING. A building occupied in conjunction with the manufacture, transportation or use of explosive materials. Operating buildings are separated from one
another with the use of intraplant or intraline distances.
[BS] ORDINARY PRECAST STRUCTURAL WALL.
See Section 1905.1.1.
[BS] ORDINARY REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL WALL. See Section 1905.1.1.
[BS] ORDINARY STRUCTURAL PLAIN CONCRETE
WALL. See Section 1905.1.1.
[F] ORGANIC PEROXIDE. An organic compound that
contains the bivalent -O-O- structure and which may be considered to be a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide
where one or both of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced
by an organic radical. Organic peroxides can pose an explosion hazard (detonation or deflagration) or they can be shock
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
sensitive. They can also decompose into various unstable
compounds over an extended period of time.
Class I. Those formulations that are capable of deflagration but not detonation.
Class II. Those formulations that burn very rapidly and
that pose a moderate reactivity hazard.
Class III. Those formulations that burn rapidly and that
pose a moderate reactivity hazard.
Class IV. Those formulations that burn in the same manner as ordinary combustibles and that pose a minimal reactivity hazard.
Class V. Those formulations that burn with less intensity
than ordinary combustibles or do not sustain combustion
and that pose no reactivity hazard.
Unclassified detonable. Organic peroxides that are capable of detonation. These peroxides pose an extremely high
explosion hazard through rapid explosive decomposition.
[BS] ORTHOGONAL. To be in two horizontal directions,
at 90 degrees (1.57 rad) to each other.
[BS] OTHER STRUCTURES (for Chapters 16-23). Structures, other than buildings, for which loads are specified in
Chapter 16.
OUTPATIENT CLINIC. See “Clinic, outpatient.”
[A] OWNER. Any person, agent, operator, entity, firm or
corporation having any legal or equitable interest in the property; or recorded in the official records of the state, county or
municipality as holding an interest or title to the property; or
otherwise having possession or control of the property,
including the guardian of the estate of any such person, and
the executor or administrator of the estate of such person if
ordered to take possession of real property by a court.
[F] OXIDIZER. A material that readily yields oxygen or
other oxidizing gas, or that readily reacts to promote or initiate combustion of combustible materials and, if heated or
contaminated, can result in vigorous self-sustained decomposition.
Class 4. An oxidizer that can undergo an explosive reaction due to contamination or exposure to thermal or physical shock and that causes a severe increase in the burning
rate of combustible materials with which it comes into
contact. Additionally, the oxidizer causes a severe increase
in the burning rate and can cause spontaneous ignition of
combustibles.
Class 3. An oxidizer that causes a severe increase in the
burning rate of combustible materials with which it comes
in contact.
Class 2. An oxidizer that will cause a moderate increase in
the burning rate of combustible materials with which it
comes in contact.
Class 1. An oxidizer that does not moderately increase the
burning rate of combustible materials.
[F] OXIDIZING GAS. A gas that can support and accelerate
combustion of other materials more than air does.
33
DEFINITIONS
[BS] PANEL (PART OF A STRUCTURE). The section of
a floor, wall or roof comprised between the supporting frame
of two adjacent rows of columns and girders or column bands
of floor or roof construction.
[BE] PANIC HARDWARE. A door-latching assembly
incorporating a device that releases the latch upon the application of a force in the direction of egress travel. See “Fire
exit hardware.”
[BS] PARTICLEBOARD. A generic term for a panel primarily composed of cellulosic materials (usually wood), generally in the form of discrete pieces or particles, as
distinguished from fibers. The cellulosic material is combined with synthetic resin or other suitable bonding system
by a process in which the interparticle bond is created by the
bonding system under heat and pressure.
[BF] PENETRATION FIRESTOP. A through-penetration
firestop or a membrane-penetration firestop.
[BG] PENTHOUSE. An enclosed, unoccupied rooftop
structure used for sheltering mechanical and electrical equipment, tanks, elevators and related machinery, and vertical
shaft openings.
[BS] PERFORMANCE CATEGORY. A designation of
wood structural panels as related to the panel performance
used in Chapter 23.
[A] PERMIT. An official document or certificate issued by
the building official that authorizes performance of a specified activity.
[A] PERSON. An individual, heirs, executors, administrators
or assigns, and also includes a firm, partnership or corporation, its or their successors or assigns, or the agent of any of
the aforesaid.
[BG] PERSONAL CARE SERVICE. The care of persons
who do not require medical care. Personal care involves
responsibility for the safety of the persons while inside the
building
[BE] PHOTOLUMINESCENT. Having the property of
emitting light that continues for a length of time after excitation by visible or invisible light has been removed.
[BS] PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE. A complete, environmentally protected unit consisting of solar cells, optics and
other components, exclusive of tracker, designed to generate
DC power when exposed to sunlight.
[BS] PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL. A collection of modules
mechanically fastened together, wired and designed to provide a field-installable unit.
[BS] PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL SYSTEM. A system that
incorporates discrete photovoltaic panels, that converts solar
radiation into electricity, including rack support systems.
[BS] PHOTOVOLTAIC SHINGLES. A roof covering
resembling shingles that incorporates photovoltaic modules.
[F] PHYSICAL HAZARD. A chemical for which there is
evidence that it is a combustible liquid, cryogenic fluid,
explosive, flammable (solid, liquid or gas), organic peroxide
(solid or liquid), oxidizer (solid or liquid), oxidizing gas,
pyrophoric (solid, liquid or gas), unstable (reactive) material
34
(solid, liquid or gas) or water-reactive material (solid or liquid).
[F] PHYSIOLOGICAL WARNING THRESHOLD
LEVEL. A concentration of airborne contaminants, normally
expressed in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per cubic
meter (mg/m3), that represents the concentration at which
persons can sense the presence of the contaminant due to
odor, irritation or other quick-acting physiological response.
When used in conjunction with the permissible exposure
limit (PEL) the physiological warning threshold levels are
those consistent with the classification system used to establish the PEL. See the definition of “Permissible exposure
limit (PEL)” in the International Fire Code.
PLACE OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP. See “Religious worship, place of.”
[BF] PLASTIC, APPROVED. Any thermoplastic, thermosetting or reinforced thermosetting plastic material that conforms to combustibility classifications specified in the section
applicable to the application and plastic type.
[BF] PLASTIC COMPOSITE. A generic designation that
refers to wood/plastic composites, plastic lumber and similar
materials.
[BF] PLASTIC GLAZING. Plastic materials that are glazed
or set in a frame or sash.
[BF] PLASTIC LUMBER. A manufactured product made
primarily of plastic materials (filled or unfilled) which is generally rectangular in cross section.
[BG] PLATFORM. A raised area within a building used for
worship, the presentation of music, plays or other entertainment; the head table for special guests; the raised area for lecturers and speakers; boxing and wrestling rings; theater-inthe-round stages; and similar purposes wherein, other than
horizontal sliding curtains, there are no overhead hanging
curtains, drops, scenery or stage effects other than lighting
and sound. A temporary platform is one installed for not more
than 30 days.
[BF] POLYPROPYLENE SIDING. A shaped material,
made principally from polypropylene homopolymer, or copolymer, which in some cases contains fillers or reinforcements,
that is used to clad exterior walls of buildings.
[BS] PORCELAIN TILE. Tile that conforms to the
requirements of ANSI A137.1.3, Section 3.0 for ceramic tile
having an absorption of 0.5 percent or less in accordance with
ANSI A137.1, Section 4.1 and Section 6.1 Table 10.
[BS] POSITIVE ROOF DRAINAGE. The drainage condition in which consideration has been made for all loading
deflections of the roof deck, and additional slope has been
provided to ensure drainage of the roof within 48 hours of
precipitation.
[BE] POWER-ASSISTED DOOR. Swinging door which
opens by reduced pushing or pulling force on the door-operating hardware. The door closes automatically after the pushing or pulling force is released and functions with decreased
forces. See “Low-energy power-operated door” and “Poweroperated door.”
[BE] POWER-OPERATED DOOR. Swinging, sliding, or
folding door which opens automatically when approached by
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
DEFINITIONS
a pedestrian or opens automatically upon an action by a
pedestrian. The door closes automatically and includes provisions such as presence sensors to prevent entrapment. See
“Low energy power-operated door” and “Power-assisted
door.”
[BS] PREFABRICATED WOOD I-JOIST. Structural
member manufactured using sawn or structural composite
lumber flanges and wood structural panel webs bonded
together with exterior exposure adhesives, which forms an
“I” cross-sectional shape.
[BS] PRESTRESSED MASONRY. Masonry in which
internal stresses have been introduced to counteract potential
tensile stresses in masonry resulting from applied loads.
[BG] PRIMARY STRUCTURAL FRAME. The primary
structural frame shall include all of the following structural
members:
1. The columns.
2. Structural members having direct connections to the
columns, including girders, beams, trusses and spandrels.
3. Members of the floor construction and roof construction having direct connections to the columns.
4. Bracing members that are essential to the vertical stability of the primary structural frame under gravity
loading shall be considered part of the primary structural frame whether or not the bracing member carries
gravity loads.
[BG] PRIVATE GARAGE. A building or portion of a
building in which motor vehicles used by the owner or tenants of the building or buildings on the premises are stored or
kept, without provisions for repairing or servicing such vehicles for profit.
[BG] PROSCENIUM WALL. The wall that separates the
stage from the auditorium or assembly seating area.
PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS. See “Hospitals.”
[BE] PUBLIC ENTRANCE. An entrance that is not a service entrance or a restricted entrance.
[A] PUBLIC WAY. A street, alley or other parcel of land
open to the outside air leading to a street, that has been
deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to
the public for public use and which has a clear width and
height of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm).
[BE] PUBLIC-USE AREAS. Interior or exterior rooms or
spaces that are made available to the general public.
[F] PYROPHORIC. A chemical with an auto-ignition temperature in air, at or below a temperature of 130°F (54.4°C).
[F] PYROTECHNIC COMPOSITION. A chemical mixture that produces visible light displays or sounds through a
self-propagating, heat-releasing chemical reaction which is
initiated by ignition.
[BF] RADIANT BARRIER. A material having a low-emittance surface of 0.1 or less installed in building assemblies.
[BE] RAMP. A walking surface that has a running slope
steeper than one unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent
slope).
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
RAMP, EXIT ACCESS. See “Exit access ramp.”
RAMP, EXTERIOR EXIT. See “Exterior exit ramp.”
RAMP, INTERIOR EXIT. See “Interior exit ramp.”
[BG] RAMP-ACCESS OPEN PARKING GARAGES.
Open parking garages employing a series of continuously
rising floors or a series of interconnecting ramps between
floors permitting the movement of vehicles under their own
power from and to the street level.
[A] RECORD DRAWINGS. Drawings (“as builts”) that
document the location of all devices, appliances, wiring
sequences, wiring methods and connections of the components of a fire alarm system as installed.
[BF] REFLECTIVE PLASTIC CORE INSULATION. An
insulation material packaged in rolls, that is less than 1/2 inch
(12.7 mm) thick, with not less than one exterior low-emittance surface (0.1 or less) and a core material containing
voids or cells.
[A] REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL. An individual who is registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the statutory
requirements of the professional registration laws of the state
or jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.
[A] REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL IN
RESPONSIBLE CHARGE. A registered design professional engaged by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent
to review and coordinate certain aspects of the project, as
determined by the building official, for compatibility with the
design of the building or structure, including submittal documents prepared by others, deferred submittal documents and
phased submittal documents.
[BG] RELIGIOUS WORSHIP, PLACE OF. A building or
portion thereof intended for the performance of religious services.
[A] RELOCATABLE BUILDING. A partially or completely assembled building constructed and designed to be
reused multiple times and transported to different building
sites.
[A] REPAIR. The reconstruction, replacement or renewal of
any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance or to correct damage.
[BG] REPAIR GARAGE. A building, structure or portion
thereof used for servicing or repairing motor vehicles.
[BS] REROOFING. The process of recovering or replacing
an existing roof covering. See “Roof recover” and “Roof
replacement.”
[BG] RESIDENTIAL AIRCRAFT HANGAR. An accessory building less than 2,000 square feet (186 m2) and 20 feet
(6096 mm) in building height constructed on a one- or twofamily property where aircraft are stored. Such use will be
considered as a residential accessory use incidental to the
dwelling.
[BS] RESISTANCE FACTOR. A factor that accounts for
deviations of the actual strength from the nominal strength
and the manner and consequences of failure (also called
“strength reduction factor”).
35
DEFINITIONS
[BE] RESTRICTED ENTRANCE. An entrance that is
made available for common use on a controlled basis, but not
public use, and that is not a service entrance.
[BG] RETRACTABLE AWNING. A retractable awning is
a cover with a frame that retracts against a building or other
structure to which it is entirely supported.
[BS] RISK CATEGORY. A categorization of buildings and
other structures for determination of flood, wind, snow, ice
and earthquake loads based on the risk associated with unacceptable performance.
[BS] RISK-TARGETED MAXIMUM CONSIDERED
EARTHQUAKE
(MCER)
GROUND
MOTION
RESPONSE ACCELERATIONS. The most severe earthquake effects considered by this code, determined for the orientation that results in the largest maximum response to
horizontal ground motions and with adjustment for targeted
risk.
[BS] ROOF ASSEMBLY (For application to Chapter 15
only). A system designed to provide weather protection and
resistance to design loads. The system consists of a roof covering and roof deck or a single component serving as both the
roof covering and the roof deck. A roof assembly can include
an underlayment, a thermal barrier, insulation or a vapor
retarder.
[BS] ROOF COATING. A fluid-applied, adhered coating
used for roof maintenance or roof repair, or as a component
of a roof covering system or roof assembly.
[BS] ROOF COVERING. The covering applied to the roof
deck for weather resistance, fire classification or appearance.
ROOF COVERING SYSTEM. See “Roof assembly.”
[BS] ROOF DECK. The flat or sloped surface constructed
on top of the exterior walls of a building or other supports for
the purpose of enclosing the story below, or sheltering an
area, to protect it from the elements, not including its supporting members or vertical supports.
ROOF DRAINAGE, POSITIVE. See “Positive roof drainage.”
[BS] ROOF RECOVER. The process of installing an additional roof covering over a prepared existing roof covering
without removing the existing roof covering.
[BS] ROOF REPAIR. Reconstruction or renewal of any part
of an existing roof for the purposes of its maintenance.
[BS] ROOF REPLACEMENT. The process of removing
the existing roof covering, repairing any damaged substrate
and installing a new roof covering.
[BG] ROOF VENTILATION. The natural or mechanical
process of supplying conditioned or unconditioned air to, or
removing such air from, attics, cathedral ceilings or other
enclosed spaces over which a roof assembly is installed.
[BG] ROOFTOP STRUCTURE. A structure erected on top
of the roof deck or on top of any part of a building.
[BS] RUNNING BOND. The placement of masonry units
such that head joints in successive courses are horizontally
offset at least one-quarter the unit length.
[BG] SALLYPORT. A security vestibule with two or more
doors or gates where the intended purpose is to prevent con36
tinuous and unobstructed passage by allowing the release of
only one door or gate at a time.
[BE] SCISSOR STAIRWAY. Two interlocking stairways
providing two separate paths of egress located within one exit
enclosure.
[BS] SCUPPER. An opening in a wall or parapet that allows
water to drain from a roof.
[BG] SECONDARY MEMBERS. The following structural
members shall be considered secondary members and not
part of the primary structural frame:
1. Structural members not having direct connections to
the columns.
2. Members of the floor construction and roof construction not having direct connections to the columns.
3. Bracing members other than those that are part of the
primary structural frame.
[BS] SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY. A classification
assigned to a structure based on its risk category and the
severity of the design earthquake ground motion at the site.
[BS] SEISMIC FORCE-RESISTING SYSTEM. That part
of the structural system that has been considered in the design
to provide the required resistance to the prescribed seismic
forces.
[BF] SELF-CLOSING. As applied to a fire door or other
opening protective, means equipped with an device that will
ensure closing after having been opened.
[BE] SELF-LUMINOUS. Illuminated by a self-contained
power source, other than batteries, and operated independently of external power sources.
SELF-PRESERVATION, INCAPABLE OF. See “Incapable of self-preservation.”
[BG] SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITY. Real property designed and used for the purpose of renting or leasing
individual storage spaces to customers for the purpose of
storing and removing personal property on a self-service
basis.
[F] SERVICE CORRIDOR. A fully enclosed passage used
for transporting HPM and purposes other than required
means of egress.
[BE] SERVICE ENTRANCE. An entrance intended primarily for delivery of goods or services.
[BF] SHAFT. An enclosed space extending through one or
more stories of a building, connecting vertical openings in
successive floors, or floors and roof.
[BF] SHAFT ENCLOSURE. The walls or construction
forming the boundaries of a shaft.
[BS] SHALLOW FOUNDATION. A shallow foundation is
an individual or strip footing, a mat foundation, a slab-ongrade foundation or a similar foundation element.
[BS] SHEAR WALL (for Chapter 23). A wall designed to
resist lateral forces parallel to the plane of a wall.
Shear wall, perforated. A wood structural panel sheathed
wall with openings, that has not been specifically designed
and detailed for force transfer around openings.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
DEFINITIONS
Shear wall segment, perforated. A section of shear wall
with full-height sheathing that meets the height-to-width
ratio limits of Section 4.3.4 of AWC SDPWS.
[BS] SHINGLE FASHION. A method of installing roof or
wall coverings, water-resistive barriers, flashing or other
building components such that upper layers of material are
placed overlapping lower layers of material to provide for
drainage via gravity and moisture control.
[BS] SINGLE-PLY MEMBRANE. A roofing membrane
that is field applied using one layer of membrane material
(either homogeneous or composite) rather than multiple layers.
[F] SINGLE-STATION SMOKE ALARM. An assembly
incorporating the detector, the control equipment and the
alarm-sounding device in one unit, operated from a power
supply either in the unit or obtained at the point of installation.
[BG] SITE. A parcel of land bounded by a lot line or a designated portion of a public right-of-way.
[BS] SITE CLASS. A classification assigned to a site based
on the types of soils present and their engineering properties
as defined in Section 1613.3.2.
[BS] SITE COEFFICIENTS. The values of Fa and Fv indicated in Tables 1613.3.3(1) and 1613.3.3(2), respectively.
[BG] SITE-FABRICATED STRETCH SYSTEM. A system, fabricated on site and intended for acoustical, tackable
or aesthetic purposes, that is composed of three elements:
1. A frame (constructed of plastic, wood, metal or other
material) used to hold fabric in place.
2. A core material (infill, with the correct properties for
the application).
3. An outside layer, composed of a textile, fabric or vinyl,
that is stretched taut and held in place by tension or
mechanical fasteners via the frame.
[BS] SKYLIGHT, UNIT. A factory-assembled, glazed fenestration unit, containing one panel of glazing material that
allows for natural lighting through an opening in the roof
assembly while preserving the weather-resistant barrier of the
roof.
[BS] SKYLIGHTS AND SLOPED GLAZING. Glass or
other transparent or translucent glazing material installed at a
slope of 15 degrees (0.26 rad) or more from vertical. Unit
skylights, tubular daylighting devices, glazing materials,
solariums, sunrooms, roofs and sloped walls are included in
this definition.
[A] SLEEPING UNIT. A single unit that provides rooms or
spaces for one or more persons, includes permanent provisions for sleeping and can include provisions for living, eating and either sanitation or kitchen facilities but not both.
Such rooms and spaces that are also part of a dwelling unit
are not sleeping units.
[F] SMOKE ALARM. A single- or multiple-station alarm
responsive to smoke. See “Multiple-station smoke alarm”
and “Single-station smoke alarm.”
[BF] SMOKE BARRIER. A continuous membrane, either
vertical or horizontal, such as a wall, floor or ceiling assem2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
bly, that is designed and constructed to restrict the movement
of smoke.
[BG] SMOKE COMPARTMENT. A space within a building enclosed by smoke barriers on all sides, including the top
and bottom.
[BF] SMOKE DAMPER. A listed device installed in ducts
and air transfer openings designed to resist the passage of
smoke. The device is installed to operate automatically, controlled by a smoke detection system, and where required, is
capable of being positioned from a fire command center.
[F] SMOKE DETECTOR. A listed device that senses visible or invisible particles of combustion.
[BF] SMOKE PARTITION. A wall assembly that extends
from the top of the foundation or floor below to the underside
of the floor or roof sheathing, deck or slab above or to the
underside of the ceiling above where the ceiling membrane is
constructed to limit the transfer of smoke.
[BF] SMOKE-DEVELOPED INDEX. A comparative measure, expressed as a dimensionless number, derived from
measurements of smoke obscuration versus time for a material tested in accordance with ASTM E84.
[BF] SMOKEPROOF ENCLOSURE. An exit stairway or
ramp designed and constructed so that the movement of the
products of combustion produced by a fire occurring in any
part of the building into the enclosure is limited.
[BE] SMOKE-PROTECTED ASSEMBLY SEATING.
Seating served by means of egress that is not subject to
smoke accumulation within or under a structure for a specified design time by means of passive design or by mechanical
ventilation.
[BG] SOFT CONTAINED PLAY EQUIPMENT STRUCTURE. A children’s play structure containing one or more
components where the user enters a play environment that
utilizes pliable materials.
[F] SOLID. A material that has a melting point, decomposes
or sublimes at a temperature greater than 68°F (20°C).
[BG] SPECIAL AMUSEMENT BUILDING. A special
amusement building is any temporary or permanent building
or portion thereof that is occupied for amusement, entertainment or educational purposes and that contains a device or
system that conveys passengers or provides a walkway along,
around or over a course in any direction so arranged that the
means of egress path is not readily apparent due to visual or
audio distractions or is intentionally confounded or is not
readily available because of the nature of the attraction or
mode of conveyance through the building or structure.
[BS] SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA. The land area
subject to flood hazards and shown on a Flood Insurance
Rate Map or other flood hazard map as Zone A, AE, A1-30,
A99, AR, AO, AH, V, VO, VE or V1-30.
[BS] SPECIAL INSPECTION. Inspection of construction
requiring the expertise of an approved special inspector in
order to ensure compliance with this code and the approved
construction documents.
Continuous special inspection. Special inspection by the
special inspector who is present continuously when and
where the work to be inspected is being performed.
37
DEFINITIONS
Periodic special inspection. Special inspection by the
special inspector who is intermittently present where the
work to be inspected has been or is being performed.
[BS] SPECIAL INSPECTOR. A qualified person
employed or retained by an approved agency and approved
by the building official as having the competence necessary
to inspect a particular type of construction requiring special
inspection.
[BS] SPECIAL STRUCTURAL WALL. See Section
1905.1.1.
[BS] SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF
MASONRY, f´m. Minimum compressive strength, expressed
as force per unit of net cross-sectional area, required of the
masonry used in construction by the approved construction
documents, and upon which the project design is based.
Whenever the quantity f´m is under the radical sign, the square
root of numerical value only is intended and the result has
units of pounds per square inch (psi) (MPa).
[BF] SPLICE. The result of a factory and/or field method of
joining or connecting two or more lengths of a fire-resistant
joint system into a continuous entity.
SPORT ACTIVITY, AREA OF. See “Area of sport activity.”
[F] SPRAY ROOM. A room designed to accommodate
spraying operations.
[BF] SPRAYED FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS.
Cementitious or fibrous materials that are sprayed to provide
fire-resistant protection of the substrates.
[BG] STAGE. A space within a building utilized for entertainment or presentations, which includes overhead hanging
curtains, drops, scenery or stage effects other than lighting
and sound.
[BE] STAIR. A change in elevation, consisting of one or
more risers.
[BE] STAIRWAY. One or more flights of stairs, either exterior or interior, with the necessary landings and platforms
connecting them, to form a continuous and uninterrupted passage from one level to another.
STAIRWAY, EXIT ACCESS. See “Exit access stairway.”
STAIRWAY, EXTERIOR EXIT. See “Exterior exit stairway.”
STAIRWAY, INTERIOR EXIT. See “Interior exit stairway.”
STAIRWAY, SCISSOR. See “Scissor stairway.”
[BE] STAIRWAY, SPIRAL. A stairway having a closed
circular form in its plan view with uniform section-shaped
treads attached to and radiating from a minimum-diameter
supporting column.
[F] STANDBY POWER SYSTEM. A source of automatic
electric power of a required capacity and duration to operate
required building, hazardous materials or ventilation systems
in the event of a failure of the primary power. Standby power
systems are required for electrical loads where interruption of
the primary power could create hazards or hamper rescue or
fire-fighting operations.
38
[F] STANDPIPE, TYPES OF. Standpipe types are as follows:
Automatic dry. A dry standpipe system, normally filled
with pressurized air, that is arranged through the use of a
device, such as dry pipe valve, to admit water into the system piping automatically upon the opening of a hose
valve. The water supply for an automatic dry standpipe
system shall be capable of supplying the system demand.
Automatic wet. A wet standpipe system that has a water
supply that is capable of supplying the system demand
automatically.
Manual dry. A dry standpipe system that does not have a
permanent water supply attached to the system. Manual
dry standpipe systems require water from a fire department pumper to be pumped into the system through the
fire department connection in order to meet the system
demand.
Manual wet. A wet standpipe system connected to a water
supply for the purpose of maintaining water within the
system but does not have a water supply capable of delivering the system demand attached to the system. Manualwet standpipe systems require water from a fire department pumper (or the like) to be pumped into the system in
order to meet the system demand.
Semiautomatic dry. A dry standpipe system that is
arranged through the use of a device, such as a deluge
valve, to admit water into the system piping upon activation of a remote control device located at a hose connection. A remote control activation device shall be provided
at each hose connection. The water supply for a semiautomatic dry standpipe system shall be capable of supplying
the system demand.
[F] STANDPIPE SYSTEM, CLASSES OF. Standpipe
classes are as follows:
Class I system. A system providing 21/2-inch (64 mm)
hose connections to supply water for use by fire departments and those trained in handling heavy fire streams.
Class II system. A system providing 11/2-inch (38 mm)
hose stations to supply water for use primarily by the
building occupants or by the fire department during initial
response.
Class III system. A system providing 11/2-inch (38 mm)
hose stations to supply water for use by building occupants and 21/2-inch (64 mm) hose connections to supply a
larger volume of water for use by fire departments and
those trained in handling heavy fire streams.
[BS] START OF CONSTRUCTION. The date of permit
issuance for new construction and substantial improvements
to existing structures, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement or other improvement is within 180 days after the date
of issuance. The actual start of construction means the first
placement of permanent construction of a building (including
a manufactured home) on a site, such as the pouring of a slab
or footings, installation of pilings or construction of columns.
Permanent construction does not include land preparation
(such as clearing, excavation, grading or filling), the installa2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
DEFINITIONS
tion of streets or walkways, excavation for a basement, footings, piers or foundations, the erection of temporary forms or
the installation of accessory buildings such as garages or
sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main
building. For a substantial improvement, the actual “start of
construction” means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling,
floor or other structural part of a building, whether or not that
alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.
[BS] STEEL CONSTRUCTION, COLD-FORMED. That
type of construction made up entirely or in part of steel structural members cold formed to shape from sheet or strip steel
such as roof deck, floor and wall panels, studs, floor joists,
roof joists and other structural elements.
[BS] STEEL ELEMENT, STRUCTURAL. Any steel
structural member of a building or structure consisting of
rolled shapes, pipe, hollow structural sections, plates, bars,
sheets, rods or steel castings other than cold-formed steel or
steel joist members.
[BS] STEEL JOIST. Any steel structural member of a
building or structure made of hot-rolled or cold-formed solid
or open-web sections, or riveted or welded bars, strip or sheet
steel members, or slotted and expanded, or otherwise
deformed rolled sections.
[BF] STEEP SLOPE. A roof slope greater than two units
vertical in 12 units horizontal (17-percent slope).
[BS] STONE MASONRY. Masonry composed of field,
quarried or cast stone units bonded by mortar.
[F] STORAGE, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. The keeping, retention or leaving of hazardous materials in closed containers, tanks, cylinders, or similar vessels; or vessels
supplying operations through closed connections to the vessel.
[BS] STORAGE RACKS. Cold-formed or hot-rolled steel
structural members which are formed into steel storage racks,
including pallet storage racks, movable-shelf racks, rack-supported systems, automated storage and retrieval systems
(stacker racks), push-back racks, pallet-flow racks, case-flow
racks, pick modules and rack-supported platforms. Other
types of racks, such as drive-in or drive-through racks, cantilever racks, portable racks or racks made of materials other
than steel, are not considered storage racks for the purpose of
this code.
[BG] STORM SHELTER. A building, structure or portions
thereof, constructed in accordance with ICC 500 and designated for use during a severe wind storm event, such as a hurricane or tornado.
Community storm shelter. A storm shelter not defined as
a “Residential storm shelter.”
Residential storm shelter. A storm shelter serving occupants of dwelling units and having an occupant load not
exceeding 16 persons.
[BG] STORY. That portion of a building included between
the upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor
or roof next above (see “Basement,” “Building height,”
“Grade plane” and “Mezzanine”). A story is measured as the
vertical distance from top to top of two successive tiers of
beams or finished floor surfaces and, for the topmost story,
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
from the top of the floor finish to the top of the ceiling joists
or, where there is not a ceiling, to the top of the roof rafters.
[BG] STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE. Any story having
its finished floor surface entirely above grade plane, or in
which the finished surface of the floor next above is:
1. More than 6 feet (1829 mm) above grade plane; or
2. More than 12 feet (3658 mm) above the finished
ground level at any point.
[BS] STRENGTH (For Chapter 21).
Design strength. Nominal strength multiplied by a
strength reduction factor.
Nominal strength. Strength of a member or cross section
calculated in accordance with these provisions before
application of any strength-reduction factors.
Required strength. Strength of a member or cross section
required to resist factored loads.
[BS] STRENGTH (for Chapter 16).
Nominal strength. The capacity of a structure or member
to resist the effects of loads, as determined by computations using specified material strengths and dimensions
and equations derived from accepted principles of structural mechanics or by field tests or laboratory tests of
scaled models, allowing for modeling effects and differences between laboratory and field conditions.
Required strength. Strength of a member, cross section
or connection required to resist factored loads or related
internal moments and forces in such combinations as stipulated by these provisions.
Strength design. A method of proportioning structural
members such that the computed forces produced in the
members by factored loads do not exceed the member
design strength [also called “load and resistance factor
design” (LRFD)]. The term “strength design” is used in
the design of concrete and masonry structural elements.
[BS] STRUCTURAL COMPOSITE LUMBER. Structural
member manufactured using wood elements bonded together
with exterior adhesives. Examples of structural composite
lumber are:
Laminated strand lumber (LSL). A composite of wood
strand elements with wood fibers primarily oriented along
the length of the member, where the least dimension of the
wood strand elements is 0.10 inch (2.54 mm) or less and
their average lengths not less than 150 times the least
dimension of the wood strand elements.
Laminated veneer lumber (LVL). A composite of wood
veneer sheet elements with wood fibers primarily oriented
along the length of the member, where the veneer element
thicknesses are 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) or less.
Oriented strand lumber (OSL). A composite of wood
strand elements with wood fibers primarily oriented along
the length of the member, where the least dimension of the
wood strand elements is 0.10 inches (2.54 mm) or less and
their average lengths not less than 75 times and less than
150 times the least dimension of the strand elements.
Parallel strand lumber (PSL). A composite of wood
strand elements with wood fibers primarily oriented along
39
DEFINITIONS
¬
the length of the member where the least dimension of the
wood strand elements is 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) or less and
their average lengths not less than 300 times the least
dimension of the wood strand elements.
[BS] STRUCTURAL GLUED-LAMINATED TIMBER.
An engineered, stress-rated product of a timber laminating
plant, comprised of assemblies of specially selected and prepared wood laminations in which the grain of all laminations
is approximately parallel longitudinally and the laminations
are bonded with adhesives.
[BS] STRUCTURAL OBSERVATION. The visual observation of the structural system by a registered design professional for general conformance to the approved construction
documents.
[A] STRUCTURE. That which is built or constructed.
[BS] SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. Damage of any origin
sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the
structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or
exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure before
the damage occurred.
[BS] SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT. Any repair,
reconstruction, rehabilitation, alteration, addition or other
improvement of a building or structure, the cost of which
equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the improvement or repair is started. If the structure has sustained substantial damage, any repairs are
considered substantial improvement regardless of the actual
repair work performed. The term does not, however, include
either:
1. Any project for improvement of a building required to
correct existing health, sanitary or safety code violations identified by the building official and that are the
minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions.
2. Any alteration of a historic structure provided that the
alteration will not preclude the structure’s continued
designation as a historic structure.
[BG] SUNROOM. A one-story structure attached to a building with a glazing area in excess of 40 percent of the gross
area of the structure’s exterior walls and roof.
[F] SUPERVISING STATION. A facility that receives signals and at which personnel are in attendance at all times to
respond to these signals.
[F] SUPERVISORY SERVICE. The service required to
monitor performance of guard tours and the operative condition of fixed suppression systems or other systems for the
protection of life and property.
[F] SUPERVISORY SIGNAL. A signal indicating the need
of action in connection with the supervision of guard tours,
the fire suppression systems or equipment or the maintenance
features of related systems.
[F] SUPERVISORY SIGNAL-INITIATING DEVICE.
An initiation device, such as a valve supervisory switch,
water-level indicator or low-air pressure switch on a dry-pipe
sprinkler system, whose change of state signals an off-normal
condition and its restoration to normal of a fire protection or
life safety system, or a need for action in connection with
40
guard tours, fire suppression systems or equipment or maintenance features of related systems.
[BS] SUSCEPTIBLE BAY. A roof or portion thereof with
either of the following:
1. A slope less than 1/4-inch per foot (0.0208 rad).
2. On which water is impounded, in whole or in part, and
the secondary drainage system is functional but the primary drainage system is blocked.
A roof surface with a slope of 1/4-inch per foot (0.0208
rad) or greater towards points of free drainage is not a susceptible bay.
[BG] SWIMMING POOL. Any structure intended for
swimming, recreational bathing or wading that contains water
over 24 inches (610 mm) deep. This includes in-ground,
above-ground and on-ground pools; hot tubs; spas and fixedin-place wading pools.
[BF] T RATING. The time period that the penetration
firestop system, including the penetrating item, limits the
maximum temperature rise to 325°F (163°C) above its initial
temperature through the penetration on the nonfire side when
tested in accordance with ASTM E814 or UL 1479.
[BG] TECHNICAL PRODUCTION AREA. Open elevated areas or spaces intended for entertainment technicians
to walk on and occupy for servicing and operating entertainment technology systems and equipment. Galleries, including fly and lighting galleries, gridirons, catwalks, and similar
areas are designed for these purposes.
[BG] TENSILE MEMBRANE STRUCTURE. A membrane structure having a shape that is determined by tension
in the membrane and the geometry of the support structure.
Typically, the structure consists of both flexible elements
(e.g., membrane and cables), nonflexible elements (e.g.,
struts, masts, beams and arches) and the anchorage (e.g., supports and foundations). This includes frame-supported tensile
membrane structures.
[F] TENT. A structure, enclosure, umbrella structure or shelter, with or without sidewalls or drops, constructed of fabric
or pliable material supported in any manner except by air or
the contents it protects (see “Umbrella structure”).
[BG] THERMAL ISOLATION. A separation of conditioned spaces, between a sunroom and a dwelling unit, consisting of existing or new walls, doors or windows.
[BF] THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL. A plastic material
that is capable of being repeatedly softened by increase of
temperature and hardened by decrease of temperature.
[BF] THERMOSETTING MATERIAL. A plastic material
that is capable of being changed into a substantially nonreformable product when cured.
[BF] THROUGH PENETRATION. A breach in both sides
of a floor, floor-ceiling or wall assembly to accommodate an
item passing through the breaches.
[BF] THROUGH-PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEM. An assemblage consisting of a fire-resistance-rated
floor, floor-ceiling, or wall assembly, one or more penetrating
items passing through the breaches in both sides of the
assembly and the materials or devices, or both, installed to
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
DEFINITIONS
resist the spread of fire through the assembly for a prescribed
period of time.
[BS] TIE, WALL. Metal connector that connects wythes of
masonry walls together.
[BS] TIE-DOWN (HOLD-DOWN). A device used to resist
uplift of the chords of shear walls.
[BS] TILE, STRUCTURAL CLAY. A hollow masonry unit
composed of burned clay, shale, fire clay or mixture thereof,
and having parallel cells.
[F] TIRES, BULK STORAGE OF. Storage of tires where
the area available for storage exceeds 20,000 cubic feet (566
m3).
[A] TOWNHOUSE. A single-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of three or more attached units in which
each unit extends from the foundation to roof and with open
space on at least two sides.
[F] TOXIC. A chemical falling within any of the following
categories:
1. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of
more than 50 milligrams per kilogram, but not more
than 500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight when
administered orally to albino rats weighing between
200 and 300 grams each.
2. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of more
than 200 milligrams per kilogram, but not more than
1,000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight when
administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less
if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of
albino rabbits weighing between 2 and 3 kilograms each.
3. A chemical that has a median lethal concentration
(LC50) in air of more than 200 parts per million, but not
more than 2,000 parts per million by volume of gas or
vapor, or more than 2 milligrams per liter but not more
than 20 milligrams per liter of mist, fume or dust, when
administered by continuous inhalation for 1 hour (or
less if death occurs within 1 hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
[BG] TRANSIENT. Occupancy of a dwelling unit or sleeping unit for not more than 30 days.
[BG] TRANSIENT AIRCRAFT. Aircraft based at another
location and that is at the transient location for not more than
90 days.
[BS] TREATED WOOD. Wood products that are conditioned to enhance fire-retardant or preservative properties.
Fire-retardant-treated wood. Wood products that, when
impregnated with chemicals by a pressure process or other
means during manufacture, exhibit reduced surface-burning characteristics and resist propagation of fire.
Preservative-treated wood. Wood products that, conditioned with chemicals by a pressure process or other
means, exhibit reduced susceptibility to damage by fungi,
insects or marine borers.
[BF] TRIM. Picture molds, chair rails, baseboards, handrails, door and window frames and similar decorative or protective materials used in fixed applications.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
[F] TROUBLE SIGNAL. A signal initiated by the fire
alarm system or device indicative of a fault in a monitored
circuit or component.
[BS] TSUNAMI DESIGN GEODATABASE. The ASCE
database (version 2016-1.0) of Tsunami Design Zone maps
and associated design data for the states of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington.
[BS] TSUNAMI DESIGN ZONE. An area identified on the
Tsunami Design Zone map between the shoreline and the
inundation limit, within which certain structures designated
in Chapter 16 are designed for or protected from inundation.
[BS] TUBULAR DAYLIGHTING DEVICE (TDD). A
non-operable fenestration unit primarily designed to transmit
daylight from a roof surface to an interior ceiling via a tubular
conduit. The basic unit consists of an exterior glazed weathering surface, a light-transmitting tube with a reflective interior
surface, and an interior-sealing device such as a translucent
ceiling panel. The unit can be factory assembled, or fieldassembled from a manufactured kit.
24-HOUR BASIS. See “24-hour basis” located preceding
“AAC masonry.”
[BE] TYPE A UNIT. A dwelling unit or sleeping unit
designed and constructed for accessibility in accordance with
this code and the provisions for Type A units in ICC A117.1.
[BE] TYPE B UNIT. A dwelling unit or sleeping unit
designed and constructed for accessibility in accordance with
this code and the provisions for Type B units in ICC A117.1,
consistent with the design and construction requirements of
the federal Fair Housing Act.
[F] UMBRELLA STRUCTURE. A structure, enclosure or
shelter with or without sidewalls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable material supported by a central pole or poles
(see “Tent”).
[BS] UNDERLAYMENT. One or more layers of a material
that is applied to a steep-slope roof covering deck under the
roof covering and resists liquid water that penetrates the roof
covering.
UNIT SKYLIGHT. See “Skylight, unit.”
[F] UNSTABLE (REACTIVE) MATERIAL. A material,
other than an explosive, which in the pure state or as commercially produced, will vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense or become self-reactive and undergo other violent
chemical changes, including explosion, when exposed to heat,
friction or shock, or in the absence of an inhibitor, or in the presence of contaminants, or in contact with incompatible materials.
Unstable (reactive) materials are subdivided as follows:
Class 4. Materials that in themselves are readily capable
of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive
reaction at normal temperatures and pressures. This class
includes materials that are sensitive to mechanical or
localized thermal shock at normal temperatures and pressures.
Class 3. Materials that in themselves are capable of detonation or of explosive decomposition or explosive reaction
but which require a strong initiating source or which must
be heated under confinement before initiation. This class
41
DEFINITIONS
includes materials that are sensitive to thermal or mechanical shock at elevated temperatures and pressures.
Class 2. Materials that in themselves are normally unstable and readily undergo violent chemical change but do
not detonate. This class includes materials that can
undergo chemical change with rapid release of energy at
normal temperatures and pressures, and that can undergo
violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and
pressures.
Class 1. Materials that in themselves are normally stable
but which can become unstable at elevated temperatures
and pressure.
[F] USE (MATERIAL). Placing a material into action,
including solids, liquids and gases.
[BF] VAPOR PERMEABLE. The property of having a
moisture vapor permeance rating of 5 perms (2.9 × 10-10 kg/
Pa × s × m2) or greater, when tested in accordance with the
desiccant method using Procedure A of ASTM E96. A vapor
permeable material permits the passage of moisture vapor.
[BF] VAPOR RETARDER CLASS. A measure of a material or assembly’s ability to limit the amount of moisture that
passes through that material or assembly. Vapor retarder class
shall be defined using the desiccant method with Procedure A
of ASTM E96 as follows:
Class I: 0.1 perm or less.
Class II: 0.1 < perm  1.0 perm.
Class III: 1.0 < perm  10 perm.
[BS] VEGETATIVE ROOF. An assembly of interacting
components designed to waterproof a building’s top surface
that includes, by design, vegetation and related landscape elements.
[BS] VEHICLE BARRIER. A component or a system of
components, near open sides or walls of garage floors or
ramps that act as a restraint for vehicles.
[BG] VEHICULAR GATE. A gate that is intended for use
at a vehicular entrance or exit to a facility, building or portion
thereof, and that is not intended for use by pedestrian traffic.
[BF] VENEER. A facing attached to a wall for the purpose
of providing ornamentation, protection or insulation, but not
counted as adding strength to the wall.
[M] VENTILATION. The natural or mechanical process of
supplying conditioned or unconditioned air to, or removing
such air from, any space.
[BF] VINYL SIDING. A shaped material, made principally
from rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), that is used as an exterior wall covering.
[F] VISIBLE ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE. A
notification appliance that alerts by the sense of sight.
[BG] WALKWAY, PEDESTRIAN. A walkway used
exclusively as a pedestrian trafficway.
[BS] WALL (for Chapter 21). A vertical element with a
horizontal length-to-thickness ratio greater than three, used to
enclose space.
Cavity wall. A wall built of masonry units or of concrete,
or a combination of these materials, arranged to provide an
42
airspace within the wall, and in which the inner and outer
parts of the wall are tied together with metal ties.
Dry-stacked, surface-bonded wall. A wall built of concrete masonry units where the units are stacked dry, without mortar on the bed or head joints, and where both sides
of the wall are coated with a surface-bonding mortar.
Parapet wall. The part of any wall entirely above the roof
line.
[BS] WALL, LOAD-BEARING. Any wall meeting either
of the following classifications:
1. Any metal or wood stud wall that supports more than
100 pounds per linear foot (1459 N/m) of vertical load
in addition to its own weight.
2. Any masonry or concrete wall that supports more than
200 pounds per linear foot (2919 N/m) of vertical load
in addition to its own weight.
[BS] WALL, NONLOAD-BEARING. Any wall that is not
a load-bearing wall.
[F] WATER-REACTIVE MATERIAL. A material that
explodes; violently reacts; produces flammable, toxic or other
hazardous gases; or evolves enough heat to cause autoignition or ignition of combustibles upon exposure to water or
moisture. Water-reactive materials are subdivided as follows:
Class 3. Materials that react explosively with water without requiring heat or confinement.
Class 2. Materials that react violently with water or have
the ability to boil water. Materials that produce flammable,
toxic or other hazardous gases or evolve enough heat to
cause autoignition or ignition of combustibles upon exposure to water or moisture.
Class 1. Materials that react with water with some release
of energy, but not violently.
[BF] WATER-RESISTIVE BARRIER. A material behind
an exterior wall covering that is intended to resist liquid
water that has penetrated behind the exterior covering from
further intruding into the exterior wall assembly.
[BF] WEATHER-EXPOSED SURFACES. Surfaces of
walls, ceilings, floors, roofs, soffits and similar surfaces
exposed to the weather except the following:
1. Ceilings and roof soffits enclosed by walls, fascia,
bulkheads or beams that extend not less than 12 inches
(305 mm) below such ceiling or roof soffits.
2. Walls or portions of walls beneath an unenclosed roof
area, where located a horizontal distance from an open
exterior opening equal to not less than twice the height
of the opening.
3. Ceiling and roof soffits located a minimum horizontal
distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) from the outer edges of
the ceiling or roof soffits.
[F] WET-CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM. A
solution of water and potassium-carbonate-based chemical,
potassium-acetate-based chemical or a combination thereof,
forming an extinguishing agent.
[BE] WHEELCHAIR SPACE. A space for a single wheelchair and its occupant.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
DEFINITIONS
[BS] WINDBORNE DEBRIS REGION. Areas within hurricane-prone regions located:
1. Within 1 mile (1.61 km) of the coastal mean high-water
line where the basic design wind speed, V, is 130 mph
(58 m/s) or greater; or
2. In areas where the basic design wind speed is 140 mph
(63.6 m/s) or greater.
For Risk Category II buildings and structures and Risk
Category III buildings and structures, except health care
facilities, the windborne debris region shall be based on Figure 1609.3.(1). For Risk Category IV buildings and structures and Risk Category III health care facilities, the
windborne debris region shall be based on Figure 1609.3(2).
WINDFORCE-RESISTING SYSTEM, MAIN. See
“Main windforce-resisting system.”
[BS] WIND SPEED, V. Basic design wind speeds.
[BS] WIND SPEED, Vasd. Allowable stress design wind
speeds.
[BE] WINDER. A tread with nonparallel edges.
[BS] WIRE BACKING. Horizontal strands of tautened wire
attached to surfaces of vertical supports which, when covered
with the building paper, provide a backing for cement plaster.
[F] WIRELESS PROTECTION SYSTEM. A system or a
part of a system that can transmit and receive signals without
the aid of wire.
[BS] WOOD/PLASTIC COMPOSITE. A composite material made primarily from wood or cellulose-based materials
and plastic.
[BS] WOOD SHEAR PANEL. A wood floor, roof or wall
component sheathed to act as a shear wall or diaphragm.
[BS] WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL. A panel manufactured from veneers, wood strands or wafers or a combination
of veneer and wood strands or wafers bonded together with
waterproof synthetic resins or other suitable bonding systems. Examples of wood structural panels are:
Composite panels. A wood structural panel that is comprised of wood veneer and reconstituted wood-based
material and bonded together with waterproof adhesive.
Oriented strand board (OSB). A mat-formed wood
structural panel comprised of thin rectangular wood
strands arranged in cross-aligned layers with surface layers normally arranged in the long panel direction and
bonded with waterproof adhesive.
Plywood. A wood structural panel comprised of plies of
wood veneer arranged in cross-aligned layers. The plies
are bonded with waterproof adhesive that cures on application of heat and pressure.
[F] WORKSTATION. A defined space or an independent
principal piece of equipment using HPM within a fabrication
area where a specific function, laboratory procedure or
research activity occurs. Approved or listed hazardous materials storage cabinets, flammable liquid storage cabinets or
gas cabinets serving a workstation are included as part of the
workstation. A workstation is allowed to contain ventilation
equipment, fire protection devices, detection devices, electrical devices and other processing and scientific equipment.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
[BS] WYTHE. Each continuous, vertical section of a wall,
one masonry unit in thickness.
[BG] YARD. An open space, other than a court, unobstructed from the ground to the sky, except where specifically
provided by this code, on the lot on which a building is situated.
[F] ZONE. A defined area within the protected premises. A
zone can define an area from which a signal can be received,
an area to which a signal can be sent or an area in which a
form of control can be executed.
[F] ZONE, NOTIFICATION. An area within a building or
facility covered by notification appliances which are activated simultaneously.
43
44
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
CHAPTER 3
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 3 provides the criteria by which buildings and structures are classified into use groups and occupancies.
Through the balance of the code, occupancy classification is fundamental in the setting of features of construction; occupant safety requirements, especially building limitations; means of egress; fire protection systems; and interior finishes.
SECTION 301
SCOPE
301.1 General. The provisions of this chapter shall control
the classification of all buildings and structures as to occupancy and use. Different classifications of occupancy and use
represent varying levels of hazard and risk to building occupants and adjacent properties.
¬
SECTION 302
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION
AND USE DESIGNATION
302.1 Occupancy classification. Occupancy classification is
the formal designation of the primary purpose of the building,
structure or portion thereof. Structures shall be classified into
one or more of the occupancy groups listed in this section
based on the nature of the hazards and risks to building occupants generally associated with the intended purpose of the
building or structure. An area, room or space that is intended
to be occupied at different times for different purposes shall
comply with all applicable requirements associated with such
potential multipurpose. Structures containing multiple occupancy groups shall comply with Section 508. Where a structure is proposed for a purpose that is not specifically listed in
this section, such structure shall be classified in the occupancy it most nearly resembles based on the fire safety and
relative hazard. Occupied roofs shall be classified in the
group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to
the fire safety and relative hazard, and shall comply with Section 503.1.4.
1. Assembly (see Section 303): Groups A-1, A-2, A-3,
A-4 and A-5.
2. Business (see Section 304): Group B.
3. Educational (see Section 305): Group E.
4. Factory and Industrial (see Section 306): Groups F-1
and F-2.
5. High Hazard (see Section 307): Groups H-1, H-2, H-3,
H-4 and H-5.
6. Institutional (see Section 308): Groups I-1, I-2, I-3
and I-4.
7. Mercantile (see Section 309): Group M.
8. Residential (see Section 310): Groups R-1, R-2, R-3
and R-4.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
9. Storage (see Section 311): Groups S-1 and S-2.
10. Utility and Miscellaneous (see Section 312): Group U.
302.2 Use designation. Occupancy groups contain subordinate uses having similar hazards and risks to building occupants. Uses include, but are not limited to, those functional
designations listed within the occupancy group descriptions
in Section 302.1. Certain uses require specific limitations and
controls in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 4 and
elsewhere in this code.
SECTION 303
ASSEMBLY GROUP A
303.1 Assembly Group A. Assembly Group A occupancy
includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a
portion thereof, for the gathering of persons for purposes such
as civic, social or religious functions; recreation, food or
drink consumption or awaiting transportation.
303.1.1 Small buildings and tenant spaces. A building or
tenant space used for assembly purposes with an occupant
load of less than 50 persons shall be classified as a Group
B occupancy.
303.1.2 Small assembly spaces. The following rooms and
spaces shall not be classified as Assembly occupancies:
1. A room or space used for assembly purposes with an
occupant load of less than 50 persons and accessory
to another occupancy shall be classified as a Group
B occupancy or as part of that occupancy.
2. A room or space used for assembly purposes that is
less than 750 square feet (70 m2) in area and accessory to another occupancy shall be classified as a
Group B occupancy or as part of that occupancy.
303.1.3 Associated with Group E occupancies. A room
or space used for assembly purposes that is associated with
a Group E occupancy is not considered a separate occupancy.
303.1.4 Accessory to places of religious worship.
Accessory religious educational rooms and religious auditoriums with occupant loads of less than 100 per room or
space are not considered separate occupancies.
303.2 Assembly Group A-1. Group A-1 occupancy includes
assembly uses, usually with fixed seating, intended for the
45
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
Motion picture theaters
Symphony and concert halls
Television and radio studios admitting an audience
Theaters
303.3 Assembly Group A-2. Group A-2 occupancy includes
assembly uses intended for food and/or drink consumption
including, but not limited to:
Banquet halls
Casinos (gaming areas)
Nightclubs
Restaurants, cafeterias and similar dining facilities
(including associated commercial kitchens)
Taverns and bars
303.4 Assembly Group A-3. Group A-3 occupancy includes
assembly uses intended for worship, recreation or amusement
and other assembly uses not classified elsewhere in Group A
including, but not limited to:
Amusement arcades
Art galleries
Bowling alleys
Community halls
Courtrooms
Dance halls (not including food or drink consumption)
Exhibition halls
Funeral parlors
Greenhouses for the conservation and exhibition of plants
that provide public access.
Gymnasiums (without spectator seating)
Indoor swimming pools (without spectator seating)
Indoor tennis courts (without spectator seating)
Lecture halls
Libraries
Museums
Places of religious worship
Pool and billiard parlors
Waiting areas in transportation terminals
303.5 Assembly Group A-4. Group A-4 occupancy includes
assembly uses intended for viewing of indoor sporting events
and activities with spectator seating including, but not limited
to:
Arenas
Skating rinks
Swimming pools
Tennis courts
303.6 Assembly Group A-5. Group A-5 occupancy includes
assembly uses intended for participation in or viewing outdoor activities including, but not limited to:
Amusement park structures
Bleachers
Grandstands
Stadiums
46
SECTION 304
BUSINESS GROUP B
304.1 Business Group B. Business Group B occupancy
includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or
a portion thereof, for office, professional or service-type
transactions, including storage of records and accounts.
Business occupancies shall include, but not be limited to,
the following:
Airport traffic control towers
Ambulatory care facilities
Animal hospitals, kennels and pounds
Banks
Barber and beauty shops
Car wash
Civic administration
Clinic, outpatient
Dry cleaning and laundries: pick-up and delivery stations
and self-service
Educational occupancies for students above the 12th grade
Electronic data processing
Food processing establishments and commercial kitchens
not associated with restaurants, cafeterias and similar
dining facilities not more than 2,500 square feet (232 m2)
in area.
Laboratories: testing and research
Motor vehicle showrooms
Post offices
Print shops
Professional services (architects, attorneys, dentists,
physicians, engineers, etc.)
Radio and television stations
Telephone exchanges
Training and skill development not in a school or
academic program (this shall include, but not be limited
to, tutoring centers, martial arts studios, gymnastics and
similar uses regardless of the ages served, and where not
classified as a Group A occupancy).
SECTION 305
EDUCATIONAL GROUP E
305.1 Educational Group E. Educational Group E occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, by six or more persons at any one
time for educational purposes through the 12th grade.
305.1.1 Accessory to places of religious worship. Religious educational rooms and religious auditoriums, which
are accessory to places of religious worship in accordance
with Section 303.1.4 and have occupant loads of less than
100 per room or space, shall be classified as Group A-3
occupancies.
305.2 Group E, day care facilities. This group includes
buildings and structures or portions thereof occupied by more
than five children older than 21/2 years of age who receive
educational, supervision or personal care services for fewer
than 24 hours per day.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
¬
production and viewing of the performing arts or motion pictures including, but not limited to:
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
305.2.1 Within places of religious worship. Rooms and
spaces within places of religious worship providing such
day care during religious functions shall be classified as
part of the primary occupancy.
305.2.2 Five or fewer children. A facility having five or
fewer children receiving such day care shall be classified
as part of the primary occupancy.
305.2.3 Five or fewer children in a dwelling unit. A
facility such as the above within a dwelling unit and having five or fewer children receiving such day care shall be
classified as a Group R-3 occupancy or shall comply with
the International Residential Code.
SECTION 306
FACTORY GROUP F
306.1 Factory Industrial Group F. Factory Industrial Group
F occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or
structure, or a portion thereof, for assembling, disassembling,
fabricating, finishing, manufacturing, packaging, repair or
processing operations that are not classified as a Group H
hazardous or Group S storage occupancy.
306.2 Moderate-hazard factory industrial, Group F-1.
Factory industrial uses that are not classified as Factory
Industrial F-2 Low Hazard shall be classified as F-1 Moderate Hazard and shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
Aircraft (manufacturing, not to include repair)
Appliances
Athletic equipment
Automobiles and other motor vehicles
Bakeries
Beverages: over 16-percent alcohol content
Bicycles
Boats
Brooms or brushes
Business machines
Cameras and photo equipment
Canvas or similar fabric
Carpets and rugs (includes cleaning)
Clothing
Construction and agricultural machinery
Disinfectants
Dry cleaning and dyeing
Electric generation plants
Electronics
Engines (including rebuilding)
Food processing establishments and commercial kitchens
not associated with restaurants, cafeterias and similar
dining facilities more than 2,500 square feet (232 m2) in
area.
Furniture
Hemp products
Jute products
Laundries
Leather products
Machinery
Metals
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
Millwork (sash and door)
Motion pictures and television filming (without
spectators)
Musical instruments
Optical goods
Paper mills or products
Photographic film
Plastic products
Printing or publishing
Recreational vehicles
Refuse incineration
Shoes
Soaps and detergents
Textiles
Tobacco
Trailers
Upholstering
Wood; distillation
Woodworking (cabinet)
306.3 Low-hazard factory industrial, Group F-2. Factory
industrial uses that involve the fabrication or manufacturing
of noncombustible materials that during finishing, packing or
processing do not involve a significant fire hazard shall be
classified as F-2 occupancies and shall include, but not be
limited to, the following:
Beverages: up to and including 16-percent alcohol content
Brick and masonry
Ceramic products
Foundries
Glass products
Gypsum
Ice
Metal products (fabrication and assembly)
SECTION 307
HIGH-HAZARD GROUP H
[F] 307.1 High-hazard Group H. High-hazard Group H
occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or
structure, or a portion thereof, that involves the manufacturing, processing, generation or storage of materials that constitute a physical or health hazard in quantities in excess of
those allowed in control areas complying with Section 414,
based on the maximum allowable quantity limits for control
areas set forth in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2). Hazardous
occupancies are classified in Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and
H-5 and shall be in accordance with this section, the requirements of Section 415 and the International Fire Code. Hazardous materials stored, or used on top of roofs or canopies,
shall be classified as outdoor storage or use and shall comply
with the International Fire Code.
[F] 307.1.1 Uses other than Group H. An occupancy that
stores, uses or handles hazardous materials as described in
one or more of the following items shall not be classified
as Group H, but shall be classified as the occupancy that it
most nearly resembles.
1. Buildings and structures occupied for the application of flammable finishes, provided that such
47
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
7. Refrigeration systems.
buildings or areas conform to the requirements of
Section 416 and the International Fire Code.
8. The storage or utilization of materials for agricultural purposes on the premises.
9. Stationary storage battery systems installed in
accordance with the International Fire Code.
2. Wholesale and retail sales and storage of flammable and combustible liquids in mercantile occupancies conforming to the International Fire
Code.
10. Corrosive personal or household products in their
original packaging used in retail display.
3. Closed piping system containing flammable or
combustible liquids or gases utilized for the operation of machinery or equipment.
11. Commonly used corrosive building materials.
12. Buildings and structures occupied for aerosol
product storage shall be classified as Group S-1,
provided that such buildings conform to the
requirements of the International Fire Code.
4. Cleaning establishments that utilize combustible
liquid solvents having a flash point of 140°F
(60°C) or higher in closed systems employing
equipment listed by an approved testing agency,
provided that this occupancy is separated from all
other areas of the building by 1-hour fire barriers
constructed in accordance with Section 707 or 1hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
13. Display and storage of nonflammable solid and
nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials in quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area in Group
M or S occupancies complying with Section
414.2.5.
5. Cleaning establishments that utilize a liquid solvent
having a flash point at or above 200°F (93°C).
14. The storage of black powder, smokeless propellant
and small arms primers in Groups M and R-3 and
special industrial explosive devices in Groups B,
F, M and S, provided such storage conforms to the
6. Liquor stores and distributors without bulk storage.
TABLE 307.1(1)
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS POSING A PHYSICAL HAZARDa, j, m, n, p
MATERIAL
¬
CLASS
USE-CLOSED SYSTEMSb
USE-OPEN SYSTEMSb
GROUP WHEN
STORAGEb
THE MAXIMUM
Solid
Liquid
Solid
Liquid
Solid
Liquid
ALLOWABLE
Gas cubic
Gas cubic
pounds
gallons
pounds
gallons
pounds
gallons
QUANTITY IS
feet at NTP
feet at NTP
(cubic feet) (pounds)
(cubic feet) (pounds)
(cubic feet) (pounds)
EXCEEDED
Combustible dust
NA
H-2
See
Note q
NA
NA
See
Note q
NA
NA
See
Note q
NA
Combustible fiberq
Loose
Baledo
H-3
(100)
(1,000)
NA
NA
(100)
(1,000)
NA
NA
(20)
(200)
NA
Combustible liquidc, i
II
IIIA
IIIB
H-2 or H-3
H-2 or H-3
NA
NA
120d, e
330d, e
13,200e, f
NA
NA
120d
330d
13,200f
NA
NA
30d
80d
3,300f
Cryogenic flammable
NA
H-2
NA
45d
NA
NA
45d
NA
NA
10d
Cryogenic inert
NA
NA
NA
NA
NL
NA
NA
NL
NA
NA
d
NA
NA
45
d
NA
NA
10d
(0.25)g
(0.25)g
(1)g
(50)g
NA
(0.25)g
NA
NA
0.25g
0.25g
1g
NA
NA
0.25g
NA
(0.25)g
(0.25)g
(1)g
NA
NA
(0.25)g
NA
Cryogenic oxidizing
NA
H-3
NA
45
Division 1.1
Division 1.2
Division 1.3
Division 1.4
Division 1.4G
Division 1.5
Division 1.6
H-1
H-1
H-1 or H-2
H-3
H-3
H-1
H-1
1e, g
1e, g
5e, g
50e, g
125e, l
1e, g
1e, g
(1)e, g
(1)e, g
(5)e, g
(50)e, g
NA
(1)e, g
NA
NA
0.25g
0.25g
1g
50g
NA
0.25g
NA
Flammable gas
Gaseous
Liquefied
H-2
NA
NA
(150)d, e
1,000d, e
NA
NA
NA
(150)d, e
1,000d, e
NA
NA
NA
Flammable liquidc
IA
IB and IC
H-2
or H-3
NA
30d, e
120d, e
NA
NA
30d
120d
NA
NA
10d
30d
Flammable liquid,
combination
(IA, IB, IC)
NA
H-2
or H-3
NA
120d, e, h
NA
NA
120d, h
NA
NA
30d, h
Explosives
(continued)
48
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
TABLE 307.1(1)—continued
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS POSING A PHYSICAL HAZARDa, j, m, n, p
MATERIAL
CLASS
STORAGEb
USE-CLOSED SYSTEMSb
USE-OPEN SYSTEMSb
GROUP WHEN
THE MAXIMUM
Solid
Liquid
Solid
Liquid
Solid
Liquid
ALLOWABLE
Gas cubic
Gas cubic
pounds
gallons
pounds
gallons
pounds
gallons
QUANTITY IS
feet at NTP
feet at NTP
(cubic feet) (pounds)
(cubic feet) (pounds)
(cubic feet) (pounds)
EXCEEDED
NA
Gaseous
Liquefied
UD
I
II
III
IV
V
4
3k
2
1
Gaseous
Liquefied
NA
H-3
NA
NA
H-1
H-2
H-3
H-3
NA
NA
H-1
H-2 or H-3
H-3
NA
125d, e
NA
NA
1e, g
5d, e
50d, e
125d, e
NL
NL
1g
10d, e
250d, e
4,000e, f
H-3
NA
H-2
4e, g
Unstable (reactive)
4
3
2
1
H-1
H-1 or H-2
H-3
NA
1e, g
5d, e
50d, e
NL
(1)e, g
(5)d, e
(50)d, e
NL
10e, g
50d, e
750d, e
NL
0.25g
1d
50d
NL
Water reactive
3
2
1
H-2
H-3
NA
5d, e
50d, e
NL
(5)d, e
(50)d, e
NL
NA
5d
50d
NL
Flammable solid
Inert gas
Organic peroxide
Oxidizer
Oxidizing gas
Pyrophoric
NA
NA
NA
NL
NA
NL
e, g
(1)
(5)d, e
(50)d, e
NA
(125)d, e
NL
NL
(1)e, g
(10)d, e
NA
(250)d, e
e, f
(4,000)
NA
1,500d, e
d, e
NA
(150)
(4)e, g
50e, g
125d
NA
NA
0.25g
1d
50d
125d
NL
NL
0.25g
2d
250d
4,000f
NA
1g
NA
NA
NA
(0.25)g
(1)d
(50)d
(125)d
NL
NL
(0.25)g
(2)d
(250)d
(4,000)f
NA
(150)d, e
(1)g
(0.25)g
(1)d
(50)d
NL
(5)d
(50)d
NL
NA
NL
NL
NA
NA
1,500d, e
NA
10e, g
25d
NA
NA
0.25g
1d
10d
25d
NL
NL
0.25g
2d
50d
1,000f
NA
NA
NA
(0.25)g
(1)d
(10)d
(25)d
NL
NL
(0.25)g
(2)d
(50)d
(1,000)f
NA
NA
0
0
2e, g
10d, e
750d, e
NL
0.25g
1d
10d
NL
(0.25)g
(1)d
(10)d
NL
NA
1d
10d
NL
(1)d
(10)d
NL
For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.028 m3, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.
NL = Not Limited; NA = Not Applicable; UD = Unclassified Detonable.
a. For use of control areas, see Section 414.2.
b. The aggregate quantity in use and storage shall not exceed the quantity listed for storage.
c. The quantities of alcoholic beverages in retail and wholesale sales occupancies shall not be limited provided the liquids are packaged in individual containers
not exceeding 1.3 gallons. In retail and wholesale sales occupancies, the quantities of medicines, foodstuffs or consumer products, and cosmetics containing
not more than 50 percent by volume of water-miscible liquids with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable, shall not be limited, provided that
such materials are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons.
d. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.1. Where Note e also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
e. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent when stored in approved storage cabinets, day boxes, gas cabinets, gas rooms or exhausted
enclosures or in listed safety cans in accordance with Section 5003.9.10 of the International Fire Code. Where Note d also applies, the increase for both notes
shall be applied accumulatively.
f. Quantities shall not be limited in a building equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
g. Allowed only in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
h. Containing not more than the maximum allowable quantity per control area of Class IA, IB or IC flammable liquids.
i. The maximum allowable quantity shall not apply to fuel oil storage complying with Section 603.3.2 of the International Fire Code.
j. Quantities in parentheses indicate quantity units in parentheses at the head of each column.
k. A maximum quantity of 220 pounds of solid or 22 gallons of liquid Class 3 oxidizers is allowed when such materials are necessary for maintenance purposes,
operation or sanitation of equipment when the storage containers and the manner of storage are approved.
l. Net weight of the pyrotechnic composition of the fireworks. Where the net weight of the pyrotechnic composition of the fireworks is not known, 25 percent
of the gross weight of the fireworks, including packaging, shall be used.
m.For gallons of liquids, divide the amount in pounds by 10 in accordance with Section 5003.1.2 of the International Fire Code.
n. For storage and display quantities in Group M and storage quantities in Group S occupancies complying with Section 414.2.5, see Tables 414.2.5(1) and
414.2.5(2).
o. Densely packed baled cotton that complies with the packing requirements of ISO 8115 shall not be included in this material class.
p. The following shall not be included in determining the maximum allowable quantities:
1. Liquid or gaseous fuel in fuel tanks on vehicles.
2. Liquid or gaseous fuel in fuel tanks on motorized equipment operated in accordance with the International Fire Code.
3. Gaseous fuels in piping systems and fixed appliances regulated by the International Fuel Gas Code.
4. Liquid fuels in piping systems and fixed appliances regulated by the International Mechanical Code.
5. Alcohol-based hand rubs classified as Class I or II liquids in dispensers that are installed in accordance with Sections 5705.5 and 5705.5.1 of the
International Fire Code. The location of the alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) dispensers shall be provided in the construction documents.
q. Where manufactured, generated or used in such a manner that the concentration and conditions create a fire or explosion hazard based on information
prepared in accordance with Section 414.1.3.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
49
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
[F] TABLE 307.1(2)
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS POSING A HEALTH HAZARDa, c, f, h, i
STORAGEb
MATERIAL
Solid
poundsd, e
USE-CLOSED SYSTEMSb
Liquid gallons Gas cubic feet at NTP
(pounds)d, e
(pounds)d
Solid
poundsd
Liquid gallons Gas cubic feet at NTP
(pounds)d
(pounds)d
USE-OPEN SYSTEMSb
Solid
poundsd
Liquid gallons
(pounds)d
5,000
500
Gaseous 810e
Liquefied (150)
5,000
500
Gaseous 810e
Liquefied (150)
1,000
100
Highly Toxic
10
(10)
Gaseous 20g
Liquefied (4)g
10
(10)
Gaseous 20g
Liquefied (4)g
3
(3)
Toxic
500
(500)
Gaseous 810e
Liquefied (150)e
500
(500)
Gaseous 810e
Liquefied (150)e
125
(125)
Corrosives
For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.028 m3, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.
a. For use of control areas, see Section 414.2.
b. The aggregate quantity in use and storage shall not exceed the quantity listed for storage.
c. In retail and wholesale sales occupancies, the quantities of medicines, foodstuffs or consumer products, and cosmetics containing not more than 50 percent by
volume of water-miscible liquids and with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable, shall not be limited, provided that such materials are packaged
in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons.
d. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance
with Section 903.3.1.1. Where Note e also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
e. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent where stored in approved storage cabinets, gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in
the International Fire Code. Where Note d also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
f. For storage and display quantities in Group M and storage quantities in Group S occupancies complying with Section 414.2.5, see Tables 414.2.5(1) and
414.2.5(2).
g. Allowed only where stored in approved exhausted gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in the International Fire Code.
h. Quantities in parentheses indicate quantity units in parentheses at the head of each column.
i. For gallons of liquids, divide the amount in pounds by 10 in accordance with Section 5003.1.2 of the International Fire Code.
quantity limits and requirements prescribed in the
International Fire Code.
15. Stationary fuel cell power systems installed in
accordance with the International Fire Code.
¬
16. Capacitor energy storage systems in accordance
with the International Fire Code.
17. Group B higher education laboratory occupancies
complying with Section 428 and Chapter 38 of the
International Fire Code.
[F] 307.2 Hazardous materials. Hazardous materials in any
quantity shall conform to the requirements of this code,
including Section 414, and the International Fire Code.
[F] 307.3 High-hazard Group H-1. Buildings and structures
containing materials that pose a detonation hazard shall be
classified as Group H-1. Such materials shall include, but not
be limited to, the following:
Detonable pyrophoric materials
Explosives:
Division 1.1
Division 1.2
Division 1.3
Division 1.4
Division 1.5
Division 1.6
Organic peroxides, unclassified detonable
Oxidizers, Class 4
Unstable (reactive) materials, Class 3 detonable and Class 4
50
[F] 307.3.1 Occupancies containing explosives not classified as H-1. The following occupancies containing
explosive materials shall be classified as follows:
1. Division 1.3 explosive materials that are used and
maintained in a form where either confinement or
configuration will not elevate the hazard from a
mass fire to mass explosion hazard shall be allowed
in H-2 occupancies.
2. Articles, including articles packaged for shipment,
that are not regulated as a Division 1.4 explosive
under Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives regulations, or unpackaged articles used
in process operations that do not propagate a detonation or deflagration between articles shall be
allowed in H-3 occupancies.
[F] 307.4 High-hazard Group H-2. Buildings and structures
containing materials that pose a deflagration hazard or a hazard from accelerated burning shall be classified as Group H2. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
Class I, II or IIIA flammable or combustible liquids that are
used or stored in normally open containers or systems, or
in closed containers or systems pressurized at more than
15 pounds per square inch gauge (103.4 kPa).
Combustible dusts where manufactured, generated or used
in such a manner that the concentration and conditions
create a fire or explosion hazard based on information
prepared in accordance with Section 414.1.3.
Cryogenic fluids, flammable.
Flammable gases.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
[F] 307.5 High-hazard Group H-3. Buildings and structures
containing materials that readily support combustion or that
pose a physical hazard shall be classified as Group H-3. Such
materials shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
Class I, II or IIIA flammable or combustible liquids that
are used or stored in normally closed containers or
systems pressurized at 15 pounds per square inch gauge
(103.4 kPa) or less.
Combustible fibers, other than densely packed baled
cotton, where manufactured, generated or used in such a
manner that the concentration and conditions create a
fire or explosion hazard based on information prepared
in accordance with Section 414.1.3.
Consumer fireworks, 1.4G (Class C, Common)
Cryogenic fluids, oxidizing
Flammable solids
Organic peroxides, Class II and III
Oxidizers, Class 2
Oxidizers, Class 3, that are used or stored in normally
closed containers or systems pressurized at 15 pounds
per square inch gauge (103 kPa) or less
Oxidizing gases
Unstable (reactive) materials, Class 2
Water-reactive materials, Class 2
[F] 307.6 High-hazard Group H-4. Buildings and structures
containing materials that are health hazards shall be classified
as Group H-4. Such materials shall include, but not be limited
to, the following:
Corrosives
Highly toxic materials
Toxic materials
[F] 307.7 High-hazard Group H-5. Semiconductor fabrication facilities and comparable research and development
areas in which hazardous production materials (HPM) are
used and the aggregate quantity of materials is in excess of
those listed in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2) shall be classified as Group H-5. Such facilities and areas shall be
designed and constructed in accordance with Section
415.11.
[F] 307.8 Multiple hazards. Buildings and structures containing a material or materials representing hazards that are
classified in one or more of Groups H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4
shall conform to the code requirements for each of the occupancies so classified.
SECTION 308
INSTITUTIONAL GROUP I
308.1 Institutional Group I. Institutional Group I occupancy
includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
portion thereof, in which care or supervision is provided to
persons who are or are not capable of self-preservation without physical assistance or in which persons are detained for
penal or correctional purposes or in which the liberty of the
occupants is restricted. Institutional occupancies shall be
classified as Group I-1, I-2, I-3 or I-4.
308.2 Institutional Group I-1. Institutional Group I-1 occupancy shall include buildings, structures or portions thereof
for more than 16 persons, excluding staff, who reside on a 24hour basis in a supervised environment and receive custodial
care. Buildings of Group I-1 shall be classified as one of the
occupancy conditions specified in Section 308.2.1 or 308.2.2.
This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
Alcohol and drug centers
Assisted living facilities
Congregate care facilities
Group homes
Halfway houses
Residential board and care facilities
Social rehabilitation facilities
308.2.1 Condition 1. This occupancy condition shall
include buildings in which all persons receiving custodial
care who, without any assistance, are capable of responding to an emergency situation to complete building evacuation.
308.2.2 Condition 2. This occupancy condition shall
include buildings in which there are any persons receiving
custodial care who require limited verbal or physical assistance while responding to an emergency situation to complete building evacuation.
308.2.3 Six to 16 persons receiving custodial care. A
facility housing not fewer than six and not more than 16
persons receiving custodial care shall be classified as
Group R-4.
308.2.4 Five or fewer persons receiving custodial care.
A facility with five or fewer persons receiving custodial
care shall be classified as Group R-3 or shall comply with
the International Residential Code provided an automatic
sprinkler system is installed in accordance with Section
903.3.1.3 or Section P2904 of the International Residential Code.
308.3 Institutional Group I-2. Institutional Group I-2 occupancy shall include buildings and structures used for medical
care on a 24-hour basis for more than five persons who are
incapable of self-preservation. This group shall include, but
not be limited to, the following:
Foster care facilities
Detoxification facilities
Hospitals
Nursing homes
Psychiatric hospitals
308.3.1 Occupancy conditions. Buildings of Group I-2
shall be classified as one of the occupancy conditions
specified in Section 308.3.1.1 or 308.3.1.2.
308.3.1.1 Condition 1. This occupancy condition shall
include facilities that provide nursing and medical care
but do not provide emergency care, surgery, obstetrics
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Organic peroxides, Class I.
Oxidizers, Class 3, that are used or stored in normally
open containers or systems, or in closed containers or
systems pressurized at more than 15 pounds per square
inch gauge (103 kPa).
Pyrophoric liquids, solids and gases, nondetonable.
Unstable (reactive) materials, Class 3, nondetonable.
Water-reactive materials, Class 3.
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
or in-patient stabilization units for psychiatric or detoxification, including but not limited to nursing homes
and foster care facilities.
308.3.1.2 Condition 2. This occupancy condition shall
include facilities that provide nursing and medical care
and could provide emergency care, surgery, obstetrics
or in-patient stabilization units for psychiatric or detoxification, including but not limited to hospitals.
308.3.2 Five or fewer persons receiving medical care. A
facility with five or fewer persons receiving medical care
shall be classified as Group R-3 or shall comply with the
International Residential Code provided an automatic
sprinkler system is installed in accordance with Section
903.3.1.3 or Section P2904 of the International Residential Code.
308.4 Institutional Group I-3. Institutional Group I-3 occupancy shall include buildings and structures that are inhabited
by more than five persons who are under restraint or security.
A Group I-3 facility is occupied by persons who are generally
incapable of self-preservation due to security measures not
under the occupants’ control. This group shall include, but
not be limited to, the following:
Correctional centers
Detention centers
Jails
Prerelease centers
Prisons
Reformatories
Buildings of Group I-3 shall be classified as one of the
occupancy conditions specified in Sections 308.4.1 through
308.4.5 (see Section 408.1).
308.4.1 Condition 1. This occupancy condition shall
include buildings in which free movement is allowed from
sleeping areas, and other spaces where access or occupancy is permitted, to the exterior via means of egress
without restraint. A Condition 1 facility is permitted to be
constructed as Group R.
308.4.2 Condition 2. This occupancy condition shall
include buildings in which free movement is allowed from
sleeping areas and any other occupied smoke compartment
to one or more other smoke compartments. Egress to the
exterior is impeded by locked exits.
308.4.3 Condition 3. This occupancy condition shall
include buildings in which free movement is allowed
within individual smoke compartments, such as within a
residential unit comprised of individual sleeping units and
group activity spaces, where egress is impeded by remotecontrolled release of means of egress from such a smoke
compartment to another smoke compartment.
308.4.4 Condition 4. This occupancy condition shall
include buildings in which free movement is restricted
from an occupied space. Remote-controlled release is provided to permit movement from sleeping units, activity
spaces and other occupied areas within the smoke compartment to other smoke compartments.
308.4.5 Condition 5. This occupancy condition shall
include buildings in which free movement is restricted
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from an occupied space. Staff-controlled manual release is
provided to permit movement from sleeping units, activity
spaces and other occupied areas within the smoke compartment to other smoke compartments.
308.5 Institutional Group I-4, day care facilities. Institutional Group I-4 occupancy shall include buildings and structures occupied by more than five persons of any age who
receive custodial care for fewer than 24 hours per day by persons other than parents or guardians, relatives by blood, marriage or adoption, and in a place other than the home of the
person cared for. This group shall include, but not be limited
to, the following:
Adult day care
Child day care
308.5.1 Classification as Group E. A child day care facility that provides care for more than five but not more than
100 children 21/2 years or less of age, where the rooms in
which the children are cared for are located on a level of
exit discharge serving such rooms and each of these child
care rooms has an exit door directly to the exterior, shall
be classified as Group E.
308.5.2 Within a place of religious worship. Rooms and
spaces within places of religious worship providing such
care during religious functions shall be classified as part of
the primary occupancy.
308.5.3 Five or fewer persons receiving care. A facility
having five or fewer persons receiving custodial care shall
be classified as part of the primary occupancy.
308.5.4 Five or fewer persons receiving care in a dwelling unit. A facility such as the above within a dwelling
unit and having five or fewer persons receiving custodial
care shall be classified as a Group R-3 occupancy or shall
comply with the International Residential Code.
SECTION 309
MERCANTILE GROUP M
309.1 Mercantile Group M. Mercantile Group M occupancy
includes, among others, the use of a building or structure or a
portion thereof for the display and sale of merchandise, and
involves stocks of goods, wares or merchandise incidental to
such purposes and accessible to the public. Mercantile occupancies shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
Department stores
Drug stores
Markets
Greenhouses for display and sale of plants that provide
public access.
Motor fuel-dispensing facilities
Retail or wholesale stores
Sales rooms
309.2 Quantity of hazardous materials. The aggregate
quantity of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials stored or displayed in
a single control area of a Group M occupancy shall not
exceed the quantities in Table 414.2.5(1).
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OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
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SECTION 310
RESIDENTIAL GROUP R
310.1 Residential Group R. Residential Group R includes,
among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion
thereof, for sleeping purposes when not classified as an Institutional Group I or when not regulated by the International
Residential Code.
310.2 Residential Group R-1. Residential Group R-1 occupancies containing sleeping units where the occupants are
primarily transient in nature, including:
Boarding houses (transient) with more than 10 occupants
Congregate living facilities (transient) with more than 10
occupants
Hotels (transient)
Motels (transient)
310.3 Residential Group R-2. Residential Group R-2 occupancies containing sleeping units or more than two dwelling
units where the occupants are primarily permanent in nature,
including:
Apartment houses
Congregate living facilities (nontransient) with more
than 16 occupants
Boarding houses (nontransient)
Convents
Dormitories
Fraternities and sororities
Monasteries
Hotels (nontransient)
Live/work units
Motels (nontransient)
Vacation timeshare properties
310.4 Residential Group R-3. Residential Group R-3 occupancies where the occupants are primarily permanent in
nature and not classified as Group R-1, R-2, R-4 or I, including:
Buildings that do not contain more than two dwelling units
Care facilities that provide accommodations for five or
fewer persons receiving care
Congregate living facilities (nontransient) with 16 or
fewer occupants
Boarding houses (nontransient)
Convents
Dormitories
Fraternities and sororities
Monasteries
Congregate living facilities (transient) with 10 or fewer
occupants
Boarding houses (transient)
Lodging houses (transient) with five or fewer guest rooms
and 10 or fewer occupants
310.4.1 Care facilities within a dwelling. Care facilities
for five or fewer persons receiving care that are within a
single-family dwelling are permitted to comply with the
International Residential Code provided an automatic
sprinkler system is installed in accordance with Section
903.3.1.3 or Section P2904 of the International Residential Code.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
310.4.2 Lodging houses. Owner-occupied lodging houses
with five or fewer guest rooms and 10 or fewer total occupants shall be permitted to be constructed in accordance
with the International Residential Code.
310.5 Residential Group R-4. Residential Group R-4 occupancy shall include buildings, structures or portions thereof
for more than five but not more than 16 persons, excluding
staff, who reside on a 24-hour basis in a supervised residential environment and receive custodial care. Buildings of
Group R-4 shall be classified as one of the occupancy conditions specified in Section 310.5.1 or 310.5.2. This group shall
include, but not be limited to, the following:
Alcohol and drug centers
Assisted living facilities
Congregate care facilities
Group homes
Halfway houses
Residential board and care facilities
Social rehabilitation facilities
Group R-4 occupancies shall meet the requirements for
construction as defined for Group R-3, except as otherwise
provided for in this code.
310.5.1 Condition 1. This occupancy condition shall
include buildings in which all persons receiving custodial
care, without any assistance, are capable of responding to
an emergency situation to complete building evacuation.
310.5.2 Condition 2. This occupancy condition shall
include buildings in which there are any persons receiving
custodial care who require limited verbal or physical assistance while responding to an emergency situation to complete building evacuation.
SECTION 311
STORAGE GROUP S
311.1 Storage Group S. Storage Group S occupancy
includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a
portion thereof, for storage that is not classified as a hazardous occupancy.
311.1.1 Accessory storage spaces. A room or space used
for storage purposes that is accessory to another occupancy shall be classified as part of that occupancy.
311.2 Moderate-hazard storage, Group S-1. Storage Group
S-1 occupancies are buildings occupied for storage uses that
are not classified as Group S-2, including, but not limited to,
storage of the following:
Aerosol products, Levels 2 and 3
Aircraft hangar (storage and repair)
Bags: cloth, burlap and paper
Bamboos and rattan
Baskets
Belting: canvas and leather
Books and paper in rolls or packs
Boots and shoes
Buttons, including cloth covered, pearl or bone
Cardboard and cardboard boxes
Clothing, woolen wearing apparel
Cordage
Dry boat storage (indoor)
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OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
311.3 Low-hazard storage, Group S-2. Storage Group S-2
occupancies include, among others, buildings used for the
storage of noncombustible materials such as products on
wood pallets or in paper cartons with or without single thickness divisions; or in paper wrappings. Such products are permitted to have a negligible amount of plastic trim, such as
knobs, handles or film wrapping. Group S-2 storage uses
shall include, but not be limited to, storage of the following:
SECTION 312
UTILITY AND MISCELLANEOUS GROUP U
312.1 General. Buildings and structures of an accessory
character and miscellaneous structures not classified in any
specific occupancy shall be constructed, equipped and maintained to conform to the requirements of this code commensurate with the fire and life hazard incidental to their
occupancy. Group U shall include, but not be limited to, the
following:
Agricultural buildings
Aircraft hangars, accessory to a one- or two-family
residence (see Section 412.4)
Barns
Carports
Communication equipment structures with a gross floor
area of less than 1,500 square feet (139 m2)
Fences more than 6 feet (1829 mm) in height
Grain silos, accessory to a residential occupancy
Livestock shelters
Private garages
Retaining walls
Sheds
Stables
Tanks
Towers
312.1.1 Greenhouses. Greenhouses not classified as
another occupancy shall be classified as Use Group U.
Asbestos
Beverages up to and including 16-percent alcohol in
metal, glass or ceramic containers
Cement in bags
Chalk and crayons
Dairy products in nonwaxed coated paper containers
Dry cell batteries
Electrical coils
Electrical motors
Empty cans
Food products
Foods in noncombustible containers
Fresh fruits and vegetables in nonplastic trays or containers
Frozen foods
Glass
Glass bottles, empty or filled with noncombustible liquids
Gypsum board
Inert pigments
Ivory
Meats
Metal cabinets
Metal desks with plastic tops and trim
Metal parts
Metals
Mirrors
Oil-filled and other types of distribution transformers
Parking garages, open or enclosed
Porcelain and pottery
Stoves
Talc and soapstones
Washers and dryers
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2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
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Furniture
Furs
Glues, mucilage, pastes and size
Grains
Horns and combs, other than celluloid
Leather
Linoleum
Lumber
Motor vehicle repair garages complying with the
maximum allowable quantities of hazardous materials
listed in Table 307.1(1) (see Section 406.8)
Photo engravings
Resilient flooring
Self-service storage facility (mini-storage)
Silks
Soaps
Sugar
Tires, bulk storage of
Tobacco, cigars, cigarettes and snuff
Upholstery and mattresses
Wax candles
CHAPTER 4
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS
BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 4 provides detailed criteria for special uses and occupancies. The unique characteristics of a live/work unit as
opposed to a 30-story high-rise building call for specific standards for each. Twenty-seven sections address covered and open mall buildings,
atriums, hospitals, stages, buildings where hazardous materials are used and stored, jails and prisons, ambulatory care facilities and storm
shelters, among other special occupancy issues.
401.1 Detailed occupancy and use requirements. In addition to the occupancy and construction requirements in this
code, the provisions of this chapter apply to the occupancies
and use described herein.
SECTION 402
COVERED MALL AND OPEN MALL BUILDINGS
402.1 Applicability. The provisions of this section shall
apply to buildings or structures defined herein as covered or
open mall buildings not exceeding three floor levels at any
point nor more than three stories above grade plane. Except
as specifically required by this section, covered and open
mall buildings shall meet applicable provisions of this code.
Exceptions:
1. Foyers and lobbies of Groups B, R-1 and R-2 are not
required to comply with this section.
2. Buildings need not comply with the provisions of
this section where they totally comply with other
applicable provisions of this code.
402.1.1 Open mall building perimeter line. For the purpose of this code, a perimeter line shall be established.
The perimeter line shall encircle all buildings and structures that comprise the open mall building and shall
encompass any open-air interior walkways, open-air
courtyards or similar open-air spaces. The perimeter line
shall define the extent of the open mall building. Anchor
buildings and parking structures shall be outside of the
perimeter line and are not considered as part of the open
mall building.
402.2 Open space. A covered mall building and attached
anchor buildings and parking garages shall be surrounded on
all sides by a permanent open space or not less than 60 feet
(18 288 mm). An open mall building and anchor buildings
and parking garages adjoining the perimeter line shall be surrounded on all sides by a permanent open space of not less
than 60 feet (18 288 mm).
Exception: The permanent open space of 60 feet (18 288
mm) shall be permitted to be reduced to not less than 40
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
feet (12 192 mm), provided that the following requirements are met:
1. The reduced open space shall not be allowed for
more than 75 percent of the perimeter of the covered
or open mall building and anchor buildings.
2. The exterior wall facing the reduced open space
shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 3
hours.
3. Openings in the exterior wall facing the reduced
open space shall have opening protectives with a fire
protection rating of not less than 3 hours.
4. Group E, H, I or R occupancies are not located
within the covered or open mall building or anchor
buildings.
402.3 Lease plan. Each owner of a covered mall building or
of an open mall building shall provide both the building and
fire departments with a lease plan showing the location of
each occupancy and its exits after the certificate of occupancy
has been issued. Modifications or changes in occupancy or
use from that shown on the lease plan shall not be made without prior approval of the building official.
402.4 Construction. The construction of covered and open
mall buildings, anchor buildings and parking garages associated with a mall building shall comply with Sections 402.4.1
through 402.4.3.
402.4.1 Area and types of construction. The building
area and type of construction of covered mall or open mall
buildings, anchor buildings and parking garages shall
comply with this section.
402.4.1.1 Covered and open mall buildings. The
building area of any covered mall or open mall building shall not be limited provided that the covered mall
or open mall building does not exceed three floor levels
at any point nor three stories above grade plane, and is
of Type I, II, III or IV construction.
402.4.1.2 Anchor buildings. The building area and
building height of any anchor building shall be based
on the type of construction as required by Section 503
as modified by Sections 504 and 506.
Exception: The building area of any anchor building shall not be limited provided that the anchor
55
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SECTION 401
SCOPE
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
building is not more than three stories above grade
plane, and is of Type I, II, III or IV construction.
402.4.1.3 Parking garage. The building area and
building height of any parking garage shall be based on
the type of construction as required by Sections 406.5
and 406.6, respectively.
402.4.2 Fire-resistance-rated separation. Fire-resistance-rated separation is not required between tenant
spaces and the mall. Fire-resistance-rated separation is not
required between a food court and adjacent tenant spaces
or the mall.
402.4.2.1 Tenant separations. Each tenant space shall
be separated from other tenant spaces by a fire partition
complying with Section 708. A tenant separation wall
is not required between any tenant space and the mall.
402.4.2.2 Anchor building separation. An anchor
building shall be separated from the covered or open
mall building by fire walls complying with Section
706.
Exceptions:
1. Anchor buildings of not more than three stories above grade plane that have an occupancy classification the same as that permitted
for tenants of the mall building shall be separated by 2-hour fire-resistance-rated fire barriers complying with Section 707.
2. The exterior walls of anchor buildings separated from an open mall building by an open
mall shall comply with Table 602.
402.4.2.2.1 Openings between anchor building
and mall. Except for the separation between Group
R-1 sleeping units and the mall, openings between
anchor buildings of Type IA, IB, IIA or IIB construction and the mall need not be protected.
402.4.2.3 Parking garages. An attached garage for the
storage of passenger vehicles having a capacity of not
more than nine persons and open parking garages shall
be considered as a separate building where it is separated from the covered or open mall building or anchor
building by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal
assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711,
or both.
Parking garages, which are separated from covered
mall buildings, open mall buildings or anchor buildings, shall comply with the provisions of Table 602.
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Pedestrian walkways and tunnels that connect
garages to mall buildings or anchor buildings shall be
constructed in accordance with Section 3104.
402.4.3 Open mall construction. Floor assemblies in, and
roof assemblies over, the open mall of an open mall building shall be open to the atmosphere for not less than 20
feet (9096 mm), measured perpendicular from the face of
the tenant spaces on the lowest level, from edge of balcony
to edge of balcony on upper floors and from edge of roof
line to edge of roof line. The openings within, or the
56
unroofed area of, an open mall shall extend from the lowest/grade level of the open mall through the entire roof
assembly. Balconies on upper levels of the mall shall not
project into the required width of the opening.
402.4.3.1 Pedestrian walkways. Pedestrian walkways
connecting balconies in an open mall shall be located
not less than 20 feet (9096 mm) from any other pedestrian walkway.
[F] 402.5 Automatic sprinkler system. Covered and open
mall buildings and buildings connected shall be equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance
with Section 903.3.1.1, which shall comply with all of the
following:
1. The automatic sprinkler system shall be complete and
operative throughout occupied space in the mall building prior to occupancy of any of the tenant spaces.
Unoccupied tenant spaces shall be similarly protected
unless provided with approved alternative protection.
2. Sprinkler protection for the mall of a covered mall
building shall be independent from that provided for
tenant spaces or anchor buildings.
3. Sprinkler protection for the tenant spaces of an open
mall building shall be independent from that provided
for anchor buildings.
4. Sprinkler protection shall be provided beneath exterior
circulation balconies located adjacent to an open mall.
5. Where tenant spaces are supplied by the same system,
they shall be independently controlled.
Exception: An automatic sprinkler system shall not
be required in spaces or areas of open parking
garages separated from the covered or open mall
building in accordance with Section 402.4.2.3 and
constructed in accordance with Section 406.5.
402.6 Interior finishes and features. Interior finishes
within the mall and installations within the mall shall comply
with Sections 402.6.1 through 402.6.4.
402.6.1 Interior finish. Interior wall and ceiling finishes
within the mall of a covered mall building and within the
exits of covered or open mall buildings shall have a minimum flame spread index and smoke-developed index of
Class B in accordance with Chapter 8. Interior floor finishes shall meet the requirements of Section 804.
402.6.2 Kiosks. Kiosks and similar structures (temporary
or permanent) located within the mall of a covered mall
building or within the perimeter line of an open mall
building shall meet the following requirements:
1. Combustible kiosks or other structures shall not be
located within a covered or open mall unless constructed of any of the following materials:
1.1. Fire-retardant-treated wood complying
with Section 2303.2.
1.2. Foam plastics having a maximum heat
release rate not greater than 100 kW (105
Btu/h) when tested in accordance with the
exhibit booth protocol in UL 1975 or when
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
tested in accordance with NFPA 289 using
the 20 kW ignition source.
1.3. Aluminum composite material (ACM)
meeting the requirements of Class A interior finish in accordance with Chapter 8
when tested as an assembly in the maximum thickness intended.
2. Kiosks or similar structures located within the mall
shall be provided with approved automatic sprinkler
system and detection devices.
plastics used in signs installed in accordance with Section 402.6.4 shall not be required to comply with the
flame spread and smoke-developed indices specified in
Section 2603.3.
402.6.4.5.1 Density. The density of foam plastics
used in signs shall be not less than 20 pounds per
cubic foot (pcf) (320 kg/ m3).
3. The horizontal separation between kiosks or groupings thereof and other structures within the mall
shall be not less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
402.6.4.5.2 Thickness. The thickness of foam plastic signs shall not be greater than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm).
[F] 402.7 Emergency systems. Covered and open mall
buildings, anchor buildings and associated parking garages
shall be provided with emergency systems complying with
Sections 402.7.1 through 402.7.5.
4. Each kiosk or similar structure or groupings thereof
shall have an area not greater than 300 square feet
(28 m2).
[F] 402.7.1 Standpipe system. Covered and open mall
buildings shall be equipped throughout with a standpipe
system as required by Section 905.3.3.
402.6.3 Children’s play structures. Children’s play
structures located within the mall of a covered mall building or within the perimeter line of an open mall building
shall comply with Section 424. The horizontal separation
between children’s play structures, kiosks and similar
structures within the mall shall be not less than 20 feet
(6096 mm).
[F] 402.7.2 Smoke control. Where a covered mall building contains an atrium, a smoke control system shall be
provided in accordance with Section 404.5.
Exception: A smoke control system is not required in
covered mall buildings where an atrium connects only
two stories.
[F] 402.7.3 Emergency power. Covered mall buildings
greater than 50,000 square feet (4645 m2) in area and open
mall buildings greater than 50,000 square feet (4645 m2)
within the established perimeter line shall be provided
with emergency power that is capable of operating the
emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 2702.
402.6.4 Plastic signs. Plastic signs affixed to the storefront of any tenant space facing a mall or open mall shall
be limited as specified in Sections 402.6.4.1 through
402.6.4.5.
402.6.4.1 Area. Plastic signs shall be not more than 20
percent of the wall area facing the mall.
402.6.4.2 Height and width. Plastic signs shall be not
greater than 36 inches (914 mm) in height, except that
where the sign is vertical, the height shall be not greater
than 96 inches (2438 mm) and the width shall be not
greater than 36 inches (914 mm).
402.6.4.3 Location. Plastic signs shall be located not
less than 18 inches (457 mm) from adjacent tenants.
402.6.4.4 Plastics other than foam plastics. Plastics
other than foam plastics used in signs shall be lighttransmitting plastics complying with Section 2606.4 or
shall have a self-ignition temperature of 650°F (343°C)
or greater when tested in accordance with ASTM
D1929, and a flame spread index not greater than 75
and smoke-developed index not greater than 450 when
tested in the manner intended for use in accordance
with ASTM E84 or UL 723 or meet the acceptance criteria of Section 803.1.1.1 when tested in accordance
with NFPA 286.
402.6.4.4.1 Encasement. Edges and backs of plastic
signs in the mall shall be fully encased in metal.
402.6.4.5 Foam plastics. Foam plastics used in signs
shall have flame-retardant characteristics such that the
sign has a maximum heat-release rate of 150 kilowatts
when tested in accordance with UL 1975 or when
tested in accordance with NFPA 289 using the 20 kW
ignition source, and the foam plastics shall have the
physical characteristics specified in this section. Foam
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
[F] 402.7.4 Emergency voice/alarm communication
system. Where the total floor area is greater than 50,000
square feet (4645 m2) within either a covered mall building or within the perimeter line of an open mall building,
an emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be
provided.
The fire department shall have access to any emergency
voice/alarm communication systems serving a mall,
required or otherwise. The systems shall be provided in
accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
[F] 402.7.5 Fire department access to equipment.
Rooms or areas containing controls for air-conditioning
systems, automatic fire-extinguishing systems, automatic
sprinkler systems or other detection, suppression or control
elements shall be identified for use by the fire department.
402.8 Means of egress. Covered mall buildings, open mall
buildings and each tenant space within a mall building shall
be provided with means of egress as required by this section
and this code. Where there is a conflict between the requirements of this code and the requirements of Sections 402.8.1
through 402.8.8, the requirements of Sections 402.8.1
through 402.8.8 shall apply.
402.8.1 Mall width. For the purpose of providing required
egress, malls are permitted to be considered as corridors
but need not comply with the requirements of Section
1005.1 of this code where the width of the mall is as specified in this section.
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
402.8.1.1 Minimum width. The aggregate clear egress
width of the mall in either a covered or open mall
building shall be not less than 20 feet (6096 mm). The
mall width shall be sufficient to accommodate the
occupant load served. Any portion of the minimum
required aggregate egress width shall be not less than
10 feet (3048 mm) measured to a height of 8 feet (2438
mm) between any projection of a tenant space bordering the mall and the nearest kiosk, vending machine,
bench, display opening, food court or other obstruction
to means of egress travel.
402.8.2 Determination of occupant load. The occupant
load permitted in any individual tenant space in a covered
or open mall building shall be determined as required by
this code. Means of egress requirements for individual
tenant spaces shall be based on the occupant load thus
determined.
402.8.2.1 Occupant formula. In determining required
means of egress of the mall, the number of occupants
for whom means of egress are to be provided shall be
based on gross leasable area of the covered or open
mall building (excluding anchor buildings) and the
occupant load factor as determined by Equation 4-1.
OLF = (0.00007)(GLA) + 25
(Equation 4-1)
where:
OLF = The occupant load factor (square feet per
person).
GLA = The gross leasable area (square feet).
Exception: Tenant spaces attached to a covered or
open mall building but with a means of egress system that is totally independent of the open mall of an
open mall building or of a covered mall building
shall not be considered as gross leasable area for
determining the required means of egress for the
mall building.
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402.8.4 Arrangements of means of egress. Assembly
occupancies with an occupant load of 500 or more located
within a covered mall building shall be so located such
that their entrance will be immediately adjacent to a principal entrance to the mall and shall have not less than onehalf of their required means of egress opening directly to
the exterior of the covered mall building. Assembly occupancies located within the perimeter line of an open mall
building shall be permitted to have their main exit open to
the open mall.
402.8.4.1 Anchor building means of egress. Required
means of egress for anchor buildings shall be provided
independently from the mall means of egress system.
The occupant load of anchor buildings opening into the
mall shall not be included in determining means of
egress requirements for the mall. The path of egress
travel of malls shall not exit through anchor buildings.
Malls terminating at an anchor building where other
means of egress has not been provided shall be considered as a dead-end mall.
402.8.5 Distance to exits. Within each individual tenant
space in a covered or open mall building, the distance of
travel from any point to an exit or entrance to the mall
shall be not greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm).
The distance of travel from any point within a mall of a
covered mall building to an exit shall be not greater than
200 feet (60 960 mm). The maximum distance of travel
from any point within an open mall to the perimeter line of
the open mall building shall be not greater than 200 feet
(60 960 mm).
402.8.2.2 OLF range. The occupant load factor (OLF)
is not required to be less than 30 and shall not exceed
50.
402.8.6 Access to exits. Where more than one exit is
required, they shall be so arranged that it is possible to
travel in either direction from any point in a mall of a covered mall building to separate exits or from any point in an
open mall of an open mall building to two separate locations on the perimeter line, provided that neither location
is an exterior wall of an anchor building or parking
garage. The width of an exit passageway or corridor from
a mall shall be not less than 66 inches (1676 mm).
402.8.2.3 Anchor buildings. The occupant load of
anchor buildings opening into the mall shall not be
included in computing the total number of occupants
for the mall.
Exception: Access to exits is permitted by way of a
dead-end mall that does not exceed a length equal to
twice the width of the mall measured at the narrowest
location within the dead-end portion of the mall.
402.8.2.4 Food courts. The occupant load of a food
court shall be determined in accordance with Section
1004. For the purposes of determining the means of
egress requirements for the mall, the food court occupant load shall be added to the occupant load of the
covered or open mall building as calculated in Section
402.8.2.1.
402.8.3 Number of means of egress. Wherever the distance of travel to the mall from any location within a
tenant space used by persons other than employees is
greater than 75 feet (22 860 mm) or the tenant space has
an occupant load of 50 or more, not fewer than two means
of egress shall be provided.
402.8.6.1 Exit passageways. Where exit passageways
provide a secondary means of egress from a tenant
space, the exit passageways shall be constructed in
accordance with Section 1024.
402.8.7 Service areas fronting on exit passageways.
Mechanical rooms, electrical rooms, building service areas
and service elevators are permitted to open directly into
exit passageways, provided that the exit passageway is
separated from such rooms with not less than 1-hour fire
barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or
horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. The fire protection rating of openings in
the fire barriers shall be not less than 1 hour.
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
402.8.8 Security grilles and doors. Horizontal sliding or
vertical security grilles or doors that are a part of a
required means of egress shall conform to the following:
1. Doors and grilles shall remain in the full open position during the period of occupancy by the general
public.
2. Doors or grilles shall not be brought to the closed
position when there are 10 or more persons occupying spaces served by a single exit or 50 or more persons occupying spaces served by more than one exit.
3. The doors or grilles shall be openable from within
without the use of any special knowledge or effort
where the space is occupied.
4. Where two or more exits are required, not more than
one-half of the exits shall be permitted to include
either a horizontal sliding or vertical rolling grille or
door.
SECTION 403
HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS
403.1 Applicability. High-rise buildings shall comply with
Sections 403.2 through 403.6.
Exception: The provisions of Sections 403.2 through
403.6 shall not apply to the following buildings and structures:
1. Airport traffic control towers in accordance with
Section 412.2.
2. Open parking garages in accordance with Section
406.5.
3. The portion of a building containing a Group A-5
occupancy in accordance with Section 303.6.
4. Special industrial occupancies in accordance with
Section 503.1.1.
5. Buildings containing any one of the following:
5.1. A Group H-1 occupancy.
5.2. A Group H-2 occupancy in accordance with
Section 415.8, 415.9.2, 415.9.3 or 426.1.
5.3. A Group H-3 occupancy in accordance with
Section 415.8.
403.2 Construction. The construction of high-rise buildings
shall comply with the provisions of Sections 403.2.1 through
403.2.4.
403.2.1 Reduction in fire-resistance rating. The fireresistance rating reductions listed in Sections 403.2.1.1
and 403.2.1.2 shall be allowed in buildings that have
sprinkler control valves equipped with supervisory initiating devices and water-flow initiating devices for each
floor.
403.2.1.1 Type of construction. The following reductions in the minimum fire-resistance rating of the
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
building elements in Table 601 shall be permitted as
follows:
1. For buildings not greater than 420 feet (128 m) in
building height, the fire-resistance rating of the
building elements in Type IA construction shall
be permitted to be reduced to the minimum fireresistance ratings for the building elements in
Type IB.
Exception: The required fire-resistance rating of columns supporting floors shall not be
reduced.
2. In other than Group F-1, H-2, H-3, H-5, M and S-1
occupancies, the fire-resistance rating of the
building elements in Type IB construction shall be
permitted to be reduced to the fire-resistance ratings in Type IIA.
3. The building height and building area limitations
of a building containing building elements with
reduced fire-resistance ratings shall be permitted
to be the same as the building without such
reductions.
403.2.1.2 Shaft enclosures. For buildings not greater
than 420 feet (128 m) in building height, the required
fire-resistance rating of the fire barriers enclosing vertical shafts, other than interior exit stairway and elevator hoistway enclosures, is permitted to be reduced to 1
hour where automatic sprinklers are installed within the
shafts at the top and at alternate floor levels.
403.2.2 Seismic considerations. For seismic considerations, see Chapter 16.
[BS] 403.2.3 Structural integrity of interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures. For high-rise
buildings of Risk Category III or IV in accordance with
Section 1604.5, and for all buildings that are more than
420 feet (128 m) in building height, enclosures for interior
exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures shall comply with Sections 403.2.3.1 through 403.2.3.4.
[BS] 403.2.3.1 Wall assembly. The wall assemblies
making up the enclosures for interior exit stairways and
elevator hoistway enclosures shall meet or exceed Soft
Body Impact Classification Level 2 as measured by the
test method described in ASTM C1629/C1629M.
[BS] 403.2.3.2 Wall assembly materials. The face of
the wall assemblies making up the enclosures for interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures
that are not exposed to the interior of the enclosures for
interior exit stairways or elevator hoistway enclosure
shall be constructed in accordance with one of the following methods:
1. The wall assembly shall incorporate not fewer
than two layers of impact-resistant construction
board each of which meets or exceeds Hard Body
Impact Classification Level 2 as measured by the
test method described in ASTM C1629/C1629M.
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
2. The wall assembly shall incorporate not fewer
than one layer of impact-resistant construction
material that meets or exceeds Hard Body Impact
Classification Level 3 as measured by the test
method described in ASTM C1629/C1629M.
3. The wall assembly incorporates multiple layers
of any material, tested in tandem, that meets or
exceeds Hard Body Impact Classification Level 3
as measured by the test method described in
ASTM C1629/C1629M.
[BS] 403.2.3.3 Concrete and masonry walls. Concrete or masonry walls shall be deemed to satisfy the
requirements of Sections 403.2.3.1 and 403.2.3.2.
[BS] 403.2.3.4 Other wall assemblies. Any other wall
assembly that provides impact resistance equivalent to
that required by Sections 403.2.3.1 and 403.2.3.2 for
Hard Body Impact Classification Level 3, as measured
by the test method described in ASTM C1629/C1629M,
shall be permitted.
403.2.4 Sprayed fire-resistant materials (SFRM). The
bond strength of the SFRM installed throughout the building shall be in accordance with Table 403.2.4.
TABLE 403.2.4
MINIMUM BOND STRENGTH
HEIGHT OF BUILDINGa
Up to 420 feet
Greater than 420 feet
SFRM MINIMUM BOND STRENGTH
430 psf
1,000 psf
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot (psf) = 0.0479 kW/m2.
a. Above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
[F] 403.3 Automatic sprinkler system. Buildings and structures shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and a
secondary water supply where required by Section 403.3.3.
Exception: An automatic sprinkler system shall not be
required in spaces or areas of:
1. Open parking garages in accordance with Section
406.5.
2. Telecommunications equipment buildings used
exclusively for telecommunications equipment,
associated electrical power distribution equipment,
batteries and standby engines, provided that those
spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an
automatic fire detection system in accordance with
Section 907.2 and are separated from the remainder
of the building by not less than 1-hour fire barriers
constructed in accordance with Section 707 or not
less than 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed
in accordance with Section 711, or both.
[F] 403.3.1 Number of sprinkler risers and system
design. Each sprinkler system zone in buildings that are
more than 420 feet (128 m) in building height shall be supplied by not fewer than two risers. Each riser shall supply
sprinklers on alternate floors. If more than two risers are
provided for a zone, sprinklers on adjacent floors shall not
be supplied from the same riser.
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[F] 403.3.1.1 Riser location. Sprinkler risers shall be
placed in interior exit stairways and ramps that are
remotely located in accordance with Section 1007.1.
[F] 403.3.2 Water supply to required fire pumps. In
buildings that are more than 420 feet (128 m) in building
height, required fire pumps shall be supplied by connections to not fewer than two water mains located in different streets. Separate supply piping shall be provided
between each connection to the water main and the pumps.
Each connection and the supply piping between the connection and the pumps shall be sized to supply the flow
and pressure required for the pumps to operate.
Exception: Two connections to the same main shall be
permitted provided that the main is valved such that an
interruption can be isolated so that the water supply
will continue without interruption through not fewer
than one of the connections.
[F] 403.3.3 Secondary water supply. An automatic secondary on-site water supply having a capacity not less than
the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand, including
the hose stream requirement, shall be provided for highrise buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D,
E or F as determined by Section 1613. An additional fire
pump shall not be required for the secondary water supply
unless needed to provide the minimum design intake pressure at the suction side of the fire pump supplying the
automatic sprinkler system. The secondary water supply
shall have a duration of not less than 30 minutes.
[F] 403.3.4 Fire pump room. Fire pumps shall be located
in rooms protected in accordance with Section 913.2.1.
[F] 403.4 Emergency systems. The detection, alarm and
emergency systems of high-rise buildings shall comply with
Sections 403.4.1 through 403.4.8.
[F] 403.4.1 Smoke detection. Smoke detection shall be
provided in accordance with Section 907.2.12.1.
[F] 403.4.2 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall
be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.12.
[F] 403.4.3 Standpipe system. A high-rise building shall
be equipped with a standpipe system as required by Section 905.3.
[F] 403.4.4 Emergency voice/alarm communication
system. An emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided in accordance with Section
907.5.2.2.
[F] 403.4.5 Emergency responder radio coverage.
Emergency responder radio coverage shall be provided in
accordance with Section 510 of the International Fire
Code.
[F] 403.4.6 Fire command. A fire command center complying with Section 911 shall be provided in a location
approved by the fire code official.
[F] 403.4.7 Smoke removal. To facilitate smoke removal
in post-fire salvage and overhaul operations, buildings and
structures shall be equipped with natural or mechanical
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
ventilation for removal of products of combustion in
accordance with one of the following:
[F] 403.4.8.3 Standby power loads. The following are
classified as standby power loads:
1. Easily identifiable, manually operable windows or
panels shall be distributed around the perimeter of
each floor at not more than 50-foot (15 240 mm)
intervals. The area of operable windows or panels
shall be not less than 40 square feet (3.7 m2) per 50
linear feet (15 240 mm) of perimeter.
1. Ventilation and automatic fire detection equipment for smokeproof enclosures.
Exceptions:
1. In Group R-1 occupancies, each sleeping
unit or suite having an exterior wall shall
be permitted to be provided with 2 square
feet (0.19 m2) of venting area in lieu of the
area specified in Item 1.
2. Windows shall be permitted to be fixed
provided that glazing can be cleared by fire
fighters.
2. Mechanical air-handling equipment providing one
exhaust air change every 15 minutes for the area
involved. Return and exhaust air shall be moved
directly to the outside without recirculation to other
portions of the building.
3. Any other approved design that will produce equivalent results.
[F] 403.4.8 Standby and emergency power. A standby
power system complying with Section 2702 and Section
3003 shall be provided for the standby power loads specified in Section 403.4.8.3. An emergency power system
complying with Section 2702 shall be provided for the
emergency power loads specified in Section 403.4.8.4.
[F] 403.4.8.1 Equipment room. If the standby or
emergency power system includes a generator set
inside a building, the system shall be located in a separate room enclosed with 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal
assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711,
or both. System supervision with manual start and
transfer features shall be provided at the fire command
center.
Exception: In Group I-2, Condition 2, manual start
and transfer features for the critical branch of the
emergency power are not required to be provided at
the fire command center.
[F] 403.4.8.2 Fuel line piping protection. Fuel lines
supplying a generator set inside a building shall be separated from areas of the building other than the room
the generator is located in by an approved method or
assembly that has a fire-resistance rating of not less
than 2 hours. Where the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the
required fire-resistance rating shall be reduced to 1
hour.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
2. Elevators..
3. Where elevators are provided in a high-rise
building for accessible means of egress, fire service access or occupant self-evacuation, the
standby power system shall also comply with
Sections 1009.4, 3007 or 3008, as applicable.
[F] 403.4.8.4 Emergency power loads. The following
are classified as emergency power loads:
1. Exit signs and means of egress illumination
required by Chapter 10.
2. Elevator car lighting.
3. Emergency voice/alarm communications systems.
4. Automatic fire detection systems.
5. Fire alarm systems.
6. Electrically powered fire pumps.
7. Power and lighting for the fire command center
required by Section 403.4.6.
403.5 Means of egress and evacuation. The means of egress
in high-rise buildings shall comply with Sections 403.5.1
through 403.5.6.
403.5.1 Remoteness of interior exit stairways. Required
interior exit stairways shall be separated by a distance not
less than 30 feet (9144 mm) or not less than one-fourth of
the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of
the building or area to be served, whichever is less. The
distance shall be measured in a straight line between the
nearest points of the enclosure surrounding the interior
exit stairways. In buildings with three or more interior exit
stairways, not fewer than two of the interior exit stairways
shall comply with this section. Interlocking or scissor
stairways shall be counted as one interior exit stairway.
403.5.2 Additional interior exit stairway. For buildings
other than Group R-2 and their ancillary spaces that are
more than 420 feet (128 m) in building height, one additional interior exit stairway meeting the requirements of
Sections 1011 and 1023 shall be provided in addition to
the minimum number of exits required by Section 1006.3.
The total capacity of any combination of remaining interior exit stairways with one interior exit stairway removed
shall be not less than the total capacity required by Section
1005.1. Scissor stairways shall not be considered the additional interior exit stairway required by this section.
Exceptions:
1. An additional interior exit stairway shall not be
required to be installed in buildings having elevators used for occupant self-evacuation in accordance with Section 3008.
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
2. An additional interior exit stairway shall not be
required for other portions of the building where
the highest occupiable floor level in those areas is
less than 420 feet (128 m) in building height.
403.5.3 Stairway door operation. Stairway doors other
than the exit discharge doors shall be permitted to be
locked from the stairway side. Stairway doors that are
locked from the stairway side shall be capable of being
unlocked simultaneously without unlatching upon a signal
from the fire command center.
403.5.3.1 Stairway communication system. A telephone or other two-way communications system connected to an approved constantly attended station shall
be provided at not less than every fifth floor in each
stairway where the doors to the stairway are locked.
403.5.4 Smokeproof enclosures. Every required interior
exit stairway serving floors more than 75 feet (22 860
mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle
access shall be a smokeproof enclosure in accordance with
Sections 909.20 and 1023.11.
403.5.5 Luminous egress path markings. Luminous
egress path markings shall be provided in accordance with
Section 1025.
403.5.6 Emergency escape and rescue. Emergency
escape and rescue openings specified in Section 1030 are
not required.
403.6 Elevators. Elevator installation and operation in highrise buildings shall comply with Chapter 30 and Sections
403.6.1 and 403.6.2.
403.6.1 Fire service access elevator. In buildings with an
occupied floor more than 120 feet (36 576 mm) above the
lowest level of fire department vehicle access, not fewer
than two fire service access elevators, or all elevators,
whichever is less, shall be provided in accordance with
Section 3007. Each fire service access elevator shall have
a capacity of not less than 3,500 pounds (1588 kg) and
shall comply with Section 3002.4.
403.6.2 Occupant evacuation elevators. Where installed
in accordance with Section 3008, passenger elevators for
general public use shall be permitted to be used for occupant self-evacuation.
¬
SECTION 404
ATRIUMS
404.1 General. In other than Group H occupancies, and
where permitted by Section 712.1.7, the provisions of Sections 404.1 through 404.10 shall apply to buildings or structures containing vertical openings defined as “Atriums.”
404.2 Use. The floor of the atrium shall not be used for other
than low fire hazard uses and only approved materials and
decorations in accordance with the International Fire Code
shall be used in the atrium space.
Exception: The atrium floor area is permitted to be used
for any approved use where the individual space is provided with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance
with Section 903.3.1.1.
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[F] 404.3 Automatic sprinkler protection. An approved
automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the
entire building.
Exceptions:
1. That area of a building adjacent to or above the
atrium need not be sprinklered provided that portion
of the building is separated from the atrium portion
by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in
accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or
both.
2. Where the ceiling of the atrium is more than 55 feet
(16 764 mm) above the floor, sprinkler protection at
the ceiling of the atrium is not required.
[F] 404.4 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be
provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.
404.5 Smoke control. A smoke control system shall be
installed in accordance with Section 909.
Exception: In other than Group I-2, and Group I-1, Condition 2, smoke control is not required for atriums that connect only two stories.
404.6 Enclosure of atriums. Atrium spaces shall be separated from adjacent spaces by a 1-hour fire barrier constructed in accordance with Section 707 or a horizontal
assembly constructed in accordance with Section 711, or
both.
Exceptions:
1. A fire barrier is not required where a glass wall
forming a smoke partition is provided. The glass
wall shall comply with all of the following:
1.1. Automatic sprinklers are provided along
both sides of the separation wall and doors,
or on the room side only if there is not a
walkway on the atrium side. The sprinklers
shall be located between 4 inches and 12
inches (102 mm and 305 mm) away from
the glass and at intervals along the glass
not greater than 6 feet (1829 mm). The
sprinkler system shall be designed so that
the entire surface of the glass is wet upon
activation of the sprinkler system without
obstruction;
1.2. The glass wall shall be installed in a gasketed frame in a manner that the framing
system deflects without breaking (loading)
the glass before the sprinkler system operates; and
1.3. Where glass doors are provided in the glass
wall, they shall be either self-closing or
automatic-closing.
2. A fire barrier is not required where a glass-block
wall assembly complying with Section 2110 and
having a 3/4-hour fire protection rating is provided.
3. A fire barrier is not required between the atrium and
the adjoining spaces of up to three floors of the
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
atrium provided that such spaces are accounted for
in the design of the smoke control system.
405.2 Construction requirements. The underground portion
of the building shall be of Type I construction.
4. A fire barrier is not required between the atrium and
the adjoining spaces where the atrium is not required
to be provided with a smoke control system.
[F] 405.3 Automatic sprinkler system. The highest level of
exit discharge serving the underground portions of the building and all levels below shall be equipped with an automatic
sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1. Water-flow switches and control valves shall be
supervised in accordance with Section 903.4.
405.4 Compartmentation. Compartmentation shall be in
accordance with Sections 405.4.1 through 405.4.3.
[F] 404.7 Standby power. Equipment required to provide
smoke control shall be provided with standby power in accordance with Section 909.11.
404.8 Interior finish. The interior finish of walls and ceilings of the atrium shall be not less than Class B. Sprinkler
protection shall not result in a reduction in class.
404.9 Exit access travel distance. Exit access travel distance
for areas open to an atrium shall comply with the requirements of this section.
404.9.1 Egress not through the atrium. Where required
access to the exits is not through the atrium, exit access
travel distance shall comply with Section 1017.
404.9.2 Exit access travel distance at the level of exit
discharge. Where the path of egress travel is through an
atrium space, exit access travel distance at the level of exit
discharge shall be determined in accordance with Section
1017.
404.9.3 Exit access travel distance at other than the
level of exit discharge. Where the path of egress travel is
not at the level of exit discharge from the atrium, that portion of the total permitted exit access travel distance that
occurs within the atrium shall be not greater than 200 feet
(60 960 mm).
404.10 Interior exit stairways. Not greater than 50 percent
of interior exit stairways are permitted to egress through an
atrium on the level of exit discharge in accordance with Section 1028.
SECTION 405
UNDERGROUND BUILDINGS
405.1 General. The provisions of Sections 405.2 through
405.9 apply to building spaces having a floor level used for
human occupancy more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the
finished floor of the lowest level of exit discharge.
Exceptions: The provisions of Section 405 are not applicable to the following buildings or portions of buildings:
1. One- and two-family dwellings, sprinklered in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.
2. Parking garages provided with automatic sprinkler
systems in compliance with Section 405.3.
3. Fixed guideway transit systems.
4. Grandstands, bleachers, stadiums, arenas and similar facilities.
5. Where the lowest story is the only story that would
qualify the building as an underground building and
has an area not greater than 1,500 square feet (139
m2) and has an occupant load less than 10.
6. Pumping stations and other similar mechanical
spaces intended only for limited periodic use by service or maintenance personnel.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
405.4.1 Number of compartments. A building having a
floor level more than 60 feet (18 288 mm) below the finished floor of the lowest level of exit discharge shall be
divided into not fewer than two compartments of approximately equal size. Such compartmentation shall extend
through the highest level of exit discharge serving the
underground portions of the building and all levels below.
Exception: The lowest story need not be compartmented where the area is not greater than 1,500 square
feet (139 m2) and has an occupant load of less than 10.
405.4.2 Smoke barrier penetration. The compartments
shall be separated from each other by a smoke barrier in
accordance with Section 709. Penetrations between the
two compartments shall be limited to plumbing and electrical piping and conduit that are firestopped in accordance
with Section 714. Doorways shall be protected by fire
door assemblies that comply with Section 716, automaticclosing by smoke detection in accordance with Section
716.2.6.6 and installed in accordance with NFPA 105 and
Section 716.2.2.1. Where provided, each compartment
shall have an air supply and an exhaust system independent of the other compartments.
405.4.3 Elevators. Where elevators are provided, each
compartment shall have direct access to an elevator.
Where an elevator serves more than one compartment, an
enclosed elevator lobby shall be provided and shall be separated from each compartment by a smoke barrier in
accordance with Section 709. Doorways in the smoke barrier shall be protected by fire door assemblies that comply
with Section 716, shall comply with the smoke and draft
control assembly requirements of Section 716.2.2.1 with
the UL 1784 test conducted without an artificial bottom
seal, and shall be automatic-closing by smoke detection in
accordance with Section 716.2.6.6.
405.5 Smoke control system. A smoke control system shall
be provided in accordance with Sections 405.5.1 and 405.5.2.
405.5.1 Control system. A smoke control system is
required to control the migration of products of combustion in accordance with Section 909 and the provisions of
this section. Smoke control shall restrict movement of
smoke to the general area of fire origin and maintain
means of egress in a usable condition.
405.5.2 Compartment smoke control system. Where
compartmentation is required, each compartment shall
have an independent smoke control system. The system
shall be automatically activated and capable of manual
operation in accordance with Sections 907.2.17 and
907.2.18.
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
[F] 405.6 Fire alarm systems. A fire alarm system shall be
provided where required by Sections 907.2.17 and 907.2.18.
405.7 Means of egress. Means of egress shall be in accordance with Sections 405.7.1 and 405.7.2.
405.7.1 Number of exits. Each floor level shall be provided with not fewer than two exits. Where compartmentation is required by Section 405.4, each compartment shall
have not fewer than one exit and not fewer than one exit
access doorway into the adjoining compartment.
405.7.2 Smokeproof enclosure. Every required stairway
serving floor levels more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below
the finished floor of its level of exit discharge shall comply
with the requirements for a smokeproof enclosure as provided in Section 1023.11.
[F] 405.8 Standby and emergency power. A standby power
system complying with Section 2702 shall be provided for
the standby power loads specified in Section 405.8.1. An
emergency power system complying with Section 2702 shall
be provided for the emergency power loads specified in Section 405.8.2.
[F] 405.8.1 Standby power loads. The following are classified as standby power loads:
1. Smoke control system.
2. Ventilation and automatic fire detection equipment
for smokeproof enclosures.
3. Elevators, as required in Section 3003.
[F] 405.8.2 Emergency power loads. The following are
classified as emergency power loads:
1. Emergency voice/alarm communications systems.
2. Fire alarm systems.
3. Automatic fire detection systems.
4. Elevator car lighting.
5. Means of egress and exit sign illumination as
required by Chapter 10.
6. Fire pumps.
[F] 405.9 Standpipe system. The underground building shall
be equipped throughout with a standpipe system in accordance with Section 905.
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SECTION 406
MOTOR-VEHICLE-RELATED OCCUPANCIES
406.1 General. All motor-vehicle-related occupancies shall
comply with Section 406.2. Private garages and carports shall
also comply with Section 406.3. Open public parking garages
shall also comply with Sections 406.4 and 406.5. Enclosed
public parking garages shall also comply with Sections 406.4
and 406.6. Motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall also comply
with Section 406.7. Repair garages shall also comply with
Section 406.8.
406.2 Design. Private garages and carports, open and
enclosed public parking garages, motor fuel-dispensing facilities and repair garages shall comply with Sections 406.2.1
through 406.2.9.
406.2.1 Automatic garage door openers and vehicular
gates. Automatic garage door openers shall be listed and
64
labeled in accordance with UL 325. Where provided, automatic vehicular gates shall comply with Section 3110.
406.2.2 Clear height. The clear height of each floor level
in vehicle and pedestrian traffic areas shall be not less than
7 feet (2134 mm). Canopies under which fuels are dispensed shall have a clear height in accordance with Section 406.7.2.
Exception: A lower clear height is permitted for a
parking tier in mechanical-access open parking garages
where approved by the building official.
406.2.3 Accessible parking spaces. Where parking is provided, accessible parking spaces, access aisles and vehicular routes serving accessible parking shall be provided in
accordance with Section 1106.
406.2.4 Floor surfaces. Floor surfaces shall be of concrete
or similar approved noncombustible and nonabsorbent
materials. The area of floor used for the parking of automobiles or other vehicles shall be sloped to facilitate the
movement of liquids to a drain or toward the main vehicle
entry doorway. The surface of vehicle fueling pads in
motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall be in accordance
with Section 406.7.1.
Exceptions:
1. Asphalt parking surfaces shall be permitted at
ground level for public parking garages and private carports.
2. Floors of Group S-2 parking garages shall not be
required to have a sloped surface.
3. Slip-resistant, nonabsorbent, interior floor finishes having a critical radiant flux not more than
0.45 W/cm2, as determined by ASTM E648 or
NFPA 253, shall be permitted in repair garages.
406.2.5 Sleeping rooms. Openings between a motor vehicle-related occupancy and a room used for sleeping purposes shall not be permitted.
406.2.6 Fuel dispensing. The dispensing of fuel shall only
be permitted in motor fuel-dispensing facilities in accordance with Section 406.7.
406.2.7 Electric vehicle charging stations. Where provided, electric vehicle charging stations shall be installed
in accordance with NFPA 70. Electric vehicle charging
system equipment shall be listed and labeled in accordance
with UL 2202. Electric vehicle supply equipment shall be
listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2594. Accessibility to electric vehicle charging stations shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 11.
406.2.8 Mixed occupancies and uses. Mixed uses shall
be allowed in the same building as public parking garages
and repair garages in accordance with Section 508.1.
Mixed uses in the same building as an open parking
garage are subject to Sections 402.4.2.3, 406.5.11, 508.1,
510.3, 510.4 and 510.7.
406.2.9 Equipment and appliances. Equipment and appliances shall be installed in accordance with Sections
406.2.9.1 through 406.2.9.3 and the International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code and NFPA 70.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
Exception: The requirements of this section shall
not apply where the appliances are protected from
motor vehicle impact and installed in accordance
with Section 406.2.9.1 and NFPA 30A.
406.2.9.3 Private garages. Appliances located in private garages and carports shall be installed with a minimum clearance of 6 feet (1829 mm) above the floor.
Exception: The requirements of this section shall
not apply where the appliances are protected from
motor vehicle impact and are installed in accordance
with Section 406.2.9.1.
406.3 Private garages and carports. Private garages and
carports shall comply with Sections 406.2 and 406.3, or they
shall comply with Sections 406.2 and 406.4.
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406.3.1 Classification. Private garages and carports shall
be classified as Group U occupancies. Each private garage
shall be not greater than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) in area.
Multiple private garages are permitted in a building where
each private garage is separated from the other private
garages by 1-hour fire barriers in accordance with Section
707, or 1-hour horizontal assemblies in accordance with
Section 711, or both.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
406.3.3.1 Carport separation. A separation is not
required between a Group R-3 and U carport, provided
that the carport is entirely open on two or more sides
and there are not enclosed areas above.
406.4 Public parking garages. Parking garages, other than
private garages, shall be classified as public parking garages
and shall comply with the provisions of Sections 406.2 and
406.4 and shall be classified as either an open parking garage
or an enclosed parking garage. Open parking garages shall
also comply with Section 406.5. Enclosed parking garages
shall also comply with Section 406.6. See Section 510 for
special provisions for parking garages.
406.4.1 Guards. Guards shall be provided in accordance
with Section 1015. Guards serving as vehicle barriers
shall comply with Sections 406.4.2 and 1015.
406.4.2 Vehicle barriers. Vehicle barriers not less than 2
feet 9 inches (835 mm) in height shall be placed where the
vertical distance from the floor of a drive lane or parking
space to the ground or surface directly below is greater
than 1 foot (305 mm). Vehicle barriers shall comply with
the loading requirements of Section 1607.8.3.
Exception: Vehicle barriers are not required in vehicle
storage compartments in a mechanical access parking
garage.
406.4.3 Ramps. Vehicle ramps shall not be considered as
required exits unless pedestrian facilities are provided.
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406.2.9.2 Public garages. Appliances located in public
garages, motor fuel-dispensing facilities, repair garages
or other areas frequented by motor vehicles shall be
installed not less than 8 feet (2438 mm) above the floor.
Where motor vehicles are capable of passing under an
appliance, the appliance shall be installed at the clearances required by the appliance manufacturer and not
less than 1 foot (305 mm) higher than the tallest vehicle
garage door opening.
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Exception: This section shall not apply to appliance installations complying with Section
406.2.9.2 or 406.2.9.3.
406.3.2.1 Dwelling unit separation. The private
garage shall be separated from the dwelling unit and its
attic area by means of gypsum board, not less than 1/2
inch (12.7 mm) in thickness, applied to the garage side.
Garages beneath habitable rooms shall be separated
from all habitable rooms above by not less than a 5/8inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum board or equivalent
and 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board applied to structures supporting the separation from habitable rooms
above the garage. Door openings between a private
garage and the dwelling unit shall be equipped with
either solid wood doors or solid or honeycomb core
steel doors not less than 13/8 inches (34.9 mm) in thickness, or doors in compliance with Section 716.2.2.1
with a fire protection rating of not less than 20 minutes.
Doors shall be self-closing and self-latching.
406.3.2.2 Ducts. Ducts in a private garage and ducts
penetrating the walls or ceilings separating the dwelling
unit from the garage, including its attic area, shall be
constructed of sheet steel of not less than 0.019 inch
(0.48 mm) in thickness and shall not have openings into
the garage.
406.3.3 Carports. Carports shall be open on not fewer
than two sides. Carports open on fewer than two sides
shall be considered to be a garage and shall comply with
the requirements for private garages.
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Exception: Elevation of the ignition source is not
required for appliances that are listed as flammable
vapor ignition resistant.
406.2.9.1.1 Parking garages. Connection of a parking garage with any room in which there is a fuelfired appliance shall be by means of a vestibule providing a two-doorway separation, except that a single door is permitted where the sources of ignition in
the appliance are elevated in accordance with Section 406.2.9.
406.3.2 Separation. For other than private garages adjacent to dwelling units, the separation of private garages
from other occupancies shall comply with Section 508.
Separation of private garages from dwelling units shall
comply with Sections 406.3.2.1 and 406.3.2.2.
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406.2.9.1 Elevation of ignition sources. Equipment
and appliances having an ignition source and located in
hazardous locations and public garages, private
garages, repair garages, automotive motor fuel-dispensing facilities and parking garages shall be elevated such
that the source of ignition is not less than 18 inches
(457 mm) above the floor surface on which the equipment or appliance rests. For the purpose of this section,
rooms or spaces that are not part of the living space of a
dwelling unit and that communicate directly with a private garage through openings shall be considered to be
part of the private garage.
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
combined area of not more than 1,000 square feet
(93 m2). Such area need not be separated from the
open parking garage.
406.5 Open parking garages. Open parking garages shall
comply with Sections 406.2, 406.4 and 406.5.
406.5.1 Construction. Open parking garages shall be of
Type I, II or IV construction. Open parking garages shall
meet the design requirements of Chapter 16. For vehicle
barriers, see Section 406.4.2.
In open parking garages having a spiral or sloping
floor, the horizontal projection of the structure at any
cross section shall not exceed the allowable area per
parking tier. In the case of an open parking garage having a continuous spiral floor, each 9 feet 6 inches (2896
mm) of height, or portion thereof, shall be considered
under these provisions to be a tier.
406.5.5 Area and height increases. The allowable area
and height of open parking garages shall be increased in
accordance with the provisions of this section. Garages
with sides open on three-fourths of the building’s perimeter are permitted to be increased by 25 percent in area and
one tier in height. Garages with sides open around the
entire building’s perimeter are permitted to be increased
by 50 percent in area and one tier in height. For a side to
be considered open under these provisions, the total area
of openings along the side shall be not less than 50 percent
of the interior area of the side at each tier and such openings shall be equally distributed along the length of the
tier. For purposes of calculating the interior area of the
side, the height shall not exceed 7 feet (2134 mm).
406.5.2 Openings. For natural ventilation purposes, the
exterior side of the structure shall have uniformly distributed openings on two or more sides. The area of such
openings in exterior walls on a tier shall be not less than
20 percent of the total perimeter wall area of each tier. The
aggregate length of the openings considered to be providing natural ventilation shall be not less than 40 percent of
the perimeter of the tier. Interior walls shall be not less
than 20 percent open with uniformly distributed openings.
Exception: Openings are not required to be distributed
over 40 percent of the building perimeter where the
required openings are uniformly distributed over two
opposing sides of the building.
406.5.2.1 Openings below grade. Where openings
below grade provide required natural ventilation, the
outside horizontal clear space shall be one and one-half
times the depth of the opening. The width of the horizontal clear space shall be maintained from grade down
to the bottom of the lowest required opening.
406.5.3 Mixed occupancies and uses. Mixed uses shall
be allowed in the same building as an open parking
garage subject to the provisions of Sections 402.4.2.3,
406.5.11, 508.1, 510.3, 510.4 and 510.7.
406.5.4 Area and height. Area and height of open parking garages shall be limited as set forth in Chapter 5 for
Group S-2 occupancies and as further provided for in Section 508.1.
406.5.4.1 Single use. Where the open parking garage
is used exclusively for the parking or storage of private
motor vehicles, and the building is without other uses,
the area and height shall be permitted to comply with
Table 406.5.4, along with increases allowed by Section
406.5.5.
Exception: The grade-level tier is permitted to contain an office, waiting and toilet rooms having a total
Allowable tier areas in Table 406.5.4 shall be increased
for open parking garages constructed to heights less than
the table maximum. The gross tier area of the garage shall
not exceed that permitted for the higher structure. Not
fewer than three sides of each such larger tier shall have
continuous horizontal openings not less than 30 inches
(762 mm) in clear height extending for not less than 80
percent of the length of the sides. All parts of such larger
tier shall be not more than 200 feet (60 960 mm) horizontally from such an opening. In addition, each such opening
shall face a street or yard accessible to a street with a
width of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) for the full length
of the opening, and standpipes shall be provided in each
such tier.
Open parking garages of Type II construction, with all
sides open, shall be unlimited in allowable area where the
building height does not exceed 75 feet (22 860 mm). For
a side to be considered open, the total area of openings
along the side shall be not less than 50 percent of the interior area of the side at each tier and such openings shall be
equally distributed along the length of the tier. For purposes of calculating the interior area of the side, the height
TABLE 406.5.4
OPEN PARKING GARAGES AREA AND HEIGHT
HEIGHT (in tiers)
Mechanical access
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
AREA PER TIER
(square feet)
Ramp access
IA
IB
IIA
IIB
IV
Unlimited
Unlimited
50,000
50,000
50,000
Unlimited
12 tiers
10 tiers
8 tiers
4 tiers
Automatic sprinkler system
No
Yes
Unlimited
12 tiers
10 tiers
8 tiers
4 tiers
Unlimited
18 tiers
15 tiers
12 tiers
4 tiers
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
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2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
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Vehicle ramps that are utilized for vertical circulation as
well as for parking shall not exceed a slope of 1:15 (6.67
percent).
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
shall not exceed 7 feet (2134 mm). All portions of tiers
shall be within 200 feet (60 960 mm) horizontally from
such openings or other natural ventilation openings as
defined in Section 406.5.2. These openings shall be permitted to be provided in courts with a minimum dimension of 20 feet (6096 mm) for the full width of the
openings.
406.5.6 Fire separation distance. Exterior walls and
openings in exterior walls shall comply with Tables 601
and 602. The distance to an adjacent lot line shall be determined in accordance with Table 602 and Section 705.
406.5.7 Means of egress. Where persons other than parking attendants are permitted, open parking garages shall
meet the means of egress requirements of Chapter 10.
Where persons other than parking attendants are not permitted, there shall be not fewer than two exit stairways.
Each exit stairway shall be not less than 36 inches (914
mm) in width. Lifts shall be permitted to be installed for
use of employees only, provided that they are completely
enclosed by noncombustible materials.
[F] 406.5.8 Standpipe system. An open parking garage
shall be equipped with a standpipe system as required by
Section 905.3.
406.5.9 Enclosure of vertical openings. Enclosure shall
not be required for vertical openings except as specified in
Section 406.5.7.
406.5.10 Ventilation. Ventilation, other than the percentage of openings specified in Section 406.5.2, shall not be
required.
406.5.11 Prohibitions. The following uses and alterations
are not permitted:
1. Vehicle repair work.
2. Parking of buses, trucks and similar vehicles.
3. Partial or complete closing of required openings in
exterior walls by tarpaulins or any other means.
4. Dispensing of fuel.
406.6 Enclosed parking garages. Enclosed parking garages
shall comply with Sections 406.2, 406.4 and 406.6.
406.6.1 Heights and areas. Enclosed vehicle parking
garages and portions thereof that do not meet the definition of open parking garages shall be limited to the allowable heights and areas specified in Sections 504 and 506 as
modified by Section 507. Roof parking is permitted.
406.6.2 Ventilation. A mechanical ventilation system and
exhaust system shall be provided in accordance with
Chapters 4 and 5 of the International Mechanical Code.
Exception: Mechanical ventilation shall not be
required for enclosed parking garages that are accessory to one- and two-family dwellings.
[F] 406.6.3 Automatic sprinkler system. An enclosed
parking garage shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.10.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
406.7 Motor fuel-dispensing facilities. Motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall comply with the International Fire Code
and Sections 406.2 and 406.7.
406.7.1 Vehicle fueling pad. The vehicle shall be fueled
on noncoated concrete or other approved paving material
having a resistance not exceeding 1 megohm as determined by the methodology in EN 1081.
406.7.2 Canopies. Canopies under which fuels are dispensed shall have a clear, unobstructed height of not less
than 13 feet 6 inches (4115 mm) to the lowest projecting
element in the vehicle drive-through area. Canopies and
their supports over pumps shall be of noncombustible
materials, fire-retardant-treated wood complying with
Chapter 23, heavy timber complying with Section 2304.11
or construction providing 1-hour fire resistance. Combustible materials used in or on a canopy shall comply with
one of the following:
1. Shielded from the pumps by a noncombustible element of the canopy, or heavy timber complying with
Section 2304.11.
2. Plastics covered by aluminum facing having a thickness of not less than 0.010 inch (0.30 mm) or corrosion-resistant steel having a base metal thickness of
not less than 0.016 inch (0.41 mm). The plastic shall
have a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smokedeveloped index of 450 or less when tested in the
form intended for use in accordance with ASTM
E84 or UL 723 and a self-ignition temperature of
650°F (343°C) or greater when tested in accordance
with ASTM D1929.
3. Panels constructed of light-transmitting plastic
materials shall be permitted to be installed in canopies erected over motor vehicle fuel-dispensing station fuel dispensers, provided that the panels are
located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from any
building on the same lot and face yards or streets not
less than 40 feet (12 192 mm) in width on the other
sides. The aggregate areas of plastics shall be not
greater than 1,000 square feet (93 m2). The maximum area of any individual panel shall be not
greater than 100 square feet (9.3 m2).
406.7.2.1 Canopies used to support gaseous hydrogen systems. Canopies that are used to shelter dispensing operations where flammable compressed gases are
located on the roof of the canopy shall be in accordance
with the following:
1. The canopy shall meet or exceed Type I construction requirements.
2. Operations located under canopies shall be limited to refueling only.
3. The canopy shall be constructed in a manner that
prevents the accumulation of hydrogen gas.
406.8 Repair garages. Repair garages shall be constructed
in accordance with the International Fire Code and Sections
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
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406.2 and 406.8. This occupancy shall not include motor
fuel-dispensing facilities, as regulated in Section 406.7.
406.8.1 Ventilation. Repair garages shall be mechanically
ventilated in accordance with the International Mechanical Code. The ventilation system shall be controlled at the
entrance to the garage.
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[F] 406.8.2 Gas detection system. Repair garages used
for repair of vehicles fueled by nonodorized gases including but not limited to hydrogen and nonodorized LNG,
shall be provided with a gas detection system that complies with Section 916. The gas detection system shall be
designed to detect leakage of nonodorized gaseous fuel.
Where lubrication or chassis service pits are provided in
garages used for repairing nonodorized LNG-fueled vehicles, gas sensors shall be provided in such pits.
[F] 406.8.2.1 System activation. Activation of a gas
detection alarm shall result in all of the following:
1. Initiation of distinct audible and visual alarm signals in the repair garage, where the ventilation
system is interlocked with gas detection.
2. Deactivation of all heating systems located in the
repair garage.
3. Activation of the mechanical ventilation system,
where the system is interlocked with gas detection.
[F] 406.8.2.2 Failure of the gas detection system.
Failure of the gas detection system shall automatically
deactivate the heating system, activate the mechanical
ventilation system where the system is interlocked with
the gas detection system, and cause a trouble signal to
sound at an approved location.
[F] 406.8.3 Automatic sprinkler system. A repair garage
shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in
accordance with Section 903.2.9.1.
SECTION 407
GROUP I-2
407.1 General. Occupancies in Group I-2 shall comply with
the provisions of Sections 407.1 through 407.11 and other
applicable provisions of this code.
407.2 Corridors continuity and separation. Corridors in
occupancies in Group I-2 shall be continuous to the exits and
shall be separated from other areas in accordance with Section 407.3 except spaces conforming to Sections 407.2.1
through 407.2.6.
407.2.1 Waiting and similar areas. Waiting areas, public-use areas or group meeting spaces constructed as
required for corridors shall be permitted to be open to a
corridor, only where all of the following criteria are met:
1. The spaces are not occupied as care recipient’s
sleeping rooms, treatment rooms, incidental uses in
accordance with Section 509, or hazardous uses.
2. The open space is protected by an automatic fire
detection system installed in accordance with Section 907.
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3. The corridors onto which the spaces open, in the
same smoke compartment, are protected by an automatic fire detection system installed in accordance
with Section 907, or the smoke compartment in
which the spaces are located is equipped throughout
with quick-response sprinklers in accordance with
Section 903.3.2.
4. The space is arranged so as not to obstruct access to
the required exits.
407.2.2 Care providers’ stations. Spaces for care providers’, supervisory staff, doctors’ and nurses’ charting,
communications and related clerical areas shall be permitted to be open to the corridor, where such spaces are constructed as required for corridors.
407.2.3 Psychiatric treatment areas. Areas wherein psychiatric care recipients who are not capable of self-preservation are housed, or group meeting or multipurpose
therapeutic spaces other than incidental uses in accordance
with Section 509, under continuous supervision by facility
staff, shall be permitted to be open to the corridor, where
the following criteria are met:
1. Each area does not exceed 1,500 square feet (140
m2).
2. The area is located to permit supervision by the
facility staff.
3. The area is arranged so as not to obstruct any access
to the required exits.
4. The area is equipped with an automatic fire detection system installed in accordance with Section
907.2.
5. Not more than one such space is permitted in any
one smoke compartment.
6. The walls and ceilings of the space are constructed
as required for corridors.
407.2.4 Gift shops. Gift shops and associated storage that
are less than 500 square feet (455 m2) in area shall be permitted to be open to the corridor where such spaces are
constructed as required for corridors.
407.2.5 Nursing home housing units. In Group I-2, Condition 1 occupancies, in areas where nursing home residents are housed, shared living spaces, group meeting or
multipurpose therapeutic spaces shall be permitted to be
open to the corridor, where all of the following criteria are
met:
1. The walls and ceilings of the space are constructed
as required for corridors.
2. The spaces are not occupied as resident sleeping
rooms, treatment rooms, incidental uses in accordance with Section 509, or hazardous uses.
3. The open space is protected by an automatic fire
detection system installed in accordance with Section 907.
4. The corridors onto which the spaces open, in the
same smoke compartment, are protected by an automatic fire detection system installed in accordance
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
with Section 907, or the smoke compartment in
which the spaces are located is equipped throughout
with quick-response sprinklers in accordance with
Section 903.3.2.
5. The space is arranged so as not to obstruct access to
the required exits.
407.2.6 Nursing home cooking facilities. In Group I-2,
Condition 1 occupancies, rooms or spaces that contain a
cooking facility with domestic cooking appliances shall be
permitted to be open to the corridor where all of the following criteria are met:
407.4.1 Direct access to a corridor. Habitable rooms in
Group I-2 occupancies shall have an exit access door leading directly to a corridor.
Exceptions:
1. The number of care recipients housed in the smoke
compartment shall not be greater than 30.
1. Rooms with exit doors opening directly to the
outside at ground level.
2. The number of care recipients served by the cooking
facility shall not be greater than 30.
2. Rooms arranged as care suites complying with
Section 407.4.4.
3. Not more than one cooking facility area shall be permitted in a smoke compartment.
407.4.1.1 Locking devices. Locking devices that
restrict access to a care recipient’s room from the corridor and that are operable only by staff from the corridor side shall not restrict the means of egress from the
care recipient’s room.
4. The types of domestic cooking appliances permitted
shall be limited to ovens, cooktops, ranges, warmers
and microwaves.
5. The corridor shall be a clearly identified space delineated by construction or floor pattern, material or
color.
6. The space containing the domestic cooking facility
shall be arranged so as not to obstruct access to the
required exit.
7. Domestic cooking hoods installed and constructed
in accordance with Section 505 of the International
Mechanical Code shall be provided over cooktops
and ranges.
¬
407.4 Means of egress. Group I-2 occupancies shall be provided with means of egress complying with Chapter 10 and
Sections 407.4.1 through 407.4.4. The fire safety and evacuation plans provided in accordance with Section 1002.2 shall
identify the building components necessary to support a
defend-in-place emergency response in accordance with Sections 403 and 404 of the International Fire Code.
8. Cooktops and ranges shall be protected in accordance with Section 904.13.
9. A shut-off for the fuel and electrical power supply to
the cooking equipment shall be provided in a location that is accessible only to staff.
10. A timer shall be provided that automatically deactivates the cooking appliances within a period of not
more than 120 minutes.
11. A portable fire extinguisher shall be provided.
Installation shall be in accordance with Section 906,
and the extinguisher shall be located within a 30foot (9144 mm) distance of travel from each domestic cooking appliance.
Exceptions:
1. This section shall not apply to rooms in psychiatric treatment and similar care areas.
2. Locking arrangements in accordance with
Section 1010.1.9.7.
407.4.2 Distance of travel. The distance of travel between
any point in a Group I-2 occupancy sleeping room, not
located in a care suite, and an exit access door in that room
shall be not greater than 50 feet (15 240 mm).
407.4.3 Projections in nursing home corridors. In
Group I-2, Condition 1 occupancies, where the corridor
width is not less than 96 inches (2440 mm), projections
shall be permitted for furniture where all of the following
criteria are met:
1. The furniture is attached to the floor or to the wall.
2. The furniture does not reduce the clear width of the
corridor to less than 72 inches (1830 mm) except
where other encroachments are permitted in accordance with Section 1005.7.
3. The furniture is positioned on only one side of the
corridor.
4. Each arrangement of furniture is 50 square feet (4.6
m2) maximum in area.
407.3 Corridor wall construction. Corridor walls shall be
constructed as smoke partitions in accordance with Section
710.
5. Furniture arrangements are separated by 10 feet
(3048 mm) minimum.
407.3.1 Corridor doors. Corridor doors, other than those
in a wall required to be rated by Section 509.4 or for the
enclosure of a vertical opening or an exit, shall not have a
required fire protection rating and shall not be required to
be equipped with self-closing or automatic-closing
devices, but shall provide an effective barrier to limit the
transfer of smoke and shall be equipped with positive
latching. Roller latches are not permitted. Other doors
shall conform to Section 716.
407.4.4 Group I-2 care suites. Care suites in Group I-2
shall comply with Sections 407.4.4.1 through 407.4.4.4
and either Section 407.4.4.5 or 407.4.4.6.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
6. Placement of furniture is considered as part of the
fire and safety plans in accordance with Section
1002.2.
407.4.4.1 Exit access through care suites. Exit access
from all other portions of a building not classified as a
care suite shall not pass through a care suite. In a care
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
suite required to have more than one exit, one exit
access is permitted to pass through an adjacent care
suite provided that all of the other requirements of Sections 407.4 and 1016.2 are satisfied.
ment areas and the associated rooms, spaces or circulation space, shall be permitted to be grouped into care
suites and shall conform to the limitations in Sections
407.4.4.6.1 and 407.4.4.6.2.
407.4.4.2 Separation. Care suites shall be separated
from other portions of the building, including other
care suites, by a smoke partition complying with Section 710.
407.4.4.6.1 Area. Care suites of rooms, other than
sleeping rooms, shall have an area not greater than
12,500 square feet (1161 m2).
407.4.4.3 Access to corridor. Movement from habitable rooms shall not require passage through more than
three doors and 100 feet (30 480 mm) distance of travel
within the suite.
Exception: The distance of travel shall be permitted
to be increased to 125 feet (38 100 mm) where an
automatic smoke detection system is provided
throughout the care suite and installed in accordance
with NFPA 72.
407.4.4.4 Doors within care suites. Doors in care
suites serving habitable rooms shall be permitted to
comply with one of the following:
1. Manually operated horizontal sliding doors permitted in accordance with Exception 9 to Section
1010.1.2.
2. Power-operated doors permitted in accordance
with Exception 7 to Section 1010.1.2.
3. Means of egress doors complying with Section
1010.
407.4.4.5 Care suites containing sleeping room
areas. Sleeping rooms shall be permitted to be grouped
into care suites where one of the following criteria is
met:
1. The care suite is not used as an exit access for
more than eight care recipient beds.
2. The arrangement of the care suite allows for
direct and constant visual supervision into the
sleeping rooms by care providers.
3. An automatic smoke detection system is provided
in the sleeping rooms and installed in accordance
with NFPA 72.
407.4.4.5.1 Area. Care suites containing sleeping
rooms shall be not greater than 7,500 square feet
(696 m2) in area.
Exception: Care suites containing sleeping
rooms shall be permitted to be not greater than
10,000 square feet (929 m2) in area where an
automatic smoke detection system is provided
throughout the care suite and installed in accordance with NFPA 72.
70
Exception: Care suites not containing sleeping
rooms shall be permitted to be not greater than
15,000 square feet (1394 m2) in area where an
automatic smoke detection system is provided
throughout the care suite in accordance with Section 907.
407.4.4.6.2 Exit access. Care suites, other than
sleeping rooms, with an area of more than 2,500
square feet (232 m2) shall have not fewer than two
exit access doors from the care suite located in
accordance with Section 1007.
407.5 Smoke barriers. Smoke barriers shall be provided to
subdivide every story used by persons receiving care, treatment or sleeping into not fewer than two smoke compartments. Smoke barriers shall be provided to subdivide other
stories with an occupant load of 50 or more persons, into not
fewer than two smoke compartments. The smoke barrier shall
be in accordance with Section 709.
407.5.1 Smoke compartment size. Stories shall be
divided into smoke compartments with an area of not more
than 22,500 square feet (2092 m2) in Group I-2 occupancies.
Exceptions:
1. A smoke compartment in Group I-2, Condition 2
is permitted to have an area of not more than
40,000 square feet (3716 m2) provided that all
patient sleeping rooms within that smoke compartment are configured for single patient occupancy and any suite within the smoke
compartment complies with Section 407.4.4.
2. A smoke compartment in Group I-2, Condition 2
without patient sleeping rooms is permitted to
have an area of not more than 40,000 square feet
(3716 m2).
407.5.2 Exit access travel distance. The distance of travel
from any point in a smoke compartment to a smoke barrier
door shall be not greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm).
407.4.4.5.2 Exit access. Any sleeping room, or any
care suite that contains sleeping rooms, of more than
1,000 square feet (93 m2) shall have not fewer than
two exit access doors from the care suite located in
accordance with Section 1007.
407.5.3 Refuge area. Refuge areas shall be provided
within each smoke compartment. The size of the refuge
area shall accommodate the occupants and care recipients
from the adjoining smoke compartment. Where a smoke
compartment is adjoined by two or more smoke compartments, the minimum area of the refuge area shall accommodate the largest occupant load of the adjoining
compartments. The size of the refuge area shall provide
the following:
407.4.4.6 Care suites not containing sleeping rooms.
Areas not containing sleeping rooms, but only treat-
1. Not less than 30 net square feet (2.8 m2) for each
care recipient confined to bed or stretcher.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
Areas or spaces permitted to be included in the calculation of refuge area are corridors, sleeping areas, treatment
rooms, lounge or dining areas and other low-hazard areas.
407.5.4 Independent egress. A means of egress shall be
provided from each smoke compartment created by smoke
barriers without having to return through the smoke compartment from which means of egress originated. Smoke
compartments that do not contain an exit shall be provided
with direct access to not less than two adjacent smoke
compartments.
407.5.5 Horizontal assemblies. Horizontal assemblies
supporting smoke barriers required by this section shall be
designed to resist the movement of smoke. Elevator lobbies shall be in accordance with Section 3006.2.
407.6 Automatic-closing doors. Automatic-closing doors
with hold-open devices shall comply with Sections 709.5 and
716.2.
[F] 407.7 Automatic sprinkler system. Smoke compartments containing sleeping rooms shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with
Sections 903.3.1.1 and 903.3.2.
[F] 407.8 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be
provided in accordance with Section 907.2.6.
[F] 407.9 Automatic fire detection. Corridors in Group I-2,
Condition 1 occupancies and spaces permitted to be open to
the corridors by Section 407.2 shall be equipped with an
automatic fire detection system.
Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies shall be equipped with
smoke detection as required in Section 407.2.
Exceptions:
1. Corridor smoke detection is not required where
sleeping rooms are provided with smoke detectors
that comply with UL 268. Such detectors shall provide a visual display on the corridor side of each
sleeping room and an audible and visual alarm at the
care provider’s station attending each unit.
2. Corridor smoke detection is not required where
sleeping room doors are equipped with automatic
door-closing devices with integral smoke detectors
on the unit sides installed in accordance with their
listing, provided that the integral detectors perform
the required alerting function.
407.10 Secured yards. Grounds are permitted to be fenced
and gates therein are permitted to be equipped with locks,
provided that safe dispersal areas having 30 net square feet
(2.8 m2) for bed and stretcher care recipients and 6 net square
feet (0.56 m2) for ambulatory care recipients and other occupants are located between the building and the fence. Such
provided safe dispersal areas shall be located not less than 50
feet (15 240 mm) from the building they serve.
[F] 407.11 Electrical systems. In Group I-2 occupancies, the
essential electrical system for electrical components, equip2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
ment and systems shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 27 and NFPA 99.
SECTION 408
GROUP I-3
408.1 General. Occupancies in Group I-3 shall comply with
the provisions of Sections 408.1 through 408.11 and other
applicable provisions of this code (see Section 308.5).
408.2 Other occupancies. Buildings or portions of buildings
in Group I-3 occupancies where security operations necessitate the locking of required means of egress shall be permitted to be classified as a different occupancy. Occupancies
classified as other than Group I-3 shall meet the applicable
requirements of this code for that occupancy where provisions are made for the release of occupants at all times.
Means of egress from detention and correctional occupancies that traverse other use areas shall, as a minimum, conform to requirements for detention and correctional
occupancies.
Exception: It is permissible to exit through a horizontal
exit into other contiguous occupancies that do not conform
to detention and correctional occupancy egress provisions
but that do comply with requirements set forth in the
appropriate occupancy, as long as the occupancy is not a
Group H use.
408.3 Means of egress. Except as modified or as provided
for in this section, the means of egress provisions of Chapter
10 shall apply.
408.3.1 Door width. Doors to resident sleeping units shall
have a clear width of not less than 28 inches (711 mm).
408.3.2 Sliding doors. Where doors in a means of egress
are of the horizontal-sliding type, the force to slide the
door to its fully open position shall be not greater than 50
pounds (220 N) with a perpendicular force against the
door of 50 pounds (220 N).
408.3.3 Guard tower doors. A hatch or trap door not less
than 16 square feet (610 m2) in area through the floor and
having dimensions of not less than 2 feet (610 mm) in any
direction shall be permitted to be used as a portion of the
means of egress from guard towers.
408.3.4 Spiral stairways. Spiral stairways that conform
to the requirements of Section 1011.10 are permitted for
access to and between staff locations.
408.3.5 Ships ladders. Ships ladders shall be permitted
for egress from control rooms or elevated facility observation rooms in accordance with Section 1011.15.
408.3.6 Exit discharge. Exits are permitted to discharge
into a fenced or walled courtyard. Enclosed yards or
courts shall be of a size to accommodate all occupants, be
located not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from the building and have an area of not less than 15 square feet (1.4
m2) per person.
408.3.7 Sallyports. A sallyport shall be permitted in a
means of egress where there are provisions for continuous
71
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2. Not less than 6 square feet (0.56 m2) for each ambulatory care recipient not confined to bed or stretcher
and for other occupants.
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
and unobstructed passage through the sallyport during an
emergency egress condition.
408.3.8 Interior exit stairway and ramp construction.
One interior exit stairway or ramp in each building shall
be permitted to have glazing installed in doors and interior
walls at each landing level providing access to the interior
exit stairway or ramp, provided that the following conditions are met:
1. The interior exit stairway or ramp shall not serve
more than four floor levels.
2. Exit doors shall be not less than 3/4-hour fire door
assemblies complying with Section 716.
3. The total area of glazing at each floor level shall not
exceed 5,000 square inches (3.2 m2) and individual
panels of glazing shall not exceed 1,296 square
inches (0.84 m2).
4. The glazing shall be protected on both sides by an
automatic sprinkler system. The sprinkler system
shall be designed to wet completely the entire surface of any glazing affected by fire when actuated.
5. The glazing shall be in a gasketed frame and
installed in such a manner that the framing system
will deflect without breaking (loading) the glass
before the sprinkler system operates.
6. Obstructions, such as curtain rods, drapery traverse
rods, curtains, drapes or similar materials shall not
be installed between the automatic sprinklers and
the glazing.
408.4 Locks. Egress doors are permitted to be locked in
accordance with the applicable use condition. Doors from a
refuge area to the outside are permitted to be locked with a
key in lieu of locking methods described in Section 408.4.1.
The keys to unlock the exterior doors shall be available at all
times and the locks shall be operable from both sides of the
door.
408.4.1 Remote release. Remote release of locks on doors
in a means of egress shall be provided with reliable means
of operation, remote from the resident living areas, to
release locks on all required doors. In Occupancy Condition 3 or 4, the arrangement, accessibility and security of
the release mechanisms required for egress shall be such
that with the minimum available staff at any time, the lock
mechanisms are capable of being released within 2 minutes.
Exception: Provisions for remote locking and unlocking of occupied rooms in Occupancy Condition 4 are
not required provided that not more than 10 locks are
necessary to be unlocked in order to move occupants
from one smoke compartment to a refuge area within 3
minutes. The opening of necessary locks shall be
accomplished with not more than two separate keys.
[F] 408.4.2 Power-operated doors and locks. Poweroperated sliding doors or power-operated locks for swinging doors shall be operable by a manual release mechanism at the door. Emergency power shall be provided for
the doors and locks in accordance with Section 2702.
72
Exceptions:
1. Emergency power is not required in facilities
with 10 or fewer locks complying with the exception to Section 408.4.1.
2. Emergency power is not required where remote
mechanical operating releases are provided.
408.4.3 Redundant operation. Remote release, mechanically operated sliding doors or remote release, mechanically operated locks shall be provided with a mechanically
operated release mechanism at each door, or shall be provided with a redundant remote release control.
408.4.4 Relock capability. Doors remotely unlocked
under emergency conditions shall not automatically relock
when closed unless specific action is taken at the remote
location to enable doors to relock.
408.5 Protection of vertical openings. Any vertical opening
shall be protected by a shaft enclosure in accordance with
Section 713, or shall be in accordance with Section 408.5.1.
408.5.1 Floor openings. Openings in floors within a housing unit are permitted without a shaft enclosure, provided
that all of the following conditions are met:
1. The entire normally occupied areas so interconnected are open and unobstructed so as to enable
observation of the areas by supervisory personnel.
2. Means of egress capacity is sufficient for all occupants from all interconnected cell tiers and areas.
3. The height difference between the floor levels of the
highest and lowest cell tiers shall not exceed 23 feet
(7010 mm).
4. Egress from any portion of the cell tier to an exit or
exit access door shall not require travel on more than
one additional floor level within the housing unit.
408.5.2 Shaft openings in communicating floor levels.
Where a floor opening is permitted between communicating floor levels of a housing unit in accordance with Section 408.5.1, plumbing chases serving vertically staked
individual cells contained with the housing unit shall be
permitted without a shaft enclosure.
408.6 Smoke barrier. Occupancies in Group I-3 shall have
smoke barriers complying with Sections 408.6 and 709 to
divide every story occupied by residents for sleeping, or any
other story having an occupant load of 50 or more persons,
into not fewer than two smoke compartments.
Exception: Spaces having a direct exit to one of the following, provided that the locking arrangement of the doors
involved complies with the requirements for doors at the
smoke barrier for the use condition involved:
1. A public way.
2. A building separated from the resident housing area
by a 2-hour fire-resistance-rated assembly or 50 feet
(15 240 mm) of open space.
3. A secured yard or court having a holding space 50
feet (15 240 mm) from the housing area that provides 6 square feet (0.56 m2) or more of refuge area
per occupant, including residents, staff and visitors.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
408.6.1 Smoke compartments. The number of residents
in any smoke compartment shall be not more than 200.
The distance of travel to a door in a smoke barrier from
any room door required as exit access shall be not greater
than 150 feet (45 720 mm). The distance of travel to a door
in a smoke barrier from any point in a room shall be not
greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm).
408.6.2 Refuge area. Not less than 6 net square feet (0.56
m2) per occupant shall be provided on each side of each
smoke barrier for the total number of occupants in adjoining smoke compartments. This space shall be readily available wherever the occupants are moved across the smoke
barrier in a fire emergency.
408.6.3 Independent egress. A means of egress shall be
provided from each smoke compartment created by smoke
barriers without having to return through the smoke compartment from which means of egress originates.
408.7 Security glazing. In occupancies in Group I-3, windows and doors in 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707, fire partitions constructed in
accordance with Section 708 and smoke barriers constructed
in accordance with Section 709 shall be permitted to have
security glazing installed provided that the following conditions are met.
1. Individual panels of glazing shall not exceed 1,296
square inches (0.84 m2).
2. The glazing shall be protected on both sides by an automatic sprinkler system. The sprinkler system shall be
designed to, when actuated, wet completely the entire
surface of any glazing affected by fire.
3. The glazing shall be in a gasketed frame and installed
in such a manner that the framing system will deflect
without breaking (loading) the glass before the sprinkler system operates.
4. Obstructions, such as curtain rods, drapery traverse
rods, curtains, drapes or similar materials shall not be
installed between the automatic sprinklers and the glazing.
408.8 Subdivision of resident housing areas. Sleeping areas
and any contiguous day room, group activity space or other
common spaces where residents are housed shall be separated
from other spaces in accordance with Sections 408.8.1
through 408.8.4.
408.8.1 Occupancy Conditions 3 and 4. Each sleeping
area in Occupancy Conditions 3 and 4 shall be separated
from the adjacent common spaces by a smoke-tight partition where the distance of travel from the sleeping area
through the common space to the corridor exceeds 50 feet
(15 240 mm).
408.8.2 Occupancy Condition 5. Each sleeping area in
Occupancy Condition 5 shall be separated from adjacent
sleeping areas, corridors and common spaces by a smoketight partition. Additionally, common spaces shall be separated from the corridor by a smoke-tight partition.
408.8.3 Openings in room face. The aggregate area of
openings in a solid sleeping room face in Occupancy Con2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
ditions 2, 3, 4 and 5 shall not exceed 120 square inches
(0.77 m2). The aggregate area shall include all openings
including door undercuts, food passes and grilles. Openings shall be not more than 36 inches (914 mm) above the
floor. In Occupancy Condition 5, the openings shall be
closeable from the room side.
408.8.4 Smoke-tight doors. Doors in openings in partitions required to be smoke tight by Section 408.8 shall be
substantial doors, of construction that will resist the passage of smoke. Latches and door closures are not required
on cell doors.
408.9 Windowless buildings. For the purposes of this section, a windowless building or portion of a building is one
with nonopenable windows, windows not readily breakable
or without windows. Windowless buildings shall be provided
with an engineered smoke control system to provide a tenable
environment for exiting from the smoke compartment in the
area of fire origin in accordance with Section 909 for each
windowless smoke compartment.
[F] 408.10 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be
provided in accordance with Section 907.2.6.3.
[F] 408.11 Automatic sprinkler system. Group I-3 occupancies shall be equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6.
SECTION 409
MOTION PICTURE PROJECTION ROOMS
409.1 General. The provisions of Sections 409.1 through
409.5 shall apply to rooms in which ribbon-type cellulose
acetate or other safety film is utilized in conjunction with
electric arc, xenon or other light-source projection equipment
that develops hazardous gases, dust or radiation. Where cellulose nitrate film is utilized or stored, such rooms shall comply
with NFPA 40.
409.1.1 Projection room required. Every motion picture
machine projecting film as mentioned within the scope of
this section shall be enclosed in a projection room. Appurtenant electrical equipment, such as rheostats, transformers and generators, shall be within the projection room or
in an adjacent room of equivalent construction.
409.2 Construction of projection rooms. Every projection
room shall be of permanent construction consistent with the
construction requirements for the type of building in which
the projection room is located. Openings are not required to
be protected.
The room shall have a floor area of not less than 80 square
feet (7.44 m2) for a single machine and not less than 40
square feet (3.7 m2) for each additional machine. Each motion
picture projector, floodlight, spotlight or similar piece of
equipment shall have a clear working space of not less than
30 inches by 30 inches (762 mm by 762 mm) on each side
and at the rear thereof, but only one such space shall be
required between two adjacent projectors. The projection
room and the rooms appurtenant thereto shall have a ceiling
height of not less than 7 feet 6 inches (2286 mm). The aggregate of openings for projection equipment shall not exceed 25
percent of the area of the wall between the projection room
73
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
and the auditorium. Openings shall be provided with glass or
other approved material, so as to close completely the opening.
410.2.1 Stage construction. Stages shall be constructed of
materials as required for floors for the type of construction
of the building in which such stages are located.
409.3 Projection room and equipment ventilation. Ventilation shall be provided in accordance with the International
Mechanical Code.
Exception: Stages need not be constructed of the same
materials as required for the type of construction provided that the construction complies with one of the
following:
1. Stages of Type IIB or IV construction with a
nominal 2-inch (51 mm) wood deck, provided
that the stage is separated from other areas in
accordance with Section 410.2.4.
409.3.1 Supply air. Each projection room shall be provided with adequate air supply inlets so arranged as to provide well-distributed air throughout the room. Air inlet
ducts shall provide an amount of air equivalent to the
amount of air being exhausted by projection equipment.
Air is permitted to be taken from the outside; from adjacent spaces within the building, provided that the volume
and infiltration rate are sufficient; or from the building airconditioning system, provided that it is so arranged as to
provide sufficient air when other systems are not in operation.
409.3.2 Exhaust air. Projection rooms are permitted to be
exhausted through the lamp exhaust system. The lamp
exhaust system shall be positively interconnected with the
lamp so that the lamp will not operate unless there is the
required airflow. Exhaust air ducts shall terminate at the
exterior of the building in such a location that the exhaust
air cannot be readily recirculated into any air supply system. The projection room ventilation system is permitted
to also serve appurtenant rooms, such as the generator and
rewind rooms.
409.3.3 Projection machines. Each projection machine
shall be provided with an exhaust duct that will draw air
from each lamp and exhaust it directly to the outside of the
building. The lamp exhaust is permitted to serve to
exhaust air from the projection room to provide room air
circulation. Such ducts shall be of rigid materials, except
for a flexible connector approved for the purpose. The
projection lamp or projection room exhaust system, or
both, is permitted to be combined but shall not be interconnected with any other exhaust or return system, or
both, within the building.
409.4 Lighting control. Provisions shall be made for control
of the auditorium lighting and the means of egress lighting
systems of theaters from inside the projection room and from
not less than one other convenient point in the building.
409.5 Miscellaneous equipment. Each projection room shall
be provided with rewind and film storage facilities.
¬
SECTION 410
STAGES, PLATFORMS AND
TECHNICAL PRODUCTION AREAS
410.1 Applicability. The provisions of Sections 410.1
through 410.7 shall apply to all parts of buildings and structures that contain stages or platforms and similar appurtenances as herein defined.
410.2 Stages. Stage construction shall comply with Sections
410.2.1 through 410.2.7.
74
2. In buildings of Type IIA, IIIA and VA construction, a fire-resistance-rated floor is not required,
provided that the space below the stage is
equipped with an automatic sprinkler system or
fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Section 903 or 904.
3. In all types of construction, the finished floor
shall be constructed of wood or approved noncombustible materials. Openings through stage
floors shall be equipped with tight-fitting, solid
wood trap doors with approved safety locks.
410.2.1.1 Stage height and area. Stage areas shall be
measured to include the entire performance area and
adjacent backstage and support areas not separated
from the performance area by fire-resistance-rated construction. Stage height shall be measured from the lowest point on the stage floor to the highest point of the
roof or floor deck above the stage.
410.2.2 Technical production areas: galleries, gridirons
and catwalks. Beams designed only for the attachment of
portable or fixed theater equipment, gridirons, galleries
and catwalks shall be constructed of approved materials
consistent with the requirements for the type of construction of the building; and a fire-resistance rating shall not
be required. These areas shall not be considered to be
floors, stories, mezzanines or levels in applying this code.
Exception: Floors of fly galleries and catwalks shall be
constructed of any approved material.
410.2.3 Exterior stage doors. Where protection of openings is required, exterior exit doors shall be protected with
fire door assemblies that comply with Section 716. Exterior openings that are located on the stage for means of
egress or loading and unloading purposes, and that are
likely to be open during occupancy of the theater, shall be
constructed with vestibules to prevent air drafts into the
auditorium.
410.2.4 Proscenium wall. Where the stage height is
greater than 50 feet (15 240 mm), all portions of the stage
shall be completely separated from the seating area by a
proscenium wall with not less than a 2-hour fire-resistance
rating extending continuously from the foundation to the
roof.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
410.2.5 Proscenium curtain. Where a proscenium wall is
required to have a fire-resistance rating, the stage opening
shall be provided with a fire curtain complying with
NFPA 80, horizontal sliding doors complying with Section 716 having a fire protection rating of not less than 1
hour, or an approved water curtain complying with Section 903.3.1.1 or, in facilities not utilizing the provisions
of smoke-protected assembly seating in accordance with
Section 1029.6.2, a smoke control system complying with
Section 909 or natural ventilation designed to maintain the
smoke level not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) above the floor
of the means of egress.
410.2.6 Scenery. Combustible materials used in sets and
scenery shall meet the fire propagation performance criteria of Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of
NFPA 701, in accordance with Section 806 and the International Fire Code. Foam plastics and materials containing foam plastics shall comply with Section 2603 and the
International Fire Code.
410.2.7 Stage ventilation. Emergency ventilation shall be
provided for stages larger than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) in
floor area, or with a stage height greater than 50 feet (15
240 mm). Such ventilation shall comply with Section
410.2.7.1 or 410.2.7.2.
410.2.7.1 Roof vents. Two or more vents constructed
to open automatically by approved heat-activated
devices and with an aggregate clear opening area of not
less than 5 percent of the area of the stage shall be
located near the center and above the highest part of the
stage area. Supplemental means shall be provided for
manual operation of the ventilator. Curbs shall be provided as required for skylights in Section 2610.2. Vents
shall be labeled.
[F] 410.2.7.2 Smoke control. Smoke control in accordance with Section 909 shall be provided to maintain
the smoke layer interface not less than 6 feet (1829
mm) above the highest level of the assembly seating or
above the top of the proscenium opening where a proscenium wall is provided in compliance with Section
410.2.4.
410.3 Platform construction. Permanent platforms shall be
constructed of materials as required for the type of construction of the building in which the permanent platform is
located. Permanent platforms are permitted to be constructed
of fire-retardant-treated wood for Types I, II and IV construction where the platforms are not more than 30 inches
(762 mm) above the main floor, and not more than one-third
of the room floor area and not more than 3,000 square feet
(279 m2) in area. Where the space beneath the permanent
platform is used for storage or any purpose other than equipment, wiring or plumbing, the floor assembly shall be not less
than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. Where the
space beneath the permanent platform is used only for equipment, wiring or plumbing, the underside of the permanent
platform need not be protected.
410.3.1 Temporary platforms. Platforms installed for a
period of not more than 30 days are permitted to be constructed of any materials permitted by this code. The space
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
between the floor and the platform above shall only be
used for plumbing and electrical wiring to platform equipment.
410.4 Dressing and appurtenant rooms. Dressing and
appurtenant rooms shall comply with Sections 410.4.1 and
410.4.2.
410.4.1 Separation from stage. The stage shall be separated from dressing rooms, scene docks, property rooms,
workshops, storerooms and compartments appurtenant to
the stage and other parts of the building by fire barriers
constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal
assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or
both. The fire-resistance rating shall be not less than 2
hours for stage heights greater than 50 feet (15 240 mm)
and not less than 1 hour for stage heights of 50 feet (15
240 mm) or less.
410.4.2 Separation from each other. Dressing rooms,
scene docks, property rooms, workshops, storerooms and
compartments appurtenant to the stage shall be separated
from each other by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal
assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or
both.
410.5 Means of egress. Except as modified or as provided
for in this section, the provisions of Chapter 10 shall apply.
410.5.1 Arrangement. Where two or more exits or exit
access doorways from the stage are required in accordance
with Section 1006.2, not fewer than one exit or exit access
doorway shall be provided on each side of a stage.
410.5.2 Stairway and ramp enclosure. Exit access stairways and ramps serving a stage or platform are not
required to be enclosed. Exit access stairways and ramps
serving technical production areas are not required to be
enclosed.
410.5.3 Technical production areas. Technical production areas shall be provided with means of egress and
means of escape in accordance with Sections 410.5.3.1
through 410.5.3.5.
410.5.3.1 Number of means of egress. Not fewer than
one means of egress shall be provided from technical
production areas.
410.5.3.2 Exit access travel distance. The exit access
travel distance shall be not greater than 300 feet (91
440 mm) for buildings without a sprinkler system and
400 feet (122 mm) for buildings equipped throughout
with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.1.
410.5.3.3 Two means of egress. Where two means of
egress are required, the common path of travel shall be
not greater than 100 feet (30 480 mm).
Exception: A means of escape to a roof in place of a
second means of egress is permitted.
410.5.3.4 Path of egress travel. The following exit
access components are permitted where serving technical production areas:
1. Stairways.
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
3. Spiral stairways.
4. Catwalks.
5. Alternating tread devices.
6. Permanent ladders.
410.5.3.5 Width. The path of egress travel within and
from technical support areas shall be not less than 22
inches (559 mm).
[F] 410.6 Automatic sprinkler system. Stages shall be
equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance
with Section 903.3.1.1. Sprinklers shall be installed under
the roof and gridiron and under all catwalks and galleries
over the stage. Sprinklers shall be installed in dressing
rooms, performer lounges, shops and storerooms accessory to
such stages.
Exceptions:
1. Sprinklers are not required under stage areas less
than 4 feet (1219 mm) in clear height that are utilized exclusively for storage of tables and chairs,
provided that the concealed space is separated from
the adjacent spaces by Type X gypsum board not
less than 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) in thickness.
2. Sprinklers are not required for stages 1,000 square
feet (93 m2) or less in area and 50 feet (15 240 mm)
or less in height where curtains, scenery or other
combustible hangings are not retractable vertically.
Combustible hangings shall be limited to a single
main curtain, borders, legs and a single backdrop.
3. Sprinklers are not required within portable orchestra
enclosures on stages.
[F] 410.7 Standpipes. Standpipe systems shall be provided
in accordance with Section 905.
SECTION 411
SPECIAL AMUSEMENT BUILDINGS
411.1 General. Special amusement buildings having an occupant load of 50 or more shall comply with the requirements
for the appropriate Group A occupancy and Sections 411.1
through 411.7. Special amusement buildings having an occupant load of less than 50 shall comply with the requirements
for a Group B occupancy and Sections 411.1 through 411.7.
Exception: Special amusement buildings or portions
thereof that are without walls or a roof and constructed to
prevent the accumulation of smoke need not comply with
this section.
¬
For flammable decorative materials, see the International
Fire Code.
[F] 411.2 Automatic fire detection. Special amusement
buildings shall be equipped with an automatic fire detection
system in accordance with Section 907.
[F] 411.3 Automatic sprinkler system. Special amusement
buildings shall be equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Where
76
the special amusement building is temporary, the sprinkler
water supply shall be of an approved temporary means.
Exception: Automatic sprinklers are not required where
the total floor area of a temporary special amusement
building is less than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) and the exit
access travel distance from any point to an exit is less than
50 feet (15 240 mm).
[F] 411.4 Alarm. Actuation of a single smoke detector, the
automatic sprinkler system or other automatic fire detection
device shall immediately sound an alarm at the building at a
constantly attended location from which emergency action
can be initiated including the capability of manual initiation
of requirements in Section 907.2.11.
[F] 411.5 Emergency voice/alarm communications system. An emergency voice/alarm communications system
shall be provided in accordance with Sections 907.2.11 and
907.5.2.2, is permitted to serve as a public address system
and shall be audible throughout the entire special amusement
building.
411.6 Exit marking. Exit signs shall be installed at the
required exit or exit access doorways of amusement buildings
in accordance with this section and Section 1013. Approved
directional exit markings shall be provided. Where mirrors,
mazes or other designs are utilized that disguise the path of
egress travel such that they are not apparent, approved and
listed low-level exit signs that comply with Section 1013.5,
and directional path markings listed in accordance with UL
1994, shall be provided and located not more than 8 inches
(203 mm) above the walking surface and on or near the path
of egress travel. Such markings shall become visible in an
emergency. The directional exit marking shall be activated by
the automatic fire detection system and the automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 907.2.11.
411.6.1 Photoluminescent exit signs. Where photoluminescent exit signs are installed, activating light source and
viewing distance shall be in accordance with the listing
and markings of the signs.
411.7 Interior finish. The interior finish shall be Class A in
accordance with Section 803.1.
SECTION 412
AIRCRAFT-RELATED OCCUPANCIES
412.1 General. Aircraft-related occupancies shall comply
with Sections 412.1 through 412.7 and the International Fire
Code.
412.2 Airport traffic control towers. The provisions of Sections 412.2.1 through 412.2.6 shall apply to airport traffic
control towers occupied only for the following uses:
1. Airport traffic control cab.
2. Electrical and mechanical equipment rooms.
3. Airport terminal radar and electronics rooms.
4. Office spaces incidental to the tower operation.
5. Lounges for employees, including sanitary facilities.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
¬
2. Ramps.
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
412.2.1 Construction. The construction of airport traffic
control towers shall comply with the provisions of Sections 412.2.1.1 through 412.2.1.3.
412.2.1.1 Type of construction. Airport traffic control
towers shall be constructed to comply with the height
limitations of Table 412.2.1.1.
TABLE 412.2.1.1
HEIGHT LIMITATIONS FOR
AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWERS
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
HEIGHTa
(feet)
IA
Unlimited
IB
240
IIA
100
IIB
85
IIIA
65
2
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m .
a. Height to be measured from grade plane to cab floor.
[BS] 412.2.1.2 Structural integrity of interior exit
stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures. Enclosures for interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway
enclosures shall comply with Section 403.2.3 in airport
traffic control towers where the control cab is located
more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level
of fire department vehicle access.
412.2.1.3 Sprayed fire-resistant materials (SFRM).
The bond strength of the SFRM installed in airport traffic control towers shall be in accordance with Section
403.2.4 where the control cab is located more than 75
feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
412.2.2 Means of egress and evacuation. The means of
egress in airport traffic control towers shall comply with
Sections 412.2.2.1 through 412.2.2.3.
412.2.2.1 Stairways. Stairways in airport traffic control towers shall be in accordance with Section 1011.
Exit stairways shall be smokeproof enclosures complying with one of the alternatives provided in Section
909.20.
Exception: Stairways in airport traffic control towers are not required to comply with Section 1011.12.
way, interior wall and ceiling finishes shall be either
Class A or Class B.
412.2.2.3.2 Exit separation. Where an airport traffic control tower is equipped throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and two exits are required, the exit
separation distance required by Section 1007 shall
be not less than one-fourth of the length of the maximum overall dimension of the area served.
[F] 412.2.3 Emergency systems. The detection, alarm and
emergency systems of airport traffic control towers shall
comply with Sections 412.2.3.1 through 412.2.3.3.
[F] 412.2.3.1 Automatic smoke detection systems.
Airport traffic control towers shall be provided with an
automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with Section 907.2.21.
[F] 412.2.3.2 Fire command center. A fire command
center shall be provided in airport traffic control towers
where the control cab is located more than 75 feet (22
860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department
vehicle access. The fire command center shall comply
with Section 911.
Exceptions:
1. The fire command center shall be located in
the airport control tower or an adjacent contiguous building where building functions are
interdependent.
2. The room shall be not less than 150 square
feet (14 m2) in area with a minimum dimension of 10 feet (3048 mm).
3. The following features shall not be required in
an airport traffic control tower fire command
center.
3.1. Emergency voice/alarm control unit.
3.2. Public address system.
3.3. Status indicators and controls for the
air distributions centers.
3.4. Generator supervision devices, manual
start and transfer features.
3.5. Elevator emergency or standby power
switches where emergency or standby
power is provided.
412.2.2.2 Exit access. From observation levels, airport
traffic control towers shall be permitted to have a single
means of exit access for a distance of travel not greater
than 100 feet (30 480 mm). Exit access stairways from
the observation level need not be enclosed.
412.2.2.3 Number of exits. Not less than one exit stairway shall be permitted for airport traffic control towers
of any height provided that the occupant load per floor
is not greater than 15 and the area per floor does not
exceed 1,500 square feet (140 m2).
[F] 412.2.3.3 Smoke removal. Smoke removal in airport traffic control towers shall be provided in accordance with Section 403.4.7.
[F] 412.2.4 Automatic sprinkler system. Where an
occupied floor is located more than 35 feet (10 668 mm)
above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access,
airport traffic control towers shall be equipped with an
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1.
412.2.2.3.1 Interior finish. Where an airport traffic
control tower is provided with only one exit stair-
[F] 412.2.4.1 Fire pump room. Fire pumps shall be
located in rooms that are separated from all other areas
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
graded toward the door, but shall not require a separator.
412.3.4 Heating equipment. Heating equipment shall be
placed in another room separated by 2-hour fire barriers
constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal
assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or
both. Entrance shall be from the outside or by means of a
vestibule providing a two-doorway separation.
of the building by 2-hour fire barriers constructed in
accordance with Section 707 or 2-hour horizontal
assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711,
or both.
Exception: Separation is not required for fire pumps
physically separated in accordance with NFPA 20.
[F] 412.2.5 Protection of elevator wiring and cables.
Wiring and cables serving elevators in airport traffic control towers shall be protected in accordance with Section
3007.8.1.
Exceptions:
1. Unit heaters and vented infrared radiant heating
equipment suspended not less than 10 feet (3048
mm) above the upper surface of wings or engine
enclosures of the highest aircraft that are permitted to be housed in the hangar need not be located
in a separate room provided that they are
mounted not less than 8 feet (2438 mm) above
the floor in shops, offices and other sections of
the hangar communicating with storage or service areas.
412.2.5.1 Elevators for occupant evacuation. Where
provided in addition to an exit stairway, occupant evacuation elevators shall be in accordance with Section
3008.
412.2.6 Accessibility. Airport traffic control towers shall
be accessible except as specified in Section 1104.4.
412.3 Aircraft hangars. Aircraft hangars shall be in accordance with Sections 412.3.1 through 412.3.6.
412.3.1 Exterior walls. Exterior walls located less than 30
feet (9144 mm) from lot lines or a public way shall have a
fire-resistance rating not less than 2 hours.
412.3.2 Basements. Where hangars have basements,
floors over basements shall be of Type IA construction
and shall be made tight against seepage of water, oil or
vapors. There shall not be openings or communication
between basements and the hangar. Access to basements
shall be from outside only.
2. Entrance to the separated room shall be permitted
by a single interior door provided that the sources
of ignition in the appliances are not less than 18
inches (457 mm) above the floor.
412.3.5 Finishing. The process of “doping,” involving use
of a volatile flammable solvent, or of painting, shall be
carried on in a separate detached building equipped with
automatic fire-extinguishing equipment in accordance
with Section 903.
412.3.3 Floor surface. Floors shall be graded and drained
to prevent water or fuel from remaining on the floor. Floor
drains shall discharge through an oil separator to the sewer
or to an outside vented sump.
[F] 412.3.6 Fire suppression. Aircraft hangars shall be
provided with a fire suppression system designed in accordance with NFPA 409, based on the classification for the
hangar given in Table 412.3.6.
Exception: Aircraft hangars with individual lease
spaces not exceeding 2,000 square feet (186 m2) each in
which servicing, repairing or washing is not conducted
and fuel is not dispensed shall have floors that are
Exception: Where a fixed base operator has separate
repair facilities on site, Group II hangars operated by a
fixed base operator used for storage of transient air-
[F] TABLE 412.3.6
HANGAR FIRE SUPPRESSION REQUIREMENTSa, b, c
MAXIMUM SINGLE
FIRE AREA
(square feet)
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
IA
IB
IIA
IIB
IIIA
IIIB
IV
VA
VB
 40,001
Group I
Group I
Group I
Group I
Group I
Group I
Group I
Group I
Group I
40,000
Group II
Group II
Group II
Group II
Group II
Group II
Group II
Group II
Group II
30,000
Group III
Group II
Group II
Group II
Group II
Group II
Group II
Group II
Group II
20,000
Group III
Group III
Group II
Group II
Group II
Group II
Group II
Group II
Group II
15,000
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group II
Group III
Group II
Group III
Group II
Group II
12,000
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group II
Group II
8,000
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group II
5,000
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group III
Group III
2
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m .
a. Aircraft hangars with a door height greater than 28 feet shall be provided with fire suppression for a Group I hangar regardless of maximum fire area.
b. Groups shall be as classified in accordance with NFPA 409.
c. Membrane structures complying with Section 3102 shall be classified as a Group IV hangar.
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2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
craft only shall have a fire suppression system, but the
system is exempt from foam requirements.
[F] 412.3.6.1 Hazardous operations. Any Group III
aircraft hangar according to Table 412.3.6 that contains
hazardous operations including, but not limited to, the
following shall be provided with a Group I or II fire
suppression system in accordance with NFPA 409 as
applicable:
1. Doping.
2. Hot work including, but not limited to, welding,
torch cutting and torch soldering.
3. Fuel transfer.
4. Fuel tank repair or maintenance not including
defueled tanks in accordance with NFPA 409,
inerted tanks or tanks that have never been
fueled.
5. Spray finishing operations.
6. Total fuel capacity of all aircraft within the
unsprinklered single fire area in excess of 1,600
gallons (6057 L).
7. Total fuel capacity of all aircraft within the maximum single fire area in excess of 7,500 gallons
(28 390 L) for a hangar with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
[F] 412.3.6.2 Separation of maximum single fire
areas. Maximum single fire areas established in accordance with hangar classification and construction type
in Table 412.3.6 shall be separated by 2-hour fire walls
constructed in accordance with Section 706. In determining the maximum single fire area as set forth in
Table 412.3.6, ancillary uses that are separated from
aircraft servicing areas by a fire barrier of not less than
1 hour, constructed in accordance with Section 707,
shall not be included in the area.
412.4 Residential aircraft hangars. Residential aircraft
hangars shall comply with Sections 412.4.1 through 412.4.5.
412.4.1 Fire separation. A hangar shall not be attached to
a dwelling unless separated by a fire barrier having a fireresistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Such separation
shall be continuous from the foundation to the underside
of the roof and unpierced except for doors leading to the
dwelling unit. Doors into the dwelling unit shall be
equipped with self-closing devices and conform to the
requirements of Section 716 with a noncombustible raised
sill not less than 4 inches (102 mm) in height. Openings
from a hangar directly into a room used for sleeping purposes shall not be permitted.
412.4.2 Egress. A hangar shall provide two means of
egress. One of the doors into the dwelling shall be considered as meeting only one of the two means of egress.
[F] 412.4.3 Smoke alarms. Smoke alarms shall be provided within the hangar in accordance with Section
907.2.21.
412.4.4 Independent systems. Electrical, mechanical and
plumbing drain, waste and vent (DWV) systems installed
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
within the hangar shall be independent of the systems
installed within the dwelling. Building sewer lines shall be
permitted to be connected outside the structures.
Exception: Smoke detector wiring and feed for electrical subpanels in the hangar.
412.4.5 Height and area limits. Residential aircraft hangars shall be not greater than 2,000 square feet (186 m2) in
area and 20 feet (6096 mm) in building height.
[F] 412.5 Aircraft paint hangars. Aircraft painting operations shall be conducted in an aircraft paint hangar that complies with the provisions of Sections 412.5.1 through 412.5.8.
Buildings and structures, or parts thereof, used for the application of flammable finishes shall comply with the applicable
provisions of Section 416.
[F] 412.5.1 Occupancy classification. Aircraft paint hangars shall be classified in accordance with the provisions
of Section 307.1. Aircraft paint hangars shall comply with
the applicable requirements of this code and the International Fire Code for such occupancy.
412.5.2 Construction. Aircraft paint hangars shall be of
Type I or II construction.
[F] 412.5.3 Spray equipment cleaning operations. Spray
equipment cleaning operations shall be conducted in a liquid use, dispensing and mixing room.
[F] 412.5.4 Operations. Only those flammable liquids
necessary for painting operations shall be permitted in
quantities less than the maximum allowable quantities per
control area in Table 307.1(1). Spray equipment cleaning
operations exceeding the maximum allowable quantities
per control area in Table 307.1(1) shall be conducted in a
liquid use, dispensing and mixing room.
[F] 412.5.5 Storage. Storage of flammable or combustible
liquids exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per
control area in Table 307.1(1) shall be in a liquid storage
room.
[F] 412.5.6 Fire suppression. Aircraft paint hangars shall
be provided with fire suppression as required by NFPA
409.
[F] 412.5.7 Ventilation. Aircraft paint hangars shall be
provided with ventilation as required in the International
Mechanical Code.
[F] 412.5.8 Electrical. Electrical equipment and devices
within the aircraft paint hangar shall comply with NFPA
70.
[F] 412.5.8.1 Class I, Division I hazardous locations.
The area within 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally from aircraft surfaces and from the floor to 10 feet (3048 mm)
above the aircraft surface shall be classified as a Class I,
Division I location.
[F] 412.5.8.2 Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations.
The area horizontally from aircraft surfaces between
10 feet (3048 mm) and 30 feet (9144 mm) and from the
floor to 30 feet (9144 mm) above the aircraft surface
shall be classified as a Class I, Division 2 location.
412.6 Aircraft manufacturing facilities. In buildings used
for the manufacturing of aircraft, exit access travel distances
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
indicated in Section 1017.1 shall be increased in accordance
with the following:
1. The building shall be of Type I or II construction.
2. Exit access travel distance shall not exceed the distances given in Table 412.6.
412.6.1 Ancillary areas. Rooms, areas and spaces ancillary to the primary manufacturing area shall be permitted
to egress through such area having a minimum height as
indicated in Table 412.6. Exit access travel distance within
the ancillary room, area or space shall not exceed that indicated in Table 1017.2 based on the occupancy classification of that ancillary area. Total exit access travel distance
shall not exceed that indicated in Table 412.6.
SECTION 413
COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE
413.1 General. High-piled stock or rack storage in any occupancy group shall comply with the International Fire Code.
413.2 Attic, under-floor and concealed spaces. Attic,
under-floor and concealed spaces used for storage of combustible materials shall be protected on the storage side as
required for 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. Openings shall be protected by assemblies that are self-closing and
are of noncombustible construction or solid wood core not
less than 13/4 inch (45 mm) in thickness.
Exception: Neither fire-resistance-rated construction nor
opening protectives are required in any of the following
locations:
[F] 412.7 Heliports and helistops. Heliports and helistops
shall be permitted to be erected on buildings or other locations where they are constructed in accordance with Sections
412.7.1 through 412.7.5.
[F] 412.7.1 Size. The landing area for helicopters less than
3,500 pounds (1588 kg) shall be not less than 20 feet
(6096 mm) in length and width. The landing area shall be
surrounded on all sides by a clear area having an average
width at roof level of 15 feet (4572 mm), and all widths
shall be not less than 5 feet (1524 mm).
[F] 412.7.2 Design. Helicopter landing areas and the supports thereof on the roof of a building shall be noncombustible construction. Landing areas shall be designed to
confine any flammable liquid spillage to the landing area
itself and provisions shall be made to drain such spillage
away from any exit or stairway serving the helicopter
landing area or from a structure housing such exit or stairway. For structural design requirements, see Section
1607.6.
1. Areas protected by approved automatic sprinkler
systems.
2. Group R-3 and U occupancies.
SECTION 414
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
[F] 414.1 General. The provisions of Sections 414.1 through
414.6 shall apply to buildings and structures occupied for the
manufacturing, processing, dispensing, use or storage of hazardous materials.
[F] 414.1.1 Other provisions. Buildings and structures
with an occupancy in Group H shall comply with this section and the applicable provisions of Section 415 and the
International Fire Code.
[F] 414.1.2 Materials. The safe design of hazardous material occupancies is material dependent. Individual material
requirements are found in Sections 307 and 415, the International Mechanical Code and the International Fire
Code.
412.7.3 Means of egress. The means of egress from heliports and helistops shall comply with the provisions of
Chapter 10. Landing areas located on buildings or structures shall have two or more means of egress. For landing
areas less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in length or less than
2,000 square feet (186 m2) in area, the second means of
egress is permitted to be a fire escape, alternating tread
device or ladder leading to the floor below.
[F] 414.1.2.1 Aerosol products. Level 2 and 3 aerosol
products shall be stored and displayed in accordance
with the International Fire Code. See Section 311.2
and the International Fire Code for occupancy group
requirements.
[F] 414.1.3 Information required. A report shall be submitted to the building official identifying the maximum
expected quantities of hazardous materials to be stored,
used in a closed system and used in an open system, and
subdivided to separately address hazardous material classification categories based on Tables 307.1(1) and
[F] 412.7.4 Rooftop heliports and helistops. Rooftop
heliports and helistops shall comply with NFPA 418.
[F] 412.7.5 Standpipe system. In buildings equipped
with a standpipe system, the standpipe shall extend to the
roof level in accordance with Section 905.3.6.
TABLE 412.6
AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURING EXIT ACCESS TRAVEL DISTANCE
HEIGHT (feet)b
MANUFACTURING AREA (sq. ft.)a
150,000
400
200,000
450
250,000
500
500,000
500
 50
400
500
600
700
700
700
75
400
500
700
850
1,000
1,000
 100
400
500
750
1,000
1,250
1,500
 25
750,000
500
1,000,000
500
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a. Contiguous floor area of the aircraft manufacturing facility having the indicated height.
b. Minimum height from finished floor to bottom of ceiling or roof slab or deck.
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2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
ings of Types IIA, IIIA, IV and VA construction, provided that both of the following conditions exist:
307.1(2). The methods of protection from such hazards,
including but not limited to control areas, fire protection
systems and Group H occupancies shall be indicated in the
report and on the construction documents. The opinion
and report shall be prepared by a qualified person, firm or
corporation approved by the building official and provided
without charge to the enforcing agency.
For buildings and structures with an occupancy in
Group H, separate floor plans shall be submitted identifying the locations of anticipated contents and processes so
as to reflect the nature of each occupied portion of every
building and structure.
[F] 414.2 Control areas. Control areas shall comply with
Sections 414.2.1 through 414.2.5 and the International Fire
Code.
1. The building is equipped throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.1.
2. The building is three or fewer stories above
grade plane.
[F] 414.2.5 Hazardous material in Group M display
and storage areas and in Group S storage areas. Hazardous materials located in Group M and Group S occupancies shall be in accordance with Sections 414.2.5.1
through 414.2.5.3.
[F] 414.2.5.1 Nonflammable solids and nonflammable and noncombustible liquids. The aggregate quantity of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or
noncombustible liquid hazardous materials permitted
within a single control area of a Group M display and
storage area, a Group S storage area or an outdoor control area is permitted to exceed the maximum allowable
quantities per control area specified in Tables 307.1(1)
and 307.1(2) without classifying the building or use as
a Group H occupancy, provided that the materials are
displayed and stored in accordance with the International Fire Code and quantities do not exceed the maximum allowable specified in Table 414.2.5(1).
Exception: Higher education laboratories in accordance
with Section 428 and Chapter 38 of the International Fire
Code.
[F] 414.2.1 Construction requirements. Control areas
shall be separated from each other by fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal
assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or
both.
[F] 414.2.2 Percentage of maximum allowable quantities. The percentage of maximum allowable quantities of
hazardous materials per control area permitted at each
floor level within a building shall be in accordance with
Table 414.2.2.
[F] 414.2.3 Number. The maximum number of control
areas within a building shall be in accordance with Table
414.2.2.
[F] 414.2.4 Fire-resistance rating requirements. The
required fire-resistance rating for fire barriers shall be in
accordance with Table 414.2.2. The floor assembly of the
control area and the construction supporting the floor of
the control area shall have a fire-resistance rating of not
less than 2 hours.
Exception: The floor assembly of the control area and
the construction supporting the floor of the control area
are allowed to be 1-hour fire-resistance-rated in build-
[F] 414.2.5.2 Flammable and combustible liquids. In
Group M occupancy wholesale and retail sales uses,
indoor storage of flammable and combustible liquids
shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantities per
control area as indicated in Table 414.2.5(2), provided
that the materials are displayed and stored in accordance with the International Fire Code.
[F] 414.2.5.3 Aerosol products. The maximum quantity of aerosol products in Group M occupancy retail
display areas, storage areas adjacent to retail display
areas and retail storage areas shall be in accordance
with the International Fire Code.
[F] 414.3 Ventilation. Rooms, areas or spaces in which
explosive, corrosive, combustible, flammable or highly toxic
dusts, mists, fumes, vapors or gases are or have the potential
[F] TABLE 414.2.2
DESIGN AND NUMBER OF CONTROL AREAS
STORY
Above grade
plane
Below grade
plane
PERCENTAGE OF THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE
QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREAa
NUMBER OF CONTROL
AREAS PER STORY
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING FOR
FIRE BARRIERS IN HOURSb
5
5
12.5
12.5
12.5
50
75
100
75
50
Not Allowed
1
2
2
2
2
2
3
4
3
2
Not Allowed
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
Not Allowed
Higher than 9
7–9
6
5
4
3
2
1
1
2
Lower than 2
a. Percentages shall be of the maximum allowable quantity per control area shown in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2), with all increases allowed in the notes to
those tables.
b. Separation shall include fire barriers and horizontal assemblies as necessary to provide separation from other portions of the building.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
81
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
to be emitted due to the processing, use, handling or storage
of materials shall be mechanically ventilated where required
by this code, the International Fire Code or the International
Mechanical Code.
accordance with Sections 414.5.1 through 414.5.3 of this
code and the International Fire Code.
Emissions generated at workstations shall be confined to
the area in which they are generated as specified in the
International Fire Code and the International Mechanical
Code.
[F] 414.4 Hazardous material systems. Systems involving
hazardous materials shall be suitable for the intended application. Controls shall be designed to prevent materials from
entering or leaving process or reaction systems at other than
the intended time, rate or path. Automatic controls, where
provided, shall be designed to be fail safe.
[F] 414.5 Inside storage, dispensing and use. The inside
storage, dispensing and use of hazardous materials shall be in
[F] 414.5.1 Explosion control. Explosion control shall be
provided in accordance with the International Fire Code
as required by Table 414.5.1 where quantities of hazardous materials specified in that table exceed the maximum
allowable quantities in Table 307.1(1) or where a structure, room or space is occupied for purposes involving
explosion hazards as required by Section 415 or the International Fire Code.
[F] 414.5.2 Emergency or standby power. Where
required by the International Fire Code or this code,
mechanical ventilation, treatment systems, temperature
control, alarm, detection or other electrically operated
systems shall be provided with emergency or standby
power in accordance with Section 2702. For storage and
use areas for highly toxic or toxic materials, see Sections
[F] TABLE 414.2.5(1)
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER INDOOR AND OUTDOOR CONTROL AREA IN GROUP M AND S OCCUPANCIES
NONFLAMMABLE SOLIDS AND NONFLAMMABLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDSd, e, f
CONDITION
a
Material
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA
Class
Solids
pounds
Liquids
gallons
A. Health-hazard materials—nonflammable and noncombustible solids and liquids
1. Corrosivesb, c
Not Applicable
9,750
975
2. Highly toxics
Not Applicable
20b, c
2b, c
3. Toxicsb, c
Not Applicable
1,000
100
4
Not Allowed
Not Allowed
3
1,350g
115
2
h
225
B. Physical-hazard materials—nonflammable and noncombustible solids and liquids
1. Oxidizersb, c
1
2. Unstable (reactives)b, c
i, j
18,000
1,800i, j
4
Not Allowed
Not Allowed
3
550
55
2
1,150
115
1
Not Limited
Not Limited
b, c
550
55
2b, c
1,150
115
1
Not Limited
Not Limited
3
3. Water reactives
2,250
For SI: 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.
a. Hazard categories are as specified in the International Fire Code.
b. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent in buildings that are sprinklered in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Where Note c also
applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
c. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent where stored in approved storage cabinets, in accordance with the International Fire Code.
Where Note b also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
d. See Table 414.2.2 for design and number of control areas.
e. Allowable quantities for other hazardous material categories shall be in accordance with Section 307.
f. Maximum quantities shall be increased 100 percent in outdoor control areas.
g. Maximum amounts shall be increased to 2,250 pounds where individual packages are in the original sealed containers from the manufacturer or packager and
do not exceed 10 pounds each.
h. Maximum amounts shall be increased to 4,500 pounds where individual packages are in the original sealed containers from the manufacturer or packager and
do not exceed 10 pounds each.
i. The permitted quantities shall not be limited in a building equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
j. Quantities are unlimited in an outdoor control area.
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
[F] TABLE 414.2.5(2)
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY OF FLAMMABLE AND
COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS IN WHOLESALE AND RETAIL SALES OCCUPANCIES PER CONTROL AREAa
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA (gallons)
TYPE OF LIQUID
Sprinklered in accordance with note Sprinklered in accordance with Tables 5704.3.6.3(4) through
b densities and arrangements
5704.3.6.3(8) and 5704.3.7.5.1 of the International Fire Code
Class IA
60
Class IB, IC, II and IIIA
Class IIIB
60
c
Nonsprinklered
30
c
7,500
15,000
Unlimited
Unlimited
1,600
13,200
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 gallon per minute per square foot = 40.75 L/min/m2.
a. Control areas shall be separated from each other by not less than a 1-hour fire barrier wall.
b. To be considered as sprinklered, a building shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system with a design providing minimum
densities as follows:
1. For uncartoned commodities on shelves 6 feet or less in height where the ceiling height does not exceed 18 feet, quantities are those permitted with a
minimum sprinkler design density of Ordinary Hazard Group 2.
2. For cartoned, palletized or racked commodities where storage is 4 feet 6 inches or less in height and where the ceiling height does not exceed 18 feet, quantities
are those permitted with a minimum sprinkler design density of 0.21 gallon per minute per square foot over the most remote 1,500-square-foot area.
c. Where wholesale and retail sales or storage areas exceed 50,000 square feet in area, the maximum allowable quantities are allowed to be increased by 2
percent for each 1,000 square feet of area in excess of 50,000 square feet, up to not more than 100 percent of the table amounts. A control area separation is
not required. The cumulative amounts, including amounts attained by having an additional control area, shall not exceed 30,000 gallons.
6004.2.2.8 and 6004.3.4.2 of the International Fire
Code.
[F] 414.6.1.1 Walls. Walls shall not obstruct more
than one side of the structure.
[F] 414.5.2.1 Exempt applications. Emergency or
standby power is not required for the mechanical ventilation systems provided for any of the following:
Exception: Walls shall be permitted to obstruct
portions of multiple sides of the structure, provided
that the obstructed area is not greater than 25 percent of the structure’s perimeter.
3. Storage of Class II, III, IV and V organic peroxides.
4. Storage of asphyxiant, irritant and radioactive
gases.
[F] 414.5.2.2 Fail-safe engineered systems. Standby
power for mechanical ventilation, treatment systems
and temperature control systems shall not be required
where an approved fail-safe engineered system is
installed.
[F] 414.5.3 Spill control, drainage and containment.
Rooms, buildings or areas occupied for the storage of solid
and liquid hazardous materials shall be provided with a
means to control spillage and to contain or drain off spillage and fire protection water discharged in the storage area
where required in the International Fire Code. The methods of spill control shall be in accordance with the International Fire Code.
[F] 414.6 Outdoor storage, dispensing and use. The outdoor storage, dispensing and use of hazardous materials shall
be in accordance with the International Fire Code.
[F] 414.6.1 Weather protection. Where weather protection is provided for sheltering outdoor hazardous material
storage or use areas, such areas shall be considered outdoor storage or use where the weather protection structure
complies with Sections 414.6.1.1 through 414.6.1.3.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
[F] 414.6.1.2 Separation distance. The distance from
the structure to buildings, lot lines, public ways or
means of egress to a public way shall be not less than
the distance required for an outside hazardous material storage or use area without weather protection.
[F] 414.6.1.3 Noncombustible construction. The
overhead structure shall be of approved noncombustible construction with a maximum area of 1,500 square
feet (140 m2).
Exception: The maximum area is permitted to be
increased as provided by Section 506.
SECTION 415
GROUPS H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 AND H-5
[F] 415.1 General. The provisions of Sections 415.1
through 415.11 shall apply to the storage and use of hazardous materials in excess of the maximum allowable quantities per control area listed in Section 307.1.
[F] 415.2 Compliance. Buildings and structures with an
occupancy in Group H shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 414 and the International Fire Code.
[F] 415.3 Automatic fire detection systems. Group H occupancies shall be provided with an automatic fire detection
system in accordance with Section 907.2.
[F] 415.4 Automatic sprinkler system. Group H occupancies shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.
83
¬
1. Storage of Class IB and IC flammable and combustible liquids in closed containers not exceeding 6.5 gallons (25 L) capacity.
2. Storage of Class 1 and 2 oxidizers.
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
[F] 415.5 Emergency alarms. Emergency alarms for the
detection and notification of an emergency condition in
Group H occupancies shall be provided as set forth herein.
[F] 415.5.1 Storage. An approved manual emergency
alarm system shall be provided in buildings, rooms or
areas used for storage of hazardous materials. Emergency
alarm-initiating devices shall be installed outside of each
interior exit or exit access door of storage buildings, rooms
or areas. Activation of an emergency alarm-initiating
device shall sound a local alarm to alert occupants of an
emergency situation involving hazardous materials.
[F] 415.5.2 Dispensing, use and handling. Where hazardous materials having a hazard ranking of 3 or 4 in
accordance with NFPA 704 are transported through corri-
dors, interior exit stairways or ramps, or exit passageways,
there shall be an emergency telephone system, a local
manual alarm station or an approved alarm-initiating
device at not more than 150-foot (45 720 mm) intervals
and at each exit and exit access doorway throughout the
transport route. The signal shall be relayed to an approved
central, proprietary or remote station service or constantly
attended on-site location and shall initiate a local audible
alarm.
[F] 415.5.3 Supervision. Emergency alarm systems
required by Section 415.5.1 or 415.5.2 shall be electrically
supervised and monitored by an approved central, proprietary or remote station service or shall initiate an audible
and visual signal at a constantly attended on-site location.
[F] TABLE 414.5.1
EXPLOSION CONTROL REQUIREMENTSa, h
EXPLOSION CONTROL METHODS
MATERIAL
CLASS
Barricade construction
Explosion (deflagration) venting
or explosion (deflagration)
prevention systemsb
HAZARD CATEGORY
Combustible dustsc
—
Not Required
Required
Cryogenic flammables
—
Not Required
Required
Division 1.1
Division 1.2
Division 1.3
Division 1.4
Division 1.5
Division 1.6
Required
Required
Not Required
Not Required
Required
Required
Not Required
Not Required
Required
Required
Not Required
Not Required
Gaseous
Liquefied
Not Required
Not Required
Required
Required
Flammable liquid
IAd
IBe
Not Required
Not Required
Required
Required
Organic peroxides
U
I
Required
Required
Not Permitted
Not Permitted
Explosives
Flammable gas
Oxidizer liquids and solids
4
Required
Not Permitted
Pyrophoric gas
—
Not Required
Required
4
3 Detonable
3 Nondetonable
Required
Required
Not Required
Not Permitted
Not Permitted
Required
3
2g
Not Required
Not Required
Required
Required
Acetylene generator rooms
—
Not Required
Required
Grain processing
—
Not Required
Required
Liquefied petroleum gasdistribution facilities
—
Not Required
Required
Detonation
Deflagration
Required
Not Required
Not Permitted
Required
Unstable (reactive)
Water-reactive liquids and solids
SPECIAL USES
Where explosion hazards existf
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
See Section 414.1.3.
See the International Fire Code.
As generated during manufacturing or processing.
Storage or use.
In open use or dispensing.
Rooms containing dispensing and use of hazardous materials where an explosive environment can occur because of the characteristics or nature of the
hazardous materials or as a result of the dispensing or use process.
g. A method of explosion control shall be provided where Class 2 water-reactive materials can form potentially explosive mixtures.
h. Explosion venting is not required for Group H-5 fabrication areas complying with Section 415.11.1 and the International Fire Code.
84
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
[F] 415.5.4 Emergency alarm systems. Emergency
alarm systems required by Section 415.5.1 or 415.5.2 shall
be provided with emergency or standby power in accordance with Section 2702.2.
[F] 415.6 Fire separation distance. Group H occupancies
shall be located on property in accordance with the other provisions of this chapter. In Groups H-2 and H-3, not less than
25 percent of the perimeter wall of the occupancy shall be an
exterior wall.
Exceptions:
1. Liquid use, dispensing and mixing rooms having a
floor area of not more than 500 square feet (46.5 m2)
need not be located on the outer perimeter of the
building where they are in accordance with the
International Fire Code and NFPA 30.
2. Liquid storage rooms having a floor area of not more
than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) need not be located on
the outer perimeter where they are in accordance with
the International Fire Code and NFPA 30.
3. Spray paint booths that comply with the International Fire Code need not be located on the outer
perimeter.
[F] 415.6.1 Group H occupancy minimum fire separation distance. Regardless of any other provisions, buildings containing Group H occupancies shall be set back to
the minimum fire separation distance as set forth in Sections 415.6.1.1 through 415.6.1.4. Distances shall be measured from the walls enclosing the occupancy to lot lines,
including those on a public way. Distances to assumed lot
lines established for the purpose of determining exterior
wall and opening protection are not to be used to establish
the minimum fire separation distance for buildings on
sites where explosives are manufactured or used where
separation is provided in accordance with the quantity distance tables specified for explosive materials in the International Fire Code.
[F] 415.6.1.1 Group H-1. Group H-1 occupancies shall
be set back not less than 75 feet (22 860 mm) and not
less than required by the International Fire Code.
Exception: Fireworks manufacturing buildings separated in accordance with NFPA 1124.
[F] 415.6.1.2 Group H-2. Group H-2 occupancies shall
be set back not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) where the
area of the occupancy is greater than 1,000 square feet
(93 m2) and it is not required to be located in a detached
building.
[F] 415.6.1.3 Groups H-2 and H-3. Group H-2 and H-3
occupancies shall be set back not less than 50 feet (15
240 mm) where a detached building is required (see
Table 415.6.2).
[F] 415.6.1.4 Explosive materials. Group H-2 and H-3
occupancies containing materials with explosive characteristics shall be separated as required by the International Fire Code. Where separations are not specified,
the distances required shall be determined by a technical report issued in accordance with Section 414.1.3.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
[F] 415.6.2 Detached buildings for Group H-1, H-2 or
H-3 occupancy. The storage or use of hazardous materials
in excess of those amounts listed in Table 415.6.2 shall be
in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections
415.7 and 415.8.
[F] 415.6.2.1 Wall and opening protection. Where a
detached building is required by Table 415.6.2, wall
and opening protection based on fire separation distance is not required.
[F] 415.7 Special provisions for Group H-1 occupancies.
Group H-1 occupancies shall be in detached buildings not
used for other purposes. Roofs shall be of lightweight construction with suitable thermal insulation to prevent sensitive
material from reaching its decomposition temperature. Group
H-1 occupancies containing materials that are in themselves
both physical and health hazards in quantities exceeding the
maximum allowable quantities per control area in Table
307.1(2) shall comply with requirements for both Group H-1
and H-4 occupancies.
[F] 415.7.1 Floors in storage rooms. Floors in storage
areas for organic peroxides, pyrophoric materials and
unstable (reactive) materials shall be of liquid-tight, noncombustible construction.
[F] 415.8 Special provisions for Group H-2 and H-3
occupancies. Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies containing
quantities of hazardous materials in excess of those set forth
in Table 415.6.2 shall be in detached buildings used for
manufacturing, processing, dispensing, use or storage of
hazardous materials. Materials listed for Group H-1 occupancies in Section 307.3 are permitted to be located within
Group H-2 or H-3 detached buildings provided that the
amount of materials per control area do not exceed the
maximum allowed quantity specified in Table 307.1(1).
[F] 415.8.1 Multiple hazards. Group H-2 or H-3 occupancies containing materials that are in themselves both
physical and health hazards in quantities exceeding the
maximum allowable quantities per control area in Table
307.1(2) shall comply with requirements for Group H-2,
H-3 or H-4 occupancies as applicable.
[F] 415.8.2 Separation of incompatible materials. Hazardous materials other than those listed in Table 415.6.2
shall be allowed in manufacturing, processing, dispensing,
use or storage areas when separated from incompatible
materials in accordance with the provisions of the International Fire Code.
[F] 415.8.3 Water reactives. Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies containing water-reactive materials shall be resistant to
water penetration. Piping for conveying liquids shall not be
over or through areas containing water reactives, unless isolated by approved liquid-tight construction.
Exception: Fire protection piping shall be permitted
over or through areas containing water reactives without isolating it with liquid-tight construction.
[F] 415.8.4 Floors in storage rooms. Floors in storage
areas for organic peroxides, oxidizers, pyrophoric materials, unstable (reactive) materials and water-reactive solids
and liquids shall be of liquid-tight, noncombustible construction.
85
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
[F] 415.8.5 Waterproof room. Rooms or areas used for
the storage of water-reactive solids and liquids shall be
constructed in a manner that resists the penetration of
water through the use of waterproof materials. Piping carrying water for other than approved automatic sprinkler
systems shall not be within such rooms or areas.
[F] 415.9 Group H-2. Occupancies in Group H-2 shall be
constructed in accordance with Sections 415.9.1 through
415.9.3 and the International Fire Code.
[F] 415.9.1 Flammable and combustible liquids. The
storage, handling, processing and transporting of flammable and combustible liquids in Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies shall be in accordance with Sections 415.9.1.1
through 415.9.1.9, the International Mechanical Code and
the International Fire Code.
[F] 415.9.1.1 Mixed occupancies. Where the storage
tank area is located in a building of two or more occupancies and the quantity of liquid exceeds the maximum allowable quantity for one control area, the use
shall be completely separated from adjacent occupancies in accordance with the requirements of Section
508.4.
[F] 415.9.1.1.1 Height exception. Where storage
tanks are located within a building not more than
one story above grade plane, the height limitation of
Section 504 shall not apply for Group H.
[F] 415.9.1.2 Tank protection. Storage tanks shall be
noncombustible and protected from physical damage.
Fire barriers or horizontal assemblies or both around
the storage tanks shall be permitted as the method of
protection from physical damage.
[F] 415.9.1.3 Tanks. Storage tanks shall be approved
tanks conforming to the requirements of the International Fire Code.
[F] 415.9.1.4 Leakage containment. A liquid-tight
containment area compatible with the stored liquid
shall be provided. The method of spill control, drainage
control and secondary containment shall be in accordance with the International Fire Code.
Exception: Rooms where only double-wall storage
tanks conforming to Section 415.9.1.3 are used to
store Class I, II and IIIA flammable and combustible
liquids shall not be required to have a leakage containment area.
[F] 415.9.1.5 Leakage alarm. An approved automatic
alarm shall be provided to indicate a leak in a storage
tank and room. The alarm shall sound an audible signal,
15 dBa above the ambient sound level, at every point of
entry into the room in which the leaking storage tank is
located. An approved sign shall be posted on every
entry door to the tank storage room indicating the
potential hazard of the interior room environment, or
[F] TABLE 415.6.2
DETACHED BUILDING REQUIRED
A DETACHED BUILDING IS REQUIRED WHERE THE QUANTITY OF MATERIAL EXCEEDS THAT LISTED HEREIN
Class
Solids and Liquids (tons)a, b
Gases (cubic feet)a, b
Explosives
Division 1.1
Division 1.2
Division 1.3
Division 1.4
Division 1.4c
Division 1.5
Division 1.6
Maximum Allowable Quantity
Maximum Allowable Quantity
Maximum Allowable Quantity
Maximum Allowable Quantity
1
Maximum Allowable Quantity
Maximum Allowable Quantity
Not Applicable
Oxidizers
Class 4
Maximum Allowable Quantity
Maximum Allowable Quantity
Class 3 or 4
Maximum Allowable Quantity
Maximum Allowable Quantity
Class 3
Class 2
1,200
2,000
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Detonable
Class I
Class II
Class III
Maximum Allowable Quantity
Maximum Allowable Quantity
25
50
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Unstable (reactives) nondetonable
Class 3
Class 2
1
25
2,000
10,000
Water reactives
Class 3
Class 2
1
25
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
2,000
Material
Unstable (reactives) detonable
Oxidizer, liquids and solids
Organic peroxides
Pyrophoric gases
3
For SI: 1 ton = 906 kg, 1 cubic foot = 0.02832 m , 1 pound = 0.454 kg.
a. For materials that are detonable, the distance to other buildings or lot lines shall be in accordance with Section 415.6 of this code or Chapter 56 of the
International Fire Code based on trinitrotoluene (TNT) equivalence of the material, whichever is greater.
b. “Maximum Allowable Quantity” means the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in Table 307.1(1).
c. Limited to Division 1.4 materials and articles, including articles packaged for shipment, that are not regulated as an explosive under Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF) regulations or unpackaged articles used in process operations that do not propagate a detonation or deflagration
between articles, provided that the net explosive weight of individual articles does not exceed 1 pound.
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2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
the sign shall state: WARNING, WHEN ALARM
SOUNDS, THE ENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE
ROOM MAY BE HAZARDOUS. The leakage alarm
shall be supervised in accordance with Chapter 9 to
transmit a trouble signal.
[F] 415.9.1.6 Tank vent. Storage tank vents for Class
I, II or IIIA liquids shall terminate to the outdoor air in
accordance with the International Fire Code.
[F] 415.9.1.7 Room ventilation. Storage tank areas
storing Class I, II or IIIA liquids shall be provided
with mechanical ventilation. The mechanical ventilation system shall be in accordance with the International Mechanical Code and the International Fire
Code.
[F] 415.9.1.8 Explosion venting. Where Class I liquids
are being stored, explosion venting shall be provided in
accordance with the International Fire Code.
[F] 415.9.1.9 Tank openings other than vents. Tank
openings other than vents from tanks inside buildings
shall be designed to ensure that liquids or vapor concentrations are not released inside the building.
[F] 415.9.2 Liquefied petroleum gas facilities. The construction and installation of liquefied petroleum gas facilities shall be in accordance with the requirements of this
code, the International Fire Code, the International
Mechanical Code, the International Fuel Gas Code and
NFPA 58.
[F] 415.9.3 Dry cleaning plants. The construction and
installation of dry cleaning plants shall be in accordance
with the requirements of this code, the International
Mechanical Code, the International Plumbing Code and
NFPA 32. Dry cleaning solvents and systems shall be classified in accordance with the International Fire Code.
[F] 415.10 Groups H-3 and H-4. Groups H-3 and H-4 shall
be constructed in accordance with the applicable provisions
of this code and the International Fire Code.
[F] 415.10.1 Flammable and combustible liquids. The
storage, handling, processing and transporting of flammable and combustible liquids in Group H-3 occupancies
shall be in accordance with Section 415.9.1.
[F] 415.10.2 Gas rooms. Where gas rooms are provided,
such rooms shall be separated from other areas by not less
than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with
Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
[F] 415.10.3 Floors in storage rooms. Floors in storage
areas for corrosive liquids and highly toxic or toxic materials shall be of liquid-tight, noncombustible construction.
[F] 415.10.4 Separation of highly toxic solids and liquids. Highly toxic solids and liquids not stored in
approved hazardous materials storage cabinets shall be
isolated from other hazardous materials storage by not less
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with
Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
[F] 415.11 Group H-5. In addition to the requirements set
forth elsewhere in this code, Group H-5 shall comply with the
provisions of Sections 415.11.1 through 415.11.11 and the
International Fire Code.
[F] 415.11.1 Fabrication areas. Fabrication areas shall
comply with Sections 415.11.1.1 through 415.11.1.8.
[F] 415.11.1.1 Hazardous materials. Hazardous
materials and hazardous production materials (HPM)
shall comply with Sections 415.11.1.1.1 and
415.11.1.1.2.
[F] 415.11.1.1.1 Aggregate quantities. The aggregate quantities of hazardous materials stored and
used in a single fabrication area shall not exceed the
quantities set forth in Table 415.11.1.1.1.
Exception: The quantity limitations for any hazard category in Table 415.11.1.1.1 shall not apply
where the fabrication area contains quantities of
hazardous materials not exceeding the maximum
allowable quantities per control area established
by Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2).
[F] 415.11.1.1.2 Hazardous production materials.
The maximum quantities of hazardous production
materials (HPM) stored in a single fabrication area
shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantities
per control area established by Tables 307.1(1) and
307.1(2).
[F] 415.11.1.2 Separation. Fabrication areas, whose
sizes are limited by the quantity of hazardous materials
allowed by Table 415.11.1.1.1, shall be separated from
each other, from corridors and from other parts of the
building by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal
assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711,
or both.
Exceptions:
1. Doors within such fire barrier walls, including
doors to corridors, shall be only self-closing
fire door assemblies having a fire protection
rating of not less than 3/4 hour.
2. Windows between fabrication areas and corridors are permitted to be fixed glazing listed
and labeled for a fire protection rating of not
less than 3/4 hour in accordance with Section
716.
[F] 415.11.1.3 Location of occupied levels. Occupied
levels of fabrication areas shall be located at or above
the first story above grade plane.
87
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
[F] TABLE 415.11.1.1.1
QUANTITY LIMITS FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN A SINGLE FABRICATION AREA IN GROUP H-5a
HAZARD CATEGORY
Combustible dust
Combustible fiber
Combustible liquid
Combination Class
Cryogenic gas
Loose
Baled
II
IIIA
IIIB
I, II and IIIA
Flammable
Oxidizing
Explosives
Flammable gas
Flammable liquid
Combination Class
Combination Class
Flammable solid
Organic peroxide
Oxidizing gas
Gaseous
Liquefied
IA
IB
IC
IA, IB and IC
I, II and IIIA
Unclassified
detonable
Class I
Class II
Class III
Class IV
Class V
Gaseous
Liquefied
SOLIDS
LIQUIDS
(pounds per square foot)
(gallons per square foot)
PHYSICAL-HAZARD MATERIALS
Note b
Note b
Notes b and c
GAS
(cubic feet @ NTP/square foot)
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
0.01
0.02
Not Limited
0.04
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Note b
Note b
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
0.0025
0.025
0.025
0.025
0.04
Not Applicable
0.001
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Note b
Note b
0.025
0.1
Not Limited
Not Limited
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Note d
1.25
Note b
Note d
Note d
1.25
1.25
1.25
Combination of gaseous and liquefied
Oxidizer
Class 4
Class 3
Class 2
Class 1
Combination Class
1, 2, 3
Pyrophoric materials
Class 4
Class 3
Unstable (reactive)
Class 2
Class 1
Class 3
Class 2
Water reactive
Class 1
Corrosives
Highly toxic
Toxics
Not Limited
Not Limited
Not Limited
Note b
0.003
0.003
0.003
0.003
Note b
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.03
Not Applicable
0.01
0.00125
Notes d and e
Note b
0.025
0.1
Not Limited
Note b
0.0025
0.01
Not Limited
Note b
Note b
Note b
Not Limited
Note b
0.25
Not Limited
0.00125
0.025
Not Limited
Not Applicable
HEALTH-HAZARD MATERIALS
Not Limited
Not Limited
Not Limited
Not Limited
Note d
Note d
For SI: 1 pound per square foot = 4.882 kg/m2, 1 gallon per square foot = 40.7 L/m2, 1 cubic foot @ NTP/square foot = 0.305 m3 @ NTP/m2,
1 cubic foot = 0.02832 m3.
a. Hazardous materials within piping shall not be included in the calculated quantities.
b. Quantity of hazardous materials in a single fabrication shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantities per control area in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2).
c. Densely packed baled cotton that complies with the packing requirements of ISO 8115 shall not be included in this material class.
d. The aggregate quantity of flammable, pyrophoric, toxic and highly toxic gases shall not exceed the greater of 0.2 cubic feet at NTP/square foot or 9,000 cubic
feet at NTP.
e. The aggregate quantity of pyrophoric gases in the building shall not exceed the amounts set forth in Table 415.6.2.
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2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
[F] 415.11.1.4 Floors. Except for surfacing, floors
within fabrication areas shall be of noncombustible
construction.
Openings through floors of fabrication areas are
permitted to be unprotected where the interconnected
levels are used solely for mechanical equipment
directly related to such fabrication areas (see Section
415.11.1.5).
Floors forming a part of an occupancy separation
shall be liquid tight.
[F] 415.11.1.5 Shafts and openings through floors.
Elevator hoistways, vent shafts and other openings
through floors shall be enclosed where required by Sections 712 and 713. Mechanical, duct and piping penetrations within a fabrication area shall not extend
through more than two floors. The annular space
around penetrations for cables, cable trays, tubing, piping, conduit or ducts shall be sealed at the floor level to
restrict the movement of air. The fabrication area,
including the areas through which the ductwork and
piping extend, shall be considered to be a single conditioned environment.
[F] 415.11.1.6 Ventilation. Mechanical exhaust ventilation at the rate of not less than 1 cubic foot per minute
per square foot [0.0051 m3/(s · m2)] of floor area shall
be provided throughout the portions of the fabrication
area where HPM are used or stored. The exhaust air
duct system of one fabrication area shall not connect to
another duct system outside that fabrication area
within the building.
A ventilation system shall be provided to capture
and exhaust gases, fumes and vapors at workstations.
Two or more operations at a workstation shall not
be connected to the same exhaust system where either
one or the combination of the substances removed
could constitute a fire, explosion or hazardous chemical
reaction within the exhaust duct system.
Exhaust ducts penetrating fire barriers constructed
in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 shall
be contained in a shaft of equivalent fire-resistancerated construction. Exhaust ducts shall not penetrate
fire walls.
Fire dampers shall not be installed in exhaust ducts.
[F] 415.11.1.7 Transporting hazardous production
materials to fabrication areas. HPM shall be transported to fabrication areas through enclosed piping or
tubing systems that comply with Section 415.11.6,
through service corridors complying with Section
415.11.3, or in corridors as permitted in the exception
to Section 415.11.2. The handling or transporting of
HPM within service corridors shall comply with the
International Fire Code.
[F] 415.11.1.8 Electrical. Electrical equipment and
devices within the fabrication area shall comply with
NFPA 70. The requirements for hazardous locations
need not be applied where the average air change is not
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
less than four times that set forth in Section 415.11.1.6
and where the number of air changes at any location is
not less than three times that required by Section
415.11.1.6. The use of recirculated air shall be permitted.
[F] 415.11.1.8.1 Workstations. Workstations shall
not be energized without adequate exhaust ventilation. See Section 415.11.1.6 for workstation
exhaust ventilation requirements.
[F] 415.11.2 Corridors. Corridors shall comply with
Chapter 10 and shall be separated from fabrication areas
as specified in Section 415.11.1.2. Corridors shall not
contain HPM and shall not be used for transporting such
materials except through closed piping systems as provided in Section 415.11.6.4.
Exception: Where existing fabrication areas are
altered or modified, HPM is allowed to be transported
in existing corridors, subject to the following conditions:
1. Nonproduction HPM is allowed to be transported
in corridors if utilized for maintenance, lab work
and testing.
2. Where existing fabrication areas are altered or
modified, HPM is allowed to be transported in
existing corridors, subject to the following conditions:
2.1. Corridors. Corridors adjacent to the fabrication area where the alteration work is
to be done shall comply with Section
1020 for a length determined as follows:
2.1.1. The length of the common wall
of the corridor and the
fabrication area; and
2.1.2. For the distance along the
corridor to the point of entry of
HPM into the corridor serving
that fabrication area.
2.2. Emergency alarm system. There shall be
an emergency telephone system, a local
manual alarm station or other approved
alarm-initiating device within corridors at
not more than 150-foot (45 720 mm)
intervals and at each exit and doorway.
The signal shall be relayed to an approved
central, proprietary or remote station service or the emergency control station and
shall initiate a local audible alarm.
2.3. Pass-throughs. Self-closing doors having
a fire protection rating of not less than 1
hour shall separate pass-throughs from
existing corridors. Pass-throughs shall be
constructed as required for the corridors
and protected by an approved automatic
sprinkler system.
[F] 415.11.3 Service corridors. Service corridors within
a Group H-5 occupancy shall comply with Sections
415.11.3.1 through 415.11.3.4.
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
[F] 415.11.3.1 Use conditions. Service corridors shall
be separated from corridors as required by Section
415.11.1.2. Service corridors shall not be used as a
required corridor.
[F] 415.11.3.2 Mechanical ventilation. Service corridors shall be mechanically ventilated as required by
Section 415.11.1.6 or at not less than six air changes
per hour.
[F] 415.11.3.3 Means of egress. The distance of travel
from any point in a service corridor to an exit, exit
access corridor or door into a fabrication area shall be
not greater than 75 feet (22 860 mm). Dead ends shall
be not greater than 4 feet (1219 mm) in length. There
shall be not less than two exits, and not more than onehalf of the required means of egress shall require travel
into a fabrication area. Doors from service corridors
shall swing in the direction of egress travel and shall be
self-closing.
[F] 415.11.3.4 Minimum width. The clear width of a
service corridor shall be not less than 5 feet (1524
mm), or 33 inches (838 mm) wider than the widest cart
or truck used in the service corridor, whichever is
greater.
[F] 415.11.3.5 Emergency alarm system. Emergency
alarm systems shall be provided in accordance with this
section and Sections 415.5.1 and 415.5.2. The maximum allowable quantity per control area provisions
shall not apply to emergency alarm systems required
for HPM.
[F] 415.11.3.5.1 Service corridors. An emergency
alarm system shall be provided in service corridors,
with not fewer than one alarm device in each service
corridor.
[F] 415.11.3.5.2 Corridors and interior exit stairways and ramps. Emergency alarms for corridors,
interior exit stairways and ramps and exit passageways shall comply with Section 415.5.2.
[F] 415.11.3.5.3 Liquid storage rooms, HPM
rooms and gas rooms. Emergency alarms for liquid
storage rooms, HPM rooms and gas rooms shall
comply with Section 415.5.1.
[F] 415.11.3.5.4 Alarm-initiating devices. An
approved emergency telephone system, local alarm
manual pull stations, or other approved alarm-initiating devices are allowed to be used as emergency
alarm-initiating devices.
[F] 415.11.3.5.5 Alarm signals. Activation of the
emergency alarm system shall sound a local alarm
and transmit a signal to the emergency control station.
[F] 415.11.4 Storage of hazardous production materials. Storage of hazardous production materials (HPM) in
fabrication areas shall be within approved or listed storage cabinets or gas cabinets or within a workstation. The
storage of HPM in quantities greater than those listed in
Section 5004.2 of the International Fire Code shall be in
liquid storage rooms, HPM rooms or gas rooms as appro90
priate for the materials stored. The storage of other hazardous materials shall be in accordance with other applicable
provisions of this code and the International Fire Code.
[F] 415.11.5 HPM rooms, gas rooms, liquid storage
room construction. HPM rooms, gas rooms and liquid
shall be constructed in accordance with Sections
415.11.5.1 through 415.11.5.9.
[F] 415.11.5.1 HPM rooms and gas rooms. HPM
rooms and gas rooms shall be separated from other
areas by fire barriers constructed in accordance with
Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in
accordance with Section 711, or both. The fire-resistance rating shall be not less than 2 hours where the
area is 300 square feet (27.9 m2) or more and not less
than 1 hour where the area is less than 300 square feet
(27.9 m2).
[F] 415.11.5.2 Liquid storage rooms. Liquid storage
rooms shall be constructed in accordance with the following requirements:
1. Rooms greater than 500 square feet (46.5 m2) in
area, shall have not fewer than one exterior door
approved for fire department access.
2. Rooms shall be separated from other areas by fire
barriers constructed in accordance with Section
707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in
accordance with Section 711, or both. The fireresistance rating shall be not less than 1 hour for
rooms up to 150 square feet (13.9 m2) in area and
not less than 2 hours where the room is more than
150 square feet (13.9 m2) in area.
3. Shelving, racks and wainscotting in such areas
shall be of noncombustible construction or wood
of not less than 1-inch (25 mm) nominal thickness or fire-retardant-treated wood complying
with Section 2303.2.
4. Rooms used for the storage of Class I flammable
liquids shall not be located in a basement.
[F] 415.11.5.3 Floors. Except for surfacing, floors of
HPM rooms and liquid storage rooms shall be of noncombustible liquid-tight construction. Raised grating
over floors shall be of noncombustible materials.
[F] 415.11.5.4 Location. Where HPM rooms, liquid
storage rooms and gas rooms are provided, they shall
have not fewer than one exterior wall and such wall
shall be not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from lot lines,
including lot lines adjacent to public ways.
[F] 415.11.5.5 Explosion control. Explosion control
shall be provided where required by Section 414.5.1.
[F] 415.11.5.6 Exits. Where two exits are required
from HPM rooms, liquid storage rooms and gas rooms,
one shall be directly to the outside of the building.
[F] 415.11.5.7 Doors. Doors in a fire barrier wall,
including doors to corridors, shall be self-closing fire
door assemblies having a fire protection rating of not
less than 3/4 hour.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
[F] 415.11.5.8 Ventilation. Mechanical exhaust ventilation shall be provided in liquid storage rooms, HPM
rooms and gas rooms at the rate of not less than 1 cubic
foot per minute per square foot (0.044 L/s/m2) of floor
area or six air changes per hour.
Exhaust ventilation for gas rooms shall be designed
to operate at a negative pressure in relation to the surrounding areas and direct the exhaust ventilation to an
exhaust system.
[F] 415.11.5.9 Emergency alarm system. An
approved emergency alarm system shall be provided
for HPM rooms, liquid storage rooms and gas rooms.
Emergency alarm-initiating devices shall be installed
outside of each interior exit door of such rooms.
Activation of an emergency alarm-initiating device
shall sound a local alarm and transmit a signal to the
emergency control station.
2. Ventilation not less than six air changes per hour
shall be provided. The space shall not be used to
convey air from any other area.
3. Where the piping or tubing is used to transport
HPM liquids, a receptor shall be installed below
such piping or tubing. The receptor shall be
designed to collect any discharge or leakage and
drain it to an approved location. The 1-hour
enclosure shall not be used as part of the receptor.
4. HPM supply piping and tubing and nonmetallic
waste lines shall be separated from the corridor
and from occupancies other than Group H-5 by
fire barriers or by an approved method or assembly that has a fire-resistance rating of not less
than 1 hour. Access openings into the enclosure
shall be protected by approved fire-protectionrated assemblies.
An approved emergency telephone system, local
alarm manual pull stations or other approved alarm-initiating devices are allowed to be used as emergency
alarm-initiating devices.
[F] 415.11.6 Piping and tubing. Hazardous production
materials piping and tubing shall comply with this section
and ASME B31.3.
5. Readily accessible manual or automatic remotely
activated fail-safe emergency shutoff valves shall
be installed on piping and tubing other than waste
lines at the following locations:
[F] 415.11.6.1 HPM having a health-hazard ranking
of 3 or 4. Systems supplying HPM liquids or gases
having a health-hazard ranking of 3 or 4 shall be
welded throughout, except for connections, to the systems that are within a ventilated enclosure if the material is a gas, or an approved method of drainage or
containment is provided for the connections if the
material is a liquid.
Exception: Transverse crossings of the corridors by
supply piping that is enclosed within a ferrous pipe
or tube for the width of the corridor need not comply with Items 1 through 5.
[F] 415.11.6.2 Location in service corridors. Hazardous production materials supply piping or tubing in service corridors shall be exposed to view.
[F] 415.11.6.3 Excess flow control. Where HPM gases
or liquids are carried in pressurized piping above 15
pounds per square inch gauge (psig) (103.4 kPa),
excess flow control shall be provided. Where the piping
originates from within a liquid storage room, HPM
room or gas room, the excess flow control shall be
located within the liquid storage room, HPM room or
gas room. Where the piping originates from a bulk
source, the excess flow control shall be located as close
to the bulk source as practical.
[F] 415.11.6.4 Installations in corridors and above
other occupancies. The installation of HPM piping
and tubing within the space defined by the walls of corridors and the floor or roof above, or in concealed
spaces above other occupancies, shall be in accordance
with Sections 415.11.6.1 through 415.11.6.3 and the
following conditions:
1. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed within the
space unless the space is less than 6 inches (152
mm) in the least dimension.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
5.1. At branch connections into the fabrication area.
5.2. At entries into corridors.
[F] 415.11.6.5 Identification. Piping, tubing and HPM
waste lines shall be identified in accordance with ANSI
A13.1 to indicate the material being transported.
[F] 415.11.7 Gas detection systems. A gas detection system complying with Section 916 shall be provided for
HPM gases where the physiological warning threshold
level of the gas is at a higher level than the accepted permissible exposure limit (PEL) for the gas and for flammable gases in accordance with Sections 415.11.7.1 through
415.11.7.2.
[F] 415.11.7.1 Where required. A gas detection system shall be provided in the areas identified in Sections
415.11.7.1.1 through 415.11.7.1.4.
[F] 415.11.7.1.1 Fabrication areas. A gas detection
system shall be provided in fabrication areas where
HPM gas is used in the fabrication area.
[F] 415.11.7.1.2 HPM rooms. A continuous gas
detection system shall be provided in HPM rooms
where HPM gas is used in the room.
[F] 415.11.7.1.3 Gas cabinets, exhausted enclosures and gas rooms. A gas detection system shall
be provided in gas cabinets and exhausted enclosures for HPM gas. A gas detection system shall be
provided in gas rooms where HPM gases are not
located in gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures.
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
[F] 415.11.7.1.4 Corridors. Where HPM gases are
transported in piping placed within the space
defined by the walls of a corridor and the floor or
roof above the corridor, a gas detection system shall
be provided where piping is located and in the corridor.
Exception: A gas detection system is not
required for occasional transverse crossings of
the corridors by supply piping that is enclosed in
a ferrous pipe or tube for the width of the corridor.
[F] 415.11.7.2 Gas detection system operation. The
gas detection system shall be capable of monitoring the
room, area or equipment in which the HPM gas is
located at or below all the following gas concentrations:
1. Immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)
values where the monitoring point is within an
exhausted enclosure, ventilated enclosure or gas
cabinet.
2. Permissible exposure limit (PEL) levels where
the monitoring point is in an area outside an
exhausted enclosure, ventilated enclosure or gas
cabinet.
3. For flammable gases, the monitoring detection
threshold level shall be vapor concentrations in
excess of 25 percent of the lower flammable limit
(LFL) where the monitoring is within or outside
an exhausted enclosure, ventilated enclosure or
gas cabinet.
4. Except as noted in this section, monitoring for
highly toxic and toxic gases shall also comply
with Chapter 60 of the International Fire Code.
[F] 415.11.7.2.1 Alarms. The gas detection system
shall initiate a local alarm and transmit a signal to
the emergency control station when a short-term
hazard condition is detected. The alarm shall be both
visual and audible and shall provide warning both
inside and outside the area where the gas is detected.
The audible alarm shall be distinct from all other
alarms.
[F] 415.11.7.2.2 Shutoff of gas supply. The gas
detection system shall automatically close the shutoff valve at the source on gas supply piping and tubing related to the system being monitored for which
gas is detected when a short-term hazard condition
is detected. Automatic closure of shutoff valves
shall comply with the following:
1. Where the gas detection sampling point initiating the gas detection system alarm is within
a gas cabinet or exhausted enclosure, the shutoff valve in the gas cabinet or exhausted
enclosure for the specific gas detected shall
automatically close.
2. Where the gas detection sampling point initiating the gas detection system alarm is within
92
a room and compressed gas containers are not
in gas cabinets or an exhausted enclosure, the
shutoff valves on all gas lines for the specific
gas detected shall automatically close.
3. Where the gas detection sampling point initiating the gas detection system alarm is within
a piping distribution manifold enclosure, the
shutoff valve supplying the manifold for the
compressed gas container of the specific gas
detected shall automatically close.
Exception: Where the gas detection sampling
point initiating the gas detection system alarm is
at the use location or within a gas valve enclosure
of a branch line downstream of a piping distribution manifold, the shutoff valve for the branch
line located in the piping distribution manifold
enclosure shall automatically close.
[F] 415.11.8 Manual fire alarm system. An approved
manual fire alarm system shall be provided throughout
buildings containing Group H-5. Activation of the alarm
system shall initiate a local alarm and transmit a signal to
the emergency control station. The fire alarm system shall
be designed and installed in accordance with Section 907.
[F] 415.11.9 Emergency control station. An emergency
control station shall be provided in accordance with Sections 415.11.9.1 through 415.11.9.3.
[F] 415.11.9.1 Location. The emergency control station shall be located on the premises at an approved
location outside the fabrication area.
[F] 415.11.9.2 Staffing. Trained personnel shall continuously staff the emergency control station.
[F] 415.11.9.3 Signals. The emergency control station
shall receive signals from emergency equipment and
alarm and detection systems. Such emergency equipment and alarm and detection systems shall include, but
not be limited to, the following where such equipment
or systems are required to be provided either in this
chapter or elsewhere in this code:
1. Automatic sprinkler system alarm and monitoring
systems.
2. Manual fire alarm systems.
3. Emergency alarm systems.
4. Gas detection systems.
5. Smoke detection systems.
6. Emergency power system.
7. Automatic detection and alarm systems for pyrophoric liquids and Class 3 water-reactive liquids
required in Section 2705.2.3.4 of the International Fire Code.
8. Exhaust ventilation flow alarm devices for pyrophoric liquids and Class 3 water-reactive liquids
cabinet exhaust ventilation systems required in
Section 2705.2.3.4 of the International Fire
Code.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
[F] 415.11.10 Emergency power system. An emergency
power system shall be provided in Group H-5 occupancies
in accordance with Section 2702. The emergency power
system shall supply power automatically to the electrical
systems specified in Section 415.11.10.1 when the normal
electrical supply system is interrupted.
[F] 415.11.11.2 Combustible nonmetallic exhaust
ducts. Automatic sprinkler system protection shall be
provided in combustible nonmetallic exhaust ducts
where the largest cross-sectional diameter of the duct is
equal to or greater than 10 inches (254 mm).
[F] 415.11.10.1 Required electrical systems. Emergency power shall be provided for electrically operated
equipment and connected control circuits for the following systems:
1. Ducts listed or approved for applications without automatic sprinkler system protection.
1. HPM exhaust ventilation systems.
2. HPM gas cabinet ventilation systems.
3. HPM exhausted enclosure ventilation systems.
4. HPM gas room ventilation systems.
5. HPM gas detection systems.
Exception: Ducts need not be provided with automatic sprinkler protection as follows:
2. Ducts not more than 12 feet (3658 mm) in
length installed below ceiling level.
[F] 415.11.11.3 Automatic sprinkler locations. Sprinkler systems shall be installed at 12-foot (3658 mm)
intervals in horizontal ducts and at changes in direction.
In vertical ducts, sprinklers shall be installed at the top
and at alternate floor levels.
6. Emergency alarm systems.
7. Manual and automatic fire alarm systems.
8. Automatic sprinkler system monitoring and alarm
systems.
9. Automatic alarm and detection systems for pyrophoric liquids and Class 3 water-reactive liquids
required in Section 2705.2.3.4 of the International Fire Code.
10. Flow alarm switches for pyrophoric liquids and
Class 3 water-reactive liquids cabinet exhaust
ventilation systems required in Section
2705.2.3.4 of the International Fire Code.
11. Electrically operated systems required elsewhere
in this code or in the International Fire Code
applicable to the use, storage or handling of
HPM.
[F] 415.11.10.2 Exhaust ventilation systems. Exhaust
ventilation systems are allowed to be designed to operate at not less than one-half the normal fan speed on the
emergency power system where it is demonstrated that
the level of exhaust will maintain a safe atmosphere.
[F] 415.11.11 Automatic sprinkler system protection in
exhaust ducts for HPM. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in exhaust ducts conveying
gases, vapors, fumes, mists or dusts generated from HPM
in accordance with Sections 415.11.11.1 through
415.11.11.3 and the International Mechanical Code.
[F] 415.11.11.1 Metallic and noncombustible nonmetallic exhaust ducts. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in metallic and
noncombustible nonmetallic exhaust ducts where all of
the following conditions apply:
1. Where the largest cross-sectional diameter is
equal to or greater than 10 inches (254 mm).
2. The ducts are within the building.
3. The ducts are conveying flammable gases, vapors
or fumes.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SECTION 416
SPRAY APPLICATION OF FLAMMABLE FINISHES
[F] 416.1 General. The provisions of this section shall apply
to the construction, installation and use of buildings and
structures, or parts thereof, for the spray application of flammable finishes. Operations and equipment shall comply with
the International Fire Code.
[F] 416.2 Spray rooms. Spray rooms shall be enclosed with
not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance
with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in
accordance with Section 711, or both. Floors shall be waterproofed and drained in an approved manner.
[F] 416.2.1 Construction. Walls and ceilings of spray
rooms shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or
the interior surface shall be completely covered with noncombustible materials. Aluminum shall not be used.
[F] 416.2.2 Surfaces. The interior surfaces of spray rooms
shall be smooth and shall be so constructed to permit the
free passage of exhaust air from all parts of the interior
and to facilitate washing and cleaning, and shall be so
designed to confine residues within the room.
[F] 416.2.3 Ventilation. Mechanical ventilation and interlocks with the spraying operation shall be in accordance
with the International Fire Code and International
Mechanical Code.
[F] 416.3 Spraying spaces. Spraying spaces shall be ventilated with an exhaust system to prevent the accumulation of
flammable mist or vapors in accordance with the International Mechanical Code. Where such spaces are not separately enclosed, noncombustible spray curtains shall be
provided to restrict the spread of flammable vapors.
[F] 416.3.1 Surfaces. The interior surfaces of spraying
spaces shall be smooth; shall be so constructed to permit
the free passage of exhaust air from all parts of the interior
and to facilitate washing and cleaning; and shall be so
designed to confine residues within the spraying space. Aluminum shall not be used.
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
[F] 416.4 Spray booths. Spray booths shall be designed, constructed and operated in accordance with the International
Fire Code.
[F] 416.5 Fire protection. An automatic sprinkler system or
fire-extinguishing system shall be provided in all spray rooms
and spray booths, and shall be installed in accordance with
Chapter 9.
SECTION 417
DRYING ROOMS
[F] 417.1 General. A drying room or dry kiln installed within
a building shall be constructed entirely of approved noncombustible materials or assemblies of such materials regulated
by the approved rules or as required in the general and specific sections of this chapter for special occupancies and
where applicable to the general requirements of the International Mechanical Code.
[F] 417.2 Piping clearance. Overhead heating pipes shall
have a clearance of not less than 2 inches (51 mm) from combustible contents in the dryer.
[F] 417.3 Insulation. Where the operating temperature of the
dryer is 175°F (79°C) or more, metal enclosures shall be
insulated from adjacent combustible materials by not less
than 12 inches (305 mm) of airspace, or the metal walls shall
be lined with 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) insulating mill board or other
approved equivalent insulation.
[F] 417.4 Fire protection. Drying rooms designed for highhazard materials and processes, including special occupancies as provided for in Chapter 4, shall be protected by an
approved automatic fire-extinguishing system complying
with the provisions of Chapter 9.
SECTION 418
ORGANIC COATINGS
[F] 418.1 Building features. Manufacturing of organic coatings shall be done only in buildings that do not have pits or
basements.
[F] 418.2 Location. Organic coating manufacturing operations and operations incidental to or connected therewith
shall not be located in buildings having other occupancies.
[F] 418.3 Process mills. Mills operating with close clearances and that process flammable and heat-sensitive materials, such as nitrocellulose, shall be located in a detached
building or noncombustible structure.
[F] 418.4 Tank storage. Storage areas for flammable and
combustible liquid tanks inside of structures shall be located
at or above grade and shall be separated from the processing
area by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in
accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
[F] 418.5 Nitrocellulose storage. Nitrocellulose storage shall
be located on a detached pad or in a separate structure or a
room enclosed with not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
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[F] 418.6 Finished products. Storage rooms for finished
products that are flammable or combustible liquids shall be
separated from the processing area by not less than 2-hour
fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or
horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section
711, or both.
SECTION 419
LIVE/WORK UNITS
419.1 General. A live/work unit shall comply with Sections
419.1 through 419.9.
Exception: Dwelling or sleeping units that include an
office that is less than 10 percent of the area of the dwelling unit are permitted to be classified as dwelling units
with accessory occupancies in accordance with Section
508.2.
419.1.1 Limitations. All of the following shall apply to
live/work areas:
1. The live/work unit is permitted to be not greater than
3,000 square feet (279 m2) in area.
2. The nonresidential area is permitted to be not more
than 50 percent of the area of each live/work unit.
3. The nonresidential area function shall be limited to
the first or main floor only of the live/work unit.
4. Not more than five nonresidential workers or
employees are allowed to occupy the nonresidential
area at any one time.
419.2 Occupancies. Live/work units shall be classified as a
Group R-2 occupancy. Separation requirements found in Sections 420 and 508 shall not apply within the live/work unit
where the live/work unit is in compliance with Section 419.
Nonresidential uses that would otherwise be classified as
either a Group H or S occupancy shall not be permitted in a
live/work unit.
Exception: Storage shall be permitted in the live/work unit
provided that the aggregate area of storage in the nonresidential portion of the live/work unit shall be limited to 10
percent of the space dedicated to nonresidential activities.
419.3 Means of egress. Except as modified by this section,
the means of egress components for a live/work unit shall be
designed in accordance with Chapter 10 for the function
served.
419.3.1 Egress capacity. The egress capacity for each element of the live/work unit shall be based on the occupant
load for the function served in accordance with Table
1004.5.
419.3.2 Spiral stairways. Spiral stairways that conform
to the requirements of Section 1011.10 shall be permitted.
419.4 Vertical openings. Floor openings between floor levels of a live/work unit are permitted without enclosure.
[F] 419.5 Fire protection. The live/work unit shall be provided with a monitored fire alarm system where required by
Section 907.2.9 and an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.8.
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
419.6 Structural. Floors within a live/work unit shall be
designed for the live loads in Table 1607.1, based on the
function within the space.
419.7 Accessibility. Accessibility shall be designed in accordance with Chapter 11 for the function served.
419.8 Ventilation. The applicable ventilation requirements
of the International Mechanical Code shall apply to each area
within the live/work unit for the function within that space.
419.9 Plumbing facilities. The nonresidential area of the
live/work unit shall be provided with minimum plumbing
facilities as specified by Chapter 29, based on the function of
the nonresidential area. Where the nonresidential area of the
live/work unit is required to be accessible by Section
1107.6.2.1, the plumbing fixtures specified by Chapter 29
shall be accessible.
SECTION 420
GROUPS I-1, R-1, R-2, R-3 AND R-4
420.1 General. Occupancies in Groups I-1, R-1, R-2, R-3
and R-4 shall comply with the provisions of Sections 420.1
through 420.10 and other applicable provisions of this code.
420.2 Separation walls. Walls separating dwelling units in
the same building, walls separating sleeping units in the same
building and walls separating dwelling or sleeping units from
other occupancies contiguous to them in the same building
shall be constructed as fire partitions in accordance with Section 708.
Exceptions:
1. Where sleeping units include private bathrooms,
walls between bedrooms and the associated private
bathrooms are not required to be constructed as fire
partitions.
2. Where sleeping units are constructed as suites, walls
between bedrooms within the sleeping unit and the
walls between the bedrooms and associated living
spaces are not required to be constructed as fire partitions.
3. In Group R-3 and R-4 facilities, walls within the
dwelling units or sleeping units are not required to
be constructed as fire partitions.
420.3 Horizontal separation. Floor assemblies separating
dwelling units in the same buildings, floor assemblies separating sleeping units in the same building and floor assemblies separating dwelling or sleeping units from other
occupancies contiguous to them in the same building shall be
constructed as horizontal assemblies in accordance with Section 711.
Exception: In Group R-3 and R-4 facilities, floor assemblies within the dwelling units or sleeping units are not
required to be constructed as horizontal assemblies.
[F] 420.4 Automatic sprinkler system. Group R occupancies shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with Section 903.2.8. Group I-1 occupancies shall be equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6. Quick2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
response or residential automatic sprinklers shall be installed
in accordance with Section 903.3.2.
[F] 420.5 Fire alarm systems and smoke alarms. Fire alarm
systems and smoke alarms shall be provided in Group I-1, R1 and R-2 occupancies in accordance with Sections 907.2.6,
907.2.8 and 907.2.9, respectively. Single- or multiple-station
smoke alarms shall be provided in Groups I-1, R-2, R-3 and
R-4 in accordance with Section 907.2.10.
420.6 Smoke barriers in Group I-1, Condition 2. Smoke
barriers shall be provided in Group I-1, Condition 2 to subdivide every story used by persons receiving care, treatment or
sleeping and to provide other stories with an occupant load of
50 or more persons, into not fewer than two smoke compartments. Such stories shall be divided into smoke compartments with an area of not more than 22,500 square feet (2092
m2) and the distance of travel from any point in a smoke compartment to a smoke barrier door shall not exceed 200 feet
(60 960 mm). The smoke barrier shall be in accordance with
Section 709.
420.6.1 Refuge area. Refuge areas shall be provided
within each smoke compartment. The size of the refuge
area shall accommodate the occupants and care recipients
from the adjoining smoke compartment. Where a smoke
compartment is adjoined by two or more smoke compartments, the minimum area of the refuge area shall accommodate the largest occupant load of the adjoining
compartments. The size of the refuge area shall provide
the following:
1. Not less than 15 net square feet (1.4 m2) for each
care recipient.
2. Not less than 6 net square feet (0.56 m2) for other
occupants.
Areas or spaces permitted to be included in the calculation of the refuge area are corridors, lounge or dining areas
and other low-hazard areas.
420.7 Group I-1 assisted living housing units. In Group I-1
occupancies, where a fire-resistance corridor is provided in
areas where assisted living residents are housed, shared living
spaces, group meeting or multipurpose therapeutic spaces
open to the corridor shall be in accordance with all of the following criteria:
1. The walls and ceilings of the space are constructed as
required for corridors.
2. The spaces are not occupied as resident sleeping rooms,
treatment rooms, incidental uses in accordance with
Section 509, or hazardous uses.
3. The open space is protected by an automatic fire detection system installed in accordance with Section 907.
4. In Group I-1, Condition 1, the corridors onto which the
spaces open are protected by an automatic fire detection system installed in accordance with Section 907, or
the spaces are equipped throughout with quickresponse sprinklers in accordance with Section 903.3.2.
5. In Group I-1, Condition 2, the corridors onto which the
spaces open, in the same smoke compartment, are protected by an automatic fire detection system installed in
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
6. The space is arranged so as not to obstruct access to the
required exits.
420.8 Group I-1 cooking facilities. In Group I-1 occupancies, rooms or spaces that contain cooking facilities with
domestic cooking appliances shall be in accordance with all
of the following criteria:
1. In Group I-1, Condition 1 occupancies, the number of
care recipients served by one cooking facility shall not
be greater than 30.
2. In Group I-1, Condition 2 occupancies, the number of
care recipients served by one cooking facility and
within the same smoke compartment shall not be
greater than 30.
3. The types of domestic cooking appliances permitted
shall be limited to ovens, cooktops, ranges, warmers
and microwaves.
4. The space containing the domestic cooking facilities
shall be arranged so as not to obstruct access to the
required exit.
5. Domestic cooking hoods installed and constructed in
accordance with Section 505 of the International
Mechanical Code shall be provided over cooktops or
ranges.
6. Cooktops and ranges shall be protected in accordance
with Section 904.13.
7. A shutoff for the fuel and electrical supply to the cooking equipment shall be provided in a location that is
accessible only to staff.
8. A timer shall be provided that automatically deactivates
the cooking appliances within a period of not more than
120 minutes.
9. A portable fire extinguisher shall be provided. Installation shall be in accordance with Section 906 and the
extinguisher shall be located within a 30-foot (9144
mm) distance of travel from each domestic cooking
appliance.
420.8.1 Cooking facilities open to the corridor. Cooking
facilities located in a room or space open to a corridor,
aisle or common space shall comply with Section 420.8.
420.9 Group R cooking facilities. In Group R occupancies,
cooking appliances used for domestic cooking operations
shall be in accordance with Section 917.2 of the International
Mechanical Code.
420.10 Group R-2 dormitory cooking facilities. Domestic
cooking appliances for use by residents of Group R-2 college
dormitories shall be in accordance with Sections 420.10.1
and 420.10.2.
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420.10.1 Cooking appliances. Where located in Group R-2
college dormitories, domestic cooking appliances for use by
residents shall be in compliance with all of the following:
1. The types of domestic cooking appliances shall be
limited to ovens, cooktops, ranges, warmers, coffee
makers and microwaves.
2. Domestic cooking appliances shall be limited to
approved locations.
3. Cooktops and ranges shall be protected in accordance with Section 904.13.
4. Cooktops and ranges shall be provided with a
domestic cooking hood installed and constructed in
accordance with Section 505 of the International
Mechanical Code.
420.10.2 Cooking appliances in sleeping rooms. Cooktops, ranges and ovens shall not be installed or used in
sleeping rooms.
SECTION 421
HYDROGEN FUEL GAS ROOMS
[F] 421.1 General. Where required by the International Fire
Code, hydrogen fuel gas rooms shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections 421.1 through 421.7.
[F] 421.2 Location. Hydrogen fuel gas rooms shall not be
located below grade.
[F] 421.3 Design and construction. Hydrogen fuel gas
rooms not classified as Group H shall be separated from other
areas of the building in accordance with Section 509.1.
[F] 421.3.1 Pressure control. Hydrogen fuel gas rooms
shall be provided with a ventilation system designed to
maintain the room at a negative pressure in relation to surrounding rooms and spaces.
[F] 421.3.2 Windows. Operable windows in interior walls
shall not be permitted. Fixed windows shall be permitted
where in accordance with Section 716.
[F] 421.4 Exhaust ventilation. Hydrogen fuel gas rooms
shall be provided with mechanical exhaust ventilation in
accordance with the applicable provisions of Section
502.16.1 of the International Mechanical Code.
[F] 421.5 Gas detection system. Hydrogen fuel gas rooms
shall be provided with a gas detection system that complies
with Sections 421.5.1, 421.5.2, and 916.
[F] 421.5.1 System activation. Activation of a gas detection alarm shall result in both of the following:
1. Initiation of distinct audible and visible alarm signals both inside and outside of the hydrogen fuel gas
room.
2. Automatic activation of the mechanical exhaust ventilation system.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
¬
accordance with Section 907, or the smoke compartment in which the spaces are located is equipped
throughout with quick-response sprinklers in accordance with Section 903.3.2.
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
[F] 421.6 Explosion control. Explosion control shall be provided where required by Section 414.5.1.
[F] 421.7 Standby power. Mechanical ventilation and gas
detection systems shall be provided with a standby power
system in accordance with Section 2702.
SECTION 422
AMBULATORY CARE FACIILITIES
422.1 General. Occupancies classified as ambulatory care
facilities shall comply with the provisions of Sections 422.1
through 422.6 and other applicable provisions of this code.
422.2 Separation. Ambulatory care facilities where the
potential for four or more care recipients are to be incapable
of self-preservation at any time shall be separated from adjacent spaces, corridors or tenants with a fire partition installed
in accordance with Section 708.
422.3 Smoke compartments. Where the aggregate area of
one or more ambulatory care facilities is greater than 10,000
square feet (929 m2) on one story, the story shall be provided
with a smoke barrier to subdivide the story into not fewer
than two smoke compartments. The area of any one such
smoke compartment shall be not greater than 22,500 square
feet (2092 m2). The distance of travel from any point in a
smoke compartment to a smoke barrier door shall be not
greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm). The smoke barrier shall
be installed in accordance with Section 709 with the exception that smoke barriers shall be continuous from outside
wall to an outside wall, a floor to a floor, or from a smoke
barrier to a smoke barrier or a combination thereof.
422.3.1 Means of egress. Where ambulatory care facilities require smoke compartmentation in accordance with
Section 422.3, the fire safety evacuation plans provided in
accordance with Section 1002.2 shall identify the building
components necessary to support a defend-in-place emergency response in accordance with Sections 403 and 404
of the International Fire Code.
422.3.2 Refuge area. Not less than 30 net square feet (2.8
m2) for each nonambulatory care recipient shall be provided within the aggregate area of corridors, care recipient
rooms, treatment rooms, lounge or dining areas and other
low-hazard areas within each smoke compartment. Each
occupant of an ambulatory care facility shall be provided
with access to a refuge area without passing through or
utilizing adjacent tenant spaces.
422.3.3 Independent egress. A means of egress shall be
provided from each smoke compartment created by smoke
barriers without having to return through the smoke compartment from which means of egress originated.
[F] 422.4 Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler
systems shall be provided for ambulatory care facilities in
accordance with Section 903.2.2.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
[F] 422.5 Fire alarm systems. A fire alarm system shall be
provided for ambulatory care facilities in accordance with
Section 907.2.2.
[F] 422.6 Electrical systems. In ambulatory care facilities,
the essential electrical system for electrical components,
equipment and systems shall be designed and constructed in
accordance with the provisions of Chapter 27 and NFPA 99.
SECTION 423
STORM SHELTERS
423.1 General. This section applies to the construction of
storm shelters constructed as separate detached buildings or
constructed as rooms or spaces within buildings for the purpose of providing protection from storms that produce high
winds, such as tornadoes and hurricanes during the storm.
Such structures shall be designated to be hurricane shelters,
tornado shelters, or combined hurricane and tornado shelters.
Design of facilities for use as emergency shelters after the
storm are outside the scope of ICC 500 and shall comply with
Table 1604.5 as a Risk Category IV Structure.
423.2 Construction. In addition to other applicable requirements in this code, storm shelters shall be constructed in
accordance with ICC 500. Buildings or structures that are
also designated as emergency shelters shall also comply with
Table 1604.5 as Risk Category IV structures.
423.3 Critical emergency operations. In areas where the
shelter design wind speed for tornados in accordance with
Figure 304.2(1) of ICC 500 is 250 mph, 911 call stations,
emergency operation centers and fire, rescue, ambulance and
police stations shall comply with Table 1604.5 as a Risk Category IV structure and shall be provided with a storm shelter
constructed in accordance with ICC 500.
423.4 Group E occupancies. In areas where the shelter
design wind speed for tornados is 250 mph in accordance
with Figure 304.2(1) of ICC 500, all Group E occupancies
with an occupant load of 50 or more shall have a storm shelter constructed in accordance with ICC 500.
Exceptions:
1. Group E day care facilities.
2. Group E occupancies accessory to places of religious worship.
3. Buildings meeting the requirements for shelter
design in ICC 500.
423.4.1 Required occupant capacity. The required occupant capacity of the storm shelter shall include all of the
buildings on the site and shall be the greater of the following:
1. The total occupant load of the classrooms, vocational rooms and offices in the Group E occupancy.
2. The occupant load of any indoor assembly space
that is associated with the Group E occupancy.
Exceptions:
1. Where a new building is being added on an
existing Group E site, and where the new
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[F] 421.5.2 Failure of the gas detection system. Failure
of the gas detection system shall automatically activate the
mechanical exhaust ventilation system, stop hydrogen
generation, and cause a trouble signal to sound at an
approved location.
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
building is not of sufficient size to accommodate the required occupant capacity of
the storm shelter for all of the buildings on
the site, the storm shelter shall at a minimum accommodate the required occupant
capacity for the new building.
2. Where approved by the code official, the
required occupant capacity of the shelter
shall be permitted to be reduced by the
occupant capacity of any existing storm
shelters on the site.
423.4.2 Location. Storm shelters shall be located within
the buildings they serve or shall be located where the maximum distance of travel from not fewer than one exterior
door of each building to a door of the shelter serving that
building does not exceed 1,000 feet (305 m).
SECTION 424
CHILDREN’S PLAY STRUCTURES
424.1 General. Children’s play structures installed inside all
occupancies covered by this code that exceed 10 feet (3048
mm) in height or 150 square feet (14 m2) in area shall comply
with Sections 424.2 through 424.5.
424.2 Materials. Children’s play structures shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or of combustible materials that comply with the following:
1. Fire-retardant-treated wood complying with Section
2303.2.
2. Light-transmitting plastics complying with Section
2606.
3. Foam plastics (including the pipe foam used in softcontained play equipment structures) having a maximum heat-release rate not greater than 100 kilowatts
when tested in accordance with UL 1975 or when
tested in accordance with NFPA 289, using the 20 kW
ignition source.
4. Aluminum composite material (ACM) meeting the
requirements of Class A interior finish in accordance
with Chapter 8 when tested as an assembly in the maximum thickness intended for use.
5. Textiles and films complying with the fire propagation
performance criteria contained in Test Method 1 or
Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701.
6. Plastic materials used to construct rigid components of
soft-contained play equipment structures (such as
tubes, windows, panels, junction boxes, pipes, slides
and decks) exhibiting a peak rate of heat release not
exceeding 400 kW/ m2 when tested in accordance with
ASTM E1354 at an incident heat flux of 50 kW/m2 in
the horizontal orientation at a thickness of 6 mm.
7. Ball pool balls, used in soft-contained play equipment
structures, having a maximum heat-release rate not
greater than 100 kilowatts when tested in accordance
with UL 1975 or when tested in accordance with NFPA
289, using the 20 kW ignition source. The minimum
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specimen test size shall be 36 inches by 36 inches (914
mm by 914 mm) by an average of 21 inches (533 mm)
deep, and the balls shall be held in a box constructed of
galvanized steel poultry netting wire mesh.
8. Foam plastics shall be covered by a fabric, coating or
film meeting the fire propagation performance criteria
contained in Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701.
9. The floor covering placed under the children’s play
structure shall exhibit a Class I interior floor finish classification, as described in Section 804, when tested in
accordance with ASTM E648 or NFPA 253.
[F] 424.3 Fire protection. Children’s play structures shall be
provided with the same level of approved fire suppression
and detection devices required for other structures in the
same occupancy.
424.4 Separation. Children’s play structures shall have a
horizontal separation from building walls, partitions and from
elements of the means of egress of not less than 5 feet (1524
mm). Children’s playground structures shall have a horizontal separation from other children’s play structures of not less
than 20 feet (6090 mm).
424.5 Area limits. Children’s play structures shall be not
greater than 300 square feet (28 m2) in area, unless a special
investigation, acceptable to the building official, has demonstrated adequate fire safety.
SECTION 425
HYPERBARIC FACILITIES
425.1 Hyperbaric facilities. Hyperbaric facilities shall meet
the requirements contained in Chapter 14 of NFPA 99.
SECTION [F] 426
COMBUSTIBLE DUSTS,
GRAIN PROCESSING AND STORAGE
[F] 426.1 General. The provisions of Sections 426.1.1
through 426.1.7 shall apply to buildings in which materials
that produce combustible dusts are stored or handled. Buildings that store or handle combustible dusts shall comply with
NFPA 652 and the applicable provisions of NFPA 61, NFPA
85, NFPA 120, NFPA 484, NFPA 654, NFPA 655 and NFPA
664 and the International Fire Code.
[F] 426.1.1 Type of construction and height exceptions.
Buildings shall be constructed in compliance with the
height, number of stories and area limitations specified in
Sections 504 and 506; except that where erected of Type I
or II construction, the heights and areas of grain elevators
and similar structures shall be unlimited, and where of
Type IV construction, the maximum building height shall
be 65 feet (19 812 mm) and except further that, in isolated
areas, the maximum building height of Type IV structures
shall be increased to 85 feet (25 908 mm).
[F] 426.1.2 Grinding rooms. Every room or space occupied for grinding or other operations that produce combustible dusts in such a manner that the room or space is
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
classified as a Group H-2 occupancy shall be enclosed
with fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section
707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance
with Section 711, or both. The fire-resistance rating of the
enclosure shall be not less than 2 hours where the area is
not more than 3,000 square feet (279 m2), and not less than
4 hours where the area is greater than 3,000 square feet
(279 m2).
[F] 426.1.3 Conveyors. Conveyors, chutes, piping and
similar equipment passing through the enclosures of
rooms or spaces shall be constructed dirt tight and vapor
tight, and be of approved noncombustible materials complying with Chapter 30.
[F] 426.1.4 Explosion control. Explosion control shall be
provided as specified in the International Fire Code, or
spaces shall be equipped with the equivalent mechanical
ventilation complying with the International Mechanical
Code.
[F] 426.1.5 Grain elevators. Grain elevators, malt houses
and buildings for similar occupancies shall not be located
within 30 feet (9144 mm) of interior lot lines or structures
on the same lot, except where erected along a railroad
right-of-way.
[F] 426.1.6 Coal pockets. Coal pockets located less than
30 feet (9144 mm) from interior lot lines or from structures on the same lot shall be constructed of not less than
Type IB construction. Where more than 30 feet (9144
mm) from interior lot lines, or where erected along a railroad right-of-way, the minimum type of construction of
such structures not more than 65 feet (19 812 mm) in
building height shall be Type IV.
[F] 426.1.7 Tire rebuilding. Buffing operations shall be
located in a room separated from the remainder of the
building housing the tire rebuilding or tire recapping operation by a 1-hour fire barrier.
Exception: Buffing operations are not required to be
separated where all of the following conditions are met:
1. Buffing operations are equipped with an
approved continuous automatic water-spray system directed at the point of cutting action.
2. Buffing machines are connected to particle-collecting systems providing a minimum air movement of
1,500 cubic feet per minute (cfm) (0.71 m3/s) in
volume and 4,500 feet per minute (fpm) (23 m/s)
in-line velocity.
3. The collecting system shall discharge the rubber
particles to an approved outdoor noncombustible
or fire-resistant container, which is emptied at
frequent intervals to prevent overflow.
SECTION 427
MEDICAL GAS SYSTEMS
[F] 427.1 General. Medical gases at health care-related facilities intended for patient or veterinary care shall comply with
Sections 427.2 through 427.2.3 in addition to requirements of
Chapter 53 of the International Fire Code.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
[F] 427.2 Interior supply location. Medical gases shall be
located in areas dedicated to the storage of such gases without
other storage or uses. Where containers of medical gases in
quantities greater than the permitted amount are located
inside the buildings, they shall be located in a 1-hour exterior
room, 1-hour interior room or a gas cabinet in accordance
with Section 427.2.1, 427.2.2 or 427.2.3, respectively. Rooms
or areas where medical gases are stored or used in quantities
exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area
as set forth in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2) shall be in accordance with Group H occupancies.
[F] 427.2.1 One-hour exterior room. A 1-hour exterior
room shall be a room or enclosure separated from the
remainder of the building by fire barriers constructed in
accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both, with a
fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Openings
between the room or enclosure and interior spaces shall be
provided with self-closing smoke- and draft-control
assemblies having a fire protection rating of not less than 1
hour. Rooms shall have not less than one exterior wall that
is provided with not less than two vents. Each vent shall
have a minimum free air opening of not less than 36
square inches (232 cm2) for each 1,000 cubic feet (28 m3)
at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) of gas stored in
the room and shall be not less than 72 square inches (465
cm2) in aggregate free opening area. One vent shall be
within 6 inches (152 mm) of the floor and one shall be
within 6 inches (152 mm) of the ceiling. Rooms shall be
provided with not fewer than one automatic fire sprinkler
to provide container cooling in case of fire.
[F] 427.2.2 One-hour interior room. Where an exterior
wall cannot be provided for the room, a 1-hour interior room
or enclosure shall be provided and separated from the remainder of the building by fire barriers constructed in accordance
with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in
accordance with Section 711, or both, with a fire-resistance
rating of not less than 1 hour. Openings between the room or
enclosure and interior spaces shall be provided with self-closing smoke- and draft-control assemblies having a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour. An automatic sprinkler
system shall be installed within the room. The room shall be
exhausted through a duct to the exterior. Supply and exhaust
ducts shall be enclosed in a 1-hour rated shaft enclosure from
the room to the exterior. Approved mechanical ventilation
shall comply with the International Mechanical Code and be
provided with a minimum rate of 1 cubic foot per minute per
square foot (0.00508 m3/s/m2) of the area of the room.
[F] 427.2.3 Gas cabinets. Gas cabinets shall be constructed in accordance with Section 5003.8.6 of the International Fire Code and shall comply with the following:
1. Cabinets shall be exhausted to the exterior through a
dedicated exhaust duct system installed in accordance with Chapter 5 of the International Mechanical Code.
2. Supply and exhaust ducts shall be enclosed in a 1-hour
rated shaft enclosure from the cabinet to the exterior.
The average velocity of ventilation at the face of access
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
ports or windows shall be not less than 200 feet per
minute (1.02 m/s) with a minimum of 150 feet per minute (0.76 m/s) at any point of the access port or window.
3. Cabinets shall be provided with an automatic sprinkler system internal to the cabinet.
SECTION 428
HIGHER EDUCATION LABORATORIES
[F] 428.1 Scope. Higher education laboratories complying
with the requirements of Sections 428.1 through 428.4 shall
be permitted to exceed the maximum allowable quantities of
hazardous materials in control areas set forth in Tables
307.1(1) and 307.1(2) without requiring classification as a
Group H occupancy. Except as specified in Section 428, such
laboratories shall comply with all applicable provisions of
this code and the International Fire Code.
[F] 428.2 Application. The provisions of Section 428 shall
be applied as exceptions or additions to applicable requirements of this code. Unless specifically modified by Section
428, the storage, use and handling of hazardous materials
shall comply with all other provisions in Chapters 38 and 50
through 67 of the International Fire Code and this code for
quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity.
[F] 428.3 Laboratory suite construction. Where laboratory
suites are provided, they shall be constructed in accordance
with this section and Chapter 38 of the International Fire
Code. The number of laboratory suites and percentage of
maximum allowable quantities of hazardous materials in laboratory suites shall be in accordance with Table 428.3.
[F] 428.3.1 Separation from other nonlaboratory areas.
Laboratory suites shall be separated from other portions of
the building in accordance with the most restrictive of the
following:
1. Fire barriers and horizontal assemblies as required
in Table 428.3. Fire barriers shall be constructed in
accordance with Section 707 and horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711.
Exception: Where an individual laboratory suite
occupies more than one story, the fire-resistance
rating of intermediate floors contained within the
laboratory suite shall comply with the requirements of this code.
2. Separations as required by Section 508.
[F] 428.3.2 Separation from other laboratory suites.
Laboratory suites shall be separated from other laboratory
suites in accordance with Table 428.3.
[F] 428.3.3 Floor assembly fire resistance. The floor
assembly supporting laboratory suites and the construction
supporting the floor of laboratory suites shall have a fireresistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
Exception: The floor assembly of the laboratory suites
and the construction supporting the floor of the laboratory suites are allowed to be 1-hour fire-resistance rated
in buildings of Types IIA, IIIA and VA construction,
provided that the building is three or fewer stories.
[F] 428.3.4 Maximum number. The maximum number
of laboratory suites shall be in accordance with Table
428.3. Where a building contains both laboratory suites
and control areas, the total number of laboratory suites and
control areas within a building shall not exceed the maximum number of laboratory suites in accordance with
Table 428.3.
[F] 428.3.5 Means of egress. Means of egress shall be in
accordance with Chapter 10.
[F] 428.3.6 Standby or emergency power. Standby or
emergency power shall be provided in accordance with
Section 414.5.2 where laboratory suites are located above
the sixth story above grade plane or located in a story
below grade plane.
[F] TABLE 428.3
DESIGN AND NUMBER OF LABORATORY SUITES PER FLOOR
PERCENTAGE OF THE MAXIMUM
ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER LAB SUITEa
NUMBER OF
LAB SUITES PER FLOOR
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING
FOR FIRE BARRIERS IN HOURSb
21+
Not allowed
Not Permitted
Not Permitted
16-20
25
1
2c
11-15
50
1
2c
7-10
50
2
2c
4-6
75
4
1
FLOOR LEVEL
Above
Grade Plane
Below
Grade Plane
3
100
4
1
1-2
100
6
1
1
75
4
1
2
50
2
1
Lower than 2
Not Allowed
Not Allowed
Not Allowed
a. Percentages shall be of the maximum allowable quantity per control area shown in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2), with all increases allowed in the footnotes to
those tables.
b. Fire barriers shall include walls, floors and ceilings necessary to provide separation from other portions of the building.
c. Vertical fire barriers separating laboratory suites from other spaces on the same floor shall be permitted to be 1-hour fire-resistance rated.
100
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
[F] 428.3.7 Ventilation. Ventilation shall be in accordance with Chapter 7 of NFPA 45, and the International
Mechanical Code.
[F] 428.3.8 Liquid-tight floor. Portions of laboratory
suites where hazardous materials are present shall be provided with a liquid-tight floor.
[F] 428.3.9 Automatic fire-extinguishing systems.
Buildings containing laboratory suites shall be equipped
throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system
in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
[F] 428.4 Percentage of maximum allowable quantity in
each laboratory suite. The percentage of maximum allowable quantities of hazardous materials in each laboratory suite
shall be in accordance with Table 428.3.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
101
102
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
CHAPTER 5
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 5 establishes the limits to which a building can be built. Building height, number of stories and building area are
specified in this chapter. Chapter 5 must be used in conjunction with the occupancies established in Chapter 3 and the types of construction
established in Chapter 6. This chapter also specifies the impact that mezzanines, accessory occupancies and mixed occupancies have on the
overall size of a building.
SECTION 501
GENERAL
501.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter control the height
and area of structures hereafter erected and additions to existing structures.
SECTION 502
BUILDING ADDRESS
¬
[F] 502.1 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address identification.
The address identification shall be legible and placed in a
position that is visible from the street or road fronting the
property. Address identification characters shall contrast with
their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers
or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each
character shall be a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) high with
a minimum stroke width of 1/2 inch (12.7 mm). Where
required by the fire code official, address identification shall
be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate
emergency response. Where access is by means of a private
road and the building address cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other approved sign or means
shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification
shall be maintained.
SECTION 503
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHT AND
AREA LIMITATIONS
503.1 General. Unless otherwise specifically modified in
Chapter 4 and this chapter, building height, number of stories
and building area shall not exceed the limits specified in Sections 504 and 506 based on the type of construction as determined by Section 602 and the occupancies as determined by
Section 302 except as modified hereafter. Building height,
number of stories and building area provisions shall be
applied independently. For the purposes of determining area
limitations, height limitations and type of construction, each
portion of a building separated by one or more fire walls
complying with Section 706 shall be considered to be a separate building.
503.1.1 Special industrial occupancies. Buildings and
structures designed to house special industrial processes
that require large areas and unusual building heights to
accommodate craneways or special machinery and equipment, including, among others, rolling mills; structural
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
metal fabrication shops and foundries; or the production
and distribution of electric, gas or steam power, shall be
exempt from the building height, number of stories and
building area limitations specified in Sections 504 and
506.
503.1.2 Buildings on same lot. Two or more buildings on
the same lot shall be regulated as separate buildings or
shall be considered as portions of one building where the
building height, number of stories of each building and the
aggregate building area of the buildings are within the
limitations specified in Sections 504 and 506. The provisions of this code applicable to the aggregate building
shall be applicable to each building.
503.1.3 Type I construction. Buildings of Type I construction permitted to be of unlimited tabular building
heights and areas are not subject to the special requirements that allow unlimited area buildings in Section 507
or unlimited building height in Sections 503.1.1 and 504.3
or increased building heights and areas for other types of
construction.
503.1.4 Occupied roofs. A roof level or portion thereof
shall be permitted to be used as an occupied roof provided
the occupancy of the roof is an occupancy that is permited
by Table 504.4 for the story immediately below the roof.
The area of the occupied roofs shall not be included in the
building area as regulated by Section 506.
Exceptions:
1. The occupancy located on an occupied roof shall
not be limited to the occupancies allowed on the
story immediately below the roof where the
building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinker system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and occupant notification
in accordance with Section 907.5 is provided in
the area of the occupied roof.
2. Assembly occupancies shall be permitted on
roofs of open parking spaces of Type I or Type II
construction, in accordance with the exception to
Section 903.2.1.6.
503.1.4.1 Enclosures over occupied roof areas. Elements or structures enclosing the occupied roof areas
shall not extend more than 48 inches (1220 mm) above
the surface of the occupied roof.
Exception: Penthouses constructed in accordance
with Section 1510.2 and towers, domes, spires and
cupolas constructed in accordance with Section
1510.5.
103
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
SECTION 504
BUILDING HEIGHT AND NUMBER OF STORIES
504.1 General. The height, in feet, and the number of stories
of a building shall be determined based on the type of construction, occupancy classification and whether there is an
automatic sprinkler system installed throughout the building.
chapter regarding the allowable heights of buildings based
on the occupancy classification and type of construction,
provided the special condition complies with the provisions specified in Section 510.
504.2 Mixed occupancy. In a building containing mixed
occupancies in accordance with Section 508, no individual
occupancy shall exceed the height and number of story limits
specified in this section for the applicable occupancies.
Exception: The building height of one-story aircraft hangars, aircraft paint hangars and buildings used for the manufacturing of aircraft shall not be limited where the building
is provided with an automatic sprinkler system or automatic
fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Chapter 9 and
is entirely surrounded by public ways or yards not less in
width than one and one-half times the building height.
504.3 Height in feet. The maximum height, in feet, of a
building shall not exceed the limits specified in Table 504.3.
Exception: Towers, spires, steeples and other roof structures shall be constructed of materials consistent with the
required type of construction of the building except where
other construction is permitted by Section 1510.2.4. Such
structures shall not be used for habitation or storage. The
structures shall be unlimited in height where of noncombustible materials and shall not extend more than 20 feet (6096
mm) above the allowable building height where of combustible materials (see Chapter 15 for additional requirements).
504.1.1 Unlimited area buildings. The height of unlimited area buildings shall be designed in accordance with
Section 507.
504.1.2 Special provisions. The special provisions of Section 510 permit the use of special conditions that are
exempt from, or modify, the specific requirements of this
TABLE 504.3
ALLOWABLE BUILDING HEIGHT IN FEET ABOVE GRADE PLANEa
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION
H-1, H-2, H-3, H-5
H-4
I-1 Condition 1, I-3
I-1 Condition 2, I-2
I-4
Rh
TYPE II
A
B
HT
TYPE V
NS
UL
160
65
55
65
55
65
50
40
S
UL
180
85
75
85
75
85
70
60
UL
160
65
55
65
55
65
50
40
NSc, d
UL
160
65
55
65
55
65
50
40
S
B
TYPE IV
B
NSc, d
A
TYPE III
A
b
A, B, E, F, M, S, U
TYPE I
SEE FOOTNOTES
A
B
S
UL
180
85
75
85
75
85
70
60
NSd, e
UL
160
65
55
65
55
65
50
40
75
85
75
85
70
60
55
65
55
65
50
40
S
UL
180
85
NSd, e, f
UL
160
65
S
UL
180
85
NSd, g
UL
160
65
55
65
55
65
50
40
S
UL
180
85
75
85
75
85
70
60
NSd
UL
160
65
55
65
55
65
50
40
S13D
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
50
40
S13R
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
S
UL
180
85
75
85
75
85
70
60
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
UL = Unlimited; NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system; S = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; S13R = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.2; S13D = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.
a. See Chapters 4 and 5 for specific exceptions to the allowable height in this chapter.
b. See Section 903.2 for the minimum thresholds for protection by an automatic sprinkler system for specific occupancies.
c. New Group H occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.
d. The NS value is only for use in evaluation of existing building height in accordance with the International Existing Building Code.
e. New Group I-1 and I-3 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6. For new Group I-1
occupancies Condition 1, see Exception 1 of Section 903.2.6.
f. New and existing Group I-2 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6 and Section 1103.5
of the International Fire Code.
g. For new Group I-4 occupancies, see Exceptions 2 and 3 of Section 903.2.6.
h. New Group R occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.8.
104
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
504.4 Number of stories. The maximum number of stories
of a building shall not exceed the limits specified in Table
504.4.
SECTION 505
MEZZANINES AND EQUIPMENT PLATFORMS
505.1 General. Mezzanines shall comply with Section 505.2.
Equipment platforms shall comply with Section 505.3.
505.2 Mezzanines. A mezzanine or mezzanines in compliance with Section 505.2 shall be considered a portion of the
story below. Such mezzanines shall not contribute to either
the building area or number of stories as regulated by Section
503.1. The area of the mezzanine shall be included in determining the fire area. The clear height above and below the
mezzanine floor construction shall be not less than 7 feet
(2134 mm).
505.2.1 Area limitation. The aggregate area of a mezzanine or mezzanines within a room shall be not greater than
one-third of the floor area of that room or space in which
they are located. The enclosed portion of a room shall not
be included in a determination of the floor area of the
room in which the mezzanine is located. In determining
the allowable mezzanine area, the area of the mezzanine
shall not be included in the floor area of the room.
Exceptions:
1. The aggregate area of mezzanines in buildings
and structures of Type I or II construction for
special industrial occupancies in accordance with
Section 503.1.1 shall be not greater than twothirds of the floor area of the room.
2. The aggregate area of mezzanines in buildings
and structures of Type I or II construction shall
be not greater than one-half of the floor area of
the room in buildings and structures equipped
throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and
an approved emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
3. The aggregate area of a mezzanine within a
dwelling unit that is located in a building
equipped throughout with an approved automatic
sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 shall not be greater than
one-half of the floor area of the room, provided
that:
3.1. Except for enclosed closets and bathrooms, the mezzanine shall be open to the
room in which such mezzanine is located;
3.2. The opening to the room shall be unobstructed except for walls not more than 42
inches (1067 mm) in height, columns and
posts; and
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
3.3. Exceptions to Section 505.2.3 shall not be
permitted.
505.2.1.1 Aggregate area of mezzanines and equipment platforms. Where a room contains both a mezzanine and an equipment platform, the aggregate area of
the two raised floor levels shall be not greater than twothirds of the floor area of that room or space in which
they are located. The area of the mezzanine shall not
exceed the area determined in accordance with Section
505.2.1.
505.2.2 Means of egress. The means of egress for mezzanines shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 10.
505.2.3 Openness. A mezzanine shall be open and unobstructed to the room in which such mezzanine is located
except for walls not more than 42 inches (1067 mm) in
height, columns and posts.
Exceptions:
1. Mezzanines or portions thereof are not required to
be open to the room in which the mezzanines are
located, provided that the occupant load of the
aggregate area of the enclosed space is not
greater than 10.
2. A mezzanine having two or more exits or access
to exits is not required to be open to the room in
which the mezzanine is located.
3. Mezzanines or portions thereof are not required to
be open to the room in which the mezzanines are
located, provided that the aggregate floor area of
the enclosed space is not greater than 10 percent
of the mezzanine area.
4. In industrial facilities, mezzanines used for control equipment are permitted to be glazed on all
sides.
5. In occupancies other than Groups H and I, which
are no more than two stories above grade plane
and equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1, a mezzanine having two or more exits
or access to exits shall not be required to be open
to the room in which the mezzanine is located.
505.3 Equipment platforms. Equipment platforms in buildings shall not be considered as a portion of the floor below.
Such equipment platforms shall not contribute to either the
building area or the number of stories as regulated by Section
503.1. The area of the equipment platform shall not be
included in determining the fire area in accordance with Section 903. Equipment platforms shall not be a part of any mezzanine and such platforms and the walkways, stairways,
alternating tread devices and ladders providing access to an
equipment platform shall not serve as a part of the means of
egress from the building.
105
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
TABLE 504.4
ALLOWABLE NUMBER OF STORIES ABOVE GRADE PLANEa, b
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION
A-1
A-2
A-3
A-4
A-5
B
E
F-1
F-2
H-1
H-2
H-3
H-4
TYPE I
SEE FOOTNOTES
A
TYPE II
B
A
TYPE III
B
A
TYPE IV
B
HT
TYPE V
A
B
NS
UL
5
3
2
3
2
3
2
1
S
UL
6
4
3
4
3
4
3
2
NS
UL
11
3
2
3
2
3
2
1
S
UL
12
4
3
4
3
4
3
2
NS
UL
11
3
2
3
2
3
2
1
S
UL
12
4
3
4
3
4
3
2
NS
UL
11
3
2
3
2
3
2
1
S
UL
12
4
3
4
3
4
3
2
NS
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
S
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
NS
UL
11
5
3
5
3
5
3
2
S
UL
12
6
4
6
4
6
4
3
NS
UL
5
3
2
3
2
3
1
1
S
UL
6
4
3
4
3
4
2
2
NS
UL
11
4
2
3
2
4
2
1
S
UL
12
5
3
4
3
5
3
2
NS
UL
11
5
3
4
3
5
3
2
S
UL
12
6
4
5
4
6
4
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
NP
UL
3
2
1
2
1
2
1
1
UL
6
4
2
4
2
4
2
1
NSc, d
UL
7
5
3
5
3
5
3
2
S
UL
8
6
4
6
4
6
4
3
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
NSc, d
S
NSc, d
S
NSc, d
S
c, d
H-5
I-1 Condition 1
NS
S
NSd, e
UL
9
4
3
4
3
4
3
2
S
UL
10
5
4
5
4
5
4
3
3
4
3
4
3
2
1
1
NP
1
1
NP
d, e
I-1 Condition 2
I-2
I-3
I-4
M
NS
UL
9
4
S
UL
10
5
NSd, f
UL
4
2
S
UL
5
3
NSd, e
UL
4
2
1
2
1
2
2
1
S
UL
5
3
2
3
2
3
3
2
NS
d, g
UL
5
3
2
3
2
3
1
1
S
UL
6
4
3
4
3
4
2
2
NS
UL
11
4
2
4
2
4
3
1
S
UL
12
5
3
5
3
5
4
2
(continued)
106
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
TABLE 504.4—continued
ALLOWABLE NUMBER OF STORIES ABOVE GRADE PLANEa, b
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION
SEE FOOTNOTES
NS
R-1h
R-2
h
R-3h
R-4h
d
TYPE I
TYPE II
A
B
TYPE III
TYPE IV
A
B
A
B
HT
TYPE V
A
B
3
2
4
4
3
3
3
4
2
3
UL
11
S13R
S
4
UL
4
12
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
NSd
S13R
UL
4
11
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
S
NSd
UL
UL
12
11
5
5
5
5
5
4
3
3
3
S13D
S13R
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
4
3
4
S
NSd
UL
UL
12
11
5
5
5
5
5
4
3
4
2
S13D
S13R
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
4
2
3
S
NS
UL
UL
12
11
5
4
5
2
5
3
5
2
5
4
4
3
3
1
S
NS
UL
UL
12
11
5
5
3
3
4
4
3
3
5
4
4
4
2
2
S
NS
UL
UL
12
5
6
4
4
2
5
3
4
2
5
4
5
2
3
1
S
UL
6
5
3
4
3
5
3
2
S-1
S-2
U
UL = Unlimited; NP = Not Permitted; NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system; S = Buildings equipped throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; S13R = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed
in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2; S13D = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.
a. See Chapters 4 and 5 for specific exceptions to the allowable height in this chapter.
b. See Section 903.2 for the minimum thresholds for protection by an automatic sprinkler system for specific occupancies.
c. New Group H occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.
d. The NS value is only for use in evaluation of existing building height in accordance with the International Existing Building Code.
e. New Group I-1 and I-3 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6. For new Group I-1
occupancies, Condition 1, see Exception 1 of Section 903.2.6.
f. New and existing Group I-2 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6 and 1103.5 of the
International Fire Code.
g. For new Group I-4 occupancies, see Exceptions 2 and 3 of Section 903.2.6.
h. New Group R occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.8.
505.3.1 Area limitation. The aggregate area of all equipment platforms within a room shall be not greater than
two-thirds of the area of the room in which they are
located. Where an equipment platform is located in the
same room as a mezzanine, the area of the mezzanine shall
be determined by Section 505.2.1 and the combined aggregate area of the equipment platforms and mezzanines shall
be not greater than two-thirds of the room in which they
are located. The area of the mezzanine shall not exceed the
area determined in accordance with Section 505.2.1.
SECTION 506
BUILDING AREA
506.1 General. The floor area of a building shall be determined based on the type of construction, occupancy classification, whether there is an automatic sprinkler system
installed throughout the building and the amount of building
frontage on public way or open space.
505.3.2 Automatic sprinkler system. Where located in a
building that is required to be protected by an automatic
sprinkler system, equipment platforms shall be fully protected by sprinklers above and below the platform, where
required by the standards referenced in Section 903.3.
506.1.2 Special provisions. The special provisions of Section 510 permit the use of special conditions that are
exempt from, or modify, the specific requirements of this
chapter regarding the allowable areas of buildings based
on the occupancy classification and type of construction,
provided the special condition complies with the provisions specified in Section 510.
505.3.3 Guards. Equipment platforms shall have guards
where required by Section 1015.2.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
506.1.1 Unlimited area buildings. Unlimited area buildings shall be designed in accordance with Section 507.
107
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
506.1.3 Basements. Basements need not be included in
the total allowable floor area of a building provided the
total area of such basements does not exceed the area permitted for a one-story above grade plane building.
506.2 Allowable area determination. The allowable area of
a building shall be determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 506.2.1 through 506.2.4 and
Section 506.3.
506.2.1 Single-occupancy, one-story buildings. The
allowable area of a single-occupancy building with no
more than one story above grade plane shall be determined in accordance with Equation 5-1:
Aa = At + (NS × If)
(Equation 5-1)
where:
Aa = Allowable area (square feet).
At = Tabular allowable area factor (NS, S1, S13R or
S13D value, as applicable) in accordance with Table
506.2.
NS = Tabular allowable area factor in accordance with
Table 506.2 for nonsprinklered building (regardless
of whether the building is sprinklered).
If = Area factor increase due to frontage (percent) as
calculated in accordance with Section 506.3.
506.2.2 Mixed-occupancy, one-story buildings. The
allowable area of a mixed-occupancy building with no
more than one story above grade plane shall be determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of
Section 508.1 based on Equation 5-1 for each applicable
occupancy.
506.2.2.1 Group H-2 or H-3 mixed occupancies. For
a building containing Group H-2 or H-3 occupancies,
the allowable area shall be determined in accordance
with Section 508.4.2, with the sprinkler system
increase applicable only to the portions of the building
not classified as Group H-2 or H-3.
506.2.3 Single-occupancy, multistory buildings. The
allowable area of a single-occupancy building with more
than one story above grade plane shall be determined in
accordance with Equation 5-2:
Aa = [At + (NS × If)] × Sa
(Equation 5-2)
where:
Aa = Allowable area (square feet).
At = Tabular allowable area factor (NS, S13R, S13D or
SM value, as applicable) in accordance with Table
506.2.
NS = Tabular allowable area factor in accordance with
Table 506.2 for a nonsprinklered building
(regardless of whether the building is sprinklered).
If = Area factor increase due to frontage (percent) as
calculated in accordance with Section 506.3.
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2, use
the actual number of building stories above grade
plane, not to exceed four.
No individual story shall exceed the allowable area (Aa)
as determined by Equation 5-2 using the value of Sa = 1.
506.2.4 Mixed-occupancy, multistory buildings. Each
story of a mixed-occupancy building with more than one
story above grade plane shall individually comply with
the applicable requirements of Section 508.1. For buildings with more than three stories above grade plane, the
total building area shall be such that the aggregate sum of
the ratios of the actual area of each story divided by the
allowable area of such stories, determined in accordance
with Equation 5-3 based on the applicable provisions of
Section 508.1, shall not exceed three.
Aa = [At + (NS × If)]
(Equation 5-3)
where:
Aa = Allowable area (square feet).
At = Tabular allowable area factor (NS, S13R, S13D or
SM value, as applicable) in accordance with Table
506.2.
NS = Tabular allowable area factor in accordance with
Table 506.2 for a nonsprinklered building
(regardless of whether the building is sprinklered).
If = Area factor increase due to frontage (percent) as
calculated in accordance with Section 506.3.
Exception: For buildings designed as separated occupancies under Section 508.4 and equipped throughout
with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2, the total building area
shall be such that the aggregate sum of the ratios of the
actual area of each story divided by the allowable area
of such stories determined in accordance with Equation
5-3 based on the applicable provisions of Section
508.1, shall not exceed four.
506.2.4.1 Group H-2 or H-3 mixed occupancies. For
a building containing Group H-2 or H-3 occupancies,
the allowable area shall be determined in accordance
with Section 508.4.2, with the sprinkler system
increase applicable only to the portions of the building
not classified as Group H-2 or H-3.
506.3 Frontage increase. Every building shall adjoin or have
access to a public way to receive an area factor increase based
on frontage. Area factor increase shall be determined in
accordance with Sections 506.3.1 through 506.3.3.
506.3.1 Minimum percentage of perimeter. To qualify
for an area factor increase based on frontage, a building
shall have not less than 25 percent of its perimeter on a
public way or open space. Such open space shall be either
on the same lot or dedicated for public use and shall be
accessed from a street or approved fire lane.
Sa = Actual number of building stories above grade
plane, not to exceed three. For buildings equipped
108
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
TABLE 506.2
ALLOWABLE AREA FACTOR (At = NS, S1, S13R, S13D or SM, as applicable) IN SQUARE FEETa, b
OCCUPANCY
CLASSIFICATION
A-1
A-2
A-3
A-4
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
SEE FOOTNOTES
TYPE I
TYPE II
TYPE III
TYPE IV
TYPE V
A
B
A
B
A
B
HT
A
B
NS
UL
UL
15,500
8,500
14,000
8,500
15,000
11,500
5,500
S1
UL
UL
62,000
34,000
56,000
34,000
60,000
46,000
22,000
SM
UL
UL
46,500
25,500
42,000
25,500
45,000
34,500
16,500
NS
UL
UL
15,500
9,500
14,000
9,500
15,000
11,500
6,000
S1
UL
UL
62,000
38,000
56,000
38,000
60,000
46,000
24,000
SM
UL
UL
46,500
28,500
42,000
28,500
45,000
34,500
18,000
NS
UL
UL
15,500
9,500
14,000
9,500
15,000
11,500
6,000
S1
UL
UL
62,000
38,000
56,000
38,000
60,000
46,000
24,000
SM
UL
UL
46,500
28,500
42,000
28,500
45,000
34,500
18,000
NS
UL
UL
15,500
9,500
14,000
9,500
15,000
11,500
6,000
S1
UL
UL
62,000
38,000
56,000
38,000
60,000
46,000
24,000
SM
UL
UL
46,500
28,500
42,000
28,500
45,000
34,500
18,000
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
NS
UL
UL
37,500
23,000
28,500
19,000
36,000
18,000
9,000
S1
UL
UL
150,000
92,000
114,000
76,000
144,000
72,000
36,000
NS
A-5
S1
SM
B
E
F-1
F-2
SM
UL
UL
112,500
69,000
85,500
57,000
108,000
54,000
27,000
NS
UL
UL
26,500
14,500
23,500
14,500
25,500
18,500
9,500
S1
UL
UL
106,000
58,000
94,000
58,000
102,000
74,000
38,000
SM
UL
UL
79,500
43,500
70,500
43,500
76,500
55,500
28,500
NS
UL
UL
25,000
15,500
19,000
12,000
33,500
14,000
8,500
S1
UL
UL
100,000
62,000
76,000
48,000
134,000
56,000
34,000
SM
UL
UL
75,000
46,500
57,000
36,000
100,500
42,000
25,500
NS
UL
UL
37,500
23,000
28,500
18,000
50,500
21,000
13,000
S1
UL
UL
150,000
92,000
114,000
72,000
202,000
84,000
52,000
SM
UL
UL
112,500
69,000
85,500
54,000
151,500
63,000
39,000
21,000
16,500
11,000
7,000
9,500
7,000
10,500
7,500
NP
21,000
16,500
11,000
7,000
9,500
7,000
10,500
7,500
3,000
UL
60,000
26,500
14,000
17,500
13,000
25,500
10,000
5,000
c
H-1
NS
S1
NSc
H-2
S1
SM
NSc
H-3
S1
SM
H-4
H-5
NSc, d
UL
UL
37,500
17,500
28,500
17,500
36,000
18,000
6,500
S1
UL
UL
150,000
70,000
114,000
70,000
144,000
72,000
26,000
SM
UL
UL
112,500
52,500
85,500
52,500
108,000
54,000
19,500
NSc, d
UL
UL
37,500
23,000
28,500
19,000
36,000
18,000
9,000
S1
UL
UL
150,000
92,000
114,000
76,000
144,000
72,000
36,000
SM
UL
UL
112,500
69,000
85,500
57,000
108000
54,000
27,000
(continued)
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
109
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
TABLE 506.2—continued
ALLOWABLE AREA FACTOR (At = NS, S1, S13R, S13D or SM, as applicable) IN SQUARE FEETa, b
OCCUPANCY
CLASSIFICATION
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
SEE FOOTNOTES
NSd, e
I-1
I-3
I-4
M
R-1
R-2
TYPE IV
TYPE V
B
A
B
A
B
HT
A
B
UL
55,000
19,000
10,000
16,500
10,000
18,000
10,500
4,500
UL
220,000
76,000
40,000
66,000
40,000
72,000
42,000
18,000
UL
165,000
57,000
30,000
49,500
30,000
54,000
31,500
13,500
NS
UL
UL
15,000
11,000
12,000
NP
12,000
9,500
NP
S1
UL
UL
60,000
44,000
48,000
NP
48,000
38,000
NP
SM
UL
UL
45,000
33,000
36,000
NP
36,000
28,500
NP
NSd, e
UL
UL
15,000
10,000
10,500
7,500
12,000
7,500
5,000
S1
UL
UL
45,000
40,000
42,000
30,000
48,000
30,000
20,000
SM
UL
UL
45,000
30,000
31,500
22,500
36,000
22,500
15,000
NSd, g
UL
60,500
26,500
13,000
23,500
13,000
25,500
18,500
9,000
S1
UL
121,000
106,000
52,000
94,000
52,000
102,000
74,000
36,000
SM
UL
181,500
79,500
39,000
70,500
39,000
76,500
55,500
27,000
NS
UL
UL
21,500
12,500
18,500
12,500
20,500
14,000
9,000
S1
UL
UL
86,000
50,000
74,000
50,000
82,000
56,000
36,000
SM
UL
UL
64,500
37,500
55,500
37,500
61,500
42,000
27,000
UL
UL
24,000
16,000
24,000
16,000
20,500
12,000
7,000
S13R
S1
UL
UL
96,000
64,000
96,000
64,000
82,000
48,000
28,000
SM
UL
UL
72,000
48,000
72,000
48,000
61,500
36,000
21,000
UL
UL
24,000
16,000
24,000
16,000
20,500
12,000
7,000
NSd
h
TYPE III
A
S1
NSd
h
TYPE II
SM
d, f
I-2
TYPE I
S13R
S1
UL
UL
96,000
64,000
96,000
64,000
82,000
48,000
28,000
SM
UL
UL
72,000
48,000
72,000
48,000
61,500
36,000
21,000
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
UL
24,000
16,000
24,000
16,000
20,500
12,000
7,000
NSd
S13D
R-3
h
S13R
S1
SM
NSd
S13D
R-4h
S-1
S-2
S13R
S1
UL
UL
96,000
64,000
96,000
64,000
82,000
48,000
28,000
SM
UL
UL
72,000
48,000
72,000
48,000
61,500
36,000
21,000
NS
UL
48,000
26,000
17,500
26,000
17,500
25,500
14,000
9,000
S1
UL
192,000
104,000
70,000
104,000
70,000
102,000
56,000
36,000
SM
UL
144,000
78,000
52,500
78,000
52,500
76,500
42,000
27,000
NS
UL
79,000
39,000
26,000
39,000
26,000
38,500
21,000
13,500
S1
UL
316,000
156,000
104,000
156,000
104,000
154,000
84,000
54,000
SM
UL
237,000
117,000
78,000
117,000
78,000
115,500
63,000
40,500
i
UL
35,500
19,000
8,500
14,000
8,500
18,000
9,000
5,500
S1
UL
142,000
76,000
34,000
56,000
34,000
72,000
36,000
22,000
SM
UL
106,500
57,000
25,500
42,000
25,500
54,000
27,000
16,500
NS
U
(continued)
110
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
TABLE 506.2—continued
ALLOWABLE AREA FACTOR (At = NS, S1, S13R, S13D or SM, as applicable) IN SQUARE FEETa, b
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
UL = Unlimited; NP = Not Permitted; NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system; S1 = Buildings a maximum of one story
above grade plane equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; SM = Buildings two or more stories
above grade plane equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; S13R = Buildings equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2; S13D = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.
a. See Chapters 4 and 5 for specific exceptions to the allowable height in this chapter.
b. See Section 903.2 for the minimum thresholds for protection by an automatic sprinkler system for specific occupancies.
c. New Group H occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.
d. The NS value is only for use in evaluation of existing building area in accordance with the International Existing Building Code.
e. New Group I-1 and I-3 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6. For new Group I-1
occupancies, Condition 1, see Exception 1 of Section 903.2.6.
f. New and existing Group I-2 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6 and Section 1103.5
of the International Fire Code.
g. New Group I-4 occupancies see Exceptions 2 and 3 of Section 903.2.6.
h. New Group R occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.8.
i. The maximum allowable area for a single-story nonsprinklered Group U greenhouse is permitted to be 9,000 square feet, or the allowable area shall be
permitted to comply with Table C102.1 of Appendix C.
506.3.2 Minimum frontage distance. To qualify for an
area factor increase based on frontage, the public way or
open space adjacent to the building perimeter shall have a
minimum distance (W) of 20 feet (6096 mm) measured at
right angles from the building face to any of the following:
1. The closest interior lot line.
2. The entire width of a street, alley or public way.
3. The exterior face of an adjacent building on the
same property.
Where the value of W is greater than 30 feet (9144
mm), a value of 30 feet (9144 mm) shall be used in calculating the building area increase based on frontage, regardless of the actual width of the public way or open space.
Where the value of W varies along the perimeter of the
building, the calculation performed in accordance with
Equation 5-5 shall be based on the weighted average calculated in accordance with Equation 5-4.
W = (L1 × w1 + L2 × w2 + L3 × w3…)/F
(Equation 5-4)
where:
W
(Width: weighted average) = Calculated width of
public way or open space (feet).
Ln = Length of a portion of the exterior perimeter wall.
wn = Width ( 20 feet) of a public way or open space
associated with that portion of the exterior perimeter
wall.
F = Building perimeter that fronts on a public way or
open space having a width of 20 feet (6096 mm) or
more.
Exception: Where a building meets the requirements
of Section 507, as applicable, except for compliance
with the minimum 60-foot (18 288 mm) public way or
yard requirement, and the value of W is greater than 30
feet (9144 mm), the value of W shall not exceed 60 feet
(18 288 mm).
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
506.3.3 Amount of increase. The area factor increase
based on frontage shall be determined in accordance with
Equation 5-5:
If = [F/P - 0.25]W/30
(Equation 5-5)
where:
If = Area factor increase due to frontage.
F = Building perimeter that fronts on a public way or
open space having minimum distance of 20 feet
(6096 mm).
P = Perimeter of entire building (feet).
W = Width of public way or open space (feet) in
accordance with Section 506.3.2.
SECTION 507
UNLIMITED AREA BUILDINGS
507.1 General. The area of buildings of the occupancies and
configurations specified in Sections 507.1 through 507.13
shall not be limited. Basements not more than one story
below grade plane shall be permitted.
507.1.1 Accessory occupancies. Accessory occupancies
shall be permitted in unlimited area buildings in accordance with the provisions of Section 508.2, otherwise the
requirements of Sections 507.3 through 507.13 shall be
applied, where applicable.
507.2 Measurement of open spaces. Where Sections 507.3
through 507.13 require buildings to be surrounded and
adjoined by public ways and yards, those open spaces shall be
determined as follows:
1. Yards shall be measured from the building perimeter in
all directions to the closest interior lot lines or to the
exterior face of an opposing building located on the
same lot, as applicable.
2. Where the building fronts on a public way, the entire
width of the public way shall be used.
111
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
507.2.1 Reduced open space. The public ways or yards of
60 feet (18 288 mm) in width required in Sections 507.3,
507.4, 507.5, 507.6 and 507.12 shall be permitted to be
reduced to not less than 40 feet (12 192 mm) in width provided all of the following requirements are met:
1. The reduced width shall not be allowed for more
than 75 percent of the perimeter of the building.
2. The exterior walls facing the reduced width shall
have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 3 hours.
3. Openings in the exterior walls facing the reduced
width shall have opening protectives with a fire protection rating of not less than 3 hours.
507.3 Nonsprinklered, one-story buildings. The area of a
Group F-2 or S-2 building not more than one story in height
shall not be limited where the building is surrounded and
adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288
mm) in width.
507.4 Sprinklered, one-story buildings. The area of a
Group A-4 building not more than one story above grade
plane of other than Type V construction, or the area of a
Group B, F, M or S building no more than one story above
grade plane of any construction type, shall not be limited
where the building is provided with an automatic sprinkler
system throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and
is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less
than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.
Exceptions:
1. Buildings and structures of Type I or II construction
for rack storage facilities that do not have access by
the public shall not be limited in height, provided
that such buildings conform to the requirements of
Sections 507.4 and 903.3.1.1 and Chapter 32 of the
International Fire Code.
2. The automatic sprinkler system shall not be required
in areas occupied for indoor participant sports, such
as tennis, skating, swimming and equestrian activities in occupancies in Group A-4, provided that all
of the following criteria are met:
2.1. Exit doors directly to the outside are provided for occupants of the participant
sports areas.
pancies in Section 508.4.4 with no reduction
allowed in the fire-resistance rating of the separation based upon the installation of an automatic
sprinkler system.
2. Each area of the portions of the building used for
Group A-1 or A-2 occupancies shall not exceed the
maximum allowable area permitted for such occupancies in Section 503.1.
3. Exit doors from Group A-1 and A-2 occupancies
shall discharge directly to the exterior of the building.
507.5 Two-story buildings. The area of a Group B, F, M or S
building not more than two stories above grade plane shall
not be limited where the building is equipped throughout with
an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 and is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or
yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.
507.6 Group A-3 buildings of Type II construction. The
area of a Group A-3 building not more than one story above
grade plane, used as a place of religious worship, community
hall, dance hall, exhibition hall, gymnasium, lecture hall,
indoor swimming pool or tennis court of Type II construction,
shall not be limited provided all of the following criteria are
met:
1. The building shall not have a stage other than a platform.
2. The building shall be equipped throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1.
3. The building shall be surrounded and adjoined by public
ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in
width.
507.7 Group A-3 buildings of Type III and IV construction. The area of a Group A-3 building of Type III or IV construction, with not more than one story above grade plane
and used as a place of religious worship, community hall,
dance hall, exhibition hall, gymnasium, lecture hall, indoor
swimming pool or tennis court, shall not be limited provided
all of the following criteria are met:
1. The building shall not have a stage other than a platform.
2.2. The building is equipped with a fire alarm
system with manual fire alarm boxes
installed in accordance with Section 907.
2. The building shall be equipped throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1.
2.3. An automatic sprinkler system is provided
in storage rooms, press boxes, concession
booths or other spaces ancillary to the sport
activity space.
507.4.1 Mixed occupancy buildings with Groups A-1
and A-2. Group A-1 and A-2 occupancies of other than
Type V construction shall be permitted within mixed
occupancy buildings of unlimited area complying with
Section 507.4, provided all of the following criteria are
met:
3. The assembly floor shall be located at or within 21
inches (533 mm) of street or grade level and all exits
are provided with ramps complying with Section 1012
to the street or grade level.
1. Group A-1 and A-2 occupancies are separated from
other occupancies as required for separated occu112
4. The building shall be surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in
width.
507.8 Group H-2, H-3 and H-4 occupancies. Group H-2, H-3
and H-4 occupancies shall be permitted in unlimited area
buildings containing Group F or S occupancies in accordance
with Sections 507.4 and 507.5 and the provisions of Sections
507.8.1 through 507.8.4.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
507.8.1 Allowable area. The aggregate floor area of
Group H occupancies located in an unlimited area building
shall not exceed 10 percent of the area of the building or
the area limitations for the Group H occupancies as specified in Section 506 based on the perimeter of each Group
H floor area that fronts on a public way or open space.
507.8.1.1 Located within the building. The aggregate
floor area of Group H occupancies not located at the
perimeter of the building shall not exceed 25 percent of
the area limitations for the Group H occupancies as
specified in Section 506.
507.8.1.1.1 Liquid use, dispensing and mixing
rooms. Liquid use, dispensing and mixing rooms
having a floor area of not more than 500 square feet
(46.5 m2) need not be located on the outer perimeter
of the building where they are in accordance with
the International Fire Code and NFPA 30.
507.8.1.1.2 Liquid storage rooms. Liquid storage
rooms having a floor area of not more than 1,000
square feet (93 m2) need not be located on the outer
perimeter where they are in accordance with the
International Fire Code and NFPA 30.
507.8.1.1.3 Spray paint booths. Spray paint booths
that comply with the International Fire Code need
not be located on the outer perimeter.
507.8.2 Located on building perimeter. Except as provided for in Section 507.8.1.1, Group H occupancies shall
be located on the perimeter of the building. In Group H-2
and H-3 occupancies, not less than 25 percent of the
perimeter of such occupancies shall be an exterior wall.
507.8.3 Occupancy separations. Group H occupancies
shall be separated from the remainder of the unlimited area
building and from each other in accordance with Table
508.4.
507.8.4 Height limitations. For two-story, unlimited area
buildings, Group H occupancies shall not be located more
than one story above grade plane unless permitted based
on the allowable height and number of stories and feet as
specified in Section 504 based on the type of construction
of the unlimited area building.
507.9 Unlimited mixed occupancy buildings with Group
H-5. The area of a Group B, F, H-5, M or S building not more
than two stories above grade plane shall not be limited where
the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, and is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than
60 feet (18 288 mm) in width, provided all of the following
criteria are met:
occupancies in Section 503.1 including modifications
of Section 506.
Exception: Where the Group H-5 occupancy
exceeds the maximum allowable area, the Group H5 shall be subdivided into areas that are separated by
2-hour fire barriers.
507.10 Aircraft paint hangar. The area of a Group H-2 aircraft paint hangar not more than one story above grade plane
shall not be limited where such aircraft paint hangar complies
with the provisions of Section 412.5 and is surrounded and
adjoined by public ways or yards not less in width than one
and one-half times the building height.
507.11 Group E buildings. The area of a Group E building
not more than one story above grade plane, of Type II, IIIA
or IV construction, shall not be limited provided all of the following criteria are met:
1. Each classroom shall have not less than two means of
egress, with one of the means of egress being a direct
exit to the outside of the building complying with Section 1022.
2. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
3. The building is surrounded and adjoined by public
ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in
width.
507.12 Motion picture theaters. In buildings of Type II construction, the area of a motion picture theater located on the
first story above grade plane shall not be limited where the
building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system
throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than
60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.
507.13 Covered and open mall buildings and anchor
buildings. The area of covered and open mall buildings and
anchor buildings not exceeding three stories in height that
comply with Section 402 shall not be limited.
SECTION 508
MIXED USE AND OCCUPANCY
508.1 General. Each portion of a building shall be individually classified in accordance with Section 302.1. Where a
building contains more than one occupancy group, the building or portion thereof shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 508.2, 508.3 or 508.4, or a combination of
these sections.
Exceptions:
1. Buildings containing Group H-5 occupancy shall be of
Type I or II construction.
1. Occupancies separated in accordance with Section
510.
2. Each area used for Group H-5 occupancy shall be separated from other occupancies as required in Sections
415.11 and 508.4.
2. Where required by Table 415.6.2, areas of Group H1, H-2 and H-3 occupancies shall be located in a
detached building or structure.
3. Each area used for Group H-5 occupancy shall not
exceed the maximum allowable area permitted for such
3. Uses within live/work units, complying with Section
419, are not considered separate occupancies.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
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GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
508.2 Accessory occupancies. Accessory occupancies are
those occupancies that are ancillary to the main occupancy of
the building or portion thereof. Accessory occupancies shall
comply with the provisions of Sections 508.2.1 through
508.2.4.
508.2.1 Occupancy classification. Accessory occupancies shall be individually classified in accordance with
Section 302.1. The requirements of this code shall apply to
each portion of the building based on the occupancy classification of that space.
508.2.2 Allowable building height. The allowable height
and number of stories of the building containing accessory
occupancies shall be in accordance with Section 504 for
the main occupancy of the building.
508.2.3 Allowable building area. The allowable area of
the building shall be based on the applicable provisions of
Section 506 for the main occupancy of the building.
Aggregate accessory occupancies shall not occupy more
than 10 percent of the floor area of the story in which they
are located and shall not exceed the tabular values for nonsprinklered buildings in Table 506.2 for each such accessory occupancy.
508.2.4 Separation of occupancies. No separation is
required between accessory occupancies and the main
occupancy.
Exceptions:
1. Group H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 occupancies shall
be separated from all other occupancies in accordance with Section 508.4.
2. Group I-1, R-1, R-2 and R-3 dwelling units and
sleeping units shall be separated from other
dwelling or sleeping units and from accessory
occupancies contiguous to them in accordance
with the requirements of Section 420.
508.3 Nonseparated occupancies. Buildings or portions of
buildings that comply with the provisions of this section shall
be considered as nonseparated occupancies.
¬
508.3.1 Occupancy classification. Nonseparated occupancies shall be individually classified in accordance with
Section 302.1. The requirements of this code shall apply
to each portion of the building based on the occupancy
classification of that space. In addition, the most restrictive provisions of Chapter 9 that apply to the nonseparated
occupancies shall apply to the total nonseparated occupancy area.
114
tive requirements of Chapter 10 shall apply to the path
of egress from the Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancy
up to and including the exit discharge.
508.3.2 Allowable building area, height and number of
stories. The allowable building area, height and number
of stories of the building or portion thereof shall be based
on the most restrictive allowances for the occupancy
groups under consideration for the type of construction of
the building in accordance with Section 503.1.
508.3.3 Separation. No separation is required between
nonseparated occupancies.
Exceptions:
1. Group H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 occupancies shall
be separated from all other occupancies in accordance with Section 508.4.
2. Group I-1, R-1, R-2 and R-3 dwelling units and
sleeping units shall be separated from other
dwelling or sleeping units and from other occupancies contiguous to them in accordance with
the requirements of Section 420.
508.4 Separated occupancies. Buildings or portions of
buildings that comply with the provisions of this section shall
be considered as separated occupancies.
508.4.1 Occupancy classification. Separated occupancies
shall be individually classified in accordance with Section
302.1. Each separated space shall comply with this code
based on the occupancy classification of that portion of the
building. The most restrictive provisions of Chapter 9 that
apply to the separate occupancies shall apply to the total
nonfire-barrier-separated occupancy areas. Occupancy
separations that serve to define fire area limits established
in Chapter 9 for requiring a fire protection system shall
also comply with Section 901.7.
508.4.2 Allowable building area. In each story, the building area shall be such that the sum of the ratios of the
actual building area of each separated occupancy divided
by the allowable building area of each separated occupancy shall not exceed 1.
508.4.3 Allowable building height and number of stories. Each separated occupancy shall comply with the
building height limitations and story limitations based on
the type of construction of the building in accordance with
Section 503.1.
508.3.1.1 High-rise buildings. Where nonseparated
occupancies occur in a high-rise building, the most
restrictive requirements of Section 403 that apply to the
nonseparated occupancies shall apply throughout the
high-rise building.
Exception: Special provisions of Section 510 shall permit occupancies at building heights and number of stories other than provided in Section 503.1.
508.4.4 Separation. Individual occupancies shall be separated from adjacent occupancies in accordance with Table
508.4.
508.3.1.2 Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies. Where
one of the nonseparated occupancies is Group I-2, Condition 2, the most restrictive requirements of Sections
407, 509 and 712 shall apply throughout the fire area
containing the Group I-2 occupancy. The most restric-
508.4.4.1 Construction. Required separations shall be
fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section
707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance
with Section 711, or both, so as to completely separate
adjacent occupancies.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
TABLE 508.4
REQUIRED SEPARATION OF OCCUPANCIES (HOURS)f
A, E
I-1a, I-3, I-4
A, E
OCCUPANCY
Ra
I-2
F-2, S-2b, U
Be, F-1, M,
S-1
H-1
H-2
H-3, H-4
H-5
S
NS
S
NS
S
NS
S
NS
S
NS
S
NS
S
NS
S
NS
S
NS
S
NS
N
N
1
2
2
NP
1
2
N
1
1
2
NP
NP
3
4
2
3
2
NP
I-1a, I-3, I-4
—
—
N
N
2
NP
1
NP
1
2
1
2
NP
NP
3
NP
2
NP
2
NP
I-2
—
—
—
—
N
N
2
NP
2
NP
2
NP
NP
NP
3
NP
2
NP
2
NP
—
—
—
—
—
—
N
N
1c
2c
1
2
NP
NP
3
NP
2
NP
2
NP
F-2, S-2 , U
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
N
N
1
2
NP
NP
3
4
2
3
2
NP
Be, F-1, M, S-1
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
N
N
NP
NP
2
3
1
2
1
NP
H-1
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
N
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
H-2
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
N
NP
1
NP
1
NP
H-3, H-4
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1d
NP
1
NP
H-5
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
N
NP
Ra
b
S = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
N = No separation requirement.
NP = Not Permitted.
a. See Section 420.
b. The required separation from areas used only for private or pleasure vehicles shall be reduced by 1 hour but not to less than 1 hour.
c. See Section 406.3.2.
d. Separation is not required between occupancies of the same classification.
e. See Section 422.2 for ambulatory care facilities.
f. Occupancy separations that serve to define fire area limits established in Chapter 9 for requiring fire protection systems shall also comply with Section
707.3.10 and Table 707.3.10 in accordance with Section 901.7.
SECTION 509
INCIDENTAL USES
509.1 General Incidental uses located within single occupancy or mixed occupancy buildings shall comply with the
provisions of this section. Incidental uses are ancillary functions associated with a given occupancy that generally pose a
greater level of risk to that occupancy and are limited to those
uses listed in Table 509.
Exception: Incidental uses within and serving a dwelling
unit are not required to comply with this section.
not required to be fire-resistance rated unless required by
other sections of this code.
509.3 Area limitations. Incidental uses shall not occupy
more than 10 percent of the building area of the story in
which they are located.
509.4.2 Protection. Where Table 509 permits an automatic sprinkler system without a fire barrier, the incidental uses shall be separated from the remainder of the
building by construction capable of resisting the passage
of smoke. The walls shall extend from the top of the foundation or floor assembly below to the underside of the
ceiling that is a component of a fire-resistance-rated floor
assembly or roof assembly above or to the underside of the
floor or roof sheathing, deck or slab above. Doors shall be
self- or automatic-closing upon detection of smoke in
accordance with Section 716.2.6.6. Doors shall not have
air transfer openings and shall not be undercut in excess of
the clearance permitted in accordance with NFPA 80.
Walls surrounding the incidental use shall not have air
transfer openings unless provided with smoke dampers in
accordance with Section 710.8.
509.4 Separation and protection. The incidental uses listed
in Table 509 shall be separated from the remainder of the
building or equipped with an automatic sprinkler system, or
both, in accordance with the provisions of that table.
509.4.2.1 Protection limitation. Where an automatic
sprinkler system is provided in accordance with Table
509, only the space occupied by the incidental use need
be equipped with such a system.
509.4.1 Separation. Where Table 509 specifies a fireresistance-rated separation, the incidental uses shall be
separated from the remainder of the building by a fire barrier constructed in accordance with Section 707 or a horizontal assembly constructed in accordance with Section
711, or both. Construction supporting 1-hour fire barriers
or horizontal assemblies used for incidental use separations in buildings of Type IIB, IIIB and VB construction is
SECTION 510
SPECIAL PROVISIONS
510.1 General. The provisions in Sections 510.2 through
510.9 shall permit the use of special conditions that are
exempt from, or modify, the specific requirements of this
chapter regarding the allowable building heights and areas of
509.2 Occupancy classification. Incidental uses shall not be
individually classified in accordance with Section 302.1.
Incidental uses shall be included in the building occupancies
within which they are located.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
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GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
hour fire-resistance rating with opening protectives in
accordance with Section 716.
buildings based on the occupancy classification and type of
construction, provided the special condition complies with
the provisions specified in this section for such condition and
other applicable requirements of this code. The provisions of
Sections 510.2 through 510.8 are to be considered independent and separate from each other.
510.2 Horizontal building separation allowance. A building shall be considered as separate and distinct buildings for
the purpose of determining area limitations, continuity of fire
walls, limitation of number of stories and type of construction
where all of the following conditions are met:
1. The buildings are separated with a horizontal assembly
having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 3 hours.
Where vertical offsets are provided as part of a horizontal assembly, the vertical offset and the structure supporting the vertical offset shall have a fire-resistance
rating of not less than 3 hours.
2. The building below, including the horizontal assembly,
is of Type IA construction.
3. Shaft, stairway, ramp and escalator enclosures through
the horizontal assembly shall have not less than a 2-
Exception: Where the enclosure walls below the
horizontal assembly have not less than a 3-hour fireresistance rating with opening protectives in accordance with Section 716, the enclosure walls extending above the horizontal assembly shall be permitted
to have a 1-hour fire-resistance rating, provided:
1. The building above the horizontal assembly is
not required to be of Type I construction;
2. The enclosure connects fewer than four stories; and
3. The enclosure opening protectives above the
horizontal assembly have a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour.
4. The building or buildings above the horizontal assembly shall be permitted to have multiple Group A occupancy uses, each with an occupant load of less 300, or
Group B, M, R or S occupancies.
5. The building below the horizontal assembly shall be
protected throughout by an approved automatic sprin-
[F] TABLE 509
INCIDENTAL USES
ROOM OR AREA
SEPARATION AND/OR PROTECTION
Furnace room where any piece of equipment is over 400,000 Btu per hour input
1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system
Rooms with boilers where the largest piece of equipment is over 15 psi and 10 horsepower
1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system
Refrigerant machinery room
1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system
Hydrogen fuel gas rooms, not classified as Group H
1 hour in Group B, F, M, S and U occupancies;
2 hours in Group A, E, I and R occupancies.
Incinerator rooms
2 hours and provide automatic sprinkler system
Paint shops, not classified as Group H, located in occupancies other than Group F
2 hours; or 1 hour and provide automatic
sprinkler system
In Group E occupancies, laboratories and vocational shops not classified as Group H
1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system
In Group I-2 occupancies, laboratories not classified as Group H
1 hour and provide automatic sprinkler system
In ambulatory care facilities, laboratories not classified as Group H
1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system
Laundry rooms over 100 square feet
1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system
In Group I-2, laundry rooms over 100 square feet
1 hour
Group I-3 cells and Group I-2 patient rooms equipped with padded surfaces
1 hour
In Group I-2, physical plant maintenance shops
1 hour
In ambulatory care facilities or Group I-2 occupancies, waste and linen collection rooms
with containers that have an aggregate volume of 10 cubic feet or greater
1 hour
In other than ambulatory care facilities and Group I-2 occupancies, waste and linen
collection rooms over 100 square feet
1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system
In ambulatory care facilities or Group I-2 occupancies, storage rooms greater than
100 square feet
1 hour
Stationary storage battery systems having an energy capacity greater than the threshold
quantity specified in Table 1206.2 of the International Fire Code
1 hour in Group B, F, M, S and U occupancies;
2 hours in Group A, E, I and R occupancies.
Electrical installations and transformers
See Sections 110.26 through 110.34 and
Sections 450.8 through 450.48 of NFPA 70 for
protection and separation requirements.
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 pound per square inch (psi) = 6.9 kPa, 1 British thermal unit (Btu) per hour = 0.293 watts,
1 horsepower = 746 watts, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 cubic foot = 0.0283 m3.
116
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
kler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, and
shall be permitted to be any occupancy allowed by this
code except Group H.
6. The maximum building height in feet (mm) shall not
exceed the limits set forth in Section 504.3 for the
building having the smaller allowable height as measured from the grade plane.
510.3 Group S-2 enclosed parking garage with Group S-2
open parking garage above. A Group S-2 enclosed parking
garage with not more than one story above grade plane and
located below a Group S-2 open parking garage shall be classified as a separate and distinct building for the purpose of
determining the type of construction where all of the following conditions are met:
1. The allowable area of the building shall be such that the
sum of the ratios of the actual area divided by the
allowable area for each separate occupancy shall not
exceed 1.
2. The Group S-2 enclosed parking garage is of Type I or
II construction and is at least equal to the fire-resistance requirements of the Group S-2 open parking
garage.
3. The height and the number of tiers of the Group S-2
open parking garage shall be limited as specified in
Table 406.5.4.
4. The floor assembly separating the Group S-2 enclosed
parking garage and Group S-2 open parking garage
shall be protected as required for the floor assembly of
the Group S-2 enclosed parking garage. Openings
between the Group S-2 enclosed parking garage and
Group S-2 open parking garage, except exit openings,
shall not be required to be protected.
5. The Group S-2 enclosed parking garage is used exclusively for the parking or storage of private motor vehicles, but shall be permitted to contain an office, waiting
room and toilet room having a total area of not more
than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) and mechanical equipment rooms incidental to the operation of the building.
510.4 Parking beneath Group R. Where a maximum one
story above grade plane Group S-2 parking garage, enclosed
or open, or combination thereof, of Type I construction or
open of Type IV construction, with grade entrance, is provided under a building of Group R, the number of stories to
be used in determining the minimum type of construction
shall be measured from the floor above such a parking area.
The floor assembly between the parking garage and the
Group R above shall comply with the type of construction
required for the parking garage and shall also provide a fireresistance rating not less than the mixed occupancy separation required in Section 508.4.
510.5 Group R-1 and R-2 buildings of Type IIIA construction. The height limitation for buildings of Type IIIA
construction in Groups R-1 and R-2 shall be increased to six
stories and 75 feet (22 860 mm) where the first floor assembly above the basement has a fire-resistance rating of not less
than 3 hours and the floor area is subdivided by 2-hour fire2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
resistance-rated fire walls into areas of not more than 3,000
square feet (279 m2).
510.6 Group R-1 and R-2 buildings of Type IIA construction. The height limitation for buildings of Type IIA construction in Groups R-1 and R-2 shall 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 lot lines, the exits are segregated
in an area enclosed by a 2-hour fire-resistance-rated fire wall
and the first floor assembly has a fire-resistance rating of not
less than 11/2 hours.
510.7 Open parking garage beneath Groups A, I, B, M
and R. Open parking garages constructed under Groups A, I,
B, M and R shall not exceed the height and area limitations
permitted under Section 406.5. The height and area of the
portion of the building above the open parking garage shall
not exceed the limitations in Section 503 for the upper occupancy. The height, in both feet and stories, of the portion of
the building above the open parking garage shall be measured from grade plane and shall include both the open parking garage and the portion of the building above the parking
garage.
510.7.1 Fire separation. Fire barriers constructed in
accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 between the parking occupancy and the upper occupancy shall correspond
to the required fire-resistance rating prescribed in Table
508.4 for the uses involved. The type of construction shall
apply to each occupancy individually, except that structural members, including main bracing within the open
parking structure, which is necessary to support the upper
occupancy, shall be protected with the more restrictive
fire-resistance-rated assemblies of the groups involved as
shown in Table 601. Means of egress for the upper occupancy shall conform to Chapter 10 and shall be separated
from the parking occupancy by fire barriers having not
less than a 2-hour fire-resistance rating as required by
Section 707 with self-closing doors complying with Section 716 or horizontal assemblies having not less than a 2hour fire-resistance rating as required by Section 711,
with self-closing doors complying with Section 716.
Means of egress from the open parking garage shall comply with Section 406.5.
510.8 Group B or M buildings with Group S-2 open parking garage above. Group B or M occupancies located below
a Group S-2 open parking garage of a lesser type of construction shall be considered as a separate and distinct building
from the Group S-2 open parking garage for the purpose of
determining the type of construction where all of the following conditions are met:
1. The buildings are separated with a horizontal assembly
having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
2. The occupancies in the building below the horizontal
assembly are limited to Groups B and M.
3. The occupancy above the horizontal assembly is limited to a Group S-2 open parking garage.
117
GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
4. The building below the horizontal assembly is of Type
IA construction.
Exception: The building below the horizontal
assembly shall be permitted to be of Type IB or II
construction, but not less than the type of construction required for the Group S-2 open parking garage
above, where the building below is not greater than
one story in height above grade plane.
5. The height and area of the building below the horizontal assembly does not exceed the limits set forth in Section 503.
6. The height and area of the Group S-2 open parking
garage does not exceed the limits set forth in Section
406.5. The height, in both feet and stories, of the Group
S-2 open parking garage shall be measured from grade
plane and shall include the building below the horizontal assembly.
7. Exits serving the Group S-2 open parking garage discharge directly to a street or public way and are separated from the building below the horizontal assembly
by 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with
Section 707 or 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
510.9 Multiple buildings above a horizontal assembly.
Where two or more buildings are provided above the horizontal assembly separating a Group S-2 parking garage or building below from the buildings above in accordance with the
special provisions in Section 510.2, 510.3 or 510.8, the buildings above the horizontal assembly shall be regarded as separate and distinct buildings from each other and shall comply
with all other provisions of this code as applicable to each
separate and distinct building.
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2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
CHAPTER 6
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 6 establishes five types of construction in which each building must be categorized. This chapter looks at the
materials used in the building (combustible or noncombustible) and the extent to which building elements such as building frame, roof, wall
and floor can resist fire. Depending on the type of construction, the specific building element and its proximity to a lot line, fire resistance of 1
to 3 hours is specified.
SECTION 601
GENERAL
601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall control the
classification of buildings as to type of construction.
602.1.1 Minimum requirements. A building or portion
thereof shall not be required to conform to the details of a
type of construction higher than that type which meets the
minimum requirements based on occupancy even though
certain features of such a building actually conform to a
higher type of construction.
602.2 Types I and II. Types I and II construction are those
types of construction in which the building elements listed in
Table 601 are of noncombustible materials, except as permitted in Section 603 and elsewhere in this code.
602.3 Type III. Type III construction is that type of construction in which the exterior walls are of noncombustible materials and the interior building elements are of any material
permitted by this code. Fire-retardant-treated wood framing
and sheathing complying with Section 2303.2 shall be permitted within exterior wall assemblies of a 2-hour rating or
less.
602.4 Type IV. Type IV construction is that type of construction in which the exterior walls are of noncombustible
SECTION 602
CONSTRUCTION CLASSIFICATION
602.1 General. Buildings and structures erected or to be
erected, altered or extended in height or area shall be classified in one of the five construction types defined in Sections
602.2 through 602.5. The building elements shall have a fireresistance rating not less than that specified in Table 601 and
exterior walls shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than
that specified in Table 602. Where required to have a fireresistance rating by Table 601, building elements shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 703.2. The protection of openings, ducts and air transfer openings in
building elements shall not be required unless required by
other provisions of this code.
TABLE 601
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING ELEMENTS (HOURS)
BUILDING ELEMENT
f
TYPE I
TYPE II
A
B
a, b
a, b
A
TYPE III
B
A
b
0
b
1
0
0
2
1
Primary structural frame (see Section 202)
3
2
1
Bearing walls
Exterior e , f
Interior
3
3a
2
2a
1
1
Nonbearing walls and partitions
Exterior
TYPE IV
B
TYPE V
HT
A
B
0
HT
1
b
0
2
0
2
1/HT
1
1
0
0
See Table 602
Nonbearing walls and partitions
Interior d
0
0
0
0
0
0
See
Section
2304.11.2
0
0
Floor construction and associated secondary members
(see Section 202)
2
2
1
0
1
0
HT
1
0
Roof construction and associated secondary members
(see Section 202)
11/2b
1b,c
1b,c
0c
1b,c
0
HT
1b,c
0
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a. Roof supports: Fire-resistance ratings of primary structural frame and bearing walls are permitted to be reduced by 1 hour where supporting a roof only.
b. Except in Group F-1, H, M and S-1 occupancies, fire protection of structural members in roof construction shall not be required, including protection of
primary structural frame members, roof framing and decking where every part of the roof construction is 20 feet or more above any floor immediately below.
Fire-retardant-treated wood members shall be allowed to be used for such unprotected members.
c. In all occupancies, heavy timber complying with Section 2304.11 shall be allowed where a 1-hour or less fire-resistance rating is required.
d. Not less than the fire-resistance rating required by other sections of this code.
e. Not less than the fire-resistance rating based on fire separation distance (see Table 602).
f. Not less than the fire-resistance rating as referenced in Section 704.10.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
119
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
*
materials and the interior building elements are of solid
wood, laminated wood, heavy timber (HT) or structural
composite lumber (SCL) without concealed spaces. The
minimum dimensions for permitted materials including
solid timber, glued-laminated timber, structural composite
lumber (SCL), and cross-laminated timber and details of
Type IV construction shall comply with the provisions of
this section and Section 2304.11. Exterior walls complying
with Section 602.4.1 or 602.4.2 shall be permitted. Interior
walls and partitions not less than 1-hour fire-resistance rating or heavy timber complying with Section 2304.11.2.2
shall be permitted.
602.4.1 Fire-retardant-treated wood in exterior walls.
Fire-retardant-treated wood framing and sheathing complying with Section 2303.2 shall be permitted within exterior wall assemblies not less than 6 inches (152 mm) in
thickness with a 2-hour rating or less.
602.4.2 Cross-laminated timber in exterior walls.
Cross-laminated timber complying with Section 2303.1.4
shall be permitted within exterior wall assemblies not less
than 6 inches (152 mm) in thickness with a 2-hour rating
or less, provided the exterior surface of the cross-laminated timber is protected by one the following:
602.5 Type V. Type V construction is that type of construction in which the structural elements, exterior walls and interior walls are of any materials permitted by this code.
SECTION 603
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL IN
TYPES I AND II CONSTRUCTION
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. Nonbearing partitions where the required
fire-resistance rating is 2 hours or less.
1.2. Nonbearing exterior walls where fire-resistance-rated construction is not required.
1.3. Roof construction, including girders, trusses,
framing and decking.
Exception: In buildings of Type IA
construction exceeding two stories
above grade plane, fire-retardanttreated wood is not permitted in roof
construction where the vertical distance
from the upper floor to the roof is less
than 20 feet (6096 mm).
1. Fire-retardant-treated wood sheathing complying
with Section 2303.2 and not less than 15/32 inch (12
mm) thick;
2. Gypsum board not less than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm)
thick; or
1.4. Balconies, porches, decks and exterior stairways not used as required exits on buildings
three stories or less above grade plane.
2. Thermal and acoustical insulation, other than foam
plastics, having a flame spread index of not more than
25.
3. A noncombustible material.
*
602.4.3 Exterior structural members. Where a horizontal separation of 20 feet (6096 mm) or more is provided,
wood columns and arches conforming to heavy timber
sizes complying with Section 2304.11 shall be permitted
to be used externally.
Exceptions:
1. Insulation placed between two layers of
noncombustible materials without an inter-
TABLE 602
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR EXTERIOR WALLS BASED ON FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCEa, d, g
FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE =
X (feet)
TYPE OF
CONSTRUCTION
OCCUPANCY
GROUP He
OCCUPANCY
GROUP F-1, M, S-1f
OCCUPANCY
GROUP A, B, E, F-2, I, Ri, S-2, Uh
X < 5b
All
IA
Others
IA, IB
IIB, VB
Others
All
3
3
2
2
1
1
0
2
2
1
1
0
1
0
1
1
1
1c
0
1c
0
5  X < 10
10  X < 30
X  30
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a. Load-bearing exterior walls shall also comply with the fire-resistance rating requirements of Table 601.
b. See Section 706.1.1 for party walls.
c. Open parking garages complying with Section 406 shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating.
d. The fire-resistance rating of an exterior wall is determined based upon the fire separation distance of the exterior wall and the story in which the wall is
located.
e. For special requirements for Group H occupancies, see Section 415.6.
f. For special requirements for Group S aircraft hangars, see Section 412.3.1.
g. Where Table 705.8 permits nonbearing exterior walls with unlimited area of unprotected openings, the required fire-resistance rating for the exterior walls is
0 hours.
h. For a building containing only a Group U occupancy private garage or carport, the exterior wall shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where the
fire separation distance is 5 feet (1523 mm) or greater.
i. For a Group R-3 building of Type II-B or Type V-B construction, the exterior wall shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating where the fire
separation distance is 5 feet (1523 mm) or greater.
120
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
vening airspace shall be allowed to have a
flame spread index of not more than 100.
2. Insulation installed between a finished
floor and solid decking without intervening
airspace shall be allowed to have a flame
spread index of not more than 200.
3. Foam plastics in accordance with Chapter 26.
4. Roof coverings that have an A, B or C classification.
5. Interior floor finish and floor covering materials
installed in accordance with Section 804.
6. Millwork such as doors, door frames, window sashes
and frames.
7. Interior wall and ceiling finishes installed in accordance with Section 803.
8. Trim installed in accordance with Section 806.
9. Where not installed greater than 15 feet (4572 mm)
above grade, show windows, nailing or furring strips
and wooden bulkheads below show windows, including their frames, aprons and show cases.
10. Finish flooring installed in accordance with Section
805.
11. Partitions dividing portions of stores, offices or similar places occupied by one tenant only and that do not
establish a corridor serving an occupant load of 30 or
more shall be permitted to be constructed of fireretardant-treated wood, 1-hour fire-resistance-rated
construction or of wood panels or similar light construction up to 6 feet (1829 mm) in height.
22. Materials used to protect penetrations in fire-resistance-rated assemblies in accordance with Section
714.
23. Materials used to protect joints in fire-resistance-rated
assemblies in accordance with Section 715.
24. Materials allowed in the concealed spaces of buildings of Types I and II construction in accordance with
Section 718.5.
25. Materials exposed within plenums complying with
Section 602 of the International Mechanical Code.
26. Wall construction of freezers and coolers of less than
1,000 square feet (92.9 m2), in size, lined on both
sides with noncombustible materials and the building
is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
603.1.1 Ducts. The use of nonmetallic ducts shall be permitted where installed in accordance with the limitations
of the International Mechanical Code.
603.1.2 Piping. The use of combustible piping materials
shall be permitted where installed in accordance with the
limitations of the International Mechanical Code and the
International Plumbing Code.
603.1.3 Electrical. The use of electrical wiring methods
with combustible insulation, tubing, raceways and related
components shall be permitted where installed in accordance with the limitations of this code.
12. Stages and platforms constructed in accordance with
Sections 410.2 and 410.3, respectively.
13. Combustible exterior wall coverings, balconies and
similar projections and bay or oriel windows in accordance with Chapter 14 and Section 705.2.3.1.
14. Blocking such as for handrails, millwork, cabinets
and window and door frames.
15. Light-transmitting plastics as permitted by Chapter
26.
16. Mastics and caulking materials applied to provide
flexible seals between components of exterior wall
construction.
17. Exterior plastic veneer installed in accordance with
Section 2605.2.
18. Nailing or furring strips as permitted by Section
803.15.
19. Heavy timber as permitted by Note c to Table 601 and
Sections 602.4.3 and 705.2.3.1.
20. Aggregates, component materials and admixtures as
permitted by Section 703.2.2.
21. Sprayed fire-resistant materials and intumescent and
mastic fire-resistant coatings, determined on the basis
of fire resistance tests in accordance with Section
703.2 and installed in accordance with Sections
1705.14 and 1705.15, respectively.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
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122
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
CHAPTER 7
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 7 provides detailed requirements for fire-resistance-rated construction, including structural members, walls, partitions
and horizontal assemblies. Other portions of the code describe where certain fire-resistance-rated elements are required. This chapter specifies
how these elements are constructed, how openings in walls and partitions are protected and how penetrations of such elements are protected.
SECTION 701
GENERAL
¬
701.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the
materials, systems and assemblies used for structural fire
resistance and fire-resistance-rated construction separation of
adjacent spaces to safeguard against the spread of fire and
smoke within a building and the spread of fire to or from
buildings.
SECTION 702
MULTIPLE USE FIRE ASSEMBLIES
702.1 Multiple use fire assemblies. Fire assemblies that
serve multiple purposes in a building shall comply with all of
the requirements that are applicable for each of the individual
fire assemblies.
SECTION 703
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS AND FIRE TESTS
703.1 Scope. Materials prescribed herein for fire resistance
shall conform to the requirements of this chapter.
703.2 Fire-resistance ratings. The fire-resistance rating of
building elements, components or assemblies shall be determined in accordance with the test procedures set forth in
ASTM E119 or UL 263 or in accordance with Section 703.3.
The fire-resistance rating of penetrations and fire-resistant
joint systems shall be determined in accordance Sections 714
and 715, respectively.
703.2.1 Nonsymmetrical wall construction. Interior
walls and partitions of nonsymmetrical construction shall
be tested with both faces exposed to the furnace, and the
assigned fire-resistance rating shall be the shortest duration obtained from the two tests conducted in compliance
with ASTM E119 or UL 263. Where evidence is furnished
to show that the wall was tested with the least fire-resistant
side exposed to the furnace, subject to acceptance of the
building official, the wall need not be subjected to tests
from the opposite side (see Section 705.5 for exterior
walls).
703.2.2 Combustible components. Combustible aggregates are permitted in gypsum and Portland cement concrete mixtures for fire-resistance-rated construction. Any
component material or admixture is permitted in assemblies if the resulting tested assembly meets the fire-resistance test requirements of this code.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
703.2.3 Restrained classification. Fire-resistance-rated
assemblies tested under ASTM E119 or UL 263 shall not
be considered to be restrained unless evidence satisfactory
to the building official is furnished by the registered
design professional showing that the construction qualifies
for a restrained classification in accordance with ASTM
E119 or UL 263. Restrained construction shall be identified on the construction documents.
703.2.4 Supplemental features. Where materials, systems or devices that have not been tested as part of a fireresistance-rated assembly are incorporated into the building element, component or assembly, sufficient data shall
be made available to the building official to show that the
required fire-resistance rating is not reduced.
703.2.5 Exterior bearing walls. In determining the fireresistance rating of exterior bearing walls, compliance
with the ASTM E119 or UL 263 criteria for unexposed
surface temperature rise and ignition of cotton waste due
to passage of flame or gases is required only for a period
of time corresponding to the required fire-resistance rating of an exterior nonbearing wall with the same fire separation distance, and in a building of the same group.
Where the fire-resistance rating determined in accordance
with this exception exceeds the fire-resistance rating
determined in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263,
the fire exposure time period, water pressure and application duration criteria for the hose stream test of ASTM
E119 or UL 263 shall be based on the fire-resistance rating determined in accordance with this section.
703.3 Methods for determining fire resistance. The application of any of the methods listed in this section shall be
based on the fire exposure and acceptance criteria specified in
ASTM E119 or UL 263. The required fire resistance of a
building element, component or assembly shall be permitted
to be established by any of the following methods or procedures:
1. Fire-resistance designs documented in approved
sources.
2. Prescriptive designs of fire-resistance-rated building
elements, components or assemblies as prescribed in
Section 721.
3. Calculations in accordance with Section 722.
4. Engineering analysis based on a comparison of building element, component or assemblies designs having
fire-resistance ratings as determined by the test procedures set forth in ASTM E119 or UL 263.
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
5. Alternative protection methods as allowed by Section
104.11.
6. Fire-resistance designs certified by an approved
agency.
703.4 Automatic sprinklers. Under the prescriptive fireresistance requirements of this code, the fire-resistance rating
of a building element, component or assembly shall be established without the use of automatic sprinklers or any other
fire suppression system being incorporated as part of the
assembly tested in accordance with the fire exposure, procedures and acceptance criteria specified in ASTM E119 or UL
263. However, this section shall not prohibit or limit the
duties and powers of the building official allowed by Sections
104.10 and 104.11.
703.5 Noncombustibility tests. The tests indicated in Sections 703.5.1 and 703.5.2 shall serve as criteria for acceptance of building materials as set forth in Sections 602.2,
602.3 and 602.4 in Types I, II, III and IV construction. The
term “noncombustible” does not apply to the flame spread
characteristics of interior finish or trim materials. A material
shall not be classified as a noncombustible building construction material if it is subject to an increase in combustibility or
flame spread beyond the limitations herein established
through the effects of age, moisture or other atmospheric conditions.
703.5.1 Elementary materials. Materials required to be
noncombustible shall be tested in accordance with ASTM
E136.
703.5.2 Composite materials. Materials having a structural base of noncombustible material as determined in
accordance with Section 703.5.1 with a surfacing not more
than 0.125 inch (3.18 mm) thick that has a flame spread
index not greater than 50 when tested in accordance with
ASTM E84 or UL 723 shall be acceptable as noncombustible materials.
703.6 Fire-resistance-rated glazing. Fire-resistance-rated
glazing, when tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL
263 and complying with the requirements of Section 707,
shall be permitted. Fire-resistance-rated glazing shall bear a
label marked in accordance with Table 716.1(1) issued by an
agency and shall be permanently identified on the glazing.
703.7 Marking and identification. Where there is an accessible concealed floor, floor-ceiling or attic space, fire walls,
fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers and smoke partitions or any other wall required to have protected openings or
penetrations shall be effectively and permanently identified
with signs or stenciling in the concealed space. Such identification shall:
1. Be located within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the end of each
wall and at intervals not exceeding 30 feet (9144 mm)
measured horizontally along the wall or partition.
2. Include lettering not less than 3 inches (76 mm) in
height with a minimum 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) stroke in a
contrasting color incorporating the suggested wording,
“FIRE AND/OR SMOKE BARRIER—PROTECT
ALL OPENINGS,” or other wording.
124
SECTION 704
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING OF
STRUCTURAL MEMBERS
704.1 Requirements. The fire-resistance ratings of structural members and assemblies shall comply with this section
and the requirements for the type of construction as specified
in Table 601. The fire-resistance ratings shall be not less than
the ratings required for the fire-resistance-rated assemblies
supported by the structural members.
Exception: Fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers
and horizontal assemblies as provided in Sections 707.5,
708.4, 709.4 and 711.2, respectively.
704.2 Column protection. Where columns are required to
have protection to achieve a fire-resistance rating, the entire
column shall be provided individual encasement protection
by protecting it on all sides for the full column height, including connections to other structural members, with materials
having the required fire-resistance rating. Where the column
extends through a ceiling, the encasement protection shall be
continuous from the top of the foundation or floor/ceiling
assembly below through the ceiling space to the top of the
column.
Exception: Columns that meet the limitations of Section
704.4.1.
704.3 Protection of the primary structural frame other
than columns. Members of the primary structural frame
other than columns that are required to have protection to
achieve a fire-resistance rating and support more than two
floors or one floor and roof, or support a load-bearing wall or
a nonload-bearing wall more than two stories high, shall be
provided individual encasement protection by protecting
them on all sides for the full length, including connections to
other structural members, with materials having the required
fire-resistance rating.
Exception: Individual encasement protection on all sides
shall be permitted on all exposed sides provided that the
extent of protection is in accordance with the required fireresistance rating, as determined in Section 703.
704.4 Protection of secondary members. Secondary members that are required to have protection to achieve a fireresistance rating shall be protected by individual encasement
protection.
704.4.1 Light-frame construction. Studs, columns and
boundary elements that are integral elements in walls of
light-frame construction and are located entirely between
the top and bottom plates or tracks shall be permitted to
have required fire-resistance ratings provided by the
membrane protection provided for the wall.
704.4.2 Horizontal assemblies. Horizontal assemblies are
permitted to be protected with a membrane or ceiling
where the membrane or ceiling provides the required fireresistance rating and is installed in accordance with Section 711.
704.5 Truss protection. The required thickness and construction of fire-resistance-rated assemblies enclosing trusses
shall be based on the results of full-scale tests or combinations of tests on truss components or on approved calcula2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
tions based on such tests that satisfactorily demonstrate that
the assembly has the required fire resistance.
704.6 Attachments to structural members. The edges of
lugs, brackets, rivets and bolt heads attached to structural
members shall be permitted to extend to within 1 inch (25
mm) of the surface of the fire protection.
704.7 Reinforcing. Thickness of protection for concrete or
masonry reinforcement shall be measured to the outside of
the reinforcement except that stirrups and spiral reinforcement ties are permitted to project not more than 0.5-inch
(12.7 mm) into the protection.
704.8 Embedments and enclosures. Pipes, wires, conduits,
ducts or other service facilities shall not be embedded in the
required fire protective covering of a structural member that
is required to be individually encased.
704.9 Impact protection. Where the fire protective covering
of a structural member is subject to impact damage from
moving vehicles, the handling of merchandise or other activity, the fire protective covering shall be protected by corner
guards or by a substantial jacket of metal or other noncombustible material to a height adequate to provide full protection, but not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the finished
floor.
Exception: Corner protection is not required on concrete
columns in parking garages.
704.10 Exterior structural members. Load-bearing structural members located within the exterior walls or on the outside of a building or structure shall be provided with the
highest fire-resistance rating as determined in accordance
with the following:
1. As required by Table 601 for the type of building element based on the type of construction of the building.
2. As required by Table 601 for exterior bearing walls
based on the type of construction.
3. As required by Table 602 for exterior walls based on
the fire separation distance.
704.11 Bottom flange protection. Fire protection is not
required at the bottom flange of lintels, shelf angles and
plates, spanning not more than 6 feet 4 inches (1931 mm)
whether part of the primary structural frame or not, and from
the bottom flange of lintels, shelf angles and plates not part of
the structural frame, regardless of span.
704.12 Seismic isolation systems. Fire-resistance ratings for
the isolation system shall meet the fire-resistance rating
required for the columns, walls or other structural elements in
which the isolation system is installed in accordance with
Table 601. Isolation systems required to have a fire-resistance rating shall be protected with approved materials or
construction assemblies designed to provide the same degree
of fire resistance as the structural element in which the system is installed when tested in accordance with ASTM E119
or UL 263 (see Section 703.2).
Such isolation system protection applied to isolator units
shall be capable of retarding the transfer of heat to the isolator
unit in such a manner that the required gravity load-carrying
capacity of the isolator unit will not be impaired after exposure to the standard time-temperature curve fire test prescribed in ASTM E119 or UL 263 for a duration not less than
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
that required for the fire-resistance rating of the structure element in which the system is installed.
Such isolation system protection applied to isolator units
shall be suitably designed and securely installed so as not to
dislodge, loosen, sustain damage or otherwise impair its ability to accommodate the seismic movements for which the isolator unit is designed and to maintain its integrity for the
purpose of providing the required fire-resistance protection.
704.13 Sprayed fire-resistant materials (SFRM). Sprayed
fire-resistant materials (SFRM) shall comply with Sections
704.13.1 through 704.13.5.
704.13.1 Fire-resistance rating. The application of
SFRM shall be consistent with the fire-resistance rating
and the listing, including, but not limited to, minimum
thickness and dry density of the applied SFRM, method of
application, substrate surface conditions and the use of
bonding adhesives, sealants, reinforcing or other materials.
704.13.2 Manufacturer’s installation instructions. The
application of SFRM shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The instructions shall
include, but are not limited to, substrate temperatures and
surface conditions and SFRM handling, storage, mixing,
conveyance, method of application, curing and ventilation.
704.13.3 Substrate condition. The SFRM shall be
applied to a substrate in compliance with Sections
704.13.3.1 and 704.13.3.2.
704.13.3.1 Surface conditions. Substrates to receive
SFRM shall be free of dirt, oil, grease, release agents,
loose scale and any other condition that prevents adhesion. The substrates shall be free of primers, paints and
encapsulants other than those fire tested and listed by a
nationally recognized testing agency. Primed, painted
or encapsulated steel shall be allowed, provided that
testing has demonstrated that required adhesion is
maintained.
704.13.3.2 Primers, paints and encapsulants. Where
the SFRM is to be applied over primers, paints or
encapsulants other than those specified in the listing,
the material shall be field tested in accordance with
ASTM E736. Where testing of the SFRM with primers,
paints or encapsulants demonstrates that required adhesion is maintained, SFRM shall be permitted to be
applied to primed, painted or encapsulated wide flange
steel shapes in accordance with the following conditions:
1. The beam flange width does not exceed 12 inches
(305 mm); or
2. The column flange width does not exceed 16
inches (400 mm); or
3. The beam or column web depth does not exceed
16 inches (400 mm).
4. The average and minimum bond strength values
shall be determined based on not fewer than five
bond tests conducted in accordance with ASTM
E736. Bond tests conducted in accordance with
ASTM E736 shall indicate an average bond
strength of not less than 80 percent and an individual bond strength of not less than 50 percent,
125
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
when compared to the bond strength of the
SFRM as applied to clean uncoated 1/8-inch-thick
(3.2 mm) steel plate.
704.13.4 Temperature. A minimum ambient and substrate temperature of 40°F (4.44°C) shall be maintained
during and for not fewer than 24 hours after the application of the SFRM, unless the manufacturer’s instructions
allow otherwise.
704.13.5 Finished condition. The finished condition of
SFRM applied to structural members or assemblies shall
not, upon complete drying or curing, exhibit cracks, voids,
spalls, delamination or any exposure of the substrate. Surface irregularities of SFRM shall be deemed acceptable.
SECTION 705
EXTERIOR WALLS
705.1 General. Exterior walls shall comply with this section.
705.2 Projections. Cornices, eave overhangs, exterior balconies and similar projections extending beyond the exterior
wall shall conform to the requirements of this section and
Section 1405. Exterior egress balconies and exterior exit
stairways and ramps shall comply with Sections 1021 and
1027, respectively. Projections shall not extend any closer to
the line used to determine the fire separation distance than
shown in Table 705.2.
Exception: Buildings on the same lot and considered as
portions of one building in accordance with Section 705.3
are not required to comply with this section for projections
between the buildings.
TABLE 705.2
MINIMUM DISTANCE OF PROJECTION
FIRE SEPARATION
DISTANCE-FSD (feet)
0 to less than 2
MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM LINE
USED TO DETERMINE FSD
Projections not permitted
2 to less than 3
24 inches
3 to less than 5
24 inches plus 8 inches for every foot
of FSD beyond 3 feet or fraction
thereof
5 or greater
40 inches
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm; 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
705.2.1 Types I and II construction. Projections from
walls of Type I or II construction shall be of noncombustible materials or combustible materials as allowed by Sections 705.2.3.1 and 705.2.4.
705.2.2 Type III, IV or V construction. Projections from
walls of Type III, IV or V construction shall be of any
approved material.
705.2.3 Combustible projections. Combustible projections extending to within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the line used
to determine the fire separation distance shall be of not
less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction, heavy
timber construction, complying with Section 2304.11,
fire-retardant-treated wood or as permitted by Section
705.2.3.1.
Exception: Type VB construction shall be allowed for
combustible projections in Group R-3 and U occupan-
126
cies with a fire separation distance greater than or
equal to 5 feet (1524 mm).
705.2.3.1 Balconies and similar projections. Balconies and similar projections of combustible construction other than fire-retardant-treated wood shall be fireresistance rated where required by Table 601 for floor
construction or shall be of heavy timber construction in
accordance with Section 2304.11. The aggregate length
of the projections shall not exceed 50 percent of the
building’s perimeter on each floor.
Exceptions:
1. On buildings of Types I and II construction,
three stories or less above grade plane, fireretardant-treated wood shall be permitted for
balconies, porches, decks and exterior stairways not used as required exits.
2. Untreated wood and plastic composites that
comply with ASTM D7032 and Section 2612
are permitted for pickets, rails and similar
guard components that are limited to 42 inches
(1067 mm) in height.
3. Balconies and similar projections on buildings
of Types III, IV and V construction shall be
permitted to be of Type V construction and
shall not be required to have a fire-resistance
rating where sprinkler protection is extended
to these areas.
4. Where sprinkler protection is extended to the
balcony areas, the aggregate length of the balcony on each floor shall not be limited.
705.2.4 Bay and oriel windows. Bay and oriel windows
constructed of combustible materials shall conform to the
type of construction required for the building to which
they are attached.
Exception: Fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted on buildings three stories or less above grade
plane of Type I, II, III or IV construction.
705.3 Buildings on the same lot. For the purposes of determining the required wall and opening protection, projections
and roof-covering requirements, buildings on the same lot
shall be assumed to have an imaginary line between them.
Where a new building is to be erected on the same lot as
an existing building, the location of the assumed imaginary
line with relation to the existing building shall be such that
the exterior wall and opening protection of the existing building meet the criteria as set forth in Sections 705.5 and 705.8.
Exceptions:
1. Two or more buildings on the same lot shall be
either regulated as separate buildings or shall be
considered as portions of one building if the aggregate area of such buildings is within the limits specified in Chapter 5 for a single building. Where the
buildings contain different occupancy groups or are
of different types of construction, the area shall be
that allowed for the most restrictive occupancy or
construction.
2. Where an S-2 parking garage of Construction Type I
or IIA is erected on the same lot as a Group R-2
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
**
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
building, and there is no fire separation distance
between these buildings, then the adjoining exterior
walls between the buildings are permitted to have
occupant use openings in accordance with Section
706.8. However, opening protectives in such openings shall only be required in the exterior wall of the
S-2 parking garage, not in the exterior wall openings
in the R-2 building, and these opening protectives in
the exterior wall of the S-2 parking garage shall be
not less than 11/2-hour fire protection rating.
705.4 Materials. Exterior walls shall be of materials permitted by the building type of construction.
705.5 Fire-resistance ratings. Exterior walls shall be fireresistance rated in accordance with Tables 601 and 602 and
this section. The required fire-resistance rating of exterior
walls with a fire separation distance of greater than 10 feet
(3048 mm) shall be rated for exposure to fire from the inside.
The required fire-resistance rating of exterior walls with a
fire separation distance of less than or equal to 10 feet (3048
mm) shall be rated for exposure to fire from both sides.
705.6 Structural stability. Exterior walls shall extend to
the height required by Section 705.11. Interior structural
elements that brace the exterior wall but that are not located
within the plane of the exterior wall shall have the minimum
fire-resistance rating required in Table 601 for that structural element. Structural elements that brace the exterior
wall but are located outside of the exterior wall or within the
plane of the exterior wall shall have the minimum fire-resistance rating required in Tables 601 and 602 for the exterior
wall.
705.7 Unexposed surface temperature. Where protected
openings are not limited by Section 705.8, the limitation on
the rise of temperature on the unexposed surface of exterior
walls as required by ASTM E119 or UL 263 shall not apply.
Where protected openings are limited by Section 705.8, the
limitation on the rise of temperature on the unexposed surface
of exterior walls as required by ASTM E119 or UL 263 shall
not apply provided that a correction is made for radiation
from the unexposed exterior wall surface in accordance with
the following formula:
Ae = A + (Af × Feo)
(Equation 7-1)
where:
Ae = Equivalent area of protected openings.
A = Actual area of protected openings.
Af = Area of exterior wall surface in the story under
consideration exclusive of openings, on which the
temperature limitations of ASTM E119 or UL 263 for
walls are exceeded.
Feo = An “equivalent opening factor” derived from Figure
705.7 based on the average temperature of the
unexposed wall surface and the fire-resistance rating
of the wall.
705.8 Openings. Openings in exterior walls shall comply
with Sections 705.8.1 through 705.8.6.
705.8.1 Allowable area of openings. The maximum area
of unprotected and protected openings permitted in an
exterior wall in any story of a building shall not exceed the
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
percentages specified in Table 705.8 based on the fire separation distance of each individual story.
Exceptions:
1. In other than Group H occupancies, unlimited
unprotected openings are permitted in the first
story above grade plane where the wall faces one
of the following:
1.1. A street and has a fire separation distance
of more than 15 feet (4572 mm).
1.2. An unoccupied space. The unoccupied
space shall be on the same lot or dedicated for public use, shall be not less than
30 feet (9144 mm) in width and shall
have access from a street by a posted fire
lane in accordance with the International
Fire Code.
2. Buildings whose exterior bearing walls, exterior
nonbearing walls and exterior primary structural
frame are not required to be fire-resistance rated
shall be permitted to have unlimited unprotected
openings.
705.8.2 Protected openings. Where openings are required
to be protected, opening protectives shall comply with
Section 716.
Exception: Opening protectives are not required
where the building is equipped throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1 and the exterior openings are protected by a
water curtain using automatic sprinklers approved for
that use.
705.8.3 Unprotected openings. Where unprotected openings are permitted, windows and doors shall be constructed of any approved materials. Glazing shall conform
to the requirements of Chapters 24 and 26.
705.8.4 Mixed openings. Where both unprotected and
protected openings are located in the exterior wall in any
story of a building, the total area of openings shall be
determined in accordance with the following:
(Ap/ap) + (Au/au)  1
(Equation 7-2)
where:
Ap = Actual area of protected openings, or the equivalent
area of protected openings, Ae (see Section 705.7).
ap = Allowable area of protected openings.
Au = Actual area of unprotected openings.
au = Allowable area of unprotected openings.
705.8.5 Vertical separation of openings. Openings in
exterior walls in adjacent stories shall be separated vertically to protect against fire spread on the exterior of the
buildings where the openings are within 5 feet (1524 mm)
of each other horizontally and the opening in the lower
story is not a protected opening with a fire protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour. Such openings shall be separated vertically not less than 3 feet (914 mm) by spandrel
girders, exterior walls or other similar assemblies that
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
For SI: °C = [(°F) - 32] / 1.8.
FIGURE 705.7
EQUIVALENT OPENING FACTOR
have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour, rated
for exposure to fire from both sides, or by flame barriers
that extend horizontally not less than 30 inches (762 mm)
beyond the exterior wall. Flame barriers shall have a fireresistance rating of not less than 1 hour. The unexposed
surface temperature limitations specified in ASTM E119
or UL 263 shall not apply to the flame barriers unless otherwise required by the provisions of this code.
Exceptions:
1. This section shall not apply to buildings that are
three stories or less above grade plane.
2. This section shall not apply to buildings equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
3. Open parking garages.
705.8.6 Vertical exposure. For buildings on the same lot,
opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not
less than 3/4 hour shall be provided in every opening that is
less than 15 feet (4572 mm) vertically above the roof of an
adjacent building or structure based on assuming an imaginary line between them. The opening protectives are
required where the fire separation distances from the
128
imaginary line to each building or structure are less than
15 feet (4572 mm).
Exceptions:
1. Opening protectives are not required where the
roof assembly of the adjacent building or structure has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1
hour for a minimum distance of 10 feet (3048
mm) from the exterior wall facing the imaginary
line and the entire length and span of the supporting elements for the fire-resistance-rated roof
assembly has a fire-resistance rating of not less
than 1 hour.
2. Buildings on the same lot and considered as portions of one building in accordance with Section
705.3 are not required to comply with Section
705.8.6.
705.9 Joints. Joints made in or between exterior walls
required by this section to have a fire-resistance rating shall
comply with Section 715.
Exception: Joints in exterior walls that are permitted to
have unprotected openings.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 705.8
MAXIMUM AREA OF EXTERIOR WALL OPENINGS BASED ON
FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE AND DEGREE OF OPENING PROTECTION
FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet)
DEGREE OF OPENING PROTECTION
Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS)
b, c, k
0 to less than 3
Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S)
Protected (P)
i
Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS)
Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S)i
3 to less than 5d, e
5 to less than 10e, f, j
10 to less than 15e, f, g, j
f, g, j
15 to less than 20
20 to less than 25f, g, j
f, g, j
25 to less than 30
30 or greater
ALLOWABLE AREAa
Not Permittedk
Not Permittedk
Not Permittedk
Not Permitted
15%
Protected (P)
15%
Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS)
Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S)i
10%h
25%
Protected (P)
Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS)
25%
15%h
Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S)i
Protected (P)
45%
45%
Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS)
Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S)i
25%
75%
Protected (P)
Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS)
75%
45%
Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S)i
Protected (P)
No Limit
No Limit
Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS)
Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S)i
70%
No Limit
Protected (P)
Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS)
No Limit
No Limit
Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S)i
Protected (P)
No Limit
No Limit
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
UP, NS = Unprotected openings in buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
UP, S = Unprotected openings in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
P = Openings protected with an opening protective assembly in accordance with Section 705.8.2.
a. Values indicated are the percentage of the area of the exterior wall, per story.
b. For the requirements for fire walls of buildings with differing heights, see Section 706.6.1.
c. For openings in a fire wall for buildings on the same lot, see Section 706.8.
d. The maximum percentage of unprotected and protected openings shall be 25 percent for Group R-3 occupancies.
e. Unprotected openings shall not be permitted for openings with a fire separation distance of less than 15 feet for Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies.
f. The area of unprotected and protected openings shall not be limited for Group R-3 occupancies, with a fire separation distance of 5 feet or greater.
g. The area of openings in an open parking structure with a fire separation distance of 10 feet or greater shall not be limited.
h. Includes buildings accessory to Group R-3.
i. Not applicable to Group H-1, H-2 and H-3 occupancies.
j. The area of openings in a building containing only a Group U occupancy private garage or carport with a fire separation distance of 5 feet or greater shall not
be limited.
k. For openings between S-2 parking garage and Group R-2 building, see Section 705.3, Exception 2.
705.9.1 Voids. The void created at the intersection of a
floor/ceiling assembly and an exterior curtain wall assembly shall be protected in accordance with Section 715.4.
705.10 Ducts and air transfer openings. Penetrations by air
ducts and air transfer openings in fire-resistance-rated exterior walls required to have protected openings shall comply
with Section 717.
Exception: Foundation vents installed in accordance with
this code are permitted.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
705.11 Parapets. Parapets shall be provided on exterior
walls of buildings.
Exceptions: A parapet need not be provided on an exterior wall where any of the following conditions exist:
1. The wall is not required to be fire-resistance rated in
accordance with Table 602 because of fire separation distance.
2. The building has an area of not more than 1,000
square feet (93 m2) on any floor.
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
3. Walls that terminate at roofs of not less than 2-hour
fire-resistance-rated construction or where the roof,
including the deck or slab and supporting construction, is constructed entirely of noncombustible materials.
4. One-hour fire-resistance-rated exterior walls that
terminate at the underside of the roof sheathing,
deck or slab, provided that:
4.1. Where the roof/ceiling framing elements are
parallel to the walls, such framing and elements supporting such framing shall not be
of less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction for a width of 4 feet (1220 mm) for
Groups R and U and 10 feet (3048 mm) for
other occupancies, measured from the interior side of the wall.
4.2. Where roof/ceiling framing elements are not
parallel to the wall, the entire span of such
framing and elements supporting such framing shall not be of less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.
4.3. Openings in the roof shall not be located
within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the 1-hour fireresistance-rated exterior wall for Groups R
and U and 10 feet (3048 mm) for other occupancies, measured from the interior side of
the wall.
4.4. The entire building shall be provided with
not less than a Class B roof covering.
5. In Groups R-2 and R-3 where the entire building is
provided with a Class C roof covering, the exterior
wall shall be permitted to terminate at the underside
of the roof sheathing or deck in Types III, IV and V
construction, provided that one or both of the following criteria is met:
5.1. The roof sheathing or deck is constructed of
approved noncombustible materials or of
fire-retardant-treated wood for a distance of
4 feet (1220 mm).
5.2. The roof is protected with 0.625-inch (16
mm) Type X gypsum board directly beneath
the underside of the roof sheathing or deck,
supported by not less than nominal 2-inch
(51 mm) ledgers attached to the sides of the
roof framing members for a minimum distance of 4 feet (1220 mm).
6. Where the wall is permitted to have not less than 25
percent of the exterior wall areas containing unprotected openings based on fire separation distance as
determined in accordance with Section 705.8.
705.11.1 Parapet construction. Parapets shall have the
same fire-resistance rating as that required for the supporting wall, and on any side adjacent to a roof surface,
shall have noncombustible faces for the uppermost 18
inches (457 mm), including counterflashing and coping
materials. The height of the parapet shall be not less than
30 inches (762 mm) above the point where the roof surface
130
and the wall intersect. Where the roof slopes toward a parapet at a slope greater than two units vertical in 12 units
horizontal (16.7-percent slope), the parapet shall extend to
the same height as any portion of the roof within a fire
separation distance where protection of wall openings is
required, but the height shall be not less than 30 inches
(762 mm).
SECTION 706
FIRE WALLS
706.1 General. Fire walls shall be constructed in accordance
with Sections 706.2 through 706.11. The extent and location
of such fire walls shall provide a complete separation. Where
a fire wall separates occupancies that are required to be separated by a fire barrier wall, the most restrictive requirements
of each separation shall apply.
706.1.1 Party walls. Any wall located on a lot line
between adjacent buildings, which is used or adapted for
joint service between the two buildings, shall be constructed as a fire wall in accordance with Section 706.
Party walls shall be constructed without openings and
shall create separate buildings.
Exceptions:
1. Openings in a party wall separating an anchor
building and a mall shall be in accordance with
Section 402.4.2.2.1.
2. Fire walls are not required on lot lines dividing a
building for ownership purposes where the aggregate height and area of the portions of the building located on both sides of the lot line do not
exceed the maximum height and area requirements of this code. For the code official’s review
and approval, he or she shall be provided with
copies of dedicated access easements and contractual agreements that permit the owners of
portions of the building located on either side of
the lot line access to the other side for purposes of
maintaining fire and life safety systems necessary
for the operation of the building.
706.2 Structural stability. Fire walls shall be designed and
constructed to allow collapse of the structure on either side
without collapse of the wall under fire conditions. Fire walls
designed and constructed in accordance with NFPA 221 shall
be deemed to comply with this section.
Exception: In Seismic Design Categories D through F,
where double fire walls are used in accordance with NFPA
221, floor and roof sheathing not exceeding 3/4 inch (19.05
mm) thickness shall be permitted to be continuous through
the wall assemblies of light frame construction.
706.3 Materials. Fire walls shall be of any approved noncombustible materials.
Exception: Buildings of Type V construction.
706.4 Fire-resistance rating. Fire walls shall have a fireresistance rating of not less than that required by Table
706.4.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 706.4
FIRE WALL FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS
GROUP
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
A, B, E, H-4, I, R-1, R-2, U
3a
b
3
H-1, H-2
4
b
F-2, S-2, R-3, R-4
2
F-1, H-3 , H-5, M, S-1
a. In Type II or V construction, walls shall be permitted to have a 2-hour
fire-resistance rating.
b. For Group H-1, H-2 or H-3 buildings, also see Sections 415.7 and 415.8.
706.5 Horizontal continuity. Fire walls shall be continuous
from exterior wall to exterior wall and shall extend not less
than 18 inches (457 mm) beyond the exterior surface of exterior walls.
Exceptions:
1. Fire walls shall be permitted to terminate at the interior surface of combustible exterior sheathing or siding provided that the exterior wall has a fireresistance rating of not less than 1 hour for a horizontal distance of not less than 4 feet (1220 mm) on
both sides of the fire wall. Openings within such
exterior walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than
3
/4 hour.
2. Fire walls shall be permitted to terminate at the interior surface of noncombustible exterior sheathing,
exterior siding or other noncombustible exterior finishes provided that the sheathing, siding or other
exterior noncombustible finish extends a horizontal
distance of not less than 4 feet (1220 mm) on both
sides of the fire wall.
3. Fire walls shall be permitted to terminate at the interior surface of noncombustible exterior sheathing
where the building on each side of the fire wall is
protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed
in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
706.5.1 Exterior walls. Where the fire wall intersects
exterior walls, the fire-resistance rating and opening protection of the exterior walls shall comply with one of the
following:
1. The exterior walls on both sides of the fire wall shall
have a 1-hour fire-resistance rating with 3/4-hour
protection where opening protection is required by
Section 705.8. The fire-resistance rating of the exterior wall shall extend not less than 4 feet (1220 mm)
on each side of the intersection of the fire wall to
exterior wall. Exterior wall intersections at fire
walls that form an angle equal to or greater than 180
degrees (3.14 rad) do not need exterior wall protection.
2. Buildings or spaces on both sides of the intersecting
fire wall shall assume to have an imaginary lot line
at the fire wall and extending beyond the exterior of
the fire wall. The location of the assumed line in
relation to the exterior walls and the fire wall shall
be such that the exterior wall and opening protection
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
meet the requirements set forth in Sections 705.5
and 705.8. Such protection is not required for exterior walls terminating at fire walls that form an
angle equal to or greater than 180 degrees (3.14 rad).
706.5.2 Horizontal projecting elements. Fire walls shall
extend to the outer edge of horizontal projecting elements
such as balconies, roof overhangs, canopies, marquees and
similar projections that are within 4 feet (1220 mm) of the
fire wall.
Exceptions:
1. Horizontal projecting elements without concealed spaces, provided that the exterior wall
behind and below the projecting element has not
less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction
for a distance not less than the depth of the projecting element on both sides of the fire wall.
Openings within such exterior walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour.
2. Noncombustible horizontal projecting elements
with concealed spaces, provided that a minimum
1-hour fire-resistance-rated wall extends through
the concealed space. The projecting element shall
be separated from the building by not less than 1hour fire-resistance-rated construction for a distance on each side of the fire wall equal to the
depth of the projecting element. The wall is not
required to extend under the projecting element
where the building exterior wall is not less than
1-hour fire-resistance rated for a distance on
each side of the fire wall equal to the depth of the
projecting element. Openings within such exterior walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less
than 3/4 hour.
3. For combustible horizontal projecting elements
with concealed spaces, the fire wall need only
extend through the concealed space to the outer
edges of the projecting elements. The exterior
wall behind and below the projecting element
shall be of not less than 1-hour fire-resistancerated construction for a distance not less than the
depth of the projecting elements on both sides of
the fire wall. Openings within such exterior walls
shall be protected by opening protectives having
a fire protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour.
706.6 Vertical continuity. Fire walls shall extend from the
foundation to a termination point not less than 30 inches (762
mm) above both adjacent roofs.
Exceptions:
1. Stepped buildings in accordance with Section
706.6.1.
2. Two-hour fire-resistance-rated walls shall be permitted to terminate at the underside of the roof sheathing, deck or slab, provided that:
2.1. The lower roof assembly within 4 feet (1220
mm) of the wall has not less than a 1-hour
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
fire-resistance rating and the entire length
and span of supporting elements for the rated
roof assembly has a fire-resistance rating of
not less than 1 hour.
2.2. Openings in the roof shall not be located
within 4 feet (1220 mm) of the fire wall.
2.3. Each building shall be provided with not less
than a Class B roof covering.
3. Walls shall be permitted to terminate at the underside of noncombustible roof sheathing, deck or slabs
where both buildings are provided with not less than
a Class B roof covering. Openings in the roof shall
not be located within 4 feet (1220 mm) of the fire
wall.
4. In buildings of Types III, IV and V construction,
walls shall be permitted to terminate at the underside
of combustible roof sheathing or decks, provided
that all of the following requirements are met:
4.1. Roof openings are not less than 4 feet (1220
mm) from the fire wall.
4.2. The roof is covered with a minimum Class B
roof covering.
4.3. The roof sheathing or deck is constructed of
fire-retardant-treated wood for a distance of
4 feet (1220 mm) on both sides of the wall or
the roof is protected with 5/8-inch (15.9 mm)
Type X gypsum board directly beneath the
underside of the roof sheathing or deck, supported by not less than 2-inch (51 mm) nominal ledgers attached to the sides of the roof
framing members for a distance of not less
than 4 feet (1220 mm) on both sides of the
fire wall.
5. In buildings designed in accordance with Section
510.2, fire walls located above the 3-hour horizontal
assembly required by Section 510.2, Item 1 shall be
permitted to extend from the top of this horizontal
assembly.
6. Buildings with sloped roofs in accordance with Section 706.6.2.
706.6.1 Stepped buildings. Where a fire wall serves as an
exterior wall for a building and separates buildings having
different roof levels, such wall shall terminate at a point
not less than 30 inches (762 mm) above the lower roof
level, provided the exterior wall for a height of 15 feet
(4572 mm) above the lower roof is not less than 1-hour
fire-resistance-rated construction from both sides with
openings protected by fire assemblies having a fire protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour.
Exception: Where the fire wall terminates at the underside of the roof sheathing, deck or slab of the lower
roof, provided that:
1. The lower roof assembly within 10 feet (3048
mm) of the wall has not less than a 1-hour fireresistance rating and the entire length and span
of supporting elements for the rated roof assem-
132
bly has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1
hour.
2. Openings in the lower roof shall not be located
within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the fire wall.
706.6.2 Buildings with sloped roofs. Where a fire wall
serves as an interior wall for a building, and the roof on
one side or both sides of the fire wall slopes toward the
fire wall at a slope greater than two units vertical in 12
units horizontal (2:12), the fire wall shall extend to a
height equal to the height of the roof located 4 feet (1219
mm) from the fire wall plus 30 inches (762 mm). The
extension of the fire wall shall be not less than 30 inches
(762 mm).
706.7 Combustible framing in fire walls. Adjacent combustible members entering into a concrete or masonry fire wall
from opposite sides shall not have less than a 4-inch (102
mm) distance between embedded ends. Where combustible
members frame into hollow walls or walls of hollow units,
hollow spaces shall be solidly filled for the full thickness of
the wall and for a distance not less than 4 inches (102 mm)
above, below and between the structural members, with noncombustible materials approved for fireblocking.
706.8 Openings. Each opening through a fire wall shall be
protected in accordance with Section 716 and shall not
exceed 156 square feet (15 m2). The aggregate width of openings at any floor level shall not exceed 25 percent of the
length of the wall.
Exceptions:
1. Openings are not permitted in party walls constructed in accordance with Section 706.1.1.
2. Openings shall not be limited to 156 square feet (15
m2) where both buildings are equipped throughout
with an automatic sprinkler system installed in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
706.9 Penetrations. Penetrations of fire walls shall comply
with Section 714.
706.10 Joints. Joints made in or between fire walls shall
comply with Section 715.
706.11 Ducts and air transfer openings. Ducts and air
transfer openings shall not penetrate fire walls.
Exception: Penetrations by ducts and air transfer openings
of fire walls that are not on a lot line shall be allowed provided that the penetrations comply with Section 717. The
size and aggregate width of all openings shall not exceed
the limitations of Section 706.8.
SECTION 707
FIRE BARRIERS
707.1 General. Fire barriers installed as required elsewhere
in this code or the International Fire Code shall comply with
this section.
707.2 Materials. Fire barriers shall be of materials permitted
by the building type of construction.
707.3 Fire-resistance rating. The fire-resistance rating of
fire barriers shall comply with this section.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
707.3.1 Shaft enclosures. The fire-resistance rating of the
fire barrier separating building areas from a shaft shall
comply with Section 713.4.
707.3.2 Interior exit stairway and ramp construction.
The fire-resistance rating of the fire barrier separating
building areas from an interior exit stairway or ramp shall
comply with Section 1023.1.
707.3.3 Enclosures for exit access stairways. The fireresistance rating of the fire barrier separating building
areas from an exit access stairway or ramp shall comply
with Section 713.4.
707.3.4 Exit passageway. The fire-resistance rating of
the fire barrier separating building areas from an exit passageway shall comply with Section 1024.3.
707.3.5 Horizontal exit. The fire-resistance rating of the
separation between building areas connected by a horizontal exit shall comply with Section 1026.1.
707.3.6 Atriums. The fire-resistance rating of the fire
barrier separating atriums shall comply with Section
404.6.
707.3.7 Incidental uses. The fire barrier separating incidental uses from other spaces in the building shall have a
fire-resistance rating of not less than that indicated in
Table 509.
707.3.8 Control areas. Fire barriers separating control
areas shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than
that required in Section 414.2.4.
707.3.9 Separated occupancies. Where the provisions of
Section 508.4 are applicable, the fire barrier separating
mixed occupancies shall have a fire-resistance rating of
not less than that indicated in Table 508.4 based on the
occupancies being separated.
707.3.10 Fire areas. The fire barriers, fire walls or horizontal assemblies, or combination thereof, separating a
single occupancy into different fire areas shall have a fireresistance rating of not less than that indicated in Table
707.3.10. The fire barriers, fire walls or horizontal assemblies, or combination thereof, separating fire areas of
mixed occupancies shall have a fire-resistance rating of
not less than the highest value indicated in Table 707.3.10
for the occupancies under consideration.
TABLE 707.3.10
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENTS FOR
FIRE BARRIERS, FIRE WALLS OR HORIZONTAL
ASSEMBLIES BETWEEN FIRE AREAS
OCCUPANCY GROUP
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING
(hours)
H-1, H-2
4
F-1, H-3, S-1
3
A, B, E, F-2, H-4, H-5, I, M, R, S-2
2
U
1
707.4 Exterior walls. Where exterior walls serve as a part of
a required fire-resistance-rated shaft or stairway or ramp
enclosure, or separation, such walls shall comply with the
requirements of Section 705 for exterior walls and the fire2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
resistance-rated enclosure or separation requirements shall
not apply.
Exception: Exterior walls required to be fire-resistance
rated in accordance with Section 1021 for exterior egress
balconies, Section 1023.7 for interior exit stairways and
ramps and Section 1027.6 for exterior exit stairways and
ramp.
707.5 Continuity. Fire barriers shall extend from the top of
the foundation or floor/ceiling assembly below to the underside of the floor or roof sheathing, slab or deck above and
shall be securely attached thereto. Such fire barriers shall be
continuous through concealed space, such as the space above
a suspended ceiling. Joints and voids at intersections shall
comply with Sections 707.8 and 707.9
Exceptions:
1. Shaft enclosures shall be permitted to terminate at a
top enclosure complying with Section 713.12.
2. Interior exit stairway and ramp enclosures required
by Section 1023 and exit access stairway and ramp
enclosures required by Section 1019 shall be permitted to terminate at a top enclosure complying with
Section 713.12.
707.5.1 Supporting construction. The supporting construction for a fire barrier shall be protected to afford the
required fire-resistance rating of the fire barrier supported. Hollow vertical spaces within a fire barrier shall
be fireblocked in accordance with Section 718.2 at every
floor level.
Exceptions:
1. The maximum required fire-resistance rating for
assemblies supporting fire barriers separating
tank storage as provided for in Section 415.9.1.2
shall be 2 hours, but not less than required by
Table 601 for the building construction type.
2. Supporting construction for 1-hour fire barriers
required by Table 509 in buildings of Types IIB,
IIIB and VB construction is not required to be
fire-resistance rated unless required by other sections of this code.
707.6 Openings. Openings in a fire barrier shall be protected
in accordance with Section 716. Openings shall be limited to
a maximum aggregate width of 25 percent of the length of the
wall, and the maximum area of any single opening shall not
exceed 156 square feet (15 m2). Openings in enclosures for
exit access stairways and ramps, interior exit stairways and
ramps and exit passageways shall also comply with Sections
1019, 1023.4 and 1024.5, respectively.
Exceptions:
1. Openings shall not be limited to 156 square feet (15
m2) where adjoining floor areas are equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
2. Openings shall not be limited to 156 square feet (15
m2) or an aggregate width of 25 percent of the length
of the wall where the opening protective is a fire
door serving enclosures for exit access stairways
and ramps, and interior exit stairways and ramps.
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3. Openings shall not be limited to 156 square feet (15
m2) or an aggregate width of 25 percent of the length
of the wall where the opening protective has been
tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263
and has a minimum fire-resistance rating not less
than the fire-resistance rating of the wall.
4. Fire window assemblies permitted in atrium separation walls shall not be limited to a maximum
aggregate width of 25 percent of the length of the
wall.
5. Openings shall not be limited to 156 square feet (15
m2) or an aggregate width of 25 percent of the length
of the wall where the opening protective is a fire
door assembly in a fire barrier separating an enclosure for exit access stairways and ramps, and interior
exit stairways and ramps from an exit passageway in
accordance with Section 1023.3.1.
707.7 Penetrations. Penetrations of fire barriers shall comply with Section 714.
707.7.1 Prohibited penetrations. Penetrations into enclosures for exit access stairways and ramps, interior exit
stairways and ramps, and exit passageways shall be
allowed only where permitted by Sections 1019, 1023.5
and 1024.6, respectively.
707.8 Joints. Joints made in or between fire barriers, and
joints made at the intersection of fire barriers with underside
of a fire-resistance-rated floor or roof sheathing, slab or deck
above, and the exterior vertical wall intersection shall comply
with Section 715.
707.9 Voids at intersections. The voids created at the intersection of a fire barrier and a nonfire-resistance-rated roof
assembly or a nonfire-resistance-rated exterior wall assembly
shall be filled. An approved material or system shall be used
to fill the void, and shall be securely installed in or on the
intersection for its entire length so as not to dislodge, loosen
or otherwise impair its ability to accommodate expected
building movements and to retard the passage of fire and hot
gases.
707.10 Ducts and air transfer openings. Penetrations in a
fire barrier by ducts and air transfer openings shall comply
with Section 717.
SECTION 708
FIRE PARTITIONS
708.1 General. The following wall assemblies shall comply
with this section.
1. Separation walls as required by Section 420.2 for
Group I-1 and Group R occupancies.
2. Walls separating tenant spaces in covered and open
mall buildings as required by Section 402.4.2.1.
3. Corridor walls as required by Section 1020.1.
4. Enclosed elevator lobby separation as required by Section 3006.2.
5. Egress balconies as required by Section 1021.2
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708.2 Materials. The walls shall be of materials permitted by
the building type of construction.
708.3 Fire-resistance rating. Fire partitions shall have a
fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.
Exceptions:
1. Corridor walls permitted to have a 1/2-hour fireresistance rating by Table 1020.1.
2. Dwelling unit and sleeping unit separations in buildings of Types IIB, IIIB and VB construction shall
have fire-resistance ratings of not less than 1/2 hour
in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1.
708.4 Continuity. Fire partitions shall extend from the top of
the foundation or floor/ceiling assembly below and be
securely attached to one of the following:
1. The underside of the floor or roof sheathing, deck or
slab above.
2. The underside of a floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly having a fire-resistance rating that is not less than
the fire-resistance rating of the fire partition.
Exceptions:
1. Fire partitions shall not be required to extend into a
crawl space below where the floor above the crawl
space has a minimum 1-hour fire-resistance rating.
2. Fire partitions serving as a corridor wall shall not be
required to extend above the lower membrane of a
corridor ceiling provided that the corridor ceiling
membrane is equivalent to corridor wall membrane,
and either of the following conditions is met:
2.1. The room-side membrane of the corridor
wall extends to the underside of the floor or
roof sheathing, deck or slab of a fire-resistance-rated floor or roof above.
2.2. The building is equipped with an automatic
sprinkler system installed throughout in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or
903.3.1.2, including automatic sprinklers
installed in the space between the top of the
fire partition and underside of the floor or
roof sheathing, deck or slab above.
3. Fire partitions serving as a corridor wall shall be
permitted to terminate at the upper membrane of the
corridor ceiling assembly where the corridor ceiling
is constructed as required for the corridor wall.
4. Fire partitions separating tenant spaces in a covered
or open mall building complying with Section
402.4.2.1 shall not be required to extend above the
underside of a ceiling. Such ceiling shall not be
required to be part of a fire-resistance-rated assembly, and the attic or space above the ceiling at tenant
separation walls shall not be required to be subdivided by fire partitions.
708.4.1 Supporting construction. The supporting construction for a fire partition shall have a fire-resistance
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
rating that is equal to or greater than the required fireresistance rating of the supported fire partition.
**
Exception: In buildings of Types IIB, IIIB and VB construction, the supporting construction requirement shall
not apply to fire partitions separating tenant spaces in
covered and open mall buildings, fire partitions separating dwelling units, fire partitions separating sleeping
units and fire partitions serving as corridor walls.
708.4.2 Fireblocks and draftstops in combustible construction. In combustible construction where fire partitions do not extend to the underside of the floor or roof
sheathing, deck or slab above, the space above and along
the line of the fire partition shall be provided with one of
the following:
1. Fireblocking up to the underside of the floor or roof
sheathing, deck or slab above using materials complying with Section 718.2.1.
2. Draftstopping up to the underside of the floor or roof
sheathing, deck or slab above using materials complying with Section 718.3.1 for floors or Section
718.4.1 for attics.
Exceptions:
1. Buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler
system installed throughout in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.1, or in accordance with Section
903.3.1.2 provided that protection is provided in
the space between the top of the fire partition and
underside of the floor or roof sheathing, deck or
slab above as required for systems complying
with Section 903.3.1.1.
2. Where corridor walls provide a sleeping unit or
dwelling unit separation, draftstopping shall only
be required above one of the corridor walls.
3. In Group R-2 occupancies with fewer than four
dwelling units, fireblocking and draftstopping
shall not be required.
4. In Group R-2 occupancies up to and including
four stories in height in buildings not exceeding
60 feet (18 288 mm) in height above grade plane,
the attic space shall be subdivided by draftstops
into areas not exceeding 3,000 square feet (279
m2) or above every two dwelling units, whichever
is smaller.
5. In Group R-3 occupancies with fewer than three
dwelling units, fire-blocking and draftstopping
shall not be required in floor assemblies.
708.5 Exterior walls. Where exterior walls serve as a part of
a required fire-resistance-rated separation, such walls shall
comply with the requirements of Section 705 for exterior
walls, and the fire-resistance-rated separation requirements
shall not apply.
Exception: Exterior walls required to be fire-resistance
rated in accordance with Section 1021.2 for exterior egress
balconies, Section 1023.7 for interior exit stairways and
ramps and Section 1027.6 for exterior exit stairways and
ramps.
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708.6 Openings. Openings in a fire partition shall be protected in accordance with Section 716.
708.7 Penetrations. Penetrations of fire partitions shall comply with Section 714.
708.8 Joints. Joints made in or between fire partitions shall
comply with Section 715.
708.9 Ducts and air transfer openings. Penetrations in a fire
partition by ducts and air transfer openings shall comply with
Section 717.
SECTION 709
SMOKE BARRIERS
709.1 General. Vertical and horizontal smoke barriers shall
comply with this section.
709.2 Materials. Smoke barriers shall be of materials permitted by the building type of construction.
709.3 Fire-resistance rating. A 1-hour fire-resistance rating
is required for smoke barriers.
Exception: Smoke barriers constructed of minimum 0.10inch-thick (2.5 mm) steel in Group I-3 buildings.
709.4 Continuity. Smoke barriers shall form an effective
membrane continuous from the top of the foundation or floor/
ceiling assembly below to the underside of the floor or roof
sheathing, deck or slab above, including continuity through
concealed spaces, such as those found above suspended ceilings, and interstitial structural and mechanical spaces. The
supporting construction shall be protected to afford the
required fire-resistance rating of the wall or floor supported
in buildings of other than Type IIB, IIIB or VB construction.
Smoke barrier walls used to separate smoke compartments
shall comply with Section 709.4.1. Smoke-barrier walls used
to enclose areas of refuge in accordance with Section
1009.6.4 or to enclose elevator lobbies in accordance with
Section 405.4.3, 3007.6.2, or 3008.6.2 shall comply with Section 709.4.2.
Exception: Smoke-barrier walls are not required in interstitial spaces where such spaces are designed and constructed with ceilings or exterior walls that provide
resistance to the passage of fire and smoke equivalent to
that provided by the smoke-barrier walls.
709.4.1 Smoke-barrier walls separating smoke compartments. Smoke-barrier walls used to separate smoke
compartments shall form an effective membrane continuous from outside wall to outside wall.
709.4.2 Smoke-barrier walls enclosing areas of refuge
or elevator lobbies. Smoke-barrier walls used to enclose
areas of refuge in accordance with Section 1009.6.4, or to
enclose elevator lobbies in accordance with Section
405.4.3, 3007.6.2, or 3008.6.2, shall form an effective
membrane enclosure that terminates at a fire barrier wall
having a level of fire protection rating not less than 1
hour, another smoke barrier wall or an outside wall. A
smoke and draft control door assembly as specified in Section 716.2.2.1.1 shall not be required at each elevator
hoistway door opening or at each exit doorway between an
area of refuge and the exit enclosure.
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709.5 Openings. Openings in a smoke barrier shall be protected in accordance with Section 716.
Exceptions:
1. In Group I-1, Condition 2, Group I-2 and ambulatory care facilities, where a pair of opposite-swinging doors are installed across a corridor in
accordance with Section 709.5.1, the doors shall not
be required to be protected in accordance with Section 716. The doors shall be close fitting within
operational tolerances, and shall not have a center
mullion or undercuts in excess of 3/4 inch (19.1 mm),
louvers or grilles. The doors shall have head and
jamb stops, and astragals or rabbets at meeting
edges. Where permitted by the door manufacturer’s
listing, positive-latching devices are not required.
Factory-applied or field-applied protective plates are
not required to be labeled.
2. In Group I-1, Condition 2, Group I-2 and ambulatory care facilities, special purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding doors installed in
accordance with Section 1010.1.4.3 and protected in
accordance with Section 716.
709.5.1 Group I-2 and ambulatory care facilities. In
Group I-2 and ambulatory care facilities, where doors protecting openings in smoke barriers are installed across a
corridor and have hold-open devices, the doors shall be
automatic-closing in accordance with Section 716.2.6.6.
Such doors shall have a vision panel with fire-protectionrated glazing materials in fire-protection-rated frames, the
area of which shall not exceed that tested.
709.6 Penetrations. Penetrations of smoke barriers shall
comply with Section 714.
709.7 Joints. Joints made in or between smoke barriers shall
comply with Section 715.
709.8 Ducts and air transfer openings. Penetrations in a
smoke barrier by ducts and air transfer openings shall comply
with Section 717.
SECTION 710
SMOKE PARTITIONS
710.1 General. Smoke partitions installed as required elsewhere in the code shall comply with this section.
710.2 Materials. The walls shall be of materials permitted by
the building type of construction.
710.3 Fire-resistance rating. Unless required elsewhere in
the code, smoke partitions are not required to have a fireresistance rating.
710.4 Continuity. Smoke partitions shall extend from the top
of the foundation or floor below to the underside of the floor
or roof sheathing, deck or slab above or to the underside of
the ceiling above where the ceiling membrane is constructed
to limit the transfer of smoke.
710.5 Openings. Openings in smoke partitions shall comply
with Sections 710.5.1 and 710.5.2.
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710.5.1 Windows. Windows in smoke partitions shall be
sealed to resist the free passage of smoke or be automaticclosing upon detection of smoke.
710.5.2 Doors. Doors in smoke partitions shall comply
with Sections 710.5.2.1 through 710.5.2.3.
710.5.2.1 Louvers. Doors in smoke partitions shall not
include louvers.
710.5.2.2 Smoke and draft control doors. Where
required elsewhere in the code, doors in smoke partitions shall meet the requirements for a smoke and draft
control door assembly tested in accordance with UL
1784. The air leakage rate of the door assembly shall
not exceed 3.0 cubic feet per minute per square foot
[0.015424 m3/(s • m2)] of door opening at 0.10 inch
(24.9 Pa) of water for both the ambient temperature test
and the elevated temperature exposure test. Installation
of smoke doors shall be in accordance with NFPA 105.
710.5.2.2.1 Smoke and draft control door labeling. Smoke and draft control doors complying only
with UL 1784 shall be permitted to show the letter
“S” on the manufacturer’s labeling.
710.5.2.3 Self- or automatic-closing doors. Where
required elsewhere in the code, doors in smoke partitions shall be self- or automatic-closing by smoke
detection in accordance with Section 716.2.6.6.
710.6 Penetrations. The space around penetrating items shall
be filled with an approved material to limit the free passage
of smoke.
710.7 Joints. Joints shall be filled with an approved material
to limit the free passage of smoke.
710.8 Ducts and air transfer openings. The space around a
duct penetrating a smoke partition shall be filled with an
approved material to limit the free passage of smoke. Air
transfer openings in smoke partitions shall be provided with a
smoke damper complying with Section 717.3.2.2.
Exception: Where the installation of a smoke damper will
interfere with the operation of a required smoke control
system in accordance with Section 909, approved alternative protection shall be utilized.
SECTION 711
FLOOR AND ROOF ASSEMBLIES
711.1 General. Horizontal assemblies shall comply with
Section 711.2. Nonfire-resistance-rated floor and roof assemblies shall comply with Section 711.3.
711.2 Horizontal assemblies. Horizontal assemblies shall
comply with Sections 711.2.1 through 711.2.6.
711.2.1 Materials. Assemblies shall be of materials permitted by the building type of construction.
711.2.2 Continuity. Assemblies shall be continuous without vertical openings, except as permitted by this section
and Section 712.
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711.2.3 Supporting construction. The supporting construction shall be protected to afford the required fireresistance rating of the horizontal assembly supported.
Exception: In buildings of Type IIB, IIIB or VB construction, the construction supporting the horizontal
assembly is not required to be fire-resistance rated at
the following:
1. Horizontal assemblies at the separations of incidental uses as specified by Table 509 provided
that the required fire-resistance rating does not
exceed 1 hour.
2. Horizontal assemblies at the separations of dwelling units and sleeping units as required by Section 420.3.
3. Horizontal assemblies at smoke barriers constructed in accordance with Section 709.
711.2.4 Fire-resistance rating. The fire-resistance rating
of horizontal assemblies shall comply with Sections
711.2.4.1 through 711.2.4.6 but shall be not less than that
required by the building type of construction.
711.2.4.1 Separating mixed occupancies. Where the
horizontal assembly separates mixed occupancies, the
assembly shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less
than that required by Section 508.4 based on the occupancies being separated.
711.2.4.2 Separating fire areas. Where the horizontal
assembly separates a single occupancy into different
fire areas, the assembly shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than that required by Section 707.3.10.
711.2.4.3 Dwelling units and sleeping units. Horizontal assemblies serving as dwelling or sleeping unit separations in accordance with Section 420.3 shall be not
less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.
Exception: Horizontal assemblies separating dwelling units and sleeping units shall be not less than 1/2hour fire-resistance-rated construction in a building of
Types IIB, IIIB and VB construction, where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
711.2.4.4 Separating smoke compartments. Where
the horizontal assembly is required to be a smoke barrier, the assembly shall comply with Section 709.
711.2.4.5 Separating incidental uses. Where the horizontal assembly separates incidental uses from the
remainder of the building, the assembly shall have a
fire-resistance rating of not less than that required by
Section 509.
711.2.4.6 Other separations. Where a horizontal
assembly is required by other sections of this code, the
assembly shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less
than that required by that section.
711.2.5 Ceiling panels. Where the weight of lay-in ceiling
panels, used as part of fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or
roof/ceiling assemblies, is not adequate to resist an upward
force of 1 pound per square foot (48 Pa), wire or other
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
approved devices shall be installed above the panels to
prevent vertical displacement under such upward force.
711.2.6 Unusable space. In 1-hour fire-resistance-rated
floor/ceiling assemblies, the ceiling membrane is not
required to be installed over unusable crawl spaces. In 1hour fire-resistance-rated roof assemblies, the floor membrane is not required to be installed where unusable attic
space occurs above.
711.3 Nonfire-resistance-rated floor and roof assemblies.
Nonfire-resistance-rated floor, floor/ceiling, roof and roof/
ceiling assemblies shall comply with Sections 711.3.1 and
711.3.2.
711.3.1 Materials. Assemblies shall be of materials permitted by the building type of construction.
711.3.2 Continuity. Assemblies shall be continuous without vertical openings, except as permitted by Section 712.
SECTION 712
VERTICAL OPENINGS
712.1 General. Each vertical opening shall comply in accordance with one of the protection methods in Sections 712.1.1
through 712.1.16.
712.1.1 Shaft enclosures. Vertical openings contained
entirely within a shaft enclosure complying with Section
713 shall be permitted.
712.1.2 Individual dwelling unit. Unconcealed vertical
openings totally within an individual residential dwelling
unit and connecting four stories or less shall be permitted.
712.1.3 Escalator openings. Where a building is
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, vertical openings for
escalators shall be permitted where protected in accordance with Section 712.1.3.1 or 712.1.3.2.
712.1.3.1 Opening size. Protection by a draft curtain
and closely spaced sprinklers in accordance with NFPA
13 shall be permitted where the area of the vertical
opening between stories does not exceed twice the horizontal projected area of the escalator. In other than
Groups B and M, this application is limited to openings
that do not connect more than four stories.
712.1.3.2 Automatic shutters. Protection of the vertical opening by approved shutters at every penetrated
floor shall be permitted in accordance with this section.
The shutters shall be of noncombustible construction
and have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1.5
hours. The shutter shall be so constructed as to close
immediately upon the actuation of a smoke detector
installed in accordance with Section 907.3.1 and shall
completely shut off the well opening. Escalators shall
cease operation when the shutter begins to close. The
shutter shall operate at a speed of not more than 30 feet
per minute (152.4 mm/s) and shall be equipped with a
sensitive leading edge to arrest its progress where in
contact with any obstacle, and to continue its progress
on release therefrom.
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712.1.4 Penetrations. Penetrations, concealed and unconcealed, shall be permitted where protected in accordance
with Section 714.
712.1.5 Joints. Joints shall be permitted where complying
with Section 712.1.5.1 or 712.1.5.2, as applicable.
712.1.5.1 Joints in or between horizontal assemblies.
Joints made in or between horizontal assemblies shall
comply with Section 715. The void created at the intersection of a floor/ceiling assembly and an exterior curtain wall assembly shall be permitted where protected
in accordance with Section 715.4.
712.1.5.2 Joints in or between nonfire-resistancerated floor assemblies. Joints in or between floor
assemblies without a required fire-resistance rating
shall be permitted where they comply with one of the
following:
1. The joint shall be concealed within the cavity of a
wall.
2. The joint shall be located above a ceiling.
3. The joint shall be sealed, treated or covered with
an approved material or system to resist the free
passage of flame and the products of combustion.
Exception: Joints meeting one of the exceptions
listed in Section 715.1.
712.1.6 Ducts and air transfer openings. Penetrations
by ducts and air transfer openings shall be protected in
accordance with Section 717. Grease ducts shall be protected in accordance with the International Mechanical
Code.
712.1.7 Atriums. In other than Group H occupancies, atriums complying with Section 404 shall be permitted.
712.1.8 Masonry chimney. Approved vertical openings
for masonry chimneys shall be permitted where the annular space is fireblocked at each floor level in accordance
with Section 718.2.5.
712.1.9 Two-story openings. In other than Groups I-2 and
I-3, a vertical opening that is not used as one of the applications listed in this section shall be permitted if the opening complies with all of the following items:
1. Does not connect more than two stories.
2. Does not penetrate a horizontal assembly that separates fire areas or smoke barriers that separate
smoke compartments.
3. Is not concealed within the construction of a wall or
a floor/ceiling assembly.
4. Is not open to a corridor in Group I and R occupancies.
5. Is not open to a corridor on nonsprinklered floors.
6. Is separated from floor openings and air transfer
openings serving other floors by construction conforming to required shaft enclosures.
712.1.10 Parking garages. Vertical openings in parking
garages for automobile ramps, elevators and duct systems
138
shall comply with Section 712.1.10.1, 712.1.10.2 or
712.1.10.3, as applicable.
712.1.10.1 Automobile ramps. Vertical openings for
automobile ramps in parking garages shall be permitted
where constructed in accordance with Sections 406.5
and 406.6.
712.1.10.2 Elevators. Vertical openings for elevator
hoistways in parking garages that serve only the parking garage, and complying with Sections 406.5 and
406.6, respectively, shall be permitted.
712.1.10.3 Duct systems. Vertical openings for
mechanical exhaust or supply duct systems in parking
garages complying with Sections 406.5 and 406.6,
respectively, shall be permitted to be unenclosed where
such duct system is contained within and serves only
the parking garage.
712.1.11 Mezzanine. Vertical openings between a mezzanine complying with Section 505 and the floor below shall
be permitted.
712.1.12 Exit access stairways and ramps. Vertical
openings containing exit access stairways or ramps in
accordance with Section 1019 shall be permitted.
712.1.13 Openings. Vertical openings for floor fire doors
and access doors shall be permitted where protected by
Section 712.1.13.1 or 712.1.13.2.
712.1.13.1 Horizontal fire door assemblies. Horizontal fire door assemblies used to protect openings in fireresistance-rated horizontal assemblies shall be tested in
accordance with NFPA 288, and shall achieve a fireresistance rating not less than the assembly being penetrated. Horizontal fire door assemblies shall be labeled
by an approved agency. The label shall be permanently
affixed and shall specify the manufacturer, the test standard and the fire-resistance rating.
712.1.13.2 Access doors. Access doors shall be permitted in ceilings of fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling and
roof/ceiling assemblies, provided that such doors are
tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263 as
horizontal assemblies and labeled by an approved
agency for such purpose.
712.1.14 Group I-3. In Group I-3 occupancies, vertical
openings shall be permitted in accordance with Section
408.5.
712.1.15 Skylights. Skylights and other penetrations
through a fire-resistance-rated roof deck or slab are permitted to be unprotected, provided that the structural
integrity of the fire-resistance-rated roof assembly is maintained. Unprotected skylights shall not be permitted in
roof assemblies required to be fire-resistance rated in
accordance with Section 705.8.6. The supporting construction shall be protected to afford the required fireresistance rating of the horizontal assembly supported.
712.1.16 Openings otherwise permitted. Vertical openings shall be permitted where allowed by other sections of
this code.
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
SECTION 713
SHAFT ENCLOSURES
713.1 General. The provisions of this section shall apply to
shafts required to protect openings and penetrations through
floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling assemblies. Interior exit stairways
and ramps shall be enclosed in accordance with Section 1023.
713.2 Construction. Shaft enclosures shall be constructed as
fire barriers in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal
assemblies in accordance with Section 711, or both.
713.3 Materials. The shaft enclosure shall be of materials
permitted by the building type of construction.
713.4 Fire-resistance rating. Shaft enclosures shall have a
fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours where connecting four stories or more, and not less than 1 hour where connecting less than four stories. The number of stories
connected by the shaft enclosure shall include any basements
but not any mezzanines. Shaft enclosures shall have a fireresistance rating not less than the floor assembly penetrated,
but need not exceed 2 hours. Shaft enclosures shall meet the
requirements of Section 703.2.1.
713.5 Continuity. Shaft enclosures shall be constructed as
fire barriers in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal
assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or
both, and shall have continuity in accordance with Section
707.5 for fire barriers or Section 711.2.2 for horizontal
assemblies, as applicable.
713.6 Exterior walls. Where exterior walls serve as a part of
a required shaft enclosure, such walls shall comply with the
requirements of Section 705 for exterior walls and the fireresistance-rated enclosure requirements shall not apply.
Exception: Exterior walls required to be fire-resistance
rated in accordance with Section 1021.2 for exterior egress
balconies, Section 1023.7 for interior exit stairways and
ramps and Section 1027.6 for exterior exit stairways and
ramps.
713.7 Openings. Openings in a shaft enclosure shall be protected in accordance with Section 716 as required for fire
barriers. Doors shall be self- or automatic-closing by smoke
detection in accordance with Section 716.2.6.6.
713.7.1 Prohibited openings. Openings other than those
necessary for the purpose of the shaft shall not be permitted in shaft enclosures.
713.8 Penetrations. Penetrations in a shaft enclosure shall be
protected in accordance with Section 714 as required for fire
barriers. Structural elements, such as beams or joists, where
protected in accordance with Section 714 shall be permitted
to penetrate a shaft enclosure.
713.8.1 Prohibited penetrations. Penetrations other than
those necessary for the purpose of the shaft shall not be
permitted in shaft enclosures.
Exception: Membrane penetrations shall be permitted
on the outside of shaft enclosures. Such penetrations
shall be protected in accordance with Section 714.4.2.
713.9 Joints. Joints in a shaft enclosure shall comply with
Section 715.
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713.10 Duct and air transfer openings. Penetrations of a
shaft enclosure by ducts and air transfer openings shall comply with Section 717.
713.11 Enclosure at the bottom. Shafts that do not extend to
the bottom of the building or structure shall comply with one
of the following:
1. They shall be enclosed at the lowest level with construction of the same fire-resistance rating as the lowest floor through which the shaft passes, but not less
than the rating required for the shaft enclosure.
2. They shall terminate in a room having a use related to
the purpose of the shaft. The room shall be separated
from the remainder of the building by fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal
assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711,
or both. The fire-resistance rating and opening protectives shall be not less than the protection required for
the shaft enclosure.
3. They shall be protected by approved fire dampers
installed in accordance with their listing at the lowest
floor level within the shaft enclosure.
Exceptions:
1. The fire-resistance-rated room separation is not
required, provided that the only openings in or penetrations of the shaft enclosure to the interior of the
building occur at the bottom. The bottom of the shaft
shall be closed off around the penetrating items with
materials permitted by Section 718.3.1 for draftstopping, or the room shall be provided with an
approved automatic sprinkler system.
2. A shaft enclosure containing a waste or linen chute
shall not be used for any other purpose and shall discharge in a room protected in accordance with Section 713.13.4.
3. The fire-resistance-rated room separation and the
protection at the bottom of the shaft are not required
provided that there are no combustibles in the shaft
and there are no openings or other penetrations
through the shaft enclosure to the interior of the
building.
713.12 Enclosure at top. A shaft enclosure that does not
extend to the underside of the roof sheathing, deck or slab of
the building shall be enclosed at the top with construction of
the same fire-resistance rating as the topmost floor penetrated by the shaft, but not less than the fire-resistance rating
required for the shaft enclosure.
713.13 Waste and linen chutes and incinerator rooms.
Waste and linen chutes shall comply with the provisions of
NFPA 82, Chapter 6 and shall meet the requirements of Sections 712 and 713.13.1 through 713.13.6. Incinerator rooms
shall meet the provisions of Sections 713.13.4 through
713.13.5.
Exception: Chutes serving and contained within a single
dwelling unit.
713.13.1 Waste and linen. A shaft enclosure containing a
recycling, or waste or linen chute shall not be used for any
other purpose and shall be enclosed in accordance with
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
Section 713.4. A shaft enclosure shall be permitted to contain recycling and waste chutes. Openings into the shaft,
from access rooms and discharge rooms, shall be protected
in accordance with this section and Section 716. Openings
into chutes shall not be located in corridors. Doors into
chutes shall be self-closing. Discharge doors shall be selfor automatic-closing upon the actuation of a smoke detector in accordance with Section 716.2.6.6, except that heatactivated closing devices shall be permitted between the
shaft and the discharge room.
713.13.2 Materials. A shaft enclosure containing a waste,
recycling, or linen chute shall be constructed of materials
as permitted by the building type of construction.
713.13.3 Chute access rooms. Access openings for waste
or linen chutes shall be located in rooms or compartments
enclosed by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed
in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies
constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
Openings into the access rooms shall be protected by
opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not
less than 3/4 hour. Doors shall be self- or automatic-closing
upon the detection of smoke in accordance with Section
716.2.6.6. The room or compartment shall be configured
to allow the access door to the room or compartment to
close and latch with the access panel to the refuse or laundry chute in any position.
713.13.4 Chute discharge room. Waste or linen chutes
shall discharge into an enclosed room separated by fire
barriers with a fire-resistance rating not less than the
required fire rating of the shaft enclosure and constructed
in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies
constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
Openings into the discharge room from the remainder of
the building shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating equal to the protection required
for the shaft enclosure. Doors shall be self- or automaticclosing upon the detection of smoke in accordance with
Section 716.2.6.6. Waste chutes shall not terminate in an
incinerator room. Waste and linen rooms that are not provided with chutes need only comply with Table 509.
713.13.5 Incinerator room. Incinerator rooms shall comply with Table 509.
713.13.6 Automatic sprinkler system. An approved
automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in accordance
with Section 903.2.11.2.
713.14 Elevator, dumbwaiter and other hoistways. Elevator, dumbwaiter and other hoistway enclosures shall be constructed in accordance with Sections 712 and 713, and
Chapter 30.
SECTION 714
PENETRATIONS
714.1 Scope. The provisions of this section shall govern the
materials and methods of construction used to protect
through penetrations and membrane penetrations of horizontal assemblies and fire-resistance-rated wall assemblies.
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714.1.1 Ducts and air transfer openings. Penetrations of
fire-resistance-rated walls by ducts that are not protected
with dampers shall comply with Sections 714.3 through
714.4.3. Penetrations of horizontal assemblies not protected with a shaft as permitted by Section 717.6, and not
required to be protected with fire dampers by other sections of this code, shall comply with Sections 714.5
through 714.6.2. Ducts and air transfer openings that are
protected with dampers shall comply with Section 717.
714.2 Installation. A listed penetration firestop system shall
be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the listing criteria.
714.3 Installation details. Where sleeves are used, they shall
be securely fastened to the assembly penetrated. The space
between the item contained in the sleeve and the sleeve itself
and any space between the sleeve and the assembly penetrated shall be protected in accordance with this section. Insulation and coverings on or in the penetrating item shall not
penetrate the assembly unless the specific material used has
been tested as part of the assembly in accordance with this
section.
714.4 Fire-resistance-rated walls. Penetrations into or
through fire walls, fire barriers, smoke barrier walls and fire
partitions shall comply with Sections 714.4.1 through
714.4.3. Penetrations in smoke barrier walls shall also comply with Section 714.5.4.
714.4.1 Through penetrations. Through penetrations of
fire-resistance-rated walls shall comply with Section
714.4.1.1 or 714.4.1.2.
Exception: Where the penetrating items are steel, ferrous or copper pipes, tubes or conduits, the annular
space between the penetrating item and the fire-resistance-rated wall is permitted to be protected by either
of the following measures:
1. In concrete or masonry walls where the penetrating item is a maximum 6-inch (152 mm) nominal
diameter and the area of the opening through the
wall does not exceed 144 square inches (0.0929
m2), concrete, grout or mortar is permitted where
installed the full thickness of the wall or the
thickness required to maintain the fire-resistance
rating.
2. The material used to fill the annular space shall
prevent the passage of flame and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste when subjected to
ASTM E119 or UL 263 time-temperature fire
conditions under a minimum positive pressure
differential of 0.01 inch (2.49 Pa) of water at the
location of the penetration for the time period
equivalent to the fire-resistance rating of the construction penetrated.
714.4.1.1 Fire-resistance-rated assemblies. Through
penetrations shall be protected using systems installed
as tested in the approved fire-resistance-rated assembly.
714.4.1.2 Through-penetration firestop system.
Through penetrations shall be protected by an
approved penetration firestop system installed as tested
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
in accordance with ASTM E814 or UL 1479, with a
minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch
(2.49 Pa) of water and shall have an F rating of not less
than the required fire-resistance rating of the wall penetrated.
714.4.2 Membrane penetrations. Membrane penetrations shall comply with Section 714.4.1. Where walls or
partitions are required to have a fire-resistance rating,
recessed fixtures shall be installed such that the required
fire resistance will not be reduced.
Exceptions:
1. Membrane penetrations of maximum 2-hour fireresistance-rated walls and partitions by steel electrical boxes that do not exceed 16 square inches
(0.0 103 m2) in area, provided that the aggregate
area of the openings through the membrane does
not exceed 100 square inches (0.0645 m2) in any
100 square feet (9.29 m2) of wall area. The annular space between the wall membrane and the
box shall not exceed 1/8 inch (3.2 mm). Such
boxes on opposite sides of the wall or partition
shall be separated by one of the following:
1.1. By a horizontal distance of not less than
24 inches (610 mm) where the wall or
partition is constructed with individual
noncommunicating stud cavities.
1.2. By a horizontal distance of not less than
the depth of the wall cavity where the
wall cavity is filled with cellulose loosefill, rockwool or slag mineral wool insulation.
1.3. By solid fireblocking in accordance with
Section 718.2.1.
1.4. By protecting both outlet boxes with
listed putty pads.
1.5. By other listed materials and methods.
2. Membrane penetrations by listed electrical boxes
of any material, provided that such boxes have
been tested for use in fire-resistance-rated assemblies and are installed in accordance with the
instructions included in the listing. The annular
space between the wall membrane and the box
shall not exceed 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) unless listed
otherwise. Such boxes on opposite sides of the
wall or partition shall be separated by one of the
following:
2.1. By the horizontal distance specified in the
listing of the electrical boxes.
2.2. By solid fireblocking in accordance with
Section 718.2.1.
2.3. By protecting both boxes with listed putty
pads.
2.4. By other listed materials and methods.
3. Membrane penetrations by electrical boxes of
any size or type, that have been listed as part of a
wall opening protective material system for use
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
in fire-resistance-rated assemblies and are
installed in accordance with the instructions
included in the listing.
4. Membrane penetrations by boxes other than electrical boxes, provided that such penetrating items
and the annular space between the wall membrane and the box, are protected by an approved
membrane penetration firestop system installed
as tested in accordance with ASTM E814 or UL
1479, with a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch (2.49 Pa) of water, and shall have
an F and T rating of not less than the required
fire-resistance rating of the wall penetrated and
be installed in accordance with their listing.
5. The annular space created by the penetration of
an automatic sprinkler, provided that it is covered
by a metal escutcheon plate.
6. Membrane penetrations of maximum 2-hour fireresistance-rated walls and partitions by steel electrical boxes that exceed 16 square inches (0.0 103
m2) in area, or steel electrical boxes of any size
having an aggregate area through the membrane
exceeding 100 square inches (0.0645 m2) in any
100 square feet (9.29 m2) of wall area, provided
that such penetrating items are protected by listed
putty pads or other listed materials and methods,
and installed in accordance with the listing.
714.4.3 Dissimilar materials. Noncombustible penetrating items shall not connect to combustible items beyond
the point of firestopping unless it can be demonstrated that
the fire-resistance integrity of the wall is maintained.
714.5 Horizontal assemblies. Penetrations of a fire-resistance-rated floor, floor/ceiling assembly or the ceiling membrane of a roof/ceiling assembly not required to be enclosed
in a shaft by Section 712.1 shall be protected in accordance
with Sections 714.5.1 through 714.5.4.
714.5.1 Through penetrations. Through penetrations of
horizontal assemblies shall comply with Section 714.5.1.1
or 714.5.1.2.
Exceptions:
1. Penetrations by steel, ferrous or copper conduits,
pipes, tubes or vents or concrete or masonry
items through a single fire-resistance-rated floor
assembly where the annular space is protected
with materials that prevent the passage of flame
and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste
when subjected to ASTM E119 or UL 263 timetemperature fire conditions under a minimum
positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch (2.49
Pa) of water at the location of the penetration for
the time period equivalent to the fire-resistance
rating of the construction penetrated. Penetrating
items with a maximum 6-inch (152 mm) nominal
diameter shall not be limited to the penetration of
a single fire-resistance-rated floor assembly, provided that the aggregate area of the openings
through the assembly does not exceed 144 square
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
inches (92 900 mm2) in any 100 square feet (9.3
m2) of floor area.
2. Penetrations in a single concrete floor by steel,
ferrous or copper conduits, pipes, tubes or vents
with a maximum 6-inch (152 mm) nominal diameter, provided that the concrete, grout or mortar is
installed the full thickness of the floor or the
thickness required to maintain the fire-resistance
rating. The penetrating items shall not be limited
to the penetration of a single concrete floor, provided that the area of the opening through each
floor does not exceed 144 square inches (92 900
mm2).
3. Penetrations by listed electrical boxes of any
material, provided that such boxes have been
tested for use in fire-resistance-rated assemblies
and installed in accordance with the instructions
included in the listing.
714.5.1.1 Fire-resistance-rated assemblies. Through
penetrations shall be protected using systems installed
as tested in the approved fire-resistance-rated assembly.
714.5.1.2 Through-penetration firestop system.
Through penetrations shall be protected by an
approved through-penetration firestop system installed
and tested in accordance with ASTM E814 or UL 1479,
with a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01
inch of water (2.49 Pa). The system shall have an F rating/T rating of not less than 1 hour but not less than the
required rating of the floor penetrated.
Exceptions:
1. Floor penetrations contained and located
within the cavity of a wall above the floor or
below the floor do not require a T rating.
2. Floor penetrations by floor drains, tub drains
or shower drains contained and located within
the concealed space of a horizontal assembly
do not require a T rating.
3. Floor penetrations of maximum 4-inch (102
mm) nominal diameter metal conduit or tubing penetrating directly into metal-enclosed
electrical power switchgear do not require a T
rating.
714.5.2 Membrane penetrations. Penetrations of membranes that are part of a horizontal assembly shall comply
with Section 714.5.1.1 or 714.5.1.2. Where floor/ceiling
assemblies are required to have a fire-resistance rating,
recessed fixtures shall be installed such that the required
fire resistance will not be reduced.
Exceptions:
1. Membrane penetrations by steel, ferrous or copper conduits, pipes, tubes or vents, or concrete or
masonry items where the annular space is protected either in accordance with Section 714.5.1
or to prevent the free passage of flame and the
products of combustion. The aggregate area of
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the openings through the membrane shall not
exceed 100 square inches (64 500 mm2) in any
100 square feet (9.3 m2) of ceiling area in assemblies tested without penetrations.
2. Ceiling membrane penetrations of maximum 2hour horizontal assemblies by steel electrical
boxes that do not exceed 16 square inches (10
323 mm2) in area, provided that the aggregate
area of such penetrations does not exceed 100
square inches (44 500 mm2) in any 100 square
feet (9.29 m2) of ceiling area, and the annular
space between the ceiling membrane and the box
does not exceed 1/8 inch (3.2 mm).
3. Membrane penetrations by electrical boxes of
any size or type, that have been listed as part of
an opening protective material system for use in
horizontal assemblies and are installed in accordance with the instructions included in the listing.
4. Membrane penetrations by listed electrical boxes
of any material, provided that such boxes have
been tested for use in fire-resistance-rated assemblies and are installed in accordance with the
instructions included in the listing. The annular
space between the ceiling membrane and the box
shall not exceed 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) unless listed otherwise.
5. The annular space created by the penetration of a
fire sprinkler, provided that it is covered by a
metal escutcheon plate.
6. Noncombustible items that are cast into concrete
building elements and that do not penetrate both
top and bottom surfaces of the element.
7. The ceiling membrane of 1- and 2-hour fire-resistance-rated horizontal assemblies is permitted to
be interrupted with the double wood top plate of a
wall assembly that is sheathed with Type X gypsum wallboard, provided that all penetrating items
through the double top plates are protected in
accordance with Section 714.5.1.1 or 714.5.1.2
and the ceiling membrane is tight to the top plates.
8. Ceiling membrane penetrations by listed luminaires (light fixtures) or by luminaires protected
with listed materials, which have been tested for
use in fire-resistance-rated assemblies and are
installed in accordance with the instructions
included in the listing.
714.5.3 Dissimilar materials. Noncombustible penetrating items shall not connect to combustible materials
beyond the point of firestopping unless it can be demonstrated that the fire-resistance integrity of the horizontal
assembly is maintained.
714.5.4 Penetrations in smoke barriers. Penetrations in
smoke barriers shall be protected by an approved throughpenetration firestop system installed and tested in accordance with the requirements of UL 1479 for air leakage.
The L rating of the system measured at 0.30 inch (7.47 Pa)
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
of water in both the ambient temperature and elevated
temperature tests shall not exceed either of the following:
1. 5.0 cfm per square foot (0.025 m3/ s · m2) of penetration opening for each through-penetration firestop
system.
2. A total cumulative leakage of 50 cfm (0.024 m3/s) for
any 100 square feet (9.3 m2) of wall area, or floor area.
714.6 Nonfire-resistance-rated assemblies. Penetrations of
nonfire-resistance-rated floor or floor/ceiling assemblies or
the ceiling membrane of a nonfire-resistance-rated roof/ceiling assembly shall meet the requirements of Section 713 or
shall comply with Section 714.6.1 or 714.6.2.
714.6.1 Noncombustible penetrating items. Noncombustible penetrating items that connect not more than five
stories are permitted, provided that the annular space is
filled to resist the free passage of flame and the products
of combustion with an approved noncombustible material
or with a fill, void or cavity material that is tested and classified for use in through-penetration firestop systems.
714.6.2 Penetrating items. Penetrating items that connect
not more than two stories are permitted, provided that the
annular space is filled with an approved material to resist
the free passage of flame and the products of combustion.
SECTION 715
FIRE-RESISTANT JOINT SYSTEMS
715.1 General. Joints installed in or between fire-resistancerated walls, floor or floor/ceiling assemblies and roofs or
roof/ceiling assemblies shall be protected by an approved
fire-resistant joint system designed to resist the passage of
fire for a time period not less than the required fire-resistance
rating of the wall, floor or roof in or between which the system is installed. Fire-resistant joint systems shall be tested in
accordance with Section 715.3.
Exception: Fire-resistant joint systems shall not be
required for joints in all of the following locations:
1. Floors within a single dwelling unit.
2. Floors where the joint is protected by a shaft
enclosure in accordance with Section 713.
3. Floors within atriums where the space adjacent to
the atrium is included in the volume of the atrium
for smoke control purposes.
4. Floors within malls.
5. Floors and ramps within parking garages or structures constructed in accordance with Sections
406.5 and 406.6.
6. Mezzanine floors.
7. Walls that are permitted to have unprotected openings.
8. Roofs where openings are permitted.
9. Control joints not exceeding a maximum width of
0.625 inch (15.9 mm) and tested in accordance
with ASTM E119 or UL 263.
10. The intersection of exterior curtain wall assemblies and the roof slab or roof deck.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
715.1.1 Curtain wall assembly. The void created at the
intersection of a floor/ceiling assembly and an exterior
curtain wall assembly shall be protected in accordance
with Section 715.4.
715.2 Installation. A fire-resistant joint system shall be
securely installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
installation instructions and the listing criteria in or on the
joint for its entire length so as not to impair its ability to
accommodate expected building movements and to resist the
passage of fire and hot gases.
715.3 Fire test criteria. Fire-resistant joint systems shall be
tested in accordance with the requirements of either ASTM
E1966 or UL 2079. Nonsymmetrical wall joint systems shall
be tested with both faces exposed to the furnace, and the
assigned fire-resistance rating shall be the shortest duration
obtained from the two tests. Where evidence is furnished to
show that the wall was tested with the least fire-resistant side
exposed to the furnace, subject to acceptance of the building
official, the wall need not be subjected to tests from the opposite side.
Exception: For exterior walls with a horizontal fire separation distance greater than 10 feet (3048 mm), the joint system shall be required to be tested for interior fire exposure
only.
715.4 Exterior curtain wall/floor intersection.Where fireresistance-rated floor or floor/ceiling assemblies are required,
voids created at the intersection of the exterior curtain wall
assemblies and such floor assemblies shall be sealed with an
approved system to prevent the interior spread of fire. Such
systems shall be securely installed and tested in accordance
with ASTM E2307 to provide an F rating for a time period
not less than the fire-resistance rating of the floor assembly.
Height and fire-resistance requirements for curtain wall spandrels shall comply with Section 705.8.5.
Exception: Voids created at the intersection of the exterior curtain wall assemblies and such floor assemblies
where the vision glass extends to the finished floor level
shall be permitted to be sealed with an approved material
to prevent the interior spread of fire. Such material shall be
securely installed and capable of preventing the passage of
flame and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste where
subjected to ASTM E119 time-temperature fire conditions
under a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01
inch (0.254 mm) of water column (2.5 Pa) for the time
period not less than the fire-resistance rating of the floor
assembly.
715.4.1 Exterior curtain wall/nonfire-resistance-rated
floor assembly intersections. Voids created at the intersection of exterior curtain wall assemblies and nonfireresistance-rated floor or floor/ceiling assemblies shall be
sealed with an approved material or system to retard the
interior spread of fire and hot gases between stories.
715.4.2 Exterior curtain wall/vertical fire barrier intersections. Voids created at the intersection of nonfire-resistance-rated exterior curtain wall assemblies and fire
barriers shall be filled. An approved material or system
shall be used to fill the void and shall be securely installed
in or on the intersection for its entire length so as not to
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
dislodge, loosen or otherwise impair its ability to accommodate expected building movements and to retard the
passage of fire and hot gases.
715.5 Spandrel wall. Height and fire-resistance requirements for curtain wall spandrels shall comply with Section
705.8.5. Where Section 705.8.5 does not require a fire-resistance-rated spandrel wall, the requirements of Section 715.4
shall still apply to the intersection between the spandrel wall
and the floor.
715.6 Fire-resistant joint systems in smoke barriers. Fireresistant joint systems in smoke barriers, and joints at the
intersection of a horizontal smoke barrier and an exterior curtain wall, shall be tested in accordance with the requirements
of UL 2079 for air leakage. The L rating of the joint system
shall not exceed 5 cfm per linear foot (0.00775 m3/s m) of
joint at 0.30 inch (7.47 Pa) of water for both the ambient temperature and elevated temperature tests.
SECTION 716
OPENING PROTECTIVES
716.1 General. Opening protectives required by other sections of this code shall comply with the provisions of this section and shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 80.
716.1.1 Alternative methods for determining fire protection ratings. The application of any of the alternative methods listed in this section shall be based on the fire exposure
and acceptance criteria specified in NFPA 252, NFPA 257,
UL 9, UL 10B or UL 10C. The required fire resistance of an
opening protective shall be permitted to be established by
any of the following methods or procedures:
1. Designs documented in approved sources.
2. Calculations performed in an approved manner.
3. Engineering analysis based on a comparison of opening protective designs having fire protection ratings
as determined by the test procedures set forth in
NFPA 252, NFPA 257, UL 9, UL 10B or UL 10C.
4. Alternative protection methods as allowed by Section 104.11.
716.1.2 Glazing. Glazing used in fire door assemblies and
fire window assemblies shall comply with this section in
addition to the requirements of Sections 716.2 and 716.3,
respectively.
716.1.2.1 Safety glazing. Fire-protection-rated glazing
and fire-resistance-rated glazing installed in fire door
assemblies and fire window assemblies shall comply
with the safety glazing requirements of Chapter 24
where applicable.
716.1.2.2 Marking fire-rated glazing assemblies.
Fire-rated glazing assemblies shall be marked in accordance with Tables 716.1(1), 716.1(2) and 716.1(3).
716.1.2.2.1 Fire-rated glazing identification. For
fire-rated glazing, the label shall bear the identification required in Tables 716.1(1) and 716.1(2). “D”
144
indicates that the glazing is permitted to be used in
fire door assemblies and meets the fire protection
requirements of NFPA 252, UL 10B or UL 10C.
“H” indicates that the glazing meets the hose stream
requirements of NFPA 252, UL 10B or UL 10C. “T”
indicates that the glazing meets the temperature
requirements of Section 716.2.2.3.1. The placeholder “XXX” represents the fire-rating period, in
minutes.
716.1.2.2.2 Fire-protection-rated glazing identification. For fire-protection-rated glazing, the label
shall bear the following identification required in
Tables 716.1(1) and 716.1(3): “OH – XXX.” “OH”
indicates that the glazing meets both the fire protection and the hose-stream requirements of NFPA 257
or UL 9 and is permitted to be used in fire window
openings. The placeholder “XXX” represents the
fire-rating period, in minutes.
716.1.2.2.3 Fire-resistance-rated glazing identification. For fire-resistance-rated glazing, the label
shall bear the identification required in Section
703.6 and Table 716.1.(1).
716.1.2.2.4 Fire-rated glazing that exceeds the
code requirements. Fire-rated glazing assemblies
marked as complying with hose stream requirements
(H) shall be permitted in applications that do not
require compliance with hose stream requirements.
Fire-rated glazing assemblies marked as complying
with temperature rise requirements (T) shall be permitted in applications that do not require compliance
with temperature rise requirements. Fire-rated glazing assemblies marked with ratings (XXX) that
exceed the ratings required by this code shall be permitted.
716.1.2.3 Fire-resistance-rated glazing. Fire-resistance-rated glazing tested as part of a fire-resistancerated wall or floor/ceiling assembly in accordance with
ASTM E119 or UL 263 and labeled in accordance with
Section 703.6 shall not otherwise be required to comply
with this section where used as part of a wall or floor/
ceiling assembly.
716.1.2.3.1 Glazing in fire door and fire window
assemblies. Fire-resistance-rated glazing shall be
permitted in fire door and fire window assemblies
where tested and installed in accordance with their
listings and where in compliance with the requirements of this section.
716.2 Fire door assemblies. Fire door assemblies required
by other sections of this code shall comply with the provisions of this section. Fire door frames with transom lights,
sidelights or both shall be permitted in accordance with Section 716.2.5.4.
716.2.1 Testing requirements. Approved fire door and
fire shutter assemblies shall be constructed of any material
or assembly of component materials that conforms to the
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 716.1(1)
MARKING FIRE-RATED GLAZING ASSEMBLIES
FIRE TEST STANDARD
MARKING
DEFINITION OF MARKING
ASTM E119 or UL 263
W
Meets wall assembly criteria.
ASTM E119 or UL 263
FC
Meets floor/ceiling criteriaa
NFPA 257 or UL 9
OH
Meets fire window assembly criteria including the hose stream test.
NFPA 252 or UL 10B or UL 10C
D
H
T
—
XXX
Meets fire door assembly criteria.
Meets fire door assembly hose stream test.
Meets 450ºF temperature rise criteria for 30 minutes
The time in minutes of the fire resistance or fire protection rating of the glazing assembly.
For SI: ºC = [(ºF) - 32]/1.8.
a. See Section 2409.1
test requirements of Sections 716.2.1.1 through 716.2.1.4
and the fire protection rating indicated in Table 716.1(2).
Exceptions:
1. Labeled protective assemblies that conform to the
requirements of this section or UL 10A, UL 14B
and UL 14C for tin-clad fire door assemblies.
2. Floor fire door assemblies in accordance with
Section 712.1.13.1.
716.2.1.1 Side-hinged or pivoted swinging doors.
Fire door assemblies with side-hinged and pivoted
swinging doors shall be tested in accordance with
NFPA 252 or UL 10C. For tests conducted in accordance with NFPA 252, the fire test shall be conducted
using the positive pressure method specified in the
standard.
716.2.1.2 Other types of assemblies. Fire door assemblies with other types of doors, including swinging elevator doors, horizontal sliding fire doors, rolling steel
fire doors, fire shutters, bottom- and side-hinged chute
intake doors, and top-hinged chute discharge doors,
shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 252 or UL
10B. For tests conducted in accordance with NFPA
252, the neutral pressure plane in the furnace shall be
maintained as nearly equal to the atmospheric pressure
as possible at the top of the door, as specified in the
standard.
716.2.1.3 Glazing in transoms lights and sidelights
in corridors and smoke barriers. Glazing material in
any other part of the door assembly, including transom
lights and sidelights, shall be tested in accordance with
NFPA 257 or UL 9, including the hose stream test, in
accordance with Section 716.3.1.1.
716.2.1.4 Smoke and draft control. Fire door assemblies that serve as smoke and draft control assemblies
shall be tested in accordance with UL 1784.
716.2.2 Performance requirements. Fire door assemblies shall be installed in the assemblies specified in Table
716.1(2) and shall comply with the fire protection rating
specified.
716.2.2.1 Door assemblies in corridors and smoke
barriers. Fire door assemblies required to have a minimum fire protection rating of 20 minutes where located
in corridor walls or smoke barrier walls having a fireresistance rating in accordance with Table 716.1(2)
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 252 or UL
10C without the hose stream test.
Exceptions:
1. Viewports that require a hole not larger than 1
inch (25 mm) in diameter through the door,
have not less than a 0.25-inch-thick (6.4 mm)
glass disc and the holder is of metal that will
not melt out where subject to temperatures of
1,700°F (927°C).
2. Corridor door assemblies in occupancies of
Group I-2 shall be in accordance with Section
407.3.1.
3. Unprotected openings shall be permitted for
corridors in multitheater complexes where
each motion picture auditorium has not fewer
than one-half of its required exit or exit access
doorways opening directly to the exterior or
into an exit passageway.
4. Horizontal sliding doors in smoke barriers
that comply with Sections 408.6 and 408.8.4
in occupancies in Group I-3.
716.2.2.1.1 Smoke and draft control. The air leakage rate of the door assembly shall not exceed 3.0
cubic feet per minute per square foot (0.01524 m3/s
× m2) of door opening at 0.10 inch (24.9 Pa) of water
for both the ambient temperature and elevated temperature tests. Louvers shall be prohibited.
716.2.2.2 Door assemblies in other fire partitions.
Fire door assemblies required to have a minimum fire
protection rating of 20 minutes where located in other
fire partitions having a fire-resistance rating of 0.5
hour in accordance with Table 716.1(2) shall be tested
in accordance with NFPA 252, UL 10B or UL 10C
with the hose stream test.
716.2.2.3 Doors in interior exit stairways and ramps
and exit passageways. Fire door assemblies in interior
exit stairways and ramps and exit passageways shall
have a maximum transmitted temperature rise of not
more than 450F (250C) above ambient at the end of
30 minutes of standard fire test exposure.
Exception: The maximum transmitted temperature
rise is not required in buildings equipped throughout
with an automatic sprinkler system installed in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
145
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 716.1(2)
OPENING FIRE PROTECTION ASSEMBLIES, RATINGS AND MARKINGS
TYPE OF
ASSEMBLY
Fire walls and
fire barriers
having a required
fire-resistance
rating greater
than 1 hour
Enclosures for
shafts, interior
exit stairways
and interior exit
ramps.
REQUIRED
WALL
ASSEMBLY
RATING
(hours)
MINIMUM
FIRE DOOR
AND FIRE
DOOR VISION
SHUTTER
PANEL SIZEb
ASSEMBLY
RATING
(hours)
Fire
protection
Fire
resistance
FIRE-RATED GLAZING MARKING
SIDELIGHT/TRANSOM PANEL
Fire
protection
Fire
resistance
4
3
See Note b
D-H-W-240
Not Permitted
4
Not Permitted
W-240
3
3a
See Note b
D-H-W-180
Not Permitted
3
Not Permitted
W-180
2
11/2
100 sq. in.
100 sq. in. = D-H-90
>100 sq. in.=
Not Permitted
D-H-W-90
2
Not Permitted
W-120
11/2
11/2
100 sq. in.
100 sq. in. = D-H-90
>100 sq. in.=
Not Permitted
D-H-W-90
11/2
Not Permitted
W-90
2
11/2
100 sq. in.c
100 sq. in. = D-H-90
> 100 sq. in.=
Not Permitted
D-H-T-W-90
2
Not Permitted
W-120
4
3
100 sq. in.
100 sq. in. = D-H-180
> 100 sq. in.=
Not Permitted
D-H-W-240
4
Not Permitted
W-240
3
3a
100 sq. in.
100 sq. in. = D-H-180
> 100 sq. in.=
Not Permitted
D-H-W-180
3
Not Permitted
W-180
1
1
100 sq. in.
100 sq. in. = D-H-60
>100 sq. in.=
D-H-T-W-60
1
Not Permitted
W-60
Horizontal exits
in fire wallsd
Fire barriers
having a required
fire-resistance
rating of 1 hour:
Enclosures for
shafts, exit access
stairways, exit
access ramps,
interior exit
stairways and
interior exit
ramps; and exit
passageway walls
FIRE-RATED
GLAZING MARKING
DOOR VISION PANELc, e
MINIMUM SIDELIGHT/
TRANSOM ASSEMBLY
RATING (hours)
Not
Permitted
Fire protection
Other fire barriers
1
3
/4
Maximum
size tested
1
1 b
3
/
Maximum
size tested
D-20
3 b
4
/
D-H-OH-45
0.5
1 b
3
/
Maximum
size tested
D-20
1
/3
D-H-OH-20
1
3
/4
Maximum
size tested
D-H-45
3
/4
D-H-45
0.5
1
/3
Maximum
size tested
D-H-20
1
/3
D-H-20
Fire partitions:
Corridor walls
Other fire
partitions
D-H
3
/4
D-H
(continued)
146
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 716.1(2)—continued
OPENING FIRE PROTECTION ASSEMBLIES, RATINGS AND MARKINGS
TYPE OF
ASSEMBLY
MINIMUM
REQUIRED FIRE DOOR
WALL
AND FIRE
DOOR VISION
ASSEMBLY SHUTTER
PANEL SIZEb
RATING ASSEMBLY
(hours)
RATING
(hours)
FIRE-RATED
GLAZING MARKING
DOOR VISION PANELc,
e
MINIMUM SIDELIGHT/
TRANSOM ASSEMBLY
RATING (hours)
FIRE-RATED GLAZING
MARKING SIDELIGHT/
TRANSOM PANEL
Fire
protection
Fire
resistance
Fire
protection
Fire
resistance
Not Permitted
3
Not Permitted
W-180
11/2
2
D-H-OH-90
W-120
100 sq. in. = D-H-90
3
Exterior walls
2
11/2
100 sq. in.b
11/2
Maximum
size tested
> 100 sq. in = D-H-W-90
D-H 90 or D-H-W-90
Fire protection
1
3
/4
Maximum
size tested
D-H-45
3
/4
D-H-45
Fire protection
1
1
/3
Maximum
size tested
D-20
3
/4
D-H-OH-45
For SI: 1 square inch = 645.2 mm.
a. Two doors, each with a fire protection rating of 11/2 hours, installed on opposite sides of the same opening in a fire wall, shall be deemed equivalent in fire
protection rating to one 3-hour fire door.
b. Fire-resistance-rated glazing tested to ASTM E119 in accordance with Section 716.1.2.3 shall be permitted, in the maximum size tested.
c. Under the column heading “Fire-rated glazing marking door vision panel,” W refers to the fire-resistance rating of the glazing, not the frame.
d. See Section 716.2.5.1.2.1.
e. See Section 716.1.2.2.1 and Table 716.1(1) for additional permitted markings.
716.2.2.3.1 Glazing in doors. Fire-protection-rated
glazing in excess of 100 square inches (0.065 m2) is
not permitted. Fire-resistance-rated glazing in
excess of 100 square inches (0.065 m2) shall be permitted in fire doors. Listed fire-resistance-rated
glazing in a fire door shall have a maximum transmitted temperature rise in accordance with Section
716.2.2.3 when the fire door is tested in accordance
with NFPA 252, UL 10B or UL 10C.
716.2.3 Fire doors. Fire doors installed within a fire door
assembly shall meet the fire rating indicated in Table
716.1(2).
716.2.4 Fire door frames. Fire door frames installed as
part of a fire door assembly shall meet the fire rating indicated in Table 716.1(2).
716.2.5 Glazing in fire door assemblies. Fire-rated glazing conforming to the opening protection requirements in
Section 716.2.1 shall be permitted in fire door assemblies.
716.2.5.1 Size limitations. Fire-resistance-rated glazing shall comply with the size limitations in Section
716.2.5.1.1. Fire-protection-rated glazing shall comply
with the size limitations of NFPA 80, and as provided
in Section 716.2.5.1.2.
716.2.5.1.1 Fire-resistance-rated glazing in door
assemblies in fire walls and fire barriers rated
greater than 1 hour. Fire-resistance-rated glazing
tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263 and NFPA 252, UL
10B or UL 10C shall be permitted in fire door
assemblies located in fire walls and in fire barriers
in accordance with Table 716.1(2) to the maximum
size tested and in accordance with their listings.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
716.2.5.1.2 Fire-protection-rated glazing in door
assemblies in fire walls and fire barriers rated
greater than 1 hour. Fire-protection-rated glazing
shall be prohibited in fire walls and fire barriers
except as provided in Sections 716.2.5.1.2.1 and
716.2.5.1.2.2.
716.2.5.1.2.1 Horizontal exits. Fire-protectionrated glazing shall be permitted as vision panels
in self-closing swinging fire door assemblies
serving as horizontal exits in fire walls where
limited to 100 square inches (0.065 m2).
716.2.5.1.2.2 Fire barriers. Fire-protection-rated
glazing shall be permitted in fire doors having a
11/2-hour fire protection rating intended for
installation in fire barriers, where limited to 100
square inches (0.065 m2).
716.2.5.2 Elevator, stairway and ramp protectives.
Approved fire-protection-rated glazing used in fire
door assemblies in elevator, stairway and ramp enclosures shall be so located as to furnish clear vision of the
passageway or approach to the elevator, stairway or
ramp.
716.2.5.3 Glazing in door assemblies in corridors
and smoke barriers. In a 20-minute fire door assembly, the glazing material in the door itself shall have a
minimum fire-protection-rated glazing of 20 minutes
and shall be exempt from the hose stream test.
716.2.5.4 Fire door frames with transom lights and
sidelights. Fire-protection-rated glazing shall be permitted in door frames with transom lights, sidelights or
both, where a 3/4-hour fire protection rating or less is
147
¬
Smoke barriers
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
716.2.6 Fire door hardware and closures. Fire door
hardware and closures shall be installed on fire door
assemblies in accordance with the requirements of this
section.
716.2.6.1 Door closing. Fire doors shall be latching
and self- or automatic-closing in accordance with this
section.
Exceptions:
1. Fire doors located in common walls separating sleeping units in Group R-1 shall be permitted without automatic- or self-closing
devices.
2. The elevator car doors and the associated
hoistway enclosure doors at the floor level
designated for recall in accordance with Section 3003.2 shall be permitted to remain open
during Phase I emergency recall operation.
716.2.6.2 Latch required. Unless otherwise specifically permitted, single side-hinged swinging fire doors
and both leaves of pairs of side-hinged swinging fire
doors shall be provided with an active latch bolt that
will secure the door when it is closed.
716.2.6.3 Chute intake door latching. Chute intake
doors shall be positive latching, remaining latched and
closed in the event of latch spring failure during a fire
emergency.
716.2.6.4 Automatic-closing fire door assemblies.
Automatic-closing fire door assemblies shall be selfclosing in accordance with NFPA 80.
716.2.6.5 Delayed-action closers. Doors required to be
self-closing and not required to be automatic closing
shall be permitted to be equipped with delayed-action
closers.
716.2.6.6 Smoke-activated doors. Automatic-closing
doors installed in the following locations shall be permitted to have hold-open devices. Doors shall automatically close by the actuation of smoke detectors
installed in accordance with Section 907.3 or by loss of
power to the smoke detector or hold-open device.
Doors that are automatic-closing by smoke detection
shall not have more than a 10-second delay before the
door starts to close after the smoke detector is actuated.
Automatic-closing doors that protect openings installed
in the following locations shall comply with this section:
1. In walls that separate incidental uses in accordance with Section 509.4.
2. In fire walls in accordance with Section 706.8.
3. In fire barriers in accordance with Section 707.6.
148
4. In fire partitions in accordance with Section 708.6.
5. In smoke barriers in accordance with Section
709.5.
6. In smoke partitions in accordance with Section
710.5.2.3.
7. In shaft enclosures in accordance with Section
713.7.
8. In waste and linen chutes, discharge openings
and access and discharge rooms in accordance
with Section 713.13. Loading doors installed in
waste and linen chutes shall meet the requirements of Sections 716.2.6.1 and 716.2.6.3.
716.2.6.7 Doors in pedestrian ways. Vertical sliding
or vertical rolling steel fire doors in openings through
which pedestrians travel shall be heat activated or activated by smoke detectors with alarm verification.
716.2.7 Swinging fire shutters. Where fire shutters of the
swinging type are installed in exterior openings, not less
than one row in every three vertical rows shall be arranged
to be readily opened from the outside, and shall be identified by distinguishing marks or letters not less than 6
inches (152 mm) high.
716.2.8 Rolling fire shutters. Where fire shutters of the
rolling type are installed, such shutters shall include
approved automatic-closing devices.
716.2.9 Labeled protective assemblies. Fire door assemblies shall be labeled by an approved agency. The labels
shall comply with NFPA 80, and shall be permanently
affixed to the door or frame.
716.2.9.1 Fire door labeling requirements. Fire
doors shall be labeled showing the name of the manufacturer or other identification readily traceable back to
the manufacturer, the name or trademark of the thirdparty inspection agency, the fire protection rating and,
where required for fire doors in interior exit stairways
and ramps and exit passageways by Section 716.2.2.3,
the maximum transmitted temperature end point.
Smoke and draft control doors complying with UL
1784 shall be labeled as such and shall comply with
Section 716.2.9.3. Labels shall be approved and permanently affixed. The label shall be applied at the factory
or location where fabrication and assembly are performed.
716.2.9.1.1 Light kits, louvers and components.
Listed light kits and louvers and their required
preparations shall be considered as part of the
labeled door where such installations are done under
the listing program of the third-party agency. Fire
doors and fire door assemblies shall be permitted to
consist of components, including glazing, vision
light kits and hardware that are listed or classified
and labeled for such use by different third-party
agencies.
716.2.9.2 Oversized doors. Oversized fire doors shall
bear an oversized fire door label by an approved
agency or shall be provided with a certificate of inspection furnished by an approved testing agency. Where a
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
¬
required and in 2-hour fire-resistance-rated exterior
walls in accordance with Table 716.1(2). Fire door
frames with transom lights, sidelights, or both, installed
with fire-resistance-rated glazing tested as an assembly
in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263 shall be
permitted where a fire protection rating exceeding 3/4
hour is required in accordance with Table 716.1(2).
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
716.2.9.3 Smoke and draft control door labeling
requirements. Smoke and draft control doors complying with UL 1784 shall be labeled in accordance with
Section 716.2.9.1 and shall show the letter “S” on the
fire-rating label of the door. This marking shall indicate
that the door and frame assembly are in compliance
where listed or labeled gasketing is installed.
716.2.9.4 Fire door frame labeling requirements.
Fire door frames shall be labeled showing the names of
the manufacturer and the third-party inspection agency.
716.2.9.5 Labeling. Fire-rated glazing shall bear a
label or other identification showing the name of the
manufacturer, the test standard and information
required in Table 716.1(1) that shall be issued by an
approved agency and shall be permanently identified
on the glazing.
716.2.9.6 Fire door operator labeling requirements.
Fire door operators for horizontal sliding doors shall be
labeled and listed for use with the assembly.
716.2.10 Installation of door assemblies in corridors
and smoke barriers. Installation of smoke doors shall be
in accordance with NFPA 105.
716.3.2.1 Interior fire window assemblies. Fire-protection-rated glazing used in fire window assemblies
located in fire partitions and fire barriers shall be limited to use in assemblies with a maximum fire-resistance rating of 1 hour in accordance with this section.
716.3.2.1.1 Where 3/4-hour-fire-protection window assemblies permitted. Fire-protection-rated
glazing requiring 45-minute opening protection in
accordance with Table 716.1(3) shall be limited to
fire partitions designed in accordance with Section
708 and fire barriers utilized in the applications set
forth in Sections 707.3.6, 707.3.7 and 707.3.9 where
the fire-resistance rating does not exceed 1 hour.
Fire-resistance-rated glazing assemblies tested in
accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263 shall not be
subject to the limitations of this section.
716.3.2.1.2 Area limitations. The total area of the
glazing in fire-protection-rated window assemblies
shall not exceed 25 percent of the area of a common
wall with any room.
716.3.2.1.3 Where 1/3-hour-fire-protection window assemblies permitted. Fire-protection-rated
glazing shall be permitted in window assemblies
tested to NFPA 257 or UL 9 in fire partitions requiring 1/3-hour opening protection in accordance with
Table 716.1(3).
716.3 Fire window assemblies. Fire window assemblies
required by other sections of this code shall comply with the
provisions of this section.
716.3.3 Fire window frames. Fire window frames
installed with a fire window assembly shall meet the fireprotection rating indicated in Table 716.1(3).
716.3.1 Testing requirements. Fire window assemblies
shall be constructed of any material or assembly of component materials that conforms to the test requirements of
Sections 716.3.1.1 and 716.3.1.2 and the fire protection
rating indicated in Table 716.1(3).
716.3.3.1 Window mullions. Metal mullions that
exceed a nominal height of 12 feet (3658 mm) shall be
protected with materials to afford the same fire-resistance rating as required for the wall construction in
which the protective is located.
716.3.1.1 Testing under positive pressure. NFPA 257
or UL 9 shall evaluate fire-protection-rated glazing
under positive pressure. Within the first 10 minutes of a
test, the pressure in the furnace shall be adjusted so not
less than two-thirds of the test specimen is above the
neutral pressure plane, and the neutral pressure plane
shall be maintained at that height for the balance of the
test.
716.3.4 Fire-protection-rated glazing. Glazing in fire
window assemblies shall be fire protection rated in accordance with this section and Table 716.1(3). Fire-protectionrated glazing in fire window assemblies shall be tested in
accordance with and shall meet the acceptance criteria of
NFPA 257 or UL 9. Openings in nonfire-resistance-rated
exterior wall assemblies that require protection in accordance with Section 705.3, 705.8, 705.8.5 or 705.8.6 shall
have a fire protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour. Fireprotection-rated glazing in 1/2-hour fire-resistance-rated
partitions is permitted to have a 20-minute fire protection
rating.
716.3.1.2 Nonsymmetrical glazing systems. Nonsymmetrical fire-protection-rated glazing systems in fire
partitions, fire barriers or in exterior walls with a fire
separation distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) or less pursuant to Section 705 shall be tested with both faces
exposed to the furnace, and the assigned fire protection
rating shall be the shortest duration obtained from the
two tests conducted in compliance with NFPA 257 or
UL 9.
716.3.2 Performance requirements. Fire window assemblies shall be installed in the assemblies and comply with
the fire protection rating specified in Table 716.1(3).
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
716.3.4.1 Glass and glazing. Glazing in fire window
assemblies shall be fire-protection-rated glazing
installed in accordance with and complying with the
size limitations set forth in NFPA 80.
716.3.5 Labeled protective assemblies. Glazing in fire
window assemblies shall be labeled by an approved
agency. The labels shall comply with NFPA 80 and Section 716.3.5.2.
149
¬
certificate of inspection is furnished by an approved
testing agency, the certificate shall state that the door
conforms to the requirements of design, materials and
construction, but has not been subjected to the fire test.
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
716.3.5.1 Fire window frames. Fire window frames
shall be approved for the intended application.
716.3.5.2 Labeling requirements. Fire-protectionrated glazing shall bear a label or other identification
showing the name of the manufacturer, the test standard
and information required in Section 716.1.2.2.2 and
Table 716.1(3) that shall be issued by an approved
agency and permanently identified on the glazing.
716.3.6 Installation. Fire window assemblies shall be
installed in accordance with the provisions of this section.
716.3.6.1 Closure. Fire-protection-rated glazing shall
be in the fixed position or be automatic-closing and
shall be installed in labeled frames.
SECTION 717
DUCTS AND AIR TRANSFER OPENINGS
717.1 General. The provisions of this section shall govern
the protection of duct penetrations and air transfer openings
in assemblies required to be protected and duct penetrations
in nonfire-resistance-rated floor assemblies.
717.1.1 Ducts and air transfer openings. Ducts transitioning horizontally between shafts shall not require a
shaft enclosure provided that the duct penetration into
each associated shaft is protected with dampers complying
with this section.
717.1.2 Ducts that penetrate fire-resistance-rated
assemblies without dampers. Ducts that penetrate fireresistance-rated walls and are not required by this section
to have fire dampers shall comply with the requirements
of Sections 714.3 through 714.4.3. Ducts that penetrate
horizontal assemblies not required to be contained within
a shaft and not required by this section to have fire damp-
ers shall comply with the requirements of Sections 714.5
through 714.6.2.
717.1.2.1 Ducts that penetrate nonfire-resistancerated assemblies. The space around a duct penetrating
a nonfire-resistance-rated floor assembly shall comply
with Section 717.6.3.
717.2 Installation. Fire dampers, smoke dampers, combination fire/smoke dampers and ceiling radiation dampers located
within air distribution and smoke control systems shall be
installed in accordance with the requirements of this section,
the manufacturer's instructions and the dampers’ listing.
717.2.1 Smoke control system. Where the installation of
a fire damper will interfere with the operation of a
required smoke control system in accordance with Section
909, approved alternative protection shall be utilized.
Where mechanical systems including ducts and dampers
utilized for normal building ventilation serve as part of the
smoke control system, the expected performance of these
systems in smoke control mode shall be addressed in the
rational analysis required by Section 909.4.
717.2.2 Hazardous exhaust ducts. Fire dampers for hazardous exhaust duct systems shall comply with the International Mechanical Code.
717.3 Damper testing, ratings and actuation. Damper testing, ratings and actuation shall be in accordance with Sections 717.3.1 through 717.3.3.
717.3.1 Damper testing. Dampers shall be listed and
labeled in accordance with the standards in this section.
1. Fire dampers shall comply with the requirements of
UL 555. Only fire dampers labeled for use in
dynamic systems shall be installed in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems designed to
operate with fans on during a fire.
TABLE 716.1(3)
FIRE WINDOW ASSEMBLY FIRE PROTECTION RATINGS
REQUIRED WALL
ASSEMBLY RATING
(hours)
MINIMUM FIRE
WINDOW ASSEMBLY
RATING (hours)
FIRE-RATED
GLAZING MARKING
All
NPa
W-XXXb
Fire barriers
>1
1
a
W-XXXb
W-XXXb
Atrium separations (Section 707.3.6),
Incidental use areas (Section 707.3.7),
Mixed occupancy separations (Section 707.3.9)
1
TYPE OF WALL
ASSEMBLY
Interior walls
Fire walls
Fire partitions
1
0.5
Smoke barriers
1
NP
NPa
3
/4
OH-45 or W-60
3
/4
/3
OH-45 or W-60
OH-20 or W-30
1
3
/4
OH-45 or W-60
Exterior walls
>1
1
0.5
11/2
3
/4
1
/3
OH-90 or W-XXXb
OH-45 or W-60
OH-20 or W-30
Party wall
All
NP
Not Applicable
NP = Not Permitted.
a. Not permitted except fire-resistance-rated glazing assemblies tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263, as specified in Section 716.1.2.3.
b. XXX = The fire rating duration period in minutes, which shall be equal to the fire-resistance rating required for the wall assembly.
150
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
2. Smoke dampers shall comply with the requirements
of UL 555S.
3. Combination fire/smoke dampers shall comply
with the requirements of both UL 555 and UL
555S.
4. Ceiling radiation dampers shall comply with the
requirements of UL 555C or shall be tested as part
of a fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling
assembly in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL
263. Only ceiling radiation dampers labeled for use
in dynamic systems shall be installed in heating,
ventilation and air-conditioning systems designed to
operate with fans on during a fire.
5. Corridor dampers shall comply with requirements
of both UL 555 and UL 555S. Corridor dampers
shall demonstrate acceptable closure performance
when subjected to 150 feet per minute (0.76 mps)
velocity across the face of the damper during the UL
555 fire exposure test.
717.3.2 Damper rating. Damper ratings shall be in accordance with Sections 717.3.2.1 through 717.3.2.4.
717.3.2.1 Fire damper ratings. Fire dampers shall
have the minimum rating specified in Table
717.3.2.1.
TABLE 717.3.2.1
FIRE DAMPER RATING
TYPE OF
PENETRATION
MINIMUM
DAMPER
RATING (hours)
Less than 3-hour fire-resistance-rated assemblies
1.5
3-hour or greater fire-resistance-rated assemblies
3
717.3.2.2 Smoke damper ratings. Smoke damper
leakage ratings shall be Class I or II. Elevated temperature ratings shall be not less than 250°F (121°C).
717.3.2.3 Combination fire/smoke damper ratings.
Combination fire/smoke dampers shall have the minimum rating specified for fire dampers in Table
717.3.2.1 and shall have the minimum rating specified
for smoke dampers in Section 717.3.2.2.
717.3.2.4 Corridor damper ratings. Corridor dampers shall have the following minimum ratings:
1. One hour fire-resistance rating.
2. Class I or II leakage rating as specified in Section
717.3.2.2.
717.3.3 Damper actuation. Damper actuation shall be in
accordance with Sections 717.3.3.1 through 717.3.3.5 as
applicable.
717.3.3.1 Fire damper actuation device. The fire
damper actuation device shall meet one of the following requirements:
1. The operating temperature shall be approximately 50°F (10°C) above the normal tempera-
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
ture within the duct system, but not less than
160°F (71°C).
2. The operating temperature shall be not more than
350°F (177°C) where located in a smoke control
system complying with Section 909.
717.3.3.2 Smoke damper actuation. The smoke
damper shall close upon actuation of a listed smoke
detector or detectors installed in accordance with Section 907.3 and one of the following methods, as applicable:
1. Where a smoke damper is installed within a duct,
a smoke detector shall be installed inside the duct
or outside the duct with sampling tubes protruding into the duct. The detector or tubes within the
duct shall be within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the
damper. Air outlets and inlets shall not be located
between the detector or tubes and the damper.
The detector shall be listed for the air velocity,
temperature and humidity anticipated at the point
where it is installed. Other than in mechanical
smoke control systems, dampers shall be closed
upon fan shutdown where local smoke detectors
require a minimum velocity to operate.
2. Where a smoke damper is installed above smoke
barrier doors in a smoke barrier, a spot-type
detector shall be installed on either side of the
smoke barrier door opening. The detector shall
be listed for releasing service if used for direct
interface with the damper.
3. Where a smoke damper is installed within an air
transfer opening in a wall, a spot-type detector
shall be installed within 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally of the damper. The detector shall be
listed for releasing service if used for direct interface with the damper.
4. Where a smoke damper is installed in a corridor
wall or ceiling, the damper shall be permitted to
be controlled by a smoke detection system
installed in the corridor.
5. Where a smoke detection system is installed in all
areas served by the duct in which the damper will
be located, the smoke dampers shall be permitted
to be controlled by the smoke detection system.
717.3.3.3 Combination fire/smoke damper actuation. Combination fire/smoke damper actuation shall be
in accordance with Sections 717.3.3.1 and 717.3.3.2.
Combination fire/smoke dampers installed in smoke
control system shaft penetrations shall not be activated
by local area smoke detection unless it is secondary to
the smoke management system controls.
717.3.3.4 Ceiling radiation damper actuation. The
operating temperature of a ceiling radiation damper
actuation device shall be 50°F (27.8°C) above the normal temperature within the duct system, but not less
than 160°F (71°C).
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
717.3.3.5 Corridor damper actuation. Corridor
damper actuation shall be in accordance with Sections
717.3.3.1 and 717.3.3.2.
717.4 Access and identification. Fire and smoke dampers
shall be provided with an approved means of access that is
large enough to permit inspection and maintenance of the
damper and its operating parts. The access shall not affect the
integrity of fire-resistance-rated assemblies. The access openings shall not reduce the fire-resistance rating of the assembly. Access points shall be permanently identified on the
exterior by a label having letters not less than 1/2 inch (12.7
mm) in height reading: FIRE/SMOKE DAMPER, SMOKE
DAMPER or FIRE DAMPER. Access doors in ducts shall be
tight fitting and suitable for the required duct construction.
717.5 Where required. Fire, dampers, smoke dampers, combination fire/smoke dampers, ceiling radiation dampers and
corridor dampers shall be provided at the locations prescribed in Sections 717.5.1 through 717.5.7 and 717.6. Where
an assembly is required to have both fire dampers and smoke
dampers, combination fire/smoke dampers or a fire damper
and a smoke damper shall be provided.
717.5.1 Fire walls. Ducts and air transfer openings permitted in fire walls in accordance with Section 706.11
shall be protected with listed fire dampers installed in
accordance with their listing.
717.5.1.1 Horizontal exits. A listed smoke damper
designed to resist the passage of smoke shall be provided at each point a duct or air transfer opening penetrates a fire wall that serves as a horizontal exit.
717.5.2 Fire barriers. Ducts and air transfer openings of
fire barriers shall be protected with listed fire dampers
installed in accordance with their listing. Ducts and air
transfer openings shall not penetrate enclosures for interior exit stairways and ramps and exit passageways,
except as permitted by Sections 1023.5 and 1024.6,
respectively.
Exception: Fire dampers are not required at penetrations of fire barriers where any of the following apply:
1. Penetrations are tested in accordance with ASTM
E119 or UL 263 as part of the fire-resistancerated assembly.
2. Ducts are used as part of an approved smoke control system in accordance with Section 909 and
where the use of a fire damper would interfere
with the operation of a smoke control system.
3. Such walls are penetrated by ducted HVAC systems, have a required fire-resistance rating of 1
hour or less, are in areas of other than Group H
and are in buildings equipped throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. For the purposes
of this exception, a ducted HVAC system shall be
a duct system for conveying supply, return or
exhaust air as part of the structure’s HVAC system. Such a duct system shall be constructed of
sheet steel not less than No. 26 gage thickness
152
and shall be continuous from the air-handling
appliance or equipment to the air outlet and inlet
terminals.
717.5.2.1 Horizontal exits. A listed smoke damper
designed to resist the passage of smoke shall be provided at each point a duct or air transfer opening penetrates a fire barrier that serves as a horizontal exit.
717.5.3 Shaft enclosures. Shaft enclosures that are permitted to be penetrated by ducts and air transfer openings
shall be protected with listed fire and smoke dampers
installed in accordance with their listing.
Exceptions:
1. Fire dampers are not required at penetrations of
shafts where any of the following criteria are met:
1.1. Steel exhaust subducts are extended not
less than 22 inches (559 mm) vertically in
exhaust shafts, provided that there is a
continuous airflow upward to the outside.
1.2. Penetrations are tested in accordance with
ASTM E119 or UL 263 as part of the
fire-resistance-rated assembly.
1.3. Ducts are used as part of an approved
smoke control system designed and
installed in accordance with Section 909
and where the fire damper will interfere
with the operation of the smoke control
system.
1.4. The penetrations are in parking garage
exhaust or supply shafts that are separated from other building shafts by not
less than 2-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.
2. In Group B and R occupancies equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, smoke dampers are
not required at penetrations of shafts where all of
the following criteria are met:
2.1. Kitchen, clothes dryer, bathroom and toilet room exhaust openings are installed
with steel exhaust subducts, having a
minimum wall thickness of 0.0187-inch
(0.4712 mm) (No. 26 gage).
2.2. The subducts extend not less than 22
inches (559 mm) vertically.
2.3. An exhaust fan is installed at the upper
terminus of the shaft that is powered continuously in accordance with the provisions of Section 909.11, so as to maintain
a continuous upward airflow to the outside.
3. Smoke dampers are not required at penetration of
exhaust or supply shafts in parking garages that
are separated from other building shafts by not
less than 2-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
4. Smoke dampers are not required at penetrations
of shafts where ducts are used as part of an
approved mechanical smoke control system
designed in accordance with Section 909 and
where the smoke damper will interfere with the
operation of the smoke control system.
5. Fire dampers and combination fire/smoke dampers are not required in kitchen and clothes dryer
exhaust systems where dampers are prohibited by
the International Mechanical Code.
717.5.4 Fire partitions. Ducts and air transfer openings
that penetrate fire partitions shall be protected with listed
fire dampers installed in accordance with their listing.
Exceptions: In occupancies other than Group H, fire
dampers are not required where any of the following
apply:
1. Corridor walls in buildings equipped throughout
with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance
with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and the duct
is protected as a through penetration in accordance with Section 714.
2. Tenant partitions in covered and open mall buildings where the walls are not required by provisions elsewhere in the code to extend to the
underside of the floor or roof sheathing, slab or
deck above.
3. The duct system is constructed of approved materials in accordance with the International
Mechanical Code and the duct penetrating the
wall complies with all of the following requirements:
3.1. The duct shall not exceed 100 square
inches (0.06 m2).
3.2. The duct shall be constructed of steel not
less than 0.0217 inch (0.55 mm) in thickness.
3.3. The duct shall not have openings that
communicate the corridor with adjacent
spaces or rooms.
3.4. The duct shall be installed above a ceiling.
3.5. The duct shall not terminate at a wall register in the fire-resistance-rated wall.
3.6. A minimum 12-inch-long (305 mm) by
0.060-inch-thick (1.52 mm) steel sleeve
shall be centered in each duct opening.
The sleeve shall be secured to both sides
of the wall and all four sides of the sleeve
with minimum 11/2-inch by 11/2-inch by
0.060-inch (38 mm by 38 mm by 1.52
mm) steel retaining angles. The retaining
angles shall be secured to the sleeve and
the wall with No. 10 (M5) screws. The
annular space between the steel sleeve
and the wall opening shall be filled with
mineral wool batting on all sides.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
4. Such walls are penetrated by ducted HVAC systems, have a required fire-resistance rating of 1
hour or less, and are in buildings equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
For the purposes of this exception, a ducted
HVAC system shall be a duct system for conveying supply, return or exhaust air as part of the
structure’s HVAC system. Such a duct system
shall be constructed of sheet steel not less than
No. 26 gage thickness and shall be continuous
from the air-handling appliance or equipment to
the air outlet and inlet terminals.
717.5.4.1 Corridors. Duct and air transfer openings
that penetrate corridors shall be protected with dampers as follows:
1. A corridor damper shall be provided where corridor ceilings, constructed as required for the corridor walls as permitted in Section 708.4,
Exception 3, are penetrated.
2. A ceiling radiation damper shall be provided
where the ceiling membrane of a fire-resistancerated floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assembly, constructed as permitted in Section 708.4, Exception
2, is penetrated.
3. A listed smoke damper designed to resist the passage of smoke shall be provided at each point a
duct or air transfer opening penetrates a corridor
enclosure required to have smoke and draft control doors in accordance with Section 716.2.2.1.
Exceptions:
1. Smoke dampers are not required where the
building is equipped throughout with an
approved smoke control system in accordance
with Section 909, and smoke dampers are not
necessary for the operation and control of the
system.
2. Smoke dampers are not required in corridor
penetrations where the duct is constructed of
steel not less than 0.019 inch (0.48 mm) in
thickness and there are no openings serving
the corridor.
717.5.5 Smoke barriers. A listed smoke damper designed
to resist the passage of smoke shall be provided at each
point a duct or air transfer opening penetrates a smoke barrier. Smoke dampers and smoke damper actuation methods shall comply with Section 717.3.3.2.
Exceptions:
1. Smoke dampers are not required where the openings in ducts are limited to a single smoke compartment and the ducts are constructed of steel.
2. Smoke dampers are not required in smoke barriers required by Section 407.5 for Group I-2,
Condition 2—where the HVAC system is fully
ducted in accordance with Section 603 of the
International Mechanical Code and where
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
buildings are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and equipped with quick-response
sprinklers in accordance with Section 903.3.2.
717.5.6 Exterior walls. Ducts and air transfer openings in
fire-resistance-rated exterior walls required to have protected openings in accordance with Section 705.10 shall
be protected with listed fire dampers installed in accordance with their listing.
717.5.7 Smoke partitions. A listed smoke damper
designed to resist the passage of smoke shall be provided
at each point that an air transfer opening penetrates a
smoke partition. Smoke dampers and smoke damper actuation methods shall comply with Section 717.3.3.2.
Exception: Where the installation of a smoke damper
will interfere with the operation of a required smoke
control system in accordance with Section 909,
approved alternative protection shall be utilized.
717.6 Horizontal assemblies. Penetrations by ducts and air
transfer openings of a floor, floor/ceiling assembly or the
ceiling membrane of a roof/ceiling assembly shall be protected by a shaft enclosure that complies with Section 713 or
shall comply with Sections 717.6.1 through 717.6.3.
717.6.1 Through penetrations. In occupancies other than
Groups I-2 and I-3, a duct constructed of approved materials in accordance with the International Mechanical Code
that penetrates a fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling assembly that connects not more than two stories is permitted
without shaft enclosure protection, provided that a listed
fire damper is installed at the floor line or the duct is protected in accordance with Section 714.5. For air transfer
openings, see Section 712.1.9.
Exception: A duct is permitted to penetrate three floors
or less without a fire damper at each floor, provided
that such duct meets all of the following requirements:
1. The duct shall be contained and located within
the cavity of a wall and shall be constructed of
steel having a minimum wall thickness of 0.0187
inches (0.4712 mm) (No. 26 gage).
2. The duct shall open into only one dwelling or
sleeping unit and the duct system shall be continuous from the unit to the exterior of the building.
3. The duct shall not exceed 4-inch (102 mm) nominal diameter and the total area of such ducts shall
not exceed 100 square inches (0.065 m2) in any
100 square feet (9.3 m2) of floor area.
4. The annular space around the duct is protected
with materials that prevent the passage of flame
and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste
where subjected to ASTM E119 or UL 263 timetemperature conditions under a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch (2.49 Pa) of
water at the location of the penetration for the
time period equivalent to the fire-resistance rating of the construction penetrated.
154
5. Grille openings located in a ceiling of a fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly
shall be protected with a listed ceiling radiation
damper installed in accordance with Section
717.6.2.1.
717.6.2 Membrane penetrations. Ducts and air transfer
openings constructed of approved materials in accordance
with the International Mechanical Code that penetrate the
ceiling membrane of a fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or
roof/ceiling assembly shall be protected with one of the
following:
1. A shaft enclosure in accordance with Section 713.
2. A listed ceiling radiation damper installed at the
ceiling line where a duct penetrates the ceiling of a
fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling
assembly.
Exceptions:
1. A fire-resistance-rated assembly tested in
accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263
showing that ceiling radiation dampers are
not required in order to maintain the fireresistance rating of the assembly.
2. Where exhaust duct or outdoor air duct
penetrations protected in accordance with
Section 714.5.2 are located within the cavity of a wall and do not pass through
another dwelling unit or tenant space.
3. Where duct and air transfer openings are
protected with a duct outlet penetration system tested as part of a fire-resistance-rated
assembly in accordance with ASTM E119
or UL 263.
3. A listed ceiling radiation damper installed at the
ceiling line where a diffuser with no duct attached
penetrates the ceiling of a fire-resistance-rated floor/
ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly.
Exceptions:
1. A fire-resistance-rated assembly tested in
accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263
showing that ceiling radiation dampers are
not required in order to maintain the fireresistance rating of the assembly.
2. Where duct and air transfer openings are
protected with a duct outlet penetration system tested as part of a fire-resistance-rated
assembly in accordance with ASTM E119
or UL 263.
717.6.2.1 Ceiling radiation dampers testing and
installation. Ceiling radiation dampers shall be tested
in accordance with Section 717.3.1. Ceiling radiation
dampers shall be installed in accordance with the
details listed in the fire-resistance-rated assembly and
the manufacturer’s instructions and the listing.
717.6.3 Nonfire-resistance-rated floor assemblies. Duct
systems constructed of approved materials in accordance
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
with the International Mechanical Code that penetrate
nonfire-resistance-rated floor assemblies shall be protected by any of the following methods:
1. A shaft enclosure in accordance with Section 713.
2. The duct connects not more than two stories, and the
annular space around the penetrating duct is protected with an approved noncombustible material
that resists the free passage of flame and the products of combustion.
3. In floor assemblies composed of noncombustible
materials, a shaft shall not be required where the
duct connects not more than three stories, the annular space around the penetrating duct is protected
with an approved noncombustible material that
resists the free passage of flame and the products of
combustion and a fire damper is installed at each
floor line.
Exception: Fire dampers are not required in
ducts within individual residential dwelling units.
717.7 Flexible ducts and air connectors. Flexible ducts and
air connectors shall not pass through any fire-resistance-rated
assembly. Flexible air connectors shall not pass through any
wall, floor or ceiling.
SECTION 718
CONCEALED SPACES
718.1 General. Fireblocking and draftstopping shall be
installed in combustible concealed locations in accordance
with this section. Fireblocking shall comply with Section
718.2. Draftstopping in floor/ceiling spaces and attic spaces
shall comply with Sections 718.3 and 718.4, respectively.
The permitted use of combustible materials in concealed
spaces of buildings of Type I or II construction shall be limited to the applications indicated in Section 718.5.
718.2 Fireblocking. In combustible construction, fireblocking shall be installed to cut off concealed draft openings (both
vertical and horizontal) and shall form an effective barrier
between floors, between a top story and a roof or attic space.
Fireblocking shall be installed in the locations specified in
Sections 718.2.2 through 718.2.7.
718.2.1 Fireblocking materials. Fireblocking shall consist of the following materials:
1. Two-inch (51 mm) nominal lumber.
2. Two thicknesses of 1-inch (25 mm) nominal lumber
with broken lap joints.
3. One thickness of 0.719-inch (18.3 mm) wood structural panels with joints backed by 0.719-inch (18.3
mm) wood structural panels.
4. One thickness of 0.75-inch (19.1 mm) particleboard
with joints backed by 0.75-inch (19 mm) particleboard.
5. One-half-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board.
6. One-fourth-inch (6.4 mm) cement-based millboard.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
7. Batts or blankets of mineral wool, mineral fiber or
other approved materials installed in such a manner
as to be securely retained in place.
8. Cellulose insulation installed as tested for the specific application.
718.2.1.1 Batts or blankets of mineral wool or mineral fiber. Batts or blankets of mineral wool or mineral
fiber or other approved nonrigid materials shall be permitted for compliance with the 10-foot (3048 mm) horizontal fireblocking in walls constructed using parallel
rows of studs or staggered studs.
718.2.1.2 Unfaced fiberglass. Unfaced fiberglass batt
insulation used as fireblocking shall fill the entire cross
section of the wall cavity to a minimum height of 16
inches (406 mm) measured vertically. Where piping,
conduit or similar obstructions are encountered, the
insulation shall be packed tightly around the obstruction.
718.2.1.3 Loose-fill insulation material. Loose-fill
insulation material, insulating foam sealants and caulk
materials shall not be used as a fireblock unless specifically tested in the form and manner intended for use to
demonstrate its ability to remain in place and to retard
the spread of fire and hot gases.
718.2.1.4 Fireblocking integrity. The integrity of fireblocks shall be maintained.
718.2.1.5 Double stud walls. Batts or blankets of mineral or glass fiber or other approved nonrigid materials
shall be allowed as fireblocking in walls constructed
using parallel rows of studs or staggered studs.
718.2.2 Concealed wall spaces. Fireblocking shall be
provided in concealed spaces of stud walls and partitions,
including furred spaces, and parallel rows of studs or staggered studs, as follows:
1. Vertically at the ceiling and floor levels.
2. Horizontally at intervals not exceeding 10 feet (3048
mm).
718.2.3 Connections between horizontal and vertical
spaces. Fireblocking shall be provided at interconnections
between concealed vertical stud wall or partition spaces
and concealed horizontal spaces created by an assembly of
floor joists or trusses, and between concealed vertical and
horizontal spaces such as occur at soffits, drop ceilings,
cove ceilings and similar locations.
718.2.4 Stairways. Fireblocking shall be provided in concealed spaces between stair stringers at the top and bottom
of the run. Enclosed spaces under stairways shall comply
with Section 1011.7.3.
718.2.5 Ceiling and floor openings. Where required by
Section 712.1.8, Exception 1 of Section 714.5.1.2 or Section 714.6, fireblocking of the annular space around vents,
pipes, ducts, chimneys and fireplaces at ceilings and floor
levels shall be installed with a material specifically tested
in the form and manner intended for use to demonstrate its
ability to remain in place and resist the free passage of
flame and the products of combustion.
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
Exceptions:
1. Fireblocking of cornices is not required in singlefamily dwellings. Fireblocking of cornices of a
two-family dwelling is required only at the line of
dwelling unit separation.
2. Fireblocking shall not be required where the
exterior wall covering is installed on noncombustible framing and the face of the exterior wall
covering exposed to the concealed space is covered by one of the following materials:
2.1. Aluminum having a minimum thickness
of 0.019 inch (0.5 mm).
2.2. Corrosion-resistant steel having a base
metal thickness not less than 0.016 inch
(0.4 mm) at any point.
2.3. Other approved noncombustible materials.
3. Fireblocking shall not be required where the
exterior wall covering has been tested in accordance with, and complies with the acceptance criteria of, NFPA 285. The exterior wall covering
shall be installed as tested in accordance with
NFPA 285.
718.2.7 Concealed sleeper spaces. Where wood sleepers
are used for laying wood flooring on masonry or concrete
fire-resistance-rated floors, the space between the floor
slab and the underside of the wood flooring shall be filled
with an approved material to resist the free passage of
flame and products of combustion or fireblocked in such a
manner that open spaces under the flooring shall not
exceed 100 square feet (9.3 m2) in area and such space
shall be filled solidly under permanent partitions so that
communication under the flooring between adjoining
rooms shall not occur.
718.3.1 Draftstopping materials. Draftstopping materials
shall be not less than 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board, 3/8inch (9.5 mm) wood structural panel, 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) particleboard, 1-inch (25-mm) nominal lumber, cement fiberboard, batts or blankets of mineral wool or glass fiber, or
other approved materials adequately supported. The integrity of draftstops shall be maintained.
718.4 Draftstopping in attics. Draftstopping shall be
installed to subdivide attic spaces where required by Section
708.4.2. In other than Group R, draftstopping shall be
installed to subdivide combustible attic spaces and combustible concealed roof spaces such that any horizontal area does
not exceed 3,000 square feet (279 m2). Ventilation of concealed roof spaces shall be maintained in accordance with
Section 1202.2.1.
Exception: Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1.
718.4.1 Draftstopping materials. Materials utilized for
draftstopping of attic spaces shall comply with Section
718.3.1.
718.4.1.1 Openings. Openings in the partitions shall be
protected by self-closing doors with automatic latches
constructed as required for the partitions.
718.5 Combustible materials in concealed spaces in Type I
or II construction. Combustible materials shall not be permitted in concealed spaces of buildings of Type I or II construction.
Exceptions:
1. Combustible materials in accordance with Section
603.
2. Combustible materials exposed within plenums
complying with Section 602 of the International
Mechanical Code.
3. Class A interior finish materials classified in accordance with Section 803.
4. Combustible piping within partitions or shaft enclosures installed in accordance with the provisions of
this code.
1. Fireblocking is not required for slab-on-grade
floors in gymnasiums.
5. Combustible piping within concealed ceiling spaces
installed in accordance with the International
Mechanical Code and the International Plumbing
Code.
2. Fireblocking is required only at the juncture of
each alternate lane and at the ends of each lane in
a bowling facility.
6. Combustible insulation and covering on pipe and
tubing, installed in concealed spaces other than plenums, complying with Section 720.7.
Exceptions:
156
Exception: Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
*
718.2.6 Exterior wall coverings. Fireblocking shall be
installed within concealed spaces of exterior wall coverings and other exterior architectural elements where permitted to be of combustible construction as specified in
Section 1405 or where erected with combustible frames.
Fireblocking shall be installed at maximum intervals of 20
feet (6096 mm) in either dimension so that there will be no
concealed space exceeding 100 square feet (9.3 m2)
between fireblocking. Where wood furring strips are used,
they shall be of approved wood of natural decay resistance
or preservative-treated wood. If noncontinuous, such elements shall have closed ends, with not less than 4 inches
(102 mm) of separation between sections.
718.3 Draftstopping in floors. Draftstopping shall be
installed to subdivide floor/ceiling assemblies where required
by Section 708.4.2. In other than Group R occupancies, draftstopping shall be installed to subdivide combustible floor/
ceiling assemblies so that horizontal floor areas do not exceed
1,000 square feet (93 m2).
*
718.2.5.1 Factory-built chimneys and fireplaces.
Factory-built chimneys and fireplaces shall be fireblocked in accordance with UL 103 and UL 127.
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
SECTION 719
FIRE-RESISTANCE
REQUIREMENTS FOR PLASTER
719.1 Thickness of plaster. The minimum thickness of gypsum plaster or Portland cement plaster used in a fire-resistance-rated system shall be determined by the prescribed fire
tests. The plaster thickness shall be measured from the face of
the lath where applied to gypsum lath or metal lath.
719.2 Plaster equivalents. For fire-resistance purposes, 1/2
inch (12.7 mm) of unsanded gypsum plaster shall be deemed
equivalent to 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) of one-to-three gypsum sand
plaster or 1 inch (25 mm) of Portland cement sand plaster.
719.3 Noncombustible furring. In buildings of Type I and II
construction, plaster shall be applied directly on concrete or
masonry or on approved noncombustible plastering base and
furring.
719.4 Double reinforcement. Plaster protection more than 1
inch (25 mm) in thickness shall be reinforced with an additional layer of approved lath embedded not less than 3/4 inch
(19.1 mm) from the outer surface and fixed securely in place.
Exception: Solid plaster partitions or where otherwise
determined by fire tests.
719.5 Plaster alternatives for concrete. In reinforced concrete construction, gypsum plaster or Portland cement plaster
is permitted to be substituted for 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) of the
required poured concrete protection, except that a minimum
thickness of 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) of poured concrete shall be provided in reinforced concrete floors and 1 inch (25 mm) in
reinforced concrete columns in addition to the plaster finish.
The concrete base shall be prepared in accordance with Section 2510.7.
SECTION 720
THERMAL- AND SOUND-INSULATING MATERIALS
720.1 General. Insulating materials shall comply with the
requirements of this section. Where a flame spread index or a
smoke-developed index is specified in this section, such
index shall be determined in accordance with ASTM E84 or
UL 723. Any material that is subject to an increase in flame
spread index or smoke-developed index beyond the limits
herein established through the effects of age, moisture or
other atmospheric conditions shall not be permitted. Insulating materials, when tested in accordance with the requirements of this section, shall include facings, when used, such
as vapor retarders, vapor permeable membranes and similar
coverings, and all layers of single and multilayer reflective
foil insulation and similar materials.
Exceptions:
1. Fiberboard insulation shall comply with Chapter 23.
2. Foam plastic insulation shall comply with Chapter
26.
3. Duct and pipe insulation and duct and pipe coverings and linings in plenums shall comply with the
International Mechanical Code.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
4. All layers of single and multilayer reflective plastic
core insulation shall comply with Section 2614.
720.2 Concealed installation. Insulating materials, where
concealed as installed in buildings of any type of construction, shall have a flame spread index of not more than 25 and
a smoke-developed index of not more than 450.
Exception: Cellulosic fiber loose-fill insulation complying with the requirements of Section 720.6 shall not be
required to meet a flame spread index requirement but
shall be required to meet a smoke-developed index of not
more than 450 when tested in accordance with CAN/ULC
S102.2.
720.2.1 Facings. Where such materials are installed in
concealed spaces in buildings of Type III, IV or V construction, the flame spread and smoke-developed limitations do not apply to facings, coverings, and layers of
reflective foil insulation that are installed behind and in
substantial contact with the unexposed surface of the ceiling, wall or floor finish.
Exception: All layers of single and multilayer reflective plastic core insulation shall comply with Section
2614.
720.3 Exposed installation. Insulating materials, where
exposed as installed in buildings of any type of construction,
shall have a flame spread index of not more than 25 and a
smoke-developed index of not more than 450.
Exception: Cellulosic fiber loose-fill insulation complying with the requirements of Section 720.6 shall not be
required to meet a flame spread index requirement but
shall be required to meet a smoke-developed index of not
more than 450 when tested in accordance with CAN/ULC
S102.2.
720.3.1 Attic floors. Exposed insulation materials
installed on attic floors shall have a critical radiant flux of
not less than 0.12 watt per square centimeter when tested
in accordance with ASTM E970.
720.4 Loose-fill insulation. Loose-fill insulation materials
that cannot be mounted in the ASTM E84 or UL 723 apparatus without a screen or artificial supports shall comply with
the flame spread and smoke-developed limits of Sections
720.2 and 720.3 when tested in accordance with CAN/ULC
S102.2.
Exception: Cellulosic fiber loose-fill insulation shall not
be required to meet a flame spread index requirement
when tested in accordance with CAN/ULC S102.2, provided that such insulation has a smoke-developed index of
not more than 450 and complies with the requirements of
Section 720.6.
720.5 Roof insulation. The use of combustible roof insulation not complying with Sections 720.2 and 720.3 shall be
permitted in any type of construction provided that insulation
is covered with approved roof coverings directly applied
thereto.
720.6 Cellulosic fiber loose-fill insulation and self-supported spray-applied cellulosic insulation. Cellulosic fiber
157
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
SECTION 721
PRESCRIPTIVE FIRE RESISTANCE
721.1 General. The provisions of this section contain prescriptive details of fire-resistance-rated building elements,
components or assemblies. The materials of construction
listed in Tables 721.1(1), 721.1(2) and 721.1(3) shall be
assumed to have the fire-resistance ratings prescribed
therein. Where materials that change the capacity for heat dissipation are incorporated into a fire-resistance-rated assembly, fire test results or other substantiating data shall be made
available to the building official to show that the required
fire-resistance-rating time period is not reduced.
721.1.1 Thickness of protective coverings. The thickness
of fire-resistant materials required for protection of structural members shall be not less than set forth in Table
721.1(1), except as modified in this section. The figures
shown shall be the net thickness of the protecting materials
and shall not include any hollow space in back of the protection.
721.1.2 Unit masonry protection. Where required, metal
ties shall be embedded in bed joints of unit masonry for
protection of steel columns. Such ties shall be as set forth
in Table 721.1(1) or be equivalent thereto.
721.1.3 Reinforcement for cast-in-place concrete column protection. Cast-in-place concrete protection for
steel columns shall be reinforced at the edges of such
members with wire ties of not less than 0.18 inch (4.6 mm)
in diameter wound spirally around the columns on a pitch
of not more than 8 inches (203 mm) or by equivalent reinforcement.
721.1.4 Plaster application. The finish coat is not
required for plaster protective coatings where those coatings comply with the design mix and thickness requirements of Tables 721.1(1), 721.1(2) and 721.1(3).
721.1.5 Bonded prestressed concrete tendons. For members having a single tendon or more than one tendon
installed with equal concrete cover measured from the
nearest surface, the cover shall be not less than that set
forth in Table 721.1(1). For members having multiple tendons installed with variable concrete cover, the average
158
tendon cover shall be not less than that set forth in Table
721.1(1), provided that:
1. The clearance from each tendon to the nearest
exposed surface is used to determine the average
cover.
2. The clear cover for individual tendons shall not be
less than one-half of that set forth in Table 721.1(1).
A minimum cover of 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) for slabs
and 1 inch (25 mm) for beams is required for any
aggregate concrete.
3. For the purpose of establishing a fire-resistance rating, tendons having a clear covering less than that
set forth in Table 721.1(1) shall not contribute more
than 50 percent of the required ultimate moment
capacity for members less than 350 square inches
(0.226 m2) in cross-sectional area and 65 percent for
larger members. For structural design purposes,
however, tendons having a reduced cover are
assumed to be fully effective.
SECTION 722
CALCULATED FIRE RESISTANCE
722.1 General. The provisions of this section contain procedures by which the fire resistance of specific materials
or combinations of materials is established by calculations. These procedures apply only to the information contained in this section and shall not be otherwise used. The
calculated fire resistance of concrete, concrete masonry
and clay masonry assemblies shall be permitted in accordance with ACI 216.1/TMS 0216. The calculated fire
resistance of steel assemblies shall be permitted in accordance with Chapter 5 of ASCE 29. The calculated fire
resistance of exposed wood members and wood decking
shall be permitted in accordance with Chapter 16 of ANSI/
AWC National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS).
722.2 Concrete assemblies. The provisions of this section
contain procedures by which the fire-resistance ratings of
concrete assemblies are established by calculations.
722.2.1 Concrete walls. Cast-in-place and precast concrete walls shall comply with Section 722.2.1.1. Multiwythe concrete walls shall comply with Section 722.2.1.2.
Joints between precast panels shall comply with Section
722.2.1.3. Concrete walls with gypsum wallboard or plaster finish shall comply with Section 722.2.1.4.
722.2.1.1 Cast-in-place or precast walls. The minimum equivalent thicknesses of cast-in-place or precast
concrete walls for fire-resistance ratings of 1 hour to 4
hours are shown in Table 722.2.1.1. For solid walls
with flat vertical surfaces, the equivalent thickness is
the same as the actual thickness. The values in Table
722.2.1.1 apply to plain, reinforced or prestressed concrete walls.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
¬
loose-fill insulation and self-supported spray-applied cellulosic insulation shall comply with CPSC 16 CFR Parts 1209
and 1404. Each package of such insulating material shall be
clearly labeled in accordance with CPSC 16 CFR Parts 1209
and 1404.
720.7 Insulation and covering on pipe and tubing. Insulation and covering on pipe and tubing shall have a flame
spread index of not more than 25 and a smoke-developed
index of not more than 450.
Exception: Insulation and covering on pipe and tubing
installed in plenums shall comply with the International
Mechanical Code.
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(1)
MINIMUM PROTECTION OF STRUCTURAL PARTS BASED ON TIME PERIODS
FOR VARIOUS NONCOMBUSTIBLE INSULATING MATERIALSm
STRUCTURAL
PARTS TO BE
PROTECTED
ITEM
NUMBER
INSULATING MATERIAL USED
MINIMUM THICKNESS OF
INSULATING MATERIAL
FOR THE FOLLOWING
FIRE-RESISTANCE
PERIODS (inches)
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour
1-1.1
1-1.2
1-1.3
1-1.4
1-1.5
1-1.6
1-2.1
1-3.1
1-3.2
1. Steel columns
and all of primary
trusses
(continued)
1-3.3
1-3.4
1-4.1
1-5.1
1-6.1
1-6.2
1-6.3
1-6.4
Carbonate, lightweight and sand-lightweight aggregate concrete, members 6" × 6" or
greater (not including sandstone, granite and siliceous gravel).a
Carbonate, lightweight and sand-lightweight aggregate concrete, members 8" × 8" or
greater (not including sandstone, granite and siliceous gravel).a
Carbonate, lightweight and sand-lightweight aggregate concrete, members
12" × 12" or greater (not including sandstone, granite and siliceous gravel).a
Siliceous aggregate concrete and concrete excluded in Item 1-1.1, members 6" × 6" or
greater.a
Siliceous aggregate concrete and concrete excluded in Item 1-1.1, members 8" × 8" or
greater.a
Siliceous aggregate concrete and concrete excluded in Item 1-1.1, members
12" × 12" or greater.a
Clay or shale brick with brick and mortar fill.a
4" hollow clay tile in two 2" layers; 1/2" mortar between tile and column; 3/8" metal
mesh 0.046" wire diameter in horizontal joints; tile fill.a
2" hollow clay tile; 3/4" mortar between tile and column; 3/8" metal mesh 0.046" wire
diameter in horizontal joints; limestone concrete filla; plastered with 3/4" gypsum plaster.
2" hollow clay tile with outside wire ties 0.08" diameter at each course of tile or 3/8"
metal mesh 0.046" diameter wire in horizontal joints; limestone or trap-rock concrete
filla extending 1" outside column on all sides.
2" hollow clay tile with outside wire ties 0.08" diameter at each course of tile with or
without concrete fill; 3/4" mortar between tile and column.
Cement plaster over metal lath wire tied to 3/4" cold-rolled vertical channels with 0.049"
(No. 18 B.W. gage) wire ties spaced 3" to 6" on center. Plaster mixed
1:2 1/2 by volume, cement to sand.
Vermiculite concrete, 1:4 mix by volume over paperbacked wire fabric lath wrapped
directly around column with additional 2" × 2" 0.065"/0.065" (No. 16/16 B.W. gage)
wire fabric placed 3/4" from outer concrete surface. Wire fabric tied with 0.049" (No. 18
B.W. gage) wire spaced 6" on center for inner layer and 2" on center for outer layer.
Perlite or vermiculite gypsum plaster over metal lath wrapped around column and
furred 11/4" from column flanges. Sheets lapped at ends and tied at 6" intervals with
0.049" (No. 18 B.W. gage) tie wire. Plaster pushed through to flanges.
Perlite or vermiculite gypsum plaster over self-furring metal lath wrapped directly
around column, lapped 1" and tied at 6" intervals with 0.049" (No. 18 B.W. gage) wire.
Perlite or vermiculite gypsum plaster on metal lath applied to 3/4" cold-rolled channels
spaced 24" apart vertically and wrapped flatwise around column.
Perlite or vermiculite gypsum plaster over two layers of 1/2" plain full-length gypsum
lath applied tight to column flanges. Lath wrapped with 1" hexagonal mesh of No. 20
gage wire and tied with doubled 0.035" diameter (No. 18 B.W. gage) wire ties spaced
23" on center. For three-coat work, the plaster mix for the second coat shall not exceed
100 pounds of gypsum to 21/2 cubic feet of aggregate for the 3-hour system.
21/2
2
11/2
1
2
11/2
1
1
11/2
1
1
1
3
2
11/2
1
21/2
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
33/4
—
—
21/4
4
—
—
—
3
—
—
—
—
—
3
—
—
—
—
2
—
—
21/2b
2
—
—
—
11/2
1
—
—
13/4
13/8
1
—
11/2
—
—
—
21/2
2
—
—
7
/8
(continued)
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
159
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(1)—continued
MINIMUM PROTECTION OF STRUCTURAL PARTS BASED ON TIME PERIODS
FOR VARIOUS NONCOMBUSTIBLE INSULATING MATERIALSm
STRUCTURAL
PARTS TO BE
PROTECTED
ITEM
NUMBER
MINIMUM THICKNESS OF
INSULATING MATERIAL
FOR THE FOLLOWING
FIRE-RESISTANCE
PERIODS (inches)
INSULATING MATERIAL USED
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour
1-6.5
1-7.1
1-7.2
1. Steel columns
and all of primary
trusses
1-7.3
1-8.1
1-9.1
2-1.1
2. Webs or flanges
of steel beams and
girders
(continued)
2-1.2
2-2.1
Perlite or vermiculite gypsum plaster over one layer of 1/2" plain full-length gypsum
lath applied tight to column flanges. Lath tied with doubled 0.049" (No. 18 B.W. gage)
wire ties spaced 23" on center and scratch coat wrapped with 1" hexagonal mesh
0.035" (No. 20 B.W. gage) wire fabric. For three-coat work, the plaster mix for the second coat shall not exceed 100 pounds of gypsum to 21/2 cubic feet of aggregate.
Multiple layers of 1/2" gypsum wallboardc adhesivelyd secured to column flanges and
successive layers. Wallboard applied without horizontal joints. Corner edges of each
layer staggered. Wallboard layer below outer layer secured to column with doubled
0.049" (No. 18 B.W. gage) steel wire ties spaced 15" on center. Exposed corners taped
and treated.
Three layers of 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboard.c First and second layer held in place by
1
/8" diameter by 13/8" long ring shank nails with 5/16" diameter heads spaced 24" on center at corners. Middle layer also secured with metal straps at mid-height and 18" from
each end, and by metal corner bead at each corner held by the metal straps. Third layer
attached to corner bead with 1" long gypsum wallboard screws spaced 12" on center.
Three layers of 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboard,c each layer screw attached to 15/8" steel
studs 0.018" thick (No. 25 carbon sheet steel gage) at each corner of column. Middle
layer also secured with 0.049" (No. 18 B.W. gage) double-strand steel wire ties, 24" on
center. Screws are No. 6 by 1" spaced 24" on center for inner layer, No. 6 by 15/8"
spaced 12" on center for middle layer and No. 8 by 21/4" spaced 12" on center for outer
layer.
Wood-fibered gypsum plaster mixed 1:1 by weight gypsum-to-sand aggregate applied
over metal lath. Lath lapped 1" and tied 6" on center at all end, edges and spacers with
0.049" (No. 18 B.W. gage) steel tie wires. Lath applied over 1/2" spacers made of 3/4"
furring channel with 2" legs bent around each corner. Spacers located 1" from top and
bottom of member and not greater than 40" on center and wire tied with a single strand
of 0.049" (No. 18 B.W. gage) steel tie wires. Corner bead tied to the lath at 6" on center
along each corner to provide plaster thickness.
Minimum W8x35 wide flange steel column (w/d  0.75) with each web cavity filled
even with the flange tip with normal weight carbonate or siliceous aggregate concrete
(3,000 psi minimum compressive strength with 145 pcf ± 3 pcf unit weight). Reinforce
the concrete in each web cavity with a minimum No. 4 deformed reinforcing bar
installed vertically and centered in the cavity, and secured to the column web with a
minimum No. 2 horizontal deformed reinforcing bar welded to the web every 18" on
center vertically. As an alternative to the No. 4 rebar, 3/4" diameter by 3" long headed
studs, spaced at 12" on center vertically, shall be welded on each side of the web midway between the column flanges.
Carbonate, lightweight and sand-lightweight aggregate concrete (not including sandstone, granite and siliceous gravel) with 3" or finer metal mesh placed 1" from the finished surface anchored to the top flange and providing not less than 0.025 square inch
of steel area per foot in each direction.
Siliceous aggregate concrete and concrete excluded in Item 2-1.1 with 3" or finer metal
mesh placed 1" from the finished surface anchored to the top flange and providing not
less than 0.025 square inch of steel area per foot in each direction.
Cement plaster on metal lath attached to 3/4" cold-rolled channels with 0.04" (No. 18
B.W. gage) wire ties spaced 3" to 6" on center. Plaster mixed 1:2 1/2 by volume, cement
to sand.
—
2
—
—
—
—
2
1
—
—
17/8
—
—
17/8
—
—
—
—
15/8
—
—
—
—
See
Note
n
2
11/2
1
1
21/2
2
11/2
1
—
—
21/2b
7
/8
(continued)
160
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(1)—continued
MINIMUM PROTECTION OF STRUCTURAL PARTS BASED ON TIME PERIODS
FOR VARIOUS NONCOMBUSTIBLE INSULATING MATERIALSm
STRUCTURAL
PARTS TO BE
PROTECTED
ITEM
NUMBER
INSULATING MATERIAL USED
MINIMUM THICKNESS OF
INSULATING MATERIAL
FOR THE FOLLOWING
FIRE-RESISTANCE
PERIODS (inches)
4
3
2
hours hours hours
2-3.1
2-4.1
2. Webs or
flanges of steel
beams and
girders
2-4.2
3. Bonded pretensioned reinforcement in
prestressed
concretee
Vermiculite gypsum plaster on a metal lath cage, wire tied to 0.165" diameter (No. 8
B.W. gage) steel wire hangers wrapped around beam and spaced 16" on center. Metal
lath ties spaced approximately 5" on center at cage sides and bottom.
Two layers of 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboardc are attached to U-shaped brackets spaced
24" on center. 0.018" thick (No. 25 carbon sheet steel gage) 15/8" deep by 1" galvanized
steel runner channels are first installed parallel to and on each side of the top beam
flange to provide a 1/2" clearance to the flange. The channel runners are attached to steel
deck or concrete floor construction with approved fasteners spaced 12" on center. Ushaped brackets are formed from members identical to the channel runners. At the bent
portion of the U-shaped bracket, the flanges of the channel are cut out so that 15/8" deep
corner channels can be inserted without attachment parallel to each side of the lower
flange.
As an alternative, 0.021" thick (No. 24 carbon sheet steel gage) 1" × 2" runner and corner angles shall be used in lieu of channels, and the web cutouts in the U-shaped brackets shall not be required. Each angle is attached to the bracket with 1/2"-long No. 8 selfdrilling screws. The vertical legs of the U-shaped bracket are attached to the runners
with one 1/2" long No. 8 self-drilling screw. The completed steel framing provides a 21/8"
and 11/2" space between the inner layer of wallboard and the sides and bottom of the
steel beam, respectively. The inner layer of wallboard is attached to the top runners and
bottom corner channels or corner angles with 11/4"-long No. 6 self-drilling screws
spaced 16" on center. The outer layer of wallboard is applied with 13/4"-long No. 6 selfdrilling screws spaced 8" on center. The bottom corners are reinforced with metal corner
beads.
Three layers of 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboardc attached to a steel suspension system as
described immediately above utilizing the 0.018" thick (No. 25 carbon sheet steel gage)
1" × 2" lower corner angles. The framing is located so that a 21/8" and 2" space is provided between the inner layer of wallboard and the sides and bottom of the beam,
respectively. The first two layers of wallboard are attached as described immediately
above. A layer of 0.035" thick (No. 20 B.W. gage) 1" hexagonal galvanized wire mesh
is applied under the soffit of the middle layer and up the sides approximately 2". The
mesh is held in position with the No. 6 15/8"-long screws installed in the vertical leg of
the bottom corner angles. The outer layer of wallboard is attached with No. 6 21/4"-long
screws spaced 8" on center. One screw is installed at the mid-depth of the bracket in
each layer. Bottom corners are finished as described above.
Carbonate, lightweight, sand-lightweight and siliceousf aggregate concrete
Beams or girders
1
hour
—
7
/8
—
—
—
—
11/4
—
—
17/8
—
—
4g
3g
21/2
11/2
2
11/2
1
3-1.1
Solid h
(continued)
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
161
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(1)—continued
MINIMUM PROTECTION OF STRUCTURAL PARTS BASED ON TIME PERIODS
FOR VARIOUS NONCOMBUSTIBLE INSULATING MATERIALSm
STRUCTURAL
PARTS TO BE
PROTECTED
ITEM
NUMBER
MINIMUM THICKNESS OF
INSULATING MATERIAL
FOR THE FOLLOWING
FIRE-RESISTANCE
PERIODS (inches)
INSULATING MATERIAL USED
4
3
2
hours hours hours
4. Bonded or
unbonded posttensioned tendons in prestressed
concretee, i
5. Reinforcing
steel in reinforced concrete
columns, beams
girders and
trusses
6. Reinforcing
steel in reinforced concrete
joistsl
7. Reinforcing
and tie rods in
floor and roof
slabsl
4-1.1
4-1.2
Carbonate, lightweight, sand-lightweight and siliceousf aggregate concrete
Unrestrained members:
Solid slabsh
Beams and girdersj
8" wide
greater than 12" wide
Carbonate, lightweight, sand-lightweight and siliceous aggregate
Restrained members:k
Solid slabsh
Beams and girdersj
8" wide
greater than 12" wide
1
hour
—
2
11/2
—
3
41/2
21/2
21/2
2
13/4
11/2
11/4
1
21/2
2
/4
—
2
13/4
13/4
11/2
—
—
11/2
11/2
11/2
11/2
2
11/2
11/2
11/2
1
1
5-1.1
Carbonate, lightweight and sand-lightweight aggregate concrete, members 12" or
larger, square or round. (Size limit does not apply to beams and girders monolithic
with floors.)
Siliceous aggregate concrete, members 12" or larger, square or round. (Size limit
does not apply to beams and girders monolithic with floors.)
6-1.1
6-1.2
Carbonate, lightweight and sand-lightweight aggregate concrete
Siliceous aggregate concrete
11/4
13/4
11/4
11/2
7-1.1
7-1.2
Carbonate, lightweight and sand-lightweight aggregate concrete
Siliceous aggregate concrete
1
11/4
1
1
3
3
/4
1
3
/4
/4
3
3
/4
/4
3
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 square inch = 645.2 mm2, 1 cubic foot = 0.0283 m3, 1 pound per cubic foot = 16.02 kg/m3.
a. Reentrant parts of protected members to be filled solidly.
b. Two layers of equal thickness with a 3/4-inch airspace between.
c. For all of the construction with gypsum wallboard described in Table 721.1(1), gypsum base for veneer plaster of the same size, thickness and core type shall
be permitted to be substituted for gypsum wallboard, provided that attachment is identical to that specified for the wallboard and the joints on the face layer
are reinforced, and the entire surface is covered with not less than 1/16-inch gypsum veneer plaster.
d. An approved adhesive qualified under ASTM E119 or UL 263.
e. Where lightweight or sand-lightweight concrete having an oven-dry weight of 110 pounds per cubic foot or less is used, the tabulated minimum cover shall be
permitted to be reduced 25 percent, except that the reduced cover shall be not less than 3/4 inch in slabs or 11/2 inches in beams or girders.
f. For solid slabs of siliceous aggregate concrete, increase tendon cover 20 percent.
g. Adequate provisions against spalling shall be provided by U-shaped or hooped stirrups spaced not to exceed the depth of the member with a clear cover of 1 inch.
h. Prestressed slabs shall have a thickness not less than that required in Table 721.1(3) for the respective fire-resistance time period.
i. Fire coverage and end anchorages shall be as follows: Cover to the prestressing steel at the anchor shall be 1/2 inch greater than that required away from the
anchor. Minimum cover to steel-bearing plate shall be 1 inch in beams and 3/4 inch in slabs.
j. For beam widths between 8 inches and 12 inches, cover thickness shall be permitted to be determined by interpolation.
k. Interior spans of continuous slabs, beams and girders shall be permitted to be considered restrained.
l. For use with concrete slabs having a comparable fire endurance where members are framed into the structure in such a manner as to provide equivalent
performance to that of monolithic concrete construction.
m.Generic fire-resistance ratings (those not designated as PROPRIETARY* in the listing) in GA 600 shall be accepted as if herein listed.
n. Additional insulating material is not required on the exposed outside face of the column flange to achieve a 1-hour fire-resistance rating.
162
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(2)
RATED FIRE-RESISTANCE PERIODS FOR VARIOUS WALLS AND PARTITIONS a, o, p
MATERIAL
1. Brick of clay
or shale
2. Combination
of clay brick and
load-bearing hollow clay tile
3. Concrete
masonry units
ITEM
NUMBER
CONSTRUCTION
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour
1-1.1
Solid brick of clay or shalec.
6
4.9
3.8
2.7
1-1.2
Hollow brick, not filled.
5.0
4.3
3.4
2.3
1-1.3
Hollow brick unit wall, grout or filled with perlite vermiculite or expanded shale
aggregate.
6.6
5.5
4.4
3.0
1-2.1
4" nominal thick units not less than 75 percent solid backed with a hat-shaped metal
furring channel 3/4" thick formed from 0.021" sheet metal attached to the brick wall on
24" centers with approved fasteners, and 1/2" Type X gypsum wallboard attached to the
metal furring strips with 1"-long Type S screws spaced 8" on center.
—
—
5d
—
2-1.1
4" solid brick and 4" tile (not less than 40 percent solid).
—
8
—
—
2-1.2
4" solid brick and 8" tile (not less than 40 percent solid).
12
—
—
—
3-1.1f, g Expanded slag or pumice.
4.7
4.0
3.2
2.1
3-1.2f, g Expanded clay, shale or slate.
5.1
4.4
3.6
2.6
f
3-1.3
Limestone, cinders or air-cooled slag.
3-1.4f, g Calcareous or siliceous gravel.
4. Solid concreteh, i
5. Glazed or
unglazed facing
tile, nonloadbearing
MINIMUM FINISHED
THICKNESS FACE-TOFACEb (inches)
4-1.1
5.9
5.0
4.0
2.7
6.2
5.3
4.2
2.8
Siliceous aggregate concrete.
7.0
6.2
5.0
3.5
Carbonate aggregate concrete.
6.6
5.7
4.6
3.2
Sand-lightweight concrete.
5.4
4.6
3.8
2.7
Lightweight concrete.
5.1
4.4
3.6
2.5
5-1.1
3
One 2" unit cored 15 percent maximum and one 4" unit cored 25 percent maximum with
/4" mortar-filled collar joint. Unit positions reversed in alternate courses.
—
63/8
—
—
5-1.2
3
One 2" unit cored 15 percent maximum and one 4" unit cored 40 percent maximum with
/4" mortar-filled collar joint. Unit positions side with 3/4" gypsum plaster. Two wythes
tied together every fourth course with No. 22 gage corrugated metal ties.
—
63/4
—
—
5-1.3
One unit with three cells in wall thickness, cored 29 percent maximum.
—
—
6
—
5-1.4
1
One 2" unit cored 22 percent maximum and one 4" unit cored 41 percent maximum with
/4" mortar-filled collar joint. Two wythes tied together every third course with 0.030"
(No. 22 galvanized sheet steel gage) corrugated metal ties.
—
—
6
—
5-1.5
One 4" unit cored 25 percent maximum with 3/4" gypsum plaster on one side.
—
—
43/4
—
5-1.6
One 4" unit with two cells in wall thickness, cored 22 percent maximum.
—
—
—
4
5-1.7
One 4" unit cored 30 percent maximum with 3/4" vermiculite gypsum plaster on one side. —
—
41/2
—
5-1.8
One 4" unit cored 39 percent maximum with 3/4" gypsum plaster on one side.
—
—
41/2
—
(continued)
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
163
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(2)—continued
RATED FIRE-RESISTANCE PERIODS FOR VARIOUS WALLS AND PARTITIONS a, o, p
MATERIAL
ITEM
NUMBER
MINIMUM FINISHED
THICKNESS FACE-TOFACEb (inches)
CONSTRUCTION
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour
3
/4" by 0.055" (No. 16 carbon sheet steel gage) vertical cold-rolled channels, 16" on
center with 2.6-pound flat metal lath applied to one face and tied with 0.049" (No. 18
6-1.1
B.W. gage) wire at 6" spacing. Gypsum plaster each side mixed 1:2 by weight, gypsum
to sand aggregate.
3
/4" by 0.05" (No. 16 carbon sheet steel gage) cold-rolled channels 16" on center with
metal lath applied to one face and tied with 0.049" (No. 18 B.W. gage) wire at 6"
6-1.2 spacing. Perlite or vermiculite gypsum plaster each side. For three-coat work, the
plaster mix for the second coat shall not exceed 100 pounds of gypsum to 21/2 cubic feet
of aggregate for the 1-hour system.
3
/4" by 0.055" (No. 16 carbon sheet steel gage) vertical cold-rolled channels, 16" on
6. Solid gypsum
6-1.3 center with 3/8" gypsum lath applied to one face and attached with sheet metal clips.
plaster
Gypsum plaster each side mixed 1:2 by weight, gypsum to sand aggregate.
Studless with 1/2" full-length plain gypsum lath and gypsum plaster each side. Plaster
6-2.1 mixed 1:1 for scratch coat and 1:2 for brown coat, by weight, gypsum to sand
aggregate.
Studless with 1/2" full-length plain gypsum lath and perlite or vermiculite gypsum
6-2.2
plaster each side.
Studless partition with 3/8" rib metal lath installed vertically adjacent edges tied 6" on
6-2.3 center with No. 18 gage wire ties, gypsum plaster each side mixed 1:2 by weight,
gypsum to sand aggregate.
Perlite mixed in the ratio of 3 cubic feet to 100 pounds of Portland cement and machine
7. Solid perlite
applied to stud side of 11/2" mesh by 0.058-inch (No. 17 B.W. gage) paper-backed
and Portland
7-1.1
woven wire fabric lath wire-tied to 4"-deep steel trussed wire j studs 16" on center. Wire
cement
ties of 0.049" (No. 18 B.W. gage) galvanized steel wire 6" on center vertically.
3
/4" by 0.055-inch (No. 16 carbon sheet steel gage) cold-rolled channels, 12" on center
8. Solid neat
wood fibered
8-1.1 with 2.5-pound flat metal lath applied to one face and tied with 0.049" (No. 18 B.W.
gage) wire at 6" spacing. Neat gypsum plaster applied each side.
gypsum plaster
One full-length layer 1/2" Type X gypsum wallboarde laminated to each side of 1" full9. Solid wall9-1.1 length V-edge gypsum coreboard with approved laminating compound. Vertical joints
board partition
of face layer and coreboard staggered not less than 3".
One full-length layer of 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboarde attached to both sides of wood
or metal top and bottom runners laminated to each side of 1"× 6" full-length gypsum
10-1.1 coreboard ribs spaced 2" on center with approved laminating compound. Ribs centered
at vertical joints of face plies and joints staggered 24" in opposing faces. Ribs may be
10. Hollow (studrecessed 6" from the top and bottom.
less) gypsum
wallboard parti1" regular gypsum V-edge full-length backing board attached to both sides of wood or
tion
metal top and bottom runners with nails or 15/8" drywall screws at 24" on center.
10-1.2 Minimum width of runners 15/8". Face layer of 1/2" regular full-length gypsum
wallboard laminated to outer faces of backing board with approved laminating
compound.
—
—
—
2d
—
—
21/2d
2d
—
—
—
2d
—
—
—
2d
—
—
21/2d
2d
—
—
—
2d
—
—
31/8d
—
—
—
2d
—
—
—
2d
—
—
—
—
21/4d
—
—
45/8d
—
(continued)
164
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(2) —continued
RATED FIRE-RESISTANCE PERIODS FOR VARIOUS WALLS AND PARTITIONS a, o, p
MATERIAL
11. Noncombustible studs-interior
partition with
plaster each side
ITEM
NUMBER
CONSTRUCTION
11-1.1
31/4" × 0.044" (No. 18 carbon sheet steel gage) steel studs spaced 24" on center. 5/8"
gypsum plaster on metal lath each side mixed 1:2 by weight, gypsum to sand aggregate.
—
—
—
43/4d
33 /8" × 0.055" (No. 16 carbon sheet steel gage) approved nailablek studs spaced 24" on
11-1.2 center. 5/8" neat gypsum wood-fibered plaster each side over 3/8" rib metal lath nailed to
studs with 6d common nails, 8" on center. Nails driven 11/4" and bent over.
—
—
55/8
—
4" × 0.044" (No. 18 carbon sheet steel gage) channel-shaped steel studs at 16" on center.
On each side approved resilient clips pressed onto stud flange at 16" vertical spacing, 1/4"
11-1.3
pencil rods snapped into or wire tied onto outer loop of clips, metal lath wire-tied to
pencil rods at 6" intervals, 1" perlite gypsum plaster, each side.
—
75/8d
—
—
21/2" × 0.044" (No. 18 carbon sheet steel gage) steel studs spaced 16" on center. Wood
fibered gypsum plaster mixed 1:1 by weight gypsum to sand aggregate applied on 3/411-1.4
pound metal lath wire tied to studs, each side. 3/4" plaster applied over each face,
including finish coat.
—
—
41/4d
—
2" × 4" wood studs 16" on center with 5/8" gypsum plaster on metal lath. Lath attached
by 4d common nails bent over or No. 14 gage by 11/4" by 3/4" crown width staples
spaced 6" on center. Plaster mixed 1:11/2 for scratch coat and 1:3 for brown coat, by
weight, gypsum to sand aggregate.
—
—
—
51/8
l
2" × 4" wood studs 16" on center with metal lath and 7/8" neat wood-fibered gypsum
plaster each side. Lath attached by 6d common nails, 7" on center. Nails driven 11/4" and
bent over.
—
—
51/2d
—
l
2" × 4" wood studs 16" on center with 3/8" perforated or plain gypsum lath and 1/2"
gypsum plaster each side. Lath nailed with 11/8" by No. 13 gage by 19/64" head
plasterboard blued nails, 4" on center. Plaster mixed 1:2 by weight, gypsum to sand
aggregate.
—
—
—
51/4
2" × 4" wood studs 16" on center with 3/8" Type X gypsum lath and 1/2" gypsum plaster
12-1.4l each side. Lath nailed with 11/8" by No. 13 gage by 19/64" head plasterboard blued nails,
5" on center. Plaster mixed 1:2 by weight, gypsum to sand aggregate.
—
—
—
51/4
0.018" (No. 25 carbon sheet steel gage) channel-shaped studs 24" on center with one
full-length layer of 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboarde applied vertically attached with 1"long No. 6 drywall screws to each stud. Screws are 8" on center around the perimeter
13-1.1 and 12" on center on the intermediate stud. Where applied horizontally, the Type X
gypsum wallboard shall be attached to 35/8" studs and the horizontal joints shall be
staggered with those on the opposite side. Screws for the horizontal application shall be
8" on center at vertical edges and 12" on center at intermediate studs.
—
—
—
27/8d
0.018" (No. 25 carbon sheet steel gage) channel-shaped studs 25" on center with two
full-length layers of 1/2" Type X gypsum wallboarde applied vertically each side. First
layer attached with 1"-long, No. 6 drywall screws, 8" on center around the perimeter
and 12" on center on the intermediate stud. Second layer applied with vertical joints
offset one stud space from first layer using 15/8" long, No. 6 drywall screws spaced 9" on
center along vertical joints, 12" on center at intermediate studs and 24" on center along
top and bottom runners.
—
—
35/8d
—
—
—
—
47/8
12-1.1l, m
12. Wood studsinterior partition
with plaster each
side
MINIMUM FINISHED
THICKNESS FACE-TOFACEb (inches)
12-1.2
12-1.3
13. Noncombustible studs-interior
partition with gypsum wallboard
13-1.2
each side
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour
0.055" (No. 16 carbon sheet steel gage) approved nailable metal studse 24" on center
with full-length 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboarde applied vertically and nailed 7" on
13-1.3
center with 6d cement-coated common nails. Approved metal fastener grips used with
nails at vertical butt joints along studs.
(continued)
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
165
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(2)—continued
RATED FIRE-RESISTANCE PERIODS FOR VARIOUS WALLS AND PARTITIONS a, o, p
MATERIAL
14. Wood
studs-interior partition with gypsum wallboard
each side
ITEM
NUMBER
MINIMUM FINISHED
THICKNESS FACE-TOFACEb (inches)
CONSTRUCTION
4
3
2
hours hours hours
1
hour
14-1.1h, m
2" × 4" wood studs 16" on center with two layers of 3/8" regular gypsum
wallboarde each side, 4d coolern or wallboardn nails at 8" on center first layer, 5d
coolern or wallboardn nails at 8" on center second layer with laminating compound
between layers, joints staggered. First layer applied full length vertically, second
layer applied horizontally or vertically.
—
—
—
5
14-1.2l, m
2" × 4" wood studs 16" on center with two layers 1/2" regular gypsum wallboarde
applied vertically or horizontally each sidek, joints staggered. Nail base layer with
5d coolern or wallboardn nails at 8" on center face layer with 8d coolern or wallboardn
nails at 8" on center.
—
—
—
51/2
—
—
—
43/4
2" × 4" fire-retardant-treated wood studs spaced 24" on center with one layer of
5
/8" Type X gypsum wallboarde applied with face paper grain (long dimension)
parallel to studs. Wallboard attached with 6d coolern or wallboardn nails at 7" on
center.
—
—
—
43/4d
2" × 4" wood studs 16" on center with two layers 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboarde
each side. Base layers applied vertically and nailed with 6d coolern or wallboardn
nails at 9" on center. Face layer applied vertically or horizontally and nailed with 8d
coolern or wallboardn nails at 7" on center. For nail-adhesive application, base layers
are nailed 6" on center. Face layers applied with coating of approved wallboard
adhesive and nailed 12" on center.
—
—
6
—
14-1.6
2" × 3" fire-retardant-treated wood studs spaced 24" on center with one layer of
5
/8" Type X gypsum wallboarde applied with face paper grain (long dimension) at
right angles to studs. Wallboard attached with 6d cement-coated box nails spaced 7"
on center.
—
—
—
35/8d
15-1.1l, m
Exterior surface with 3/4" drop siding over 1/2" gypsum sheathing on 2" × 4" wood
studs at 16" on center, interior surface treatment as required for 1-hour-rated exterior
or interior 2" × 4" wood stud partitions. Gypsum sheathing nailed with 13/4" by No.
11 gage by 7/16" head galvanized nails at 8" on center. Siding nailed with 7d
galvanized smooth box nails.
—
—
—
Varies
15-1.2l, m
2" × 4" wood studs 16" on center with metal lath and 3/4" cement plaster on each
side. Lath attached with 6d common nails 7" on center driven to 1" minimum
penetration and bent over. Plaster mix 1:4 for scratch coat and 1:5 for brown coat,
by volume, cement to sand.
—
—
—
53/8
15-1.3l, m
2" × 4" wood studs 16" on center with 7/8" cement plaster (measured from the face of
studs) on the exterior surface with interior surface treatment as required for interior
wood stud partitions in this table. Plaster mix 1:4 for scratch coat and 1:5 for brown
coat, by volume, cement to sand.
—
—
—
Varies
15-1.4
35/8" No. 16 gage noncombustible studs 16" on center with 7/8" cement plaster
(measured from the face of the studs) on the exterior surface with interior surface
treatment as required for interior, nonbearing, noncombustible stud partitions in this
table. Plaster mix 1:4 for scratch coat and 1:5 for brown coat, by volume, cement to
sand.
—
—
—
Variesd
2" × 4" wood studs 24" on center with 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboarde applied
14-1.3l, m vertically or horizontally nailed with 6d coolern or wallboardn nails at 7" on center
with end joints on nailing members. Stagger joints each side.
l
14-1.4
14-1.5l, m
l
15. Exterior or
interior walls
(continued)
(continued)
166
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(2)—continued
RATED FIRE-RESISTANCE PERIODS FOR VARIOUS WALLS AND PARTITIONS a, o, p
MATERIAL
MINIMUM FINISHED
THICKNESS FACE-TOFACEb (inches)
ITEM
NUMBER
CONSTRUCTION
15-1.5m
21/4" × 33/4" clay face brick with cored holes over 1/2" gypsum sheathing on exterior
surface of 2" × 4" wood studs at 16" on center and two layers 5/8" Type X gypsum
wallboarde on interior surface. Sheathing placed horizontally or vertically with vertical
joints over studs nailed 6" on center with 13/4" × No. 11 gage by 7/16" head galvanized
nails. Inner layer of wallboard placed horizontally or vertically and nailed 8" on center
with 6d coolern or wallboardn nails. Outer layer of wallboard placed horizontally or
vertically and nailed 8" on center with 8d coolern or wallboardn nails. Joints staggered
with vertical joints over studs. Outer layer joints taped and finished with compound. Nail
heads covered with joint compound. 0.035 inch (No. 20 galvanized sheet gage)
corrugated galvanized steel wall ties 3/4" by 65/8" attached to each stud with two 8d
coolern or wallboardn nails every sixth course of bricks.
—
—
10
—
15-1.6l, m
2" × 6" fire-retardant-treated wood studs 16" on center. Interior face has two layers of
5
/8" Type X gypsum with the base layer placed vertically and attached with 6d box
nails 12" on center. The face layer is placed horizontally and attached with 8d box nails
8" on center at joints and 12" on center elsewhere. The exterior face has a base layer of
5
/8" Type X gypsum sheathing placed vertically with 6d box nails 8" on center at joints
and 12" on center elsewhere. An approved building paper is next applied, followed by
self-furred exterior lath attached with 21/2", No. 12 gage galvanized roofing nails with a
3
/8" diameter head and spaced 6" on center along each stud. Cement plaster consisting
of a 1/2" brown coat is then applied. The scratch coat is mixed in the proportion of 1:3
by weight, cement to sand with 10 pounds of hydrated lime and 3 pounds of approved
additives or admixtures per sack of cement. The brown coat is mixed in the proportion
of 1:4 by weight, cement to sand with the same amounts of hydrated lime and approved
additives or admixtures used in the scratch coat.
—
—
81/4
—
15-1.7l, m
2" × 6" wood studs 16" on center. The exterior face has a layer of 5/8" Type X gypsum
sheathing placed vertically with 6d box nails 8" on center at joints and 12" on center
elsewhere. An approved building paper is next applied, followed by 1" by No. 18 gage
self-furred exterior lath attached with 8d by 21/2" long galvanized roofing nails spaced 6"
on center along each stud. Cement plaster consisting of a 1/2" scratch coat, a bonding
agent and a 1/2" brown coat and a finish coat is then applied. The scratch coat is mixed in
the proportion of 1:3 by weight, cement to sand with 10 pounds of hydrated lime and 3
pounds of approved additives or admixtures per sack of cement. The brown coat is mixed
in the proportion of 1:4 by weight, cement to sand with the same amounts of hydrated
lime and approved additives or admixtures used in the scratch coat. The interior is
covered with 3/8" gypsum lath with 1" hexagonal mesh of 0.035 inch (No. 20 B.W. gage)
woven wire lath furred out 5/16" and 1" perlite or vermiculite gypsum plaster. Lath nailed
with 11/8" by No. 13 gage by 19/64" head plasterboard glued nails spaced 5" on center.
Mesh attached by 13/4" by No. 12 gage by 3/8" head nails with 3/8" furrings, spaced 8" on
center. The plaster mix shall not exceed 100 pounds of gypsum to 21/2 cubic feet of
aggregate.
—
—
83/8
—
15. Exterior or
interior walls
(continued)
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour
(continued)
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
167
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(2)—continued
RATED FIRE-RESISTANCE PERIODS FOR VARIOUS WALLS AND PARTITIONS a, o, p
MATERIAL
15. Exterior or
interior walls
(continued)
MINIMUM FINISHED
THICKNESS FACE-TOFACEb (inches)
ITEM
NUMBER
CONSTRUCTION
15-1.8l, m
2" × 6" wood studs 16" on center. The exterior face has a layer of 5/8" Type X gypsum
sheathing placed vertically with 6d box nails 8" on center at joints and 12" on center
elsewhere. An approved building paper is next applied, followed by 11/2" by No. 17 gage
self-furred exterior lath attached with 8d by 21/2" long galvanized roofing nails spaced 6"
on center along each stud. Cement plaster consisting of a 1/2" scratch coat, and a 1/2"
brown coat is then applied. The plaster may be placed by machine. The scratch coat is
mixed in the proportion of 1:4 by weight, plastic cement to sand. The brown coat is
mixed in the proportion of 1:5 by weight, plastic cement to sand. The interior is covered
with 3/8" gypsum lath with 1" hexagonal mesh of No. 20 gage woven wire lath furred out
5
/16" and 1" perlite or vermiculite gypsum plaster. Lath nailed with 11/8" by No. 13 gage
by 19/64" head plasterboard glued nails spaced 5" on center. Mesh attached by 13/4" by No.
12 gage by 3/8" head nails with 3/8" furrings, spaced 8" on center. The plaster mix shall
not exceed 100 pounds of gypsum to 21/2 cubic feet of aggregate.
—
—
83/8
—
4" No. 18 gage, nonload-bearing metal studs, 16" on center, with 1" Portland cement
lime plaster (measured from the back side of the 3/4-pound expanded metal lath) on the
exterior surface. Interior surface to be covered with 1" of gypsum plaster on 3/4-pound
15-1.9 expanded metal lath proportioned by weight-1:2 for scratch coat, 1:3 for brown, gypsum
to sand. Lath on one side of the partition fastened to 1/4" diameter pencil rods supported
by No. 20 gage metal clips, located 16" on center vertically, on each stud. 3" thick mineral fiber insulating batts friction fitted between the studs.
—
—
61/2d
—
Steel studs 0.060" thick, 4" deep or 6" at 16" or 24" centers, with 1/2" Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) on the exterior surface. GFRC is attached with flex anchors at
24" on center, with 5" leg welded to studs with two 1/2"-long flare-bevel welds, and 4"
foot attached to the GFRC skin with 5/8" thick GFRC bonding pads that extend 21/2"
beyond the flex anchor foot on both sides. Interior surface to have two layers of 1/2" Type
15-1.10
X gypsum wallboard.e The first layer of wallboard to be attached with 1"-long Type S
buglehead screws spaced 24" on center and the second layer is attached with 15/8"-long
Type S screws spaced at 12" on center. Cavity is to be filled with 5" of 4 pcf (nominal)
mineral fiber batts. GFRC has 11/2" returns packed with mineral fiber and caulked on the
exterior.
—
—
61/2
—
Steel studs 0.060" thick, 4" deep or 6" at 16" or 24" centers, respectively, with 1/2" Glass
Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) on the exterior surface. GFRC is attached with flex
anchors at 24" on center, with 5" leg welded to studs with two 1/2"-long flare-bevel
welds, and 4" foot attached to the GFRC skin with 5/8" -thick GFRC bonding pads that
15-1.11
extend 21/2" beyond the flex anchor foot on both sides. Interior surface to have one layer
of 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboarde, attached with 11/4"-long Type S buglehead screws
spaced 12" on center. Cavity is to be filled with 5" of 4 pcf (nominal) mineral fiber batts.
GFRC has 11/2" returns packed with mineral fiber and caulked on the exterior.
—
—
—
61/8
2" × 6" wood studs at 16" with double top plates, single bottom plate; interior and exterior sides covered with 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboard, 4 wide, applied horizontally or
15-1.12
vertically with vertical joints over studs, and fastened with 21/4" Type S drywall screws,
spaced 12" on center. Cavity to be filled with 51/2" mineral wool insulation.
—
—
—
63/4
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour
q
(continued)
168
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(2)—continued
RATED FIRE-RESISTANCE PERIODS FOR VARIOUS WALLS AND PARTITIONS a, o, p
MATERIAL
ITEM
NUMBER
CONSTRUCTION
MINIMUM FINISHED
THICKNESS FACE-TOFACEb (inches)
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour
2" × 6" wood studs at 16" with double top plates, single bottom plate; interior and exterior
sides covered with 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboard, 4 wide, applied vertically with all joints
15-1.13
over framing or blocking and fastened with 21/4" Type S drywall screws, spaced 12" on
center. R-19 mineral fiber insulation installed in stud cavity.
—
—
—
63/4
2" × 6" wood studs at 16" with double top plates, single bottom plate; interior and exterior
sides covered with 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboard, 4 wide, applied horizontally or verti15-1.14
cally with vertical joints over studs, and fastened with 21/4" Type S drywall screws, spaced
7" on center.
—
—
—
63/4
2" × 4" wood studs at 16" with double top plates, single bottom plate; interior and exterior
sides covered with 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboard and sheathing, respectively, 4 wide,
15-1.15q applied horizontally or vertically with vertical joints over studs, and fastened with 21/4"
Type S drywall screws, spaced 12" on center. Cavity to be filled with 31/2" mineral wool
insulation.
—
—
—
43/4
2" x 6" wood studs at 24" centers with double top plates, single bottom plate; interior and
exterior side covered with two layers of 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboard, 4' wide, applied
1
q horizontally with vertical joints over studs. Base layer fastened with 2 /4" Type S drywall
15-1.16
screws, spaced 24" on center and face layer fastened with Type S drywall screws, spaced
8" on center, wallboard joints covered with paper tape and joint compound, fastener heads
covered with joint compound. Cavity to be filled with 51/2" mineral wool insulation.
—
—
8
—
15-2.1d
35/8" No. 16 gage steel studs at 24" on center or 2" × 4" wood studs at 24" on center. Metal
lath attached to the exterior side of studs with minimum 1" long No. 6 drywall screws at 6"
on center and covered with minimum 3/4" thick Portland cement plaster. Thin veneer brick
units of clay or shale complying with ASTM C1088, Grade TBS or better, installed in run—
ning bond in accordance with Section 1405.10. Combined total thickness of the Portland
3
/
".
Interior
side
cement plaster, mortar and thin veneer brick units shall be not less than 1 4
covered with one layer of 5/8" thick Type X gypsum wallboard attached to studs with 1"
long No. 6 drywall screws at 12" on center.
—
—
6
15-2.2 d
35/8" No. 16 gage steel studs at 24" on center or 2" × 4" wood studs at 24" on center. Metal
lath attached to the exterior side of studs with minimum 1" long No. 6 drywall screws at 6"
on center and covered with minimum 3/4" thick Portland cement plaster. Thin veneer brick
units of clay or shale complying with ASTM C1088, Grade TBS or better, installed in run—
ning bond in accordance with Section 1405.10. Combined total thickness of the Portland
cement plaster, mortar and thin veneer brick units shall be not less than 2". Interior side
covered with two layers of 5/8" thick Type X gypsum wallboard. Bottom layer attached to
studs with 1" long No. 6 drywall screws at 24" on center. Top layer attached to studs with
15/8" long No. 6 drywall screws at 12" on center.
—
67/8
—
15-2.3 d
35/8" No. 16 gage steel studs at 16" on center or 2"× 4" wood studs at 16" on center. Where
metal lath is used, attach to the exterior side of studs with minimum 1" long No. 6 drywall
screws at 6" on center. Brick units of clay or shale not less than 25/8" thick complying with
ASTM C216 installed in accordance with Section 1405.6 with a minimum 1" airspace.
Interior side covered with one layer of 5/8" thick Type X gypsum wallboard attached to
studs with 1" long No. 6 drywall screws at 12" on center.
—
—
77/8
q
q
15. Exterior or
interior walls
(continued)
—
(continued)
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
169
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(2)—continued
RATED FIRE-RESISTANCE PERIODS FOR VARIOUS WALLS AND PARTITIONS a, o, p
MATERIAL
ITEM
NUMBER
MINIMUM FINISHED
THICKNESS FACE-TOFACEb (inches)
CONSTRUCTION
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour
15-2.4d
35/8" No. 16 gage steel studs at 16" on center or 2" × 4" wood studs at 16" on center.
Where metal lath is used, attach to the exterior side of studs with minimum 1" long No.
6 drywall screws at 6" on center. Brick units of clay or shale not less than 25/8" thick
complying with ASTM C216 installed in accordance with Section 1405.6 with a
minimum 1" airspace. Interior side covered with two layers of 5/8" thick Type X gypsum
wallboard. Bottom layer attached to studs with 1" long No. 6 drywall screws at 24" on
center. Top layer attached to studs with 15/8" long No. 6 drywall screws at 12" on center.
—
—
81/2
—
16-1.1q
2" × 4" wood studs at 16" centers with double top plates, single bottom plate; interior
side covered with 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboard, 4" wide, applied horizontally
unblocked, and fastened with 21/4" Type S drywall screws, spaced 12" on center,
wallboard joints covered with paper tape and joint compound, fastener heads covered
with joint compound. Exterior covered with 3/8" wood structural panels, applied
vertically, horizontal joints blocked and fastened with 6d common nails (bright) — 12"
on center in the field, and 6" on center panel edges. Cavity to be filled with 31/2" mineral
wool insulation. Rating established for exposure from interior side only.
—
—
—
41/2
16. Exterior walls
rated for fire
resistance from
16-1.2q
the inside only in
accordance with
Section 705.5.
2" × 6" wood studs at 16" centers with double top plates, single bottom plate; interior
side covered with 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboard, 4" wide, applied horizontally or
vertically with vertical joints over studs and fastened with 21/4" Type S drywall screws,
spaced 12" on center, wallboard joints covered with paper tape and joint compound,
fastener heads covered with joint compound, exterior side covered with 7/16" wood
structural panels fastened with 6d common nails (bright) spaced 12" on center in the
field and 6" on center along the panel edges. Cavity to be filled with 51/2" mineral wool
insulation. Rating established from the gypsum-covered side only.
—
—
—
69/16
16-1.3q
2" × 6" wood studs at 16" centers with double top plates, single bottom plates; interior
side covered with 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboard, 4" wide, applied vertically with all
joints over framing or blocking and fastened with 21/4" Type S drywall screws spaced 7"
on center. Joints to be covered with tape and joint compound. Exterior covered with 3/8"
wood structural panels, applied vertically with edges over framing or blocking and
fastened with 6d common nails (bright) at 12" on center in the field and 6" on center on
panel edges. R-19 mineral fiber insulation installed in stud cavity. Rating established
from the gypsum-covered side only.
—
—
—
61/2
15. Exterior or
interior walls
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 square inch = 645.2 mm2, 1 cubic foot = 0.0283 m3.
a. Staples with equivalent holding power and penetration shall be permitted to be used as alternate fasteners to nails for attachment to wood framing.
b. Thickness shown for brick and clay tile is nominal thicknesses unless plastered, in which case thicknesses are net. Thickness shown for concrete masonry and
clay masonry is equivalent thickness defined in Section 722.3.1 for concrete masonry and Section 722.4.1.1 for clay masonry. Where all cells are solid
grouted or filled with silicone-treated perlite loose-fill insulation; vermiculite loose-fill insulation; or expanded clay, shale or slate lightweight aggregate, the
equivalent thickness shall be the thickness of the block or brick using specified dimensions as defined in Chapter 21. Equivalent thickness shall include the
thickness of applied plaster and lath or gypsum wallboard, where specified.
c. For units in which the net cross-sectional area of cored brick in any plane parallel to the surface containing the cores is not less than 75 percent of the gross
cross-sectional area measured in the same plane.
d. Shall be used for nonbearing purposes only.
e. For all of the construction with gypsum wallboard described in this table, gypsum base for veneer plaster of the same size, thickness and core type shall be
permitted to be substituted for gypsum wallboard, provided that attachment is identical to that specified for the wallboard, and the joints on the face layer are
reinforced and the entire surface is covered with not less than 1/16-inch gypsum veneer plaster.
f. The fire-resistance time period for concrete masonry units meeting the equivalent thicknesses required for a 2-hour fire-resistance rating in Item 3, and having
a thickness of not less than 75/8 inches is 4 hours where cores that are not grouted are filled with silicone-treated perlite loose-fill insulation; vermiculite loosefill insulation; or expanded clay, shale or slate lightweight aggregate, sand or slag having a maximum particle size of 3/8 inch.
g. The fire-resistance rating of concrete masonry units composed of a combination of aggregate types or where plaster is applied directly to the concrete
masonry shall be determined in accordance with ACI 216.1/TMS 0216. Lightweight aggregates shall have a maximum combined density of 65 pounds per
cubic foot.
(continued)
170
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(2)—continued
RATED FIRE-RESISTANCE PERIODS FOR VARIOUS WALLS AND PARTITIONS a, o,
h. See Note b. The equivalent thickness shall be permitted to include the thickness of cement plaster or 1.5 times the thickness of gypsum plaster applied in
accordance with the requirements of Chapter 25.
i. Concrete walls shall be reinforced with horizontal and vertical temperature reinforcement as required by Chapter 19.
j. Studs are welded truss wire studs with 0.18 inch (No. 7 B.W. gage) flange wire and 0.18 inch (No. 7 B.W. gage) truss wires.
k. Nailable metal studs consist of two channel studs spot welded back to back with a crimped web forming a nailing groove.
l. Wood structural panels shall be permitted to be installed between the fire protection and the wood studs on either the interior or exterior side of the wood
frame assemblies in this table, provided that the length of the fasteners used to attach the fire protection is increased by an amount not less than the thickness
of the wood structural panel.
m.For studs with a slenderness ratio, le/d, greater than 33, the design stress shall be reduced to 78 percent of allowable Fc. For studs with a slenderness ratio,
le/d, not exceeding 33, the design stress shall be reduced to 78 percent of the adjusted stress Fc calculated for studs having a slenderness ratio le/d of 33.
n. For properties of cooler or wallboard nails, see ASTM C514, ASTM C547 or ASTM F1667.
o. Generic fire-resistance ratings (those not designated as PROPRIETARY* in the listing) in the GA 600 shall be accepted as if herein listed.
p. NCMA TEK 5-8A shall be permitted for the design of fire walls.
q. The design stress of studs shall be equal to not more than 100 percent of the allowable F'c calculated in accordance with Section 2306.
TABLE 721.1(3)
MINIMUM PROTECTION FOR FLOOR AND ROOF SYSTEMSa, q
FLOOR OR ROOF
CONSTRUCTION
ITEM
NUMBER
1. Siliceous aggregate concrete
1-1.1
2. Carbonate
aggregate concrete
2-1.1
3. Sand-lightweight concrete
3-1.1
4. Lightweight
concrete
4-1.1
5-1.1
CEILING CONSTRUCTION
THICKNESS OF FLOOR OR MINIMUM THICKNESS OF
ROOF SLAB
CEILING
(inches)
(inches)
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour hours hours hours hour
Slab (ceiling not required). Minimum cover over
nonprestressed reinforcement shall be not less than 3/4" b.
Slab with suspended ceiling of vermiculite gypsum plaster
over metal lath attached to 3/4" cold-rolled channels spaced
12" on center. Ceiling located 6" minimum below joists.
6.2
5.0
3.5
—
—
—
—
6.6
5.7
4.6
3.2
—
—
—
—
5.4
4.6
3.8
2.7
—
—
—
—
5.1
4.4
3.6
2.5
—
—
—
—
3
2
—
—
1
3
—
—
—
—
21/2
—
—
—
5
—
/4
3
5. Reinforced
concrete
5-2.1
/8" Type X gypsum wallboardc attached to 0.018 inch (No.
25 carbon sheet steel gage) by 7/8" deep by 25/8" hat-shaped
galvanized steel channels with 1"-long No. 6 screws. The
channels are spaced 24" on center, span 35" and are
supported along their length at 35" intervals by 0.033" (No.
21 galvanized sheet gage) galvanized steel flat strap
hangers having formed edges that engage the lips of the
channel. The strap hangers are attached to the side of the
concrete joists with 5/32" by 11/4" long power-driven
fasteners. The wallboard is installed with the long
dimension perpendicular to the channels. End joints occur
on channels and supplementary channels are installed
parallel to the main channels, 12" each side, at end joint
occurrences. The finished ceiling is located approximately
12" below the soffit of the floor slab.
7.0
/8
(continued)
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
171
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(3)—continued
MINIMUM PROTECTION FOR FLOOR AND ROOF SYSTEMSa, q
FLOOR OR ROOF
CONSTRUCTION
6. Steel joists constructed with a
poured reinforced
concrete slab on
metal lath forms or
steel form unitsd, e
7. Reinforced concrete slabs and joists
with hollow clay tile
fillers laid end to
end in rows 21/2" or
more apart; reinforcement placed
between rows and
concrete cast around
and over tile.
8. Steel joists constructed with a reinforced concrete slab
on top poured on a
1
/2" deep steel deck.e
ITEM
NUMBER
CEILING CONSTRUCTION
THICKNESS OF FLOOR
OR ROOF SLAB
(inches)
MINIMUM THICKNESS OF
CEILING
(inches)
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour hours hours hours hour
6-1.1
Gypsum plaster on metal lath attached to the bottom cord
with single No. 16 gage or doubled No. 18 gage wire ties
spaced 6" on center. Plaster mixed 1:2 for scratch coat, 1:3 —
for brown coat, by weight, gypsum-to-sand aggregate for 2hour system. For 3-hour system plaster is neat.
—
21/2
21/4
—
—
3
5
6-2.1
Vermiculite gypsum plaster on metal lath attached to the
bottom chord with single No.16 gage or doubled 0.049inch (No. 18 B.W. gage) wire ties 6" on center.
—
2
—
—
—
5
/8
—
—
6-3.1
Cement plaster over metal lath attached to the bottom chord
of joists with single No. 16 gage or doubled 0.049" (No. 18
B.W. gage) wire ties spaced 6" on center. Plaster mixed 1:2
for scratch coat, 1:3 for brown coat for 1-hour system and
1:1 for scratch coat, 1:1 1/2 for brown coat for 2-hour system, by weight, cement to sand.
—
—
—
2
—
—
—
5 f
8
6-4.1
Ceiling of 5/8" Type X wallboardc attached to 7/8" deep by
25/8" by 0.021 inch (No. 25 carbon sheet steel gage) hatshaped furring channels 12" on center with 1" long No. 6
—
wallboard screws at 8" on center. Channels wire tied to bottom chord of joists with doubled 0.049 inch (No. 18 B.W.
gage) wire or suspended below joists on wire hangers.g
—
21/2
—
—
—
5
—
6-5.1
Wood-fibered gypsum plaster mixed 1:1 by weight gypsum
to sand aggregate applied over metal lath. Lath tied 6" on
center to 3/4" channels spaced 131/2" on center. Channels
secured to joists at each intersection with two strands of
0.049 inch (No. 18 B.W. gage) galvanized wire.
—
—
21/2
—
—
—
3
—
7-1.1
5
—
—
8h
—
—
—
5
/8
—
7-1.2
None
—
—
—
51/2i
—
—
—
—
8-1.1
Vermiculite gypsum plaster on metal lath attached to 3/4"
cold-rolled channels with 0.049" (No. 18 B.W. gage) wire
ties spaced 6" on center.
21/2j
—
—
—
3
—
—
—
/8" gypsum plaster on bottom of floor or roof construction.
/4
/4
/8
/4
/8
/
(continued)
172
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(3)—continued
MINIMUM PROTECTION FOR FLOOR AND ROOF SYSTEMSa, q
FLOOR OR ROOF
CONSTRUCTION
THICKNESS OF FLOOR OR
ROOF SLAB
(inches)
MINIMUM THICKNESS OF
CEILING
(inches)
ITEM
NUMBER
CEILING CONSTRUCTION
9-1.1
Suspended ceiling of vermiculite gypsum plaster base coat
and vermiculite acoustical plaster on metal lath attached at
6" intervals to 3/4" cold-rolled channels spaced 12" on
center and secured to 11/2" cold-rolled channels spaced 36"
on center with 0.065" (No. 16 B.W. gage) wire. 11/2"
channels supported by No. 8 gage wire hangers at 36" on
center. Beams within envelope and with a 21/2" airspace
between beam soffit and lath have a 4-hour rating.
21/2
—
—
—
11/8k
—
—
—
10. 11/2"-deep steel
roof deck on steel
framing. Insulation
board, 30 pcf
Ceiling of gypsum plaster on metal lath. Lath attached to
density, composed
3
/4" furring channels with 0.049" (No. 18 B.W. gage) wire
of wood fibers
ties spaced 6" on center. 3/4" channel saddle tied to 2"
with cement
channels with doubled 0.065" (No. 16 B.W. gage) wire
binders of
10-1.1
ties. 2" channels spaced 36" on center suspended 2" below
thickness shown
steel framing and saddle-tied with 0.165" (No. 8 B.W.
bonded to deck
gage) wire. Plaster mixed 1:2 by weight, gypsum-to-sand
with unified
aggregate.
asphalt adhesive.
Covered with a
Class A or B roof
covering.
—
—
17/8
1
—
—
3 l
4
/
3 l
4
11. 11/2"-deep steel
Ceiling of gypsum plaster on metal lath. Lath attached to
3
/4" furring channels with 0.049" (No. 18 B.W. gage) wire
roof deck on steelties spaced 6" on center. 3/4" channels saddle tied to 2"
framing wood fiber
channels with doubled 0.065" (No. 16 B.W. gage) wire
insulation board,
ties. 2" channels spaced 36" on center suspended 2" below
17.5 pcf density on
11-1.1
steel framing and saddle tied with 0.165" (No. 8 B.W.
top applied over a
gage) wire. Plaster mixed 1:2 for scratch coat and 1:3 for
15-lb asphaltbrown coat, by weight, gypsum-to-sand aggregate for 1saturated felt.
hour system. For 2-hour system, plaster mix is 1:2 by
Class A or B roof
weight, gypsum-to-sand aggregate.
covering.
—
—
11/2
1
—
—
7 g
8
3 l
4
9. 3" deep cellular
steel deck with
concrete slab on
top. Slab thickness
measured to top.
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour hours hours hours hour
/
/
/
(continued)
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
173
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(3)—continued
MINIMUM PROTECTION FOR FLOOR AND ROOF SYSTEMSa, q
FLOOR OR ROOF
CONSTRUCTION
ITEM
NUMBER
CEILING CONSTRUCTION
MINIMUM THICKNESS OF
CEILING
(inches)
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour hours hours hours hour
12. 11/2" deep steel
roof deck on steelframing insulation
of rigid board consisting of expanded
perlite and fibers
impregnated with
integral asphalt
waterproofing; density 9 to 12 pcf
Gypsum-vermiculite plaster on metal lath wire tied at 6"
secured to metal
intervals to 3/4" furring channels spaced 12" on center and
1
12-1.1
roof deck by /2"
wire tied to 2" runner channels spaced 32" on center.
wide ribbons of
Runners wire tied to bottom chord of steel joists.
waterproof, coldprocess liquid adhesive spaced 6"
apart. Steel joist or
light steel construction with metal roof
deck, insulation,
and Class A or B
built-up roof covering.e
13. Double wood
floor over wood
joists spaced 16" on
center.m, n
THICKNESS OF FLOOR
OR ROOF SLAB
(inches)
—
—
1
—
—
—
7
—
Gypsum plaster over 3/8" Type X gypsum lath. Lath
initially applied with not less than four 11/8" by No. 13 gage
by 19/64" head plasterboard blued nails per bearing.
Continuous stripping over lath along all joist lines.
Stripping consists of 3" wide strips of metal lath attached
by 11/2" by No. 11 gage by 1/2" head roofing nails spaced 6"
13-1.1 on center. Alternate stripping consists of 3" wide 0.049"
diameter wire stripping weighing 1 pound per square yard
and attached by No.16 gage by 11/2" by 3/4" crown width
staples, spaced 4" on center. Where alternate stripping is
used, the lath nailing shall consist of two nails at each end
and one nail at each intermediate bearing. Plaster mixed
1:2 by weight, gypsum-to-sand aggregate.
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
7
Cement or gypsum plaster on metal lath. Lath fastened
with 11/2" by No. 11 gage by 7/16" head barbed shank
13-1.2 roofing nails spaced 5" on center. Plaster mixed 1:2 for
scratch coat and 1:3 for brown coat, by weight, cement to
sand aggregate.
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
5
Perlite or vermiculite gypsum plaster on metal lath secured
13-1.3 to joists with 11/2" by No. 11 gage by 7/16" head barbed
shank roofing nails spaced 5" on center.
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
5
1
/2" Type X gypsum wallboardc nailed to joists with 5d
13-1.4 coolero or wallboardo nails at 6" on center. End joints of
wallboard centered on joists.
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1
/8
/8
/8
/8
/2
(continued)
174
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(3)—continued
MINIMUM PROTECTION FOR FLOOR AND ROOF SYSTEMSa, q
FLOOR OR ROOF
CONSTRUCTION
ITEM
NUMBER
CEILING CONSTRUCTION
THICKNESS OF FLOOR
OR ROOF SLAB
(inches)
MINIMUM THICKNESS OF
CEILING
(inches)
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour hours hours hours hour
14. Plywood
stressed skin panels
consisting of 5/8" 1
/2" -thick wood fiberboard weighing 15 to 18 pounds per
thick interior C-D
cubic foot installed with long dimension parallel to string(exterior glue) top
ers or 3/8" C-D (exterior glue) plywood glued and/or nailed
stressed skin on 2" ×
to stringers. Nailing to be with 5d coolero or wallboardo
6" nominal (mini14-1.1 nails at 12" on center. Second layer of 1/2" Type X gypsum
mum) stringers.
wallboardc applied with long dimension perpendicular to
Adjacent panel
joists and attached with 8d coolero or wallboardo nails at 6"
edges joined with 8d
on center at end joints and 8" on center elsewhere. Wallcommon wire nails
board joints staggered with respect to fiberboard joints.
spaced 6" on center.
Stringers spaced 12"
maximum on center.
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1
15. Vermiculite concrete slab proportioned 1:4 (Portland
cement to vermiculite aggregate) on a
11/2" -deep steel
deck supported on
individually protected steel framing.
15-1.1 None
Maximum span of
deck 6-10" where
deck is less than
0.019 inch (No. 26
carbon steel sheet
gage) or greater.
Slab reinforced with
4" × 8" 0.109/0.083"
(No. 12/14 B.W. gage)
welded wire mesh.
—
—
—
3j
—
—
—
—
16. Perlite concrete
slab proportioned
1:6 (Portland cement
to perlite aggregate)
on a 11/4" -deep steel
deck supported on
individually protected steel framing.
Slab reinforced with
4" × 8" 0.109/0.083"
(No. 12/14 B.W. gage)
welded wire mesh.
—
—
—
31/2j
—
—
—
—
16-1.1 None
(continued)
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
175
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(3)—continued
MINIMUM PROTECTION FOR FLOOR AND ROOF SYSTEMSa, q
FLOOR OR ROOF
CONSTRUCTION
ITEM
NUMBER
CEILING CONSTRUCTION
THICKNESS OF FLOOR
OR ROOF SLAB
(inches)
MINIMUM THICKNESS OF
CEILING
(inches)
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour hours hours hours hour
17. Perlite concrete
slab proportioned
1:6 (Portland cement
to perlite aggregate)
Perlite gypsum plaster on metal lath wire tied to 3/4" furring
9
on a /16"-deep steel 17-1.1 channels attached with 0.065" (No. 16 B.W. gage) wire ties
deck supported by
to lower chord of joists.
steel joists 4 on
center. Class A or B
roof covering on top.
—
18. Perlite concrete
slab proportioned
1:6 (Portland cement
to perlite aggregate)
on 11/4" -deep steel
deck supported on
individually
protected steel
framing. Maximum
span of deck 6-10"
where deck is less
than 0.019" (No. 26
carbon sheet steel
gage) and 8-0"
where deck is 0.019"
(No. 26 carbon sheet
steel gage) or
greater. Slab
reinforced with
0.042" (No. 19 B.W.
gage) hexagonal
wire mesh. Class A
or B roof covering
on top.
18-1.1 None
—
19. Floor and beam
construction
consisting of 3" deep cellular steel
floor unit mounted
on steel members
with 1:4 (proportion
of Portland cement
to perlite aggregate)
perlite-concrete
floor slab on top.
Suspended envelope ceiling of perlite gypsum plaster on
metal lath attached to 3/4" cold-rolled channels, secured to
11/2" cold-rolled channels spaced 42" on center supported
19-1.1
by 0.203 inch (No. 6 B.W. gage) wire 36" on center. Beams
in envelope with 3" minimum airspace between beam soffit
and lath have a 4-hour rating.
2p
2p
2p
21/4p 21/4p
—
—
—
—
7
—
—
—
1l
/8
3
/4
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(continued)
176
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(3)—continued
MINIMUM PROTECTION FOR FLOOR AND ROOF SYSTEMSa, q
FLOOR OR ROOF
CONSTRUCTION
ITEM
NUMBER
CEILING CONSTRUCTION
THICKNESS OF FLOOR OR
ROOF SLAB
(inches)
4
3
2
hours hours hours
20. Perlite concrete proportioned 1:6
(Portland cement to perlite aggregate)
poured to 1/8" thickness above top of
corrugations of 15/16" -deep
galvanized steel deck maximum span
8-0" for 0.024" (No. 24 galvanized
sheet gage) or 60" for 0.019" (No.
26 galvanized sheet gage) with deck
supported by individually protected
steel framing. Approved polystyrene
foam plastic insulation board having a
flame spread not exceeding 75 (1" to
4" thickness) with vent holes that
approximate 3 percent of the board
surface area placed on top of perlite
20-1.1 None
slurry. A 2 by 4 insulation board
contains six 23/4" diameter holes.
Board covered with 21/4" minimum
perlite concrete slab. Slab reinforced
with mesh consisting of 0.042" (No.
19 B.W. gage) galvanized steel wire
twisted together to form 2" hexagons
with straight 0.065" (No. 16 B.W.
gage) galvanized steel wire woven
into mesh and spaced 3". Alternate
slab reinforcement shall be permitted
to consist of 4" × 8", 0.109/0.238"
(No. 12/4 B.W. gage), or 2" × 2",
0.083/0.083" (No. 14/14 B.W. gage)
welded wire fabric. Class A or B roof
covering on top.
—
—
Varies
Base layer 5/8" Type X gypsum wallboard
applied at right angles to joist or truss 24"
21. Wood joists, wood I-joists, floor
o.c. with 11/4" Type S or Type W drywall
trusses and flat or pitched roof trusses
1
screws 24" o.c. Face layer 5/8" Type X
spaced a maximum 24" o.c. with /2"
wood structural panels with exterior
gypsum wallboard or veneer base applied
glue applied at right angles to top of
at right angles to joist or truss through
21-1.1
joist or top chord of trusses with 8d
base layer with 17/8" Type S or Type W
drywall screws 12" o.c. at joints and
nails. The wood structural panel
intermediate joist or truss. Face layer
thickness shall be not less than
Type G drywall screws placed 2" back on
nominal 1/2" nor less than required by
Chapter 23.
either side of face layer end joints, 12"
o.c.
—
—
—
1
hour
—
MINIMUM THICKNESS
OF CEILING
(inches)
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour
—
—
—
—
Varies —
—
—
11/4
(continued)
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
177
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(3)—continued
MINIMUM PROTECTION FOR FLOOR AND ROOF SYSTEMSa, q
FLOOR OR ROOF
CONSTRUCTION
ITEM
NUMBER
CEILING CONSTRUCTION
THICKNESS OF FLOOR OR MINIMUM THICKNESS OF
ROOF SLAB
CEILING
(inches)
(inches)
4
3
2
hours hours hours
1
4
3
2
1
hour hours hours hours hour
Base layer 5/8" Type X gypsum board
applied at right angles to steel framing 24"
22. Steel joists, floor trusses and flat
on center with 1" Type S drywall screws
or pitched roof trusses spaced a
spaced 24" on center. Face layer 5/8" Type
maximum 24" o.c. with 1/2" wood
X gypsum board applied at right angles to
structural panels with exterior glue
steel framing attached through base layer
applied at right angles to top of joist
22-1.1 with 15/8" Type S drywall screws 12" on
or top chord of trusses with No. 8
center at end joints and intermediate joints
screws. The wood structural panel
and 11/2" Type G drywall screws 12 inches
thickness shall be not less than nomon center placed 2" back on either side of
1
inal /2" nor less than required by
face layer end joints. Joints of the face
Chapter 23.
layer are offset 24" from the joints of the
base layer.
—
—
— Varies —
—
—
23. Wood I-joist (minimum joist
depth 91/4" with a minimum flange
1
/2" deep single leg resilient channel 16" on
depth of 15/16" and a minimum
center (channels doubled at wallboard end
flange cross-sectional area of 2.25
joints), placed perpendicular to the furring
square inches) at 24" o.c. spacing
strip and joist and attached to each joist by
3
with a minimum 1 × 4 ( /4" × 3.5"
17/8" Type S drywall screws. 5/8" Type C
actual) ledger strip applied parallel
23-1.1 gypsum wallboard applied perpendicular
to and covering the bottom of the
to the channel with end joints staggered
bottom flange of each member,
not less than 4 and fastened with 11/8"
tacked in place. 2" mineral wool
Type S drywall screws spaced 7" on ceninsulation, 3.5 pcf (nominal)
ter. Wallboard joints to be taped and covinstalled adjacent to the bottom
ered with joint compound.
flange of the I-joist and supported by
the 1 × 4 ledger strip.
—
—
— Varies —
—
—
5
24. Wood I-joist (minimum I-joist
depth 91/4" with a minimum flange
depth of 11/2" and a minimum flange
cross-sectional area of 5.25 square
inches; minimum web thickness of
3
/8") @ 24" o.c., 11/2" mineral wool
insulation (2.5 pcf-nominal) resting
on hat-shaped furring channels.
Minimum 0.026" thick hat-shaped channel
16" o.c. (channels doubled at wallboard
end joints), placed perpendicular to the
joist and attached to each joist by 11/4"
Type S drywall screws. 5/8" Type C gyp24-1.1 sum wallboard applied perpendicular to
the channel with end joints staggered and
fastened with 11/8" Type S drywall screws
spaced 12" o.c. in the field and 8" o.c. at
the wallboard ends. Wallboard joints to be
taped and covered with joint compound.
—
—
— Varies —
—
—
5
25. Wood I-joist (minimum I-joist
depth 91/4" with a minimum flange
depth of 11/2" and a minimum flange
cross-sectional area of 5.25 square
inches; minimum web thickness of
7
/16") @ 24" o.c., 11/2" mineral wool
insulation (2.5 pcf-nominal) resting
on resilient channels.
Minimum 0.019" thick resilient channel
16" o.c. (channels doubled at wallboard
end joints), placed perpendicular to the
joist and attached to each joist by 15/8"
Type S drywall screws. 5/8" Type C gyp25-1.1 sum wallboard applied perpendicular to
the channel with end joints staggered and
fastened with 1" Type S drywall screws
spaced 12" o.c. in the field and 8" o.c. at
the wallboard ends. Wallboard joints to be
taped and covered with joint compound.
—
—
— Varies —
—
—
5
11/4
/8
/8
/8
(continued)
178
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(3)—continued
MINIMUM PROTECTION FOR FLOOR AND ROOF SYSTEMSa, q
FLOOR OR ROOF
CONSTRUCTION
ITEM
NUMBER
CEILING CONSTRUCTION
THICKNESS OF FLOOR OR MINIMUM THICKNESS OF
ROOF SLAB
CEILING
(inches)
(inches)
4
3
2
hours hours hours
1
hour
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour
26. Wood I-joist (minimum I-joist
depth 91/4" with a minimum flange
thickness of 11/2" and a minimum
flange cross-sectional area of 2.25
square inches; minimum web thickness of 3/8") @ 24" o.c.
Two layers of 1/2" Type X gypsum
wallboard applied with the long
dimension perpendicular to the I-joists
with end joints staggered. The base layer
is fastened with 15/8" Type S drywall
screws spaced 12" o.c. and the face layer
is fastened with 2" Type S drywall screws
spaced 12" o.c. in the field and 8" o.c. on
26-1.1 the edges. Face layer end joints shall not
occur on the same I-joist as base layer
end joints and edge joints shall be offset
24" from base layer joints. Face layer to
also be attached to base layer with 11/2"
Type G drywall screws spaced 8" o.c.
placed 6" from face layer end joints. Face
layer wallboard joints to be taped and
covered with joint compound.
—
—
—
Varies
—
—
—
1
27. Wood I-joist (minimum I-joist
depth 91/2" with a minimum flange
depth of 15/16" and a minimum
flange cross-sectional area of 1.95
square inches; minimum web thickness of 3/8") @ 24" o.c.
Minimum 0.019" thick resilient channel
16" o.c. (channels doubled at wallboard
end joints), placed perpendicular to the
joist and attached to each joist by 11/4"
Type S drywall screws. Two layers of 1/2"
Type X gypsum wallboard applied with
the long dimension perpendicular to the
resilient channels with end joints
staggered. The base layer is fastened
with 11/4" Type S drywall screws spaced
27-1.1 12" o.c. and the face layer is fastened
with 15/8" Type S drywall screws spaced
12" o.c. Face layer end joints shall not
occur on the same I-joist as base layer
end joints and edge joints shall be offset
24" from base layer joints. Face layer to
also be attached to base layer with 11/2"
Type G drywall screws spaced 8" o.c.
placed 6" from face layer end joints.
Face layer wallboard joints to be taped
and covered with joint compound.
—
—
—
Varies
—
—
—
1
(continued)
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
179
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(3)—continued
MINIMUM PROTECTION FOR FLOOR AND ROOF SYSTEMSa, q
FLOOR OR ROOF
CONSTRUCTION
ITEM
NUMBER
CEILING CONSTRUCTION
THICKNESS OF FLOOR OR
ROOF SLAB (inches)
4
3
2
hours hours hours
28. Wood I-joist (minimum I-joist
depth 91/4" with a minimum flange
depth of 11/2" and a minimum flange
cross-sectional area of 2.25 square
inches; minimum web thickness of
3
/8") @ 24" o.c. Unfaced fiberglass
insulation or mineral wool insulation
is installed between the I-joists
supported on the upper surface of the
flange by stay wires spaced 12" o.c.
Base layer of 5/8" Type C gypsum
wallboard attached directly to I-joists
with 15/8" Type S drywall screws
spaced 12" o.c. with ends staggered.
Minimum 0.0179" thick hat-shaped 7/8inch furring channel 16" o.c. (channels
doubled at wallboard end joints),
placed perpendicular to the joist and
attached to each joist by 15/8" Type S
drywall screws after the base layer of
gypsum wallboard has been applied.
28-1.1 The middle and face layers of 5/8" Type
C gypsum wallboard applied
perpendicular to the channel with end
joints staggered. The middle layer is
fastened with 1" Type S drywall screws
spaced 12" o.c. The face layer is
applied parallel to the middle layer but
with the edge joints offset 24" from
those of the middle layer and fastened
with 15/8" Type S drywall screws 8" o.c.
The joints shall be taped and covered
with joint compound.
—
—
29. Channel-shaped 18 gage steel
joists (minimum depth 8") spaced a
maximum 24" o.c. supporting
tongue-and-groove wood structural
panels (nominal minimum 3/4" thick)
applied perpendicular to framing
members. Structural panels attached
with 15/8" Type S-12 screws spaced
12" o.c.
Base layer 5/8" Type X gypsum board
applied perpendicular to bottom of
framing members with 11/8" Type S-12
screws spaced 12" o.c. Second layer 5/8"
Type X gypsum board attached
perpendicular to framing members with
15/8" Type S-12 screws spaced 12" o.c.
Second layer joints offset 24" from base
layer. Third layer 5/8" Type X gypsum
board attached perpendicular to framing
29-1.1 members with 23/8" Type S-12 screws
spaced 12" o.c. Third layer joints offset
12" from second layer joints. Hatshaped 7/8-inch rigid furring channels
applied at right angles to framing
members over third layer with two 23/8"
Type S-12 screws at each framing
member. Face layer 5/8" Type X gypsum
board applied at right angles to furring
channels with 11/8" Type S screws
spaced 12" o.c.
—
— Varies
—
1
hour
MINIMUM THICKNESS OF
CEILING (inches)
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour
Varies
—
—
23/4
—
—
—
—
33/8
—
(continued)
180
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 721.1(3)—continued
MINIMUM PROTECTION FOR FLOOR AND ROOF SYSTEMSa, q
FLOOR OR ROOF
CONSTRUCTION
ITEM
NUMBER
CEILING CONSTRUCTION
Minimum 0.019" thick resilient channel
16" o.c. (channels doubled at wallboard
end joints), placed perpendicular to the
joists and attached to each joist by 11/4"
Type S drywall screws. Two layers of
1
/2" Type X gypsum wallboard applied
with the long dimension perpendicular
30. Wood I-joist (minimum I-joist
to the resilient channels with end joints
depth 91/2" with a minimum flange
staggered. The base layer is fastened
1
depth of 1 /2" and a minimum flange
with 11/4" Type S drywall screws spaced
cross-sectional area of 2.25 square
30-1.1 12" o.c. and the face layer is fastened
inches; minimum web thickness of
with 15/8" Type S drywall screws spaced
3
/8") @ 24" o.c. Fiberglass insulation
12" o.c. Face layer end joints shall not
placed between I-joists supported by
occur on the same I-joist as base layer
the resilient channels.
end joints and edge joints shall be offset
24" from base layer joints. Face layer to
be attached to base layer with 11/2" Type
G drywall screws spaced 8" o.c. placed
6" from face layer end joints. Face layer
wallboard joints to be taped and covered with joint compound.
THICKNESS OF FLOOR OR
ROOF SLAB (inches)
4
3
2
hours hours hours
—
—
—
1
hour
Varies
MINIMUM THICKNESS OF
CEILING (inches)
4
3
2
1
hours hours hours hour
—
—
—
1
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 cubic foot = 0.0283 m3,
1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 pound per linear foot = 1.4882 kg/m.
a. Staples with equivalent holding power and penetration shall be permitted to be used as alternate fasteners to nails for attachment to wood framing.
b. Where the slab is in an unrestrained condition, minimum reinforcement cover shall be not less than 15/8 inches for 4 hours (siliceous aggregate only);
11/4 inches for 4 and 3 hours; 1 inch for 2 hours (siliceous aggregate only); and 3/4 inch for all other restrained and unrestrained conditions.
c. For all of the construction with gypsum wallboard described in this table, gypsum base for veneer plaster of the same size, thickness and core type shall be
permitted to be substituted for gypsum wallboard, provided that attachment is identical to that specified for the wallboard, and the joints on the face layer are
reinforced and the entire surface is covered with not less than 1/16-inch gypsum veneer plaster.
d. Slab thickness over steel joists measured at the joists for metal lath form and at the top of the form for steel form units.
e. (a) The maximum allowable stress level for H-Series joists shall not exceed 22,000 psi.
(b) The allowable stress for K-Series joists shall not exceed 26,000 psi, the nominal depth of such joist shall be not less than 10 inches and the nominal joist
weight shall be not less than 5 pounds per linear foot.
f. Cement plaster with 15 pounds of hydrated lime and 3 pounds of approved additives or admixtures per bag of cement.
g. Gypsum wallboard ceilings attached to steel framing shall be permitted to be suspended with 11/2-inch cold-formed carrying channels spaced 48 inches on
center, that are suspended with No. 8 SWG galvanized wire hangers spaced 48 inches on center. Cross-furring channels are tied to the carrying channels with
No. 18 SWG galvanized wire hangers spaced 48 inches on center. Cross-furring channels are tied to the carrying channels with No. 18 SWG galvanized wire
(double strand) and spaced as required for direct attachment to the framing. This alternative is applicable to those steel framing assemblies recognized under
Note q.
h. Six-inch hollow clay tile with 2-inch concrete slab above.
i. Four-inch hollow clay tile with 11/2-inch concrete slab above.
j. Thickness measured to bottom of steel form units.
k. Five-eighths inch of vermiculite gypsum plaster plus 1/2 inch of approved vermiculite acoustical plastic.
l. Furring channels spaced 12 inches on center.
m. Double wood floor shall be permitted to be either of the following:
(a) Subfloor of 1-inch nominal boarding, a layer of asbestos paper weighing not less than 14 pounds per 100 square feet and a layer of 1-inch nominal
tongue-and-groove finished flooring.
(b) Subfloor of 1-inch nominal tongue-and-groove boarding or 15/32-inch wood structural panels with exterior glue and a layer of 1-inch nominal tongue-andgroove finished flooring or 19/32-inch wood structural panel finish flooring or a layer of Type I Grade M-1 particleboard not less than 5/8-inch thick.
n. The ceiling shall be permitted to be omitted over unusable space, and flooring shall be permitted to be omitted where unusable space occurs above.
o. For properties of cooler or wallboard nails, see ASTM C514, ASTM C547 or ASTM F1667.
p. Thickness measured on top of steel deck unit.
q. Generic fire-resistance ratings (those not designated as PROPRIETARY* in the listing) in the GA 600 shall be accepted as if herein listed.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
181
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
where:
722.2.1.1.1 Hollow-core precast wall panels. For
hollow-core precast concrete wall panels in which
the cores are of constant cross section throughout
the length, calculation of the equivalent thickness by
dividing the net cross-sectional area (the gross cross
section minus the area of the cores) of the panel by
its width shall be permitted
R = The fire endurance of the assembly, minutes.
R1, R2, and Rn = The fire endurances of the individual
wythes, minutes. Values of Rn0.59 for use in Equation
7-4 are given in Table 722.2.1.2(1). Calculated fireresistance ratings are shown in Table 722.2.1.2(2).
722.2.1.2.2 Foam plastic insulation. The fire-resistance ratings of precast concrete wall panels consisting of a layer of foam plastic insulation
sandwiched between two wythes of concrete shall
be permitted to be determined by use of Equation 74. Foam plastic insulation with a total thickness of
less than 1 inch (25 mm) shall be disregarded. The
Rn value for thickness of foam plastic insulation of 1
inch (25 mm) or greater, for use in the calculation, is
5 minutes; therefore Rn0.59 = 2.5.
TABLE 722.2.1.1
MINIMUM EQUIVALENT THICKNESS OF
CAST-IN-PLACE OR PRECAST CONCRETE WALLS,
LOAD-BEARING OR NONLOAD-BEARING
MINIMUM SLAB THICKNESS (inches)
FOR FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING OF
3 hours
4 hours
Siliceous
3.5
4.3
5.0
6.2
7.0
Carbonate
3.2
4.0
4.6
5.7
6.6
Sand-lightweight
2.7
3.3
3.8
4.6
5.4
Lightweight
2.5
3.1
3.6
4.4
5.1
722.2.1.3 Joints between precast wall panels. Joints
between precast concrete wall panels that are not insulated as required by this section shall be considered as
openings in walls. Uninsulated joints shall be included in
determining the percentage of openings permitted by
Table 705.8. Where openings are not permitted or are
required by this code to be protected, the provisions of
this section shall be used to determine the amount of joint
insulation required. Insulated joints shall not be considered openings for purposes of determining compliance
with the allowable percentage of openings in Table 705.8.
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
722.2.1.1.2 Core spaces filled. Where all of the core
spaces of hollow-core wall panels are filled with
loose-fill material, such as expanded shale, clay or
slag, or vermiculite or perlite, the fire-resistance rating of the wall is the same as that of a solid wall of the
same concrete type and of the same overall thickness.
722.2.1.1.3 Tapered cross sections. The thickness
of panels with tapered cross sections shall be that
determined at a distance 2t or 6 inches (152 mm),
whichever is less, from the point of minimum thickness, where t is the minimum thickness.
722.2.1.1.4 Ribbed or undulating surfaces. The
equivalent thickness of panels with ribbed or undulating surfaces shall be determined by one of the following expressions:
For s ≥ 4t, the thickness to be used shall be t
For s ≤ 2t, the thickness to be used shall be te
For 4t > s > 2t, the thickness to be used shall be
4
where:
s = Spacing of ribs or undulations.
t = Minimum thickness.
te = Equivalent thickness of the panel calculated as
the net cross-sectional area of the panel divided
by the width, in which the maximum thickness
used in the calculation shall not exceed 2t.
722.2.1.2 Multiwythe walls. For walls that consist of
two wythes of different types of concrete, the fire-resistance ratings shall be permitted to be determined from
Figure 722.2.1.2.
722.2.1.2.1 Two or more wythes. The fire-resistance rating for wall panels consisting of two or
more wythes shall be permitted to be determined by
the formula:
3
3
2h
.
hr
.
hr
r.
.
hr
4
3
2h
r.
1
1h
0
3
4
5
6
7
8
PANEL THICKNESS, INCHES
3
3/8 INCH WIDTH
3 hr.
2
4
3
.
hr
.
hr
r.
3
hr
.
.
hr
r.
1
2 hr.
4h
1
0
1 hr.
r.
2
182
(Equation 7-4)
2
1h
R = (R10.59 + R20.59 +...+ Rn0.59)1.7
1-INCH JOINT WIDTH
.
hr
(Equation 7-3)
4
4t
t +  ----- – 1  t e – t 
s

722.2.1.3.1 Ceramic fiber joint protection. Figure
722.2.1.3.1 shows thicknesses of ceramic fiber blankets to be used to insulate joints between precast
concrete wall panels for various panel thicknesses
and for joint widths of 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) and 1 inch
(25 mm) for fire-resistance ratings of 1 hour to 4
hours. For joint widths between 3/8 inch (9.5 mm)
and 1 inch (25 mm), the thickness of ceramic fiber
blanket is allowed to be determined by direct interpolation. Other tested and labeled materials are
acceptable in place of ceramic fiber blankets.
4
5
6
7
8
PANEL THICKNESS, INCHES
1 INCH MAXIMUM REGARDLESS
OF OPENING RATING
CERAMIC FIBER
BLANKET
C
11/2 hours 2 hours
PANEL
THICKNESS
1 hour
“C” THICKNESS OF CERAMIC BLANKET, INCHES
CONCRETE
TYPE
JOINT
WIDTH
CARBONATE OR
SILICEOUS AGGREGATE
CONCRETE
SAND-LIGHTWEIGHT
OR LIGHTWEIGHT
CONCRETE
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
FIGURE 722.2.1.3.1
CERAMIC FIBER JOINT PROTECTION
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
THICKNESS OF OUTSIDE
WYTHE OF SAND-LIGHTWEIGHT
CONCRETE, INCHES
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
INSIDE WYTHE
SILICEOUS
INSIDE WYTHE
CARBONATE
5
5
4
4
3
THICKNESS OF OUTSIDE
WYTHE OF CARBONATE OR
SILICEOUS AGGREGATE
CONCRETE, INCHES
2
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
1hr.
3
2
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
1hr.
1
1
0
0
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
THICKNESS OF INSIDE WYTHE, INCHES
OUTSIDE WYTHE
SILICEOUS
OUTSIDE WYTHE
CARBONATE
5
5
4
4
3
2
1
0
3
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
1hr.
1
2
3
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
1hr.
2
1
4
0
5
1
2
3
4
5
THICKNESS OF INSIDE WYTHE OF SAND-LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE, INCHES
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
FIGURE 722.2.1.2
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS OF TWO-WYTHE CONCRETE WALLS
TABLE 722.2.1.2(1)
VALUES OF Rn0.59 FOR USE IN EQUATION 7-4
THICKNESS OF MATERIAL (inches)
TYPE OF MATERIAL
11/2
2
21/2
3
31/2
4
41/2
5
51/2
6
61/2
7
Siliceous aggregate concrete
5.3
6.5
8.1
9.5
11.3
13.0
14.9
16.9
18.8
20.7
22.8
25.1
Carbonate aggregate concrete
5.5
7.1
8.9
10.4
12.0
14.0
16.2
18.1
20.3
21.9
24.7
27.2c
c
Sand-lightweight concrete
6.5
8.2
10.5
12.8
15.5
18.1
20.7
23.3
26.0
Note c
Note c Note c
Lightweight concrete
6.6
8.8
11.2
13.7
16.5
19.1
21.9
24.7
27.8c
Note c
Note c Note c
c
Note c Note c
a
Insulating concrete
9.3
13.3
16.6
18.3
23.1
26.5
Note c
Note c
Note c
Note c
Airspaceb
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
3
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per cubic foot = 16.02 kg/m .
a. Dry unit weight of 35 pcf or less and consisting of cellular, perlite or vermiculite concrete.
b. The Rn0.59 value for one 1/2" to 31/2" airspace is 3.3. The Rn0.59 value for two 1/2" to 31/2" airspaces is 6.7.
c. The fire-resistance rating for this thickness exceeds 4 hours.
TABLE 722.2.1.2(2)
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS BASED ON R0.59
Ra, MINUTES
R0.59
60
11.20
120
16.85
180
21.41
240
25.37
a. Based on Equation 7-4.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
183
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
722.2.1.4 Walls with gypsum wallboard or plaster
finishes. The fire-resistance rating of cast-in-place or
precast concrete walls with finishes of gypsum wallboard or plaster applied to one or both sides shall be
permitted to be calculated in accordance with the provisions of this section.
722.2.1.4.1 Nonfire-exposed side. Where the finish
of gypsum wallboard or plaster is applied to the side
of the wall not exposed to fire, the contribution of
the finish to the total fire-resistance rating shall be
determined as follows: The thickness of the finish
shall first be corrected by multiplying the actual
thickness of the finish by the applicable factor determined from Table 722.2.1.4(1) based on the type of
aggregate in the concrete. The corrected thickness of
finish shall then be added to the actual or equivalent
thickness of concrete and fire-resistance rating of
the concrete and finish determined from Tables
722.2.1.1 and 722.2.1.2(1) and Figure 722.2.1.2.
722.2.1.4.2 Fire-exposed side. Where gypsum wallboard or plaster is applied to the fire-exposed side of
the wall, the contribution of the finish to the total fireresistance rating shall be determined as follows: The
time assigned to the finish as established by Table
722.2.1.4(2) shall be added to the fire-resistance rating determined from Tables 722.2.1.1 and
722.2.1.2(1) and Figure 722.2.1.2 for the concrete
alone, or to the rating determined in Section
722.2.1.4.1 for the concrete and finish on the nonfireexposed side.
722.2.1.4.3 Nonsymmetrical assemblies. For a wall
without finish on one side or having different types
or thicknesses of finish on each side, the calculation
procedures of Sections 722.2.1.4.1 and 722.2.1.4.2
shall be performed twice, assuming either side of the
wall to be the fire-exposed side. The fire-resistance
rating of the wall shall not exceed the lower of the
two values.
Exception: For an exterior wall with a fire separation distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) the fire
shall be assumed to occur on the interior side only.
722.2.1.4.4 Minimum concrete fire-resistance rating. Where finishes applied to one or both sides of a
concrete wall contribute to the fire-resistance rating,
the concrete alone shall provide not less than onehalf of the total required fire-resistance rating.
Additionally, the contribution to the fire resistance
of the finish on the nonfire-exposed side of a loadbearing wall shall not exceed one-half the contribution of the concrete alone.
722.2.1.4.5 Concrete finishes. Finishes on concrete
walls that are assumed to contribute to the total fireresistance rating of the wall shall comply with the
installation requirements of Section 722.3.2.5.
TABLE 722.2.1.4(2)
TIME ASSIGNED TO FINISH MATERIALS
ON FIRE-EXPOSED SIDE OF WALL
FINISH DESCRIPTION
TIME (minutes)
Gypsum wallboard
3
/8 inch
1
/2 inch
5
/8 inch
2 layers of 3/8 inch
1 layer of 3/8 inch, 1 layer of 1/2 inch
2 layers of 1/2 inch
10
15
20
25
35
40
Type X gypsum wallboard
1
/2 inch
5
/8 inch
25
40
Portland cement-sand plaster applied directly
to concrete masonry
See Note a
Portland cement-sand plaster on metal lath
3
/4 inch
7
/8 inch
1 inch
20
25
30
Gypsum sand plaster on 3/8-inch gypsum lath
1
/2 inch
5
/8 inch
3
/4 inch
35
40
50
Gypsum sand plaster on metal lath
3
/4 inch
7
/8 inch
1 inch
50
60
80
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. The actual thickness of Portland cement-sand plaster, provided that it is 5/8
inch or less in thickness, shall be permitted to be included in determining
the equivalent thickness of the masonry for use in Table 722.3.2.
TABLE 722.2.1.4(1)
MULTIPLYING FACTOR FOR FINISHES ON NONFIRE-EXPOSED SIDE OF WALL
TYPE OF AGGREGATE USED IN CONCRETE OR CONCRETE MASONRY
Concrete: siliceous
or carbonate
Concrete Masonry:
siliceous or carbonate;
solid clay brick
Concrete: sand-lightweight
Concrete Masonry: clay tile;
hollow clay brick; concrete
masonry units of expanded
shale and < 20% sand
Concrete: lightweight Concrete
Masonry: concrete masonry
units of expanded shale,
expanded clay, expanded slag,
or pumice < 20% sand
Concrete Masonry:
concrete masonry
units of expanded
slag, expanded clay,
or pumice
Portland cement-sand plaster
1.00
0.75a
0.75a
0.50a
Gypsum-sand plaster
1.25
1.00
1.00
1.00
Gypsum-vermiculite or perlite plaster
1.75
1.50
1.25
1.25
Gypsum wallboard
3.00
2.25
2.25
2.25
TYPE OF FINISH APPLIED
TO CONCRETE OR CONCRETE
MASONRY WALL
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. For Portland cement-sand plaster 5/8 inch or less in thickness and applied directly to the concrete or concrete masonry on the nonfire-exposed side of the wall,
the multiplying factor shall be 1.00.
184
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
722.2.2 Concrete floor and roof slabs. Reinforced and
prestressed floors and roofs shall comply with Section
722.2.2.1. Multicourse floors and roofs shall comply with
Sections 722.2.2.2 and 722.2.2.3, respectively.
For 4t > s > 2t, the thickness to be used shall be
4t
t +  ----- – 1  t e – t 
s

Exception: Minimum thickness shall not be required
for floors and ramps within parking garages constructed in accordance with Sections 406.5 and 406.6.
2t
TABLE 722.2.2.1
MINIMUM SLAB THICKNESS (inches)
t
where:
s = Spacing of ribs or undulations.
t = Minimum thickness.
te = Equivalent thickness of the slab calculated as
the net area of the slab divided by the width, in
which the maximum thickness used in the
calculation shall not exceed 2t.
722.2.2.1 Reinforced and prestressed floors and roofs.
The minimum thicknesses of reinforced and prestressed
concrete floor or roof slabs for fire-resistance ratings of
1 hour to 4 hours are shown in Table 722.2.2.1.
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
1
11/2
2
3
4
Siliceous
3.5
4.3
5
6.2
7
Carbonate
3.2
4
4.6
5.7
6.6
Sand-lightweight
2.7
3.3
3.8
4.6
5.4
Lightweight
2.5
3.1
3.6
4.4
5.1
s
NEGLECT SHADED AREA IN CALCULATION OF EQUIVALENT THICKNESS
t
CONCRETE TYPE
(Equation 7-5)
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
722.2.2.1.2 Slabs with sloping soffits. The thickness
of slabs with sloping soffits (see Figure 722.2.2.1.2)
shall be determined at a distance 2t or 6 inches (152
mm), whichever is less, from the point of minimum
thickness, where t is the minimum thickness.
DETERMINE THICKNESS HERE
t
2t OR 6 INCHES,
WHICHEVER IS LESS
s
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
FIGURE 722.2.2.1.3
SLABS WITH RIBBED OR UNDULATING SOFFITS
722.2.2.2 Multicourse floors. The fire-resistance ratings of floors that consist of a base slab of concrete
with a topping (overlay) of a different type of concrete
shall comply with Figure 722.2.2.2.
THICKNESS OF SAND-LIGHTWEIGHT
CONCRETE OVERLAY, INCHES
722.2.2.1.1 Hollow-core prestressed slabs. For hollow-core prestressed concrete slabs in which the cores
are of constant cross section throughout the length,
the equivalent thickness shall be permitted to be
obtained by dividing the net cross-sectional area of
the slab including grout in the joints, by its width.
CARBONATE BASE
SILICEOUS BASE
5
5
4
4
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
3
2
2
1hr.
1hr.
1
1
0
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
3
1
2
3
4
5
0
1
2
3
4
5
THICKNESS OF NORMAL-WEIGHT CONCRETE BASE SLAB, INCHES
FIGURE 722.2.2.1.2
DETERMINATION OF SLAB
THICKNESS FOR SLOPING SOFFITS
722.2.2.1.3 Slabs with ribbed soffits. The thickness
of slabs with ribbed or undulating soffits (see Figure
722.2.2.1.3) shall be determined by one of the following expressions, whichever is applicable:
For s > 4t, the thickness to be used shall be t
For s ≤ 2t, the thickness to be used shall be te
OVERLAY THICKNESS, INCHES
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
CARBONATE BASE
SILICEOUS BASE
5
5
4
4
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
3
2
2
1hr.
1
0
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
3
1hr.
1
1
2
3
4
5
0
1
2
3
4
5
THICKNESS OF SAND-LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE BASE SLAB, INCHES
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
FIGURE 722.2.2.2
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS FOR
TWO-COURSE CONCRETE FLOORS
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
185
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
722.2.2.3 Multicourse roofs. The fire-resistance ratings of roofs that consist of a base slab of concrete with
a topping (overlay) of an insulating concrete or with an
insulating board and built-up roofing shall comply with
Figures 722.2.2.3(1) and 722.2.2.3(2).
722.2.2.3.1 Heat transfer. For the transfer of heat,
three-ply built-up roofing contributes 10 minutes to
the fire-resistance rating. The fire-resistance rating
for concrete assemblies such as those shown in Figure 722.2.2.3(1) shall be increased by 10 minutes.
This increase is not applicable to those shown in
Figure 722.2.2.3(2).
722.2.2.4 Joints in precast slabs. Joints between adjacent precast concrete slabs need not be considered in
calculating the slab thickness provided that a concrete
topping not less than 1 inch (25 mm) thick is used.
Where concrete topping is not used, joints must be
grouted to a depth of not less than one-third the slab
thickness at the joint, but not less than 1 inch (25 mm),
or the joints must be made fire resistant by other
approved methods.
722.2.3 Concrete cover over reinforcement. The minimum thickness of concrete cover over reinforcement in
concrete slabs, reinforced beams and prestressed beams
shall comply with this section.
722.2.3.1 Slab cover. The minimum thickness of concrete cover to the positive moment reinforcement shall
comply with Table 722.2.3(1) for reinforced concrete
and Table 722.2.3(2) for prestressed concrete. These
tables are applicable for solid or hollow-core one-way
or two-way slabs with flat undersurfaces. These tables
STANDARD 3-PLY
BUILT-UP ROOFING
CONCRETE
MINERAL BOARD
CONCRETE
CARBONATE BASE
SILICEOUS BASE
3
3
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
1hr.
2
1
0
2
3
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
1hr.
2
1
4
SAND-LIGHTWEIGHT BASE
0
2
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
1hr.
2
1
4
0
2
4
THICKNESS OF CONCRETE BASE SLAB, INCHES
(d)
PERLITE CONCRETE
(b)
THICKNESS OF PERLITE
CONCRETE OVERLAY, INCHES
CONCRETE
CARBONATE BASE
4
3
1
0
2
4
3
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
1hr.
2
SILICEOUS BASE
1
0
4
2
SILICEOUS BASE
CARBONATE BASE
3
3
2
2
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
1
1
2
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
1
1hr.
0
SAND-LIGHTWEIGHT BASE
3
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
1
1hr.
1hr.
2
3
0
4
1
2
3
0
4
1
2
3
4
THICKNESS OF CONCRETE BASE SLAB, INCHES
SAND-LIGHTWEIGHT BASE
4
3
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
1hr.
2
THICKNESS OF
MINERAL BOARD, INCHES
(a)
THICKNESS OF CELLULAR
CONCRETE OVERLAY, INCHES
CELLULAR CONCRETE
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
1hr.
2
1
4
0
2
STANDARD 3-PLY
BUILT-UP ROOFING
4
THICKNESS OF CONCRETE BASE SLAB, INCHES
GLASS FIBER BOARD
CONCRETE
(c)
THICKNESS OF VERMICULITE
CONCRETE OVERLAY, INCHES
CONCRETE
SILICEOUS BASE
CARBONATE BASE
SAND-LIGHTWEIGHT BASE
4
4
4
3
3
3
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
1hr.
2
1
0
2
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
1hr.
2
1
4
0
2
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
1hr.
2
1
4
0
THICKNESS OF CONCRETE BASE SLAB, INCHES
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
FIGURE 722.2.2.3(1)
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS FOR
CONCRETE ROOF ASSEMBLIES
186
2
(e)
4
THICKNESS OF
GLASS FIBER BOARD, INCHES
VERMICULITE CONCRETE
3
CARBONATE BASE
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
2
1
0
3
1
5
SAND-LIGHTWEIGHT BASE
3
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
2
1hr.
1
SILICEOUS BASE
3
0
1
1hr.
1
3
4hr.
3hr.
2hr.
2
5
0
1hr.
1
3
5
THICKNESS OF CONCRETE BASE SLAB, INCHES
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
FIGURE 722.2.2.3(2)
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS
FOR CONCRETE ROOF ASSEMBLIES
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
722.2.3(4) and 722.2.3(5) for fire-resistance ratings
of 1 hour to 4 hours. Values in Table 722.2.3(4) apply
to beams 8 inches (203 mm) or greater in width. Values in Table 722.2.3(5) apply to beams or stems of
any width, provided that the cross-section area is not
less than 40 square inches (25 806 mm2). In case of
differences between the values determined from Table
722.2.3(4) or 722.2.3(5), it is permitted to use the
smaller value. The concrete cover shall be calculated
in accordance with Section 722.2.3.3.1. The minimum
concrete cover for nonprestressed reinforcement in
prestressed concrete beams shall comply with Section
722.2.3.2.
are applicable to slabs that are either cast in place or
precast. For precast prestressed concrete not covered
elsewhere, the procedures contained in PCI MNL 124
shall be acceptable.
722.2.3.2 Reinforced beam cover. The minimum
thickness of concrete cover to the positive moment
reinforcement (bottom steel) for reinforced concrete
beams is shown in Table 722.2.3(3) for fire-resistance
ratings of 1 hour to 4 hours.
722.2.3.3 Prestressed beam cover. The minimum
thickness of concrete cover to the positive moment
prestressing tendons (bottom steel) for restrained and
unrestrained prestressed concrete beams and stemmed
units shall comply with the values shown in Tables
TABLE 722.2.3(1)
COVER THICKNESS FOR REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOOR OR ROOF SLABS (inches)
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
CONCRETE AGGREGATE TYPE
Restrained
11/2
1
Siliceous
3
Carbonate
3
Sand-lightweight or lightweight
3
/4
3
/4
3
/4
3
2
/4
3
/4
3
/4
3
Unrestrained
3
/4
3
/4
3
/4
3
4
/4
3
/4
3
/4
3
11/2
1
/4
3
3
/4
3
3
/4
3
3
/4
/4
/4
/4
/4
/4
2
3
4
1
1
1 /4
15/8
3
11/4
11/4
3
1
11/4
/4
/4
1 /4
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
TABLE 722.2.3(2)
COVER THICKNESS FOR PRESTRESSED CONCRETE FLOOR OR ROOF SLABS (inches)
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
CONCRETE AGGREGATE TYPE
Restrained
1
1
1 /2
1
1 /2
2
3
4
Siliceous
3
3
/4
3
3
/4
3
11/8
11/2
13/4
23/8
23/4
Carbonate
3
3
/4
3
3
/4
3
1
13/8
15/8
21/8
21/4
Sand-lightweight or lightweight
3
3
/4
3
3
/4
3
1
13/8
11/2
2
21/4
/4
/4
/4
2
Unrestrained
3
/4
/4
/4
4
1
/4
/4
/4
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
TABLE 722.2.3(3)
MINIMUM COVER FOR MAIN REINFORCING BARS OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMSc
(APPLICABLE TO ALL TYPES OF STRUCTURAL CONCRETE)
RESTRAINED OR
UNRESTRAINEDa
BEAM
WIDTHb(inches)
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
1
1
1 /2
3
4
3
/4
3
/4
3
/4
/4
3
/4
3
/4
/4
3
/4
3
/4
1a
3
/4
3
/4
11/4a
3
/4
3
/4
3
1
/4
3
/4
11/4
3
/4
3
/4
—
13/4
1
—
3
13/4
Restrained
5
7
 10
Unrestrained
5
7
 10
3
/4
/4
3
/4
3
3
2
3
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a. Tabulated values for restrained assemblies apply to beams spaced more than 4 feet on center. For restrained beams spaced 4 feet or less on center, minimum
cover of 3/4 inch is adequate for ratings of 4 hours or less.
b. For beam widths between the tabulated values, the minimum cover thickness can be determined by direct interpolation.
c. The cover for an individual reinforcing bar is the minimum thickness of concrete between the surface of the bar and the fire-exposed surface of the beam. For
beams in which several bars are used, the cover for corner bars used in the calculation shall be reduced to one-half of the actual value. The cover for an
individual bar must be not less than one-half of the value given in Table 722.2.3(3) nor less than 3/4 inch.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
187
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 722.2.3(4)
MINIMUM COVER FOR PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BEAMS 8 INCHES OR GREATER IN WIDTHb
RESTRAINED OR
UNRESTRAINEDa
CONCRETE
AGGREGATE TYPE
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
BEAM WIDTH
(inches)
1
11/2
2
3
4
1
1
1
3 a
4
1
2
1
2
1
2
1 a
2
7 a
8
a
Restrained
Carbonate or siliceous
Carbonate or siliceous
Sand lightweight
Sand lightweight
8
 12
8
12
1 /2
11/2
11/2
11/2
1 /2
11/2
11/2
11/2
1 /2
11/2
11/2
11/2
1/
1/
1/
1/
2/
1/
2
15/8a
Unrestrained
Carbonate or siliceous
Carbonate or siliceous
Sand lightweight
Sand lightweight
8
 12
8
 12
11/2
11/2
11/2
11/2
13/4
11/2
11/2
11/2
21/2
17/8a
2
15/8
5c
21/2
31/4
2
—
3
—
21/2
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a. Tabulated values for restrained assemblies apply to beams spaced more than 4 feet on center. For restrained beams spaced 4 feet or less on center, minimum
cover of 3/4 inch is adequate for 4-hour ratings or less.
b. For beam widths between 8 inches and 12 inches, minimum cover thickness can be determined by direct interpolation.
c. Not practical for 8-inch-wide beam but shown for purposes of interpolation.
TABLE 722.2.3(5)
MINIMUM COVER FOR PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BEAMS OF ALL WIDTHS
RESTRAINED OR
UNRESTRAINEDa
Restrained
Unrestrained
CONCRETE AGGREGATE TYPE
BEAM AREAb
A (square inches)
All
Carbonate or
siliceous
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
1
11/2
2
3
4
40  A  150
1
1 /2
1
1 /2
2
1
2 /2
—
150 < A  300
1
1 /2
1
1 /2
1
1 /2
3
1 /4
21/2
300 < A
1
1 /2
1
1 /2
1
1 /2
1
1 /2
2
Sand lightweight
150 < A
1
1 /2
1
1 /2
1
1 /2
1
1 /2
2
All
40  A  150
2
1
2 /2
—
—
—
Carbonate or
150 < A  300
1
1 /2
3
1 /4
1
—
—
siliceous
300 < A
1
1 /2
1
1 /2
2
c
3
4c
Sand lightweight
150 < A
11/2
11/2
2
3c
4c
2 /2
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square inch = 645.2 mm2.
a. Tabulated values for restrained assemblies apply to beams spaced more than 4 feet on center. For restrained beams spaced 4 feet or less on center, minimum
cover of 3/4 inch is adequate for 4-hour ratings or less.
b. The cross-sectional area of a stem is permitted to include a portion of the area in the flange, provided that the width of the flange used in the calculation does
not exceed three times the average width of the stem.
c. U-shaped or hooped stirrups spaced not to exceed the depth of the member and having a minimum cover of 1 inch shall be provided.
722.2.3.3.1 Calculating concrete cover. The concrete cover for an individual tendon is the minimum thickness of concrete between the surface of
the tendon and the fire-exposed surface of the
beam, except that for ungrouted ducts, the assumed
cover thickness is the minimum thickness of concrete between the surface of the duct and the fireexposed surface of the beam. For beams in which
two or more tendons are used, the cover is assumed
to be the average of the minimum cover of the individual tendons. For corner tendons (tendons equal
distance from the bottom and side), the minimum
cover used in the calculation shall be one-half the
actual value. For stemmed members with two or
more prestressing tendons located along the vertical centerline of the stem, the average cover shall
188
be the distance from the bottom of the member to
the centroid of the tendons. The actual cover for
any individual tendon shall be not less than onehalf the smaller value shown in Tables 722.2.3(4)
and 722.2.3(5), or 1 inch (25 mm), whichever is
greater.
722.2.4 Concrete columns. Concrete columns shall comply with this section.
722.2.4.1 Minimum size. The minimum overall
dimensions of reinforced concrete columns for fireresistance ratings of 1 hour to 4 hours for exposure to
fire on all sides shall comply with this section.
722.2.4.1.1 Concrete strength less than or equal
to 12,000 psi. For columns made with concrete having a specified compressive strength, fc, of less than
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
3. The free ends of spirals, including at lap splices,
shall terminate with a 90-degree (1.6 rad) standard tie hook.
The hook extension at the free end of ties and spirals
shall be the larger of six bar diameters and the extension required by Section 7.1.3 of ACI 318. Hooks shall
project into the core of the column.
722.2.4.4 Columns built into walls. The minimum
dimensions of Table 722.2.4 do not apply to a reinforced concrete column that is built into a concrete or
masonry wall provided that all of the following are met:
1. The fire-resistance rating for the wall is equal to
or greater than the required rating of the column.
2. The main longitudinal reinforcing in the column
has cover not less than that required by Section
722.2.4.2.
3. Openings in the wall are protected in accordance
with Section 716.
Where openings in the wall are not protected as
required by Section 716, the minimum dimension of
columns required to have a fire-resistance rating of 3
hours or less shall be 8 inches (203 mm), and 10 inches
(254 mm) for columns required to have a fire-resistance rating of 4 hours, regardless of the type of aggregate used in the concrete.
722.2.4.5 Precast cover units for steel columns. See
Section 722.5.1.4.
722.3 Concrete masonry. The provisions of this section contain procedures by which the fire-resistance ratings of concrete masonry are established by calculations.
722.3.1 Equivalent thickness. The equivalent thickness
of concrete masonry construction shall be determined in
accordance with the provisions of this section.
722.3.1.1 Concrete masonry unit plus finishes. The
equivalent thickness of concrete masonry assemblies,
Tea, shall be computed as the sum of the equivalent
thickness of the concrete masonry unit, Te, as determined by Section 722.3.1.2, 722.3.1.3 or 722.3.1.4,
or equal to 12,000 psi (82.7 MPa), the minimum
dimension shall comply with Table 722.2.4.
722.2.4.1.2 Concrete strength greater than 12,000
psi. For columns made with concrete having a specified compressive strength, f c, greater than 12,000
psi (82.7 MPa), for fire-resistance ratings of 1 hour
to 4 hours the minimum dimension shall be 24
inches (610 mm).
TABLE 722.2.4
MINIMUM DIMENSION OF CONCRETE COLUMNS (inches)
TYPES OF CONCRETE
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
1
11/2
2a
3a
4b
Siliceous
8
9
10
12
14
Carbonate
8
9
10
11
12
8
1
1
12
Sand-lightweight
8 /2
9
10 /2
For SI: 1 inch = 25 mm.
a. The minimum dimension is permitted to be reduced to 8 inches for
rectangular columns with two parallel sides not less than 36 inches in
length.
b. The minimum dimension is permitted to be reduced to 10 inches for
rectangular columns with two parallel sides not less than 36 inches in
length.
722.2.4.2 Minimum cover for R/C columns. The minimum thickness of concrete cover to the main longitudinal reinforcement in columns, regardless of the type
of aggregate used in the concrete and the specified
compressive strength of concrete, fc, shall be not less
than 1 inch (25 mm) times the number of hours of
required fire resistance or 2 inches (51 mm), whichever
is less.
722.2.4.3 Tie and spiral reinforcement. For concrete
columns made with concrete having a specified compressive strength, f ′c, greater than 12,000 psi (82.7
MPa), tie and spiral reinforcement shall comply with
the following:
1. The free ends of rectangular ties shall terminate
with a 135-degree (2.4 rad) standard tie hook.
2. The free ends of circular ties shall terminate with
a 90-degree (1.6 rad) standard tie hook.
TABLE 722.3.2
MINIMUM EQUIVALENT THICKNESS (inches) OF BEARING OR NONBEARING CONCRETE MASONRY WALLSa, b, c, d
TYPE OF AGGREGATE
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
1
/2
3
/4
1
11/4
11/2
13/4
2
21/4
21/2
23/4
3
31/4
31/2
33/4
4
Pumice or expanded slag
1.5
1.9
2.1
2.5
2.7
3.0
3.2
3.4
3.6
3.8
4.0
4.2
4.4
4.5
4.7
Expanded shale, clay or slate
1.8
2.2
2.6
2.9
3.3
3.4
3.6
3.8
4.0
4.2
4.4
4.6
4.8
4.9
5.1
Limestone, cinders or unexpanded slag 1.9
2.3
2.7
3.1
3.4
3.7
4.0
4.3
4.5
4.8
5.0
5.2
5.5
5.7
5.9
Calcareous or siliceous gravel
2.4
2.8
3.2
3.6
3.9
4.2
4.5
4.8
5.0
5.3
5.5
5.8
6.0
6.2
2.0
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. Values between those shown in the table can be determined by direct interpolation.
b. Where combustible members are framed into the wall, the thickness of solid material between the end of each member and the opposite face of the wall, or
between members set in from opposite sides, shall be not less than 93 percent of the thickness shown in the table.
c. Requirements of ASTM C55, ASTM C73, ASTM C90 or ASTM C744 shall apply.
d. Minimum required equivalent thickness corresponding to the hourly fire-resistance rating for units with a combination of aggregate shall be determined by
linear interpolation based on the percent by volume of each aggregate used in manufacture.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
189
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
masonry wall contributes to its fire-resistance rating,
the masonry alone shall provide not less than one-half
the total required fire-resistance rating.
722.3.2.5 Attachment of finishes. Installation of finishes shall be as follows:
1. Gypsum wallboard and gypsum lath applied to
concrete masonry or concrete walls shall be
secured to wood or steel furring members spaced
not more than 16 inches (406 mm) on center
(o.c.).
2. Gypsum wallboard shall be installed with the
long dimension parallel to the furring members
and shall have all joints finished.
plus the equivalent thickness of finishes, Tef, determined in accordance with Section 722.3.2:
Tea = Te + Tef
(Equation 7-6)
722.3.1.2 Ungrouted or partially grouted construction. Te shall be the value obtained for the concrete
masonry unit determined in accordance with ASTM
C140.
722.3.1.3 Solid grouted construction. The equivalent
thickness, Te, of solid grouted concrete masonry units is
the actual thickness of the unit.
722.3.1.4 Airspaces and cells filled with loose-fill
material. The equivalent thickness of completely filled
hollow concrete masonry is the actual thickness of the
unit where loose-fill materials are: sand, pea gravel,
crushed stone, or slag that meet ASTM C33 requirements; pumice, scoria, expanded shale, expanded clay,
expanded slate, expanded slag, expanded fly ash, or
cinders that comply with ASTM C331; or perlite or
vermiculite meeting the requirements of ASTM C549
and ASTM C516, respectively.
722.3.2 Concrete masonry walls. The fire-resistance rating of walls and partitions constructed of concrete
masonry units shall be determined from Table 722.3.2.
The rating shall be based on the equivalent thickness of
the masonry and type of aggregate used.
722.3.2.1 Finish on nonfire-exposed side. Where plaster or gypsum wallboard is applied to the side of the
wall not exposed to fire, the contribution of the finish to
the total fire-resistance rating shall be determined as
follows: The thickness of gypsum wallboard or plaster
shall be corrected by multiplying the actual thickness of
the finish by applicable factor determined from Table
722.2.1.4(1). This corrected thickness of finish shall be
added to the equivalent thickness of masonry and the
fire-resistance rating of the masonry and finish determined from Table 722.3.2.
722.3.2.2 Finish on fire-exposed side. Where plaster
or gypsum wallboard is applied to the fire-exposed side
of the wall, the contribution of the finish to the total
fire-resistance rating shall be determined as follows:
The time assigned to the finish as established by Table
722.2.1.4(2) shall be added to the fire-resistance rating
determined in Section 722.3.2 for the masonry alone, or
in Section 722.3.2.1 for the masonry and finish on the
nonfire-exposed side.
722.3.2.3 Nonsymmetrical assemblies. For a wall
without finish on one side or having different types or
thicknesses of finish on each side, the calculation procedures of this section shall be performed twice, assuming either side of the wall to be the fire-exposed side.
The fire-resistance rating of the wall shall not exceed
the lower of the two values calculated.
Exception: For exterior walls with a fire separation
distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm), the fire shall
be assumed to occur on the interior side only.
722.3.2.4 Minimum concrete masonry fire-resistance rating. Where the finish applied to a concrete
190
3. Other aspects of the installation of finishes shall
comply with the applicable provisions of Chapters 7 and 25.
722.3.3 Multiwythe masonry walls. The fire-resistance
rating of wall assemblies constructed of multiple wythes
of masonry materials shall be permitted to be based on the
fire-resistance rating period of each wythe and the continuous airspace between each wythe in accordance with the
following formula:
RA = (R10.59 + R20.59 + ... + Rn0.59 + A1 + A2 + ... + An)1.7
(Equation 7-7)
where:
RA = Fire-resistance rating of the assembly (hours).
R1, R2, ..., Rn = Fire-resistance rating of wythes for 1, 2,
n (hours), respectively.
A1, A2, ...., An = 0.30, factor for each continuous airspace
for 1, 2, ...n, respectively, having a depth
of 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) or more between
wythes.
722.3.4 Concrete masonry lintels. Fire-resistance ratings for concrete masonry lintels shall be determined
based on the nominal thickness of the lintel and the minimum thickness of concrete masonry or concrete, or any
combination thereof, covering the main reinforcing bars,
as determined in accordance with Table 722.3.4, or by
approved alternate methods.
TABLE 722.3.4
MINIMUM COVER OF LONGITUDINAL
REINFORCEMENT IN FIRE-RESISTANCE-RATED
REINFORCED CONCRETE MASONRY LINTELS (inches)
NOMINAL WIDTH
OF LINTEL (inches)
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
1
2
3
4
2
—
—
11/2
13/4
3
1
13/4
6
1
1 /2
8
1
1 /2
1
1
10 or greater
1 /2
1 /2
1 /2
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
722.3.5 Concrete masonry columns. The fire-resistance
rating of concrete masonry columns shall be determined
based on the least plan dimension of the column in accordance with Table 722.3.5 or by approved alternate methods.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
ness of the clay masonry unit shall be determined by
Equation 7-8 where using Table 722.4.1(1). The fireresistance rating determined from Table 722.4.1(1)
shall be permitted to be used in the calculated fireresistance rating procedure in Section 722.4.2.
TABLE 722.3.5
MINIMUM DIMENSION OF CONCRETE
MASONRY COLUMNS (inches)
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
1
2
3
4
8 inches
10 inches
12 inches
14 inches
Te = Vn/LH
(Equation 7-8)
where:
Te = The equivalent thickness of the clay masonry unit
(inches).
Vn = The net volume of the clay masonry unit (inch3).
L = The specified length of the clay masonry unit
(inches).
H = The specified height of the clay masonry unit
(inches).
722.4.1.1.1 Hollow clay units. The equivalent thickness, Te, shall be the value obtained for hollow clay
units as determined in accordance with Equation 7-8.
The net volume, Vn, of the units shall be determined
using the gross volume and percentage of void area
determined in accordance with ASTM C67.
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
722.4 Clay brick and tile masonry. The provisions of this
section contain procedures by which the fire-resistance ratings of clay brick and tile masonry are established by calculations.
722.4.1 Masonry walls. The fire-resistance rating of
masonry walls shall be based on the equivalent thickness
as calculated in accordance with this section. The calculation shall take into account finishes applied to the wall and
airspaces between wythes in multiwythe construction.
722.4.1.1 Equivalent thickness. The fire-resistance
ratings of walls or partitions constructed of solid or
hollow clay masonry units shall be determined from
Table 722.4.1(1) or 722.4.1(2). The equivalent thick-
TABLE 722.4.1(1)
FIRE-RESISTANCE PERIODS OF CLAY MASONRY WALLS
MATERIAL TYPE
MINIMUM REQUIRED EQUIVALENT THICKNESS FOR FIRE RESISTANCEa, b, c
(inches)
1 hour
2 hours
3 hours
4 hours
Solid brick of clay or shaled
2.7
3.8
4.9
6.0
Hollow brick or tile of clay or shale, unfilled
2.3
3.4
4.3
5.0
Hollow brick or tile of clay or shale, grouted or filled with materials
specified in Section 722.4.1.1.3
3.0
4.4
5.5
6.6
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. Equivalent thickness as determined from Section 722.4.1.1.
b. Calculated fire resistance between the hourly increments listed shall be determined by linear interpolation.
c. Where combustible members are framed in the wall, the thickness of solid material between the end of each member and the opposite face of the wall, or
between members set in from opposite sides, shall be not less than 93 percent of the thickness shown.
d. For units in which the net cross-sectional area of cored brick in any plane parallel to the surface containing the cores is not less than 75 percent of the gross
cross-sectional area measured in the same plane.
TABLE 722.4.1(2)
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS FOR BEARING STEEL FRAME BRICK VENEER WALLS OR PARTITIONS
WALL OR PARTITION ASSEMBLY
PLASTER SIDE BRICK FACED
EXPOSED
SIDE EXPOSED
(hours)
(hours)
Outside facing of steel studs:
1
/2" wood fiberboard sheathing next to studs, 3/4" airspace formed with 3/4" × 15/8" wood strips placed over the
fiberboard and secured to the studs; metal or wire lath nailed to such strips, 33/4" brick veneer held in place by
filling 3/4" airspace between the brick and lath with mortar. Inside facing of studs: 3/4" unsanded gypsum plaster
on metal or wire lath attached to 5/16" wood strips secured to edges of the studs.
1.5
4
Outside facing of steel studs:
1" insulation board sheathing attached to studs, 1" airspace, and 33/4" brick veneer attached to steel frame with
metal ties every 5th course. Inside facing of studs: 7/8" sanded gypsum plaster (1:2 mix) applied on metal or wire
lath attached directly to the studs.
1.5
4
Same as previous assembly except use 7/8" vermiculite-gypsum plaster or 1" sanded gypsum plaster (1:2 mix)
applied to metal or wire.
2
4
Outside facing of steel studs:
1
/2" gypsum sheathing board, attached to studs, and 33/4" brick veneer attached to steel frame with metal ties every 5th
course. Inside facing of studs: 1/2" sanded gypsum plaster (1:2 mix) applied to 1/2" perforated gypsum lath securely
attached to studs and having strips of metal lath 3 inches wide applied to all horizontal joints of gypsum lath.
2
4
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
191
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
722.4.1.1.2 Solid grouted clay units. The equivalent thickness of solid grouted clay masonry units
shall be taken as the actual thickness of the units.
722.4.1.1.3 Units with filled cores. The equivalent
thickness of the hollow clay masonry units is the
actual thickness of the unit where completely filled
with loose-fill materials of: sand, pea gravel,
crushed stone, or slag that meet ASTM C33 requirements; pumice, scoria, expanded shale, expanded
clay, expanded slate, expanded slag, expanded fly
ash, or cinders in compliance with ASTM C331; or
perlite or vermiculite meeting the requirements of
ASTM C549 and ASTM C516, respectively.
722.4.1.2 Plaster finishes. Where plaster is applied to
the wall, the total fire-resistance rating shall be determined by the formula:
R = (Rn0.59 + pl) 1.7
(Equation 7-9)
where:
R = The fire-resistance rating of the assembly (hours).
Rn = The fire-resistance rating of the individual wall
(hours).
pl = Coefficient for thickness of plaster.
Values for Rn0.59 for use in Equation 7-9 are given in
Table 722.4.1(3). Coefficients for thickness of plaster
shall be selected from Table 722.4.1(4) based on the
actual thickness of plaster applied to the wall or partition and whether one or two sides of the wall are plastered.
TABLE 722.4.1(3)
VALUES OF Rn 0.59
Rn 0.59
R (hours)
1
1.0
2
1.50
3
1.91
4
2.27
ONE SIDE
TWO SIDES
1
0.3
0.6
5
0.37
0.75
3
0.45
0.90
/2
/8
/4
2 hours
3 hours
4 hours
6
11/2
2
NP
NP
8
1
1 /2
1
1 /2
3
1 /4
3
1
1
1
13/4
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
NP = Not Permitted.
192
1 /2
2
3
4
8
10
12
14
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
722.4.1.3 Multiwythe walls with airspace. Where a
continuous airspace separates multiple wythes of the
wall or partition, the total fire-resistance rating shall be
determined by the formula:
R = (R10.59 + R20.59 + ...+Rn0.59 + as) 1.7
(Equation 7-10)
where:
R = The fire-resistance rating of the assembly (hours).
R1, R2 and Rn = The fire-resistance rating of the
individual wythes (hours).
as = Coefficient for continuous airspace.
Values for Rn0.59 for use in Equation 7-10 are given
in Table 722.4.1(3). The coefficient for each continuous airspace of 1/2 inch to 31/2 inches (12.7 to 89 mm)
separating two individual wythes shall be 0.3.
722.4.1.4 Nonsymmetrical assemblies. For a wall
without finish on one side or having different types or
thicknesses of finish on each side, the calculation procedures of this section shall be performed twice, assuming either side to be the fire-exposed side of the wall.
The fire resistance of the wall shall not exceed the
lower of the two values determined.
722.4.2 Multiwythe walls. The fire-resistance rating for
walls or partitions consisting of two or more dissimilar
wythes shall be permitted to be determined by the formula:
(Equation 7-11)
R1, R2 and Rn = The fire-resistance rating
individual wythes (hours).
1 hour
1 /2
1
R = The fire-resistance rating of the assembly (hours).
MINIMUM LONGITUDINAL REINFORCEMENT
COVER FOR FIRE RESISTANCE (inches)
1 /2
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING
(hours)
where:
TABLE 722.4.1(5)
REINFORCED MASONRY LINTELS
10 or more
Minimum column dimension (inches)
R = (R10.59 + R20.59 + ...+Rn0.59) 1.7
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. Values listed in the table are for 1:3 sanded gypsum plaster.
NOMINAL
LINTEL WIDTH
(inches)
COLUMN SIZE
Exception: For exterior walls with a fire separation
distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm), the fire shall
be assumed to occur on the interior side only.
TABLE 722.4.1(4)
COEFFICIENTS FOR PLASTER, pl a
THICKNESS OF PLASTER (inch)
TABLE 722.4.1(6)
REINFORCED CLAY MASONRY COLUMNS
of
the
Values for Rn0.59 for use in Equation 7-11 are given in
Table 722.4.1(3).
722.4.2.1 Multiwythe walls of different material. For
walls that consist of two or more wythes of different
materials (concrete or concrete masonry units) in combination with clay masonry units, the fire-resistance
rating of the different materials shall be permitted to be
determined from Table 722.2.1.1 for concrete; Table
722.3.2 for concrete masonry units or Table 722.4.1(1)
or 722.4.1(2) for clay and tile masonry units.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
bf
shall be permitted to be determined from the following
expression:
h  W  /D  0.75
R = 130 --------------------(Equation 7-12)
2
where:
R = Fire resistance (minutes).
h = Total thickness of gypsum wallboard (inches).
D = Heated perimeter of the structural steel column
(inches).
W' = Total weight of the structural steel column and
gypsum wallboard protection (pounds per linear
foot).
W' = W + 50hD/144.
A
1
2
1
2
3
3
A
No.8x1/2″ SHEET STEEL
SCREWS SPACED 12″ o.c.
5/8″
3/8″
bf
a
A
A
3/8″
722.4.3 Reinforced clay masonry lintels. Fire-resistance
ratings for clay masonry lintels shall be determined based
on the nominal width of the lintel and the minimum covering for the longitudinal reinforcement in accordance with
Table 722.4.1(5).
722.4.4 Reinforced clay masonry columns. The fireresistance ratings shall be determined based on the last
plan dimension of the column in accordance with Table
722.4.1(6). The minimum cover for longitudinal reinforcement shall be 2 inches (51 mm).
722.5 Steel assemblies. The provisions of this section contain procedures by which the fire-resistance ratings of steel
assemblies are established by calculations.
722.5.1 Structural steel columns. The fire-resistance ratings of structural steel columns shall be based on the size
of the element and the type of protection provided in
accordance with this section.
722.5.1.1 General. These procedures establish a basis
for determining the fire resistance of column assemblies as a function of the thickness of fire-resistant
material and, the weight, W, and heated perimeter, D,
of structural steel columns. As used in these sections, W
is the average weight of a structural steel column in
pounds per linear foot. The heated perimeter, D, is the
inside perimeter of the fire-resistant material in inches
as illustrated in Figure 722.5.1(1).
SNAP-LOCK
5/16″
MIN.
3/4″
PITTSBURGH SEAM
LAP
D=4bf + 2d - 2tw
D=2(a+d)
d
d
d
CORNER JOINT DETAILS (A)
tw
D=2(bf + d)
FIGURE 722.5.1(1)
DETERMINATION OF THE HEATED
PERIMETER OF STRUCTURAL STEEL COLUMNS
722.5.1.1.1 Nonload-bearing protection. The application of these procedures shall be limited to column
assemblies in which the fire-resistant material is not
designed to carry any of the load acting on the column.
722.5.1.1.2 Embedments. In the absence of substantiating fire-endurance test results, ducts, conduit,
piping, and similar mechanical, electrical, and
plumbing installations shall not be embedded in any
required fire-resistant materials.
722.5.1.1.3 Weight-to-perimeter ratio. Table
722.5.1(1) contains weight-to-heated-perimeter
ratios (W/D) for both contour and box fire-resistant
profiles, for the wide flange shapes most often used
as columns. For different fire-resistant protection
profiles or column cross sections, the weight-toheated-perimeter ratios (W/D) shall be determined in
accordance with the definitions given in this section.
722.5.1.2 Gypsum wallboard protection. The fire
resistance of structural steel columns with weight-toheated-perimeter ratios (W/D) less than or equal to 3.65
and that are protected with Type X gypsum wallboard
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIGURE 722.5.1(2)
GYPSUM-PROTECTED STRUCTURAL
STEEL COLUMNS WITH SHEET STEEL COLUMN COVERS
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 305 mm.
1. Structural steel column, either wide flange or tubular shapes.
2. Type X gypsum board or gypsum panel products in accordance with
ASTM C1177, C1178, C1278, C1396 or C1658. The total thickness of
gypsum board or gypsum panel products calculated as h in Section
722.5.1.2 shall be applied vertically to an individual column using one of
the following methods:
1. As a single layer without horizontal joints.
2. As multiple layers with horizontal joints not permitted in any layer.
3. As multiple layers with horizontal joints staggered not less than 12
inches vertically between layers and not less than 8 feet vertically in any
single layer. The total required thickness of gypsum board or gypsum
panel products shall be determined on the basis of the specified fireresistance rating and the weight-to-heated-perimeter ratio (W/D) of the
column. For fire-resistance ratings of 2 hours or less, one of the required
layers of gypsum board or gypsum panel product may be applied to the
exterior of the sheet steel column covers with 1-inch long Type S
screws spaced 1 inch from the wallboard edge and 8 inches on center.
For such installations, 0.0149-inch minimum thickness galvanized steel
corner beads with 11/2-inch legs shall be attached to the wallboard with
Type S screws spaced 12 inches on center.
3. For fire-resistance ratings of 3 hours or less, the column covers shall be
fabricated from 0.0239-inch minimum thickness galvanized or stainless
steel. For 4-hour fire-resistance ratings, the column covers shall be
fabricated from 0.0239-inch minimum thickness stainless steel. The column
covers shall be erected with the Snap Lock or Pittsburgh joint details.
For fire-resistance ratings of 2 hours or less, column covers fabricated
from 0.0269-inch minimum thickness galvanized or stainless steel shall be
permitted to be erected with lap joints. The lap joints shall be permitted to
be located anywhere around the perimeter of the column cover. The lap
joints shall be secured with 1/2-inch-long No. 8 sheet metal screws spaced
12 inches on center.
The column covers shall be provided with a minimum expansion
clearance of 1/8 inch per linear foot between the ends of the cover and any
restraining construction.
193
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
4
2½″
2″
17/8″
1½″
1¼″
1
1
3
4
7
3
2
4
A
1 LAYER = 5/8″ OR ½″
7
B
2 LAYERS = 1¼″ OR 1″
1
1
4
2
3
4
7
C
3 LAYERS = 17/8″ OR 1½″
6
5
4
7
2
5
/8″
½″
2
1½
1
3
0.5
D
4 LAYERS = 2½″ OR 2″
FIGURE 722.5.1(3)
GYPSUM-PROTECTED STRUCTURAL STEEL COLUMNS
WITH STEEL STUD/SCREW ATTACHMENT SYSTEM
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = -305 mm.
1. Structural steel column, either wide flange or tubular shapes.
2. 15/8-inch deep studs fabricated from 0.0179-inch minimum thickness
galvanized steel with 15/16 or 17/16-inch legs. The length of the steel studs
shall be 1/2 inch less than the height of the assembly.
3. Type X gypsum board or gypsum panel products in accordance with
ASTM C177, C1178, C1278, C1396 or C1658. The total thickness of
gypsum board or gypsum panel products calculated as h in Section
722.5.1.2 shall be applied vertically to an individual column using one of
the following methods:
1. As a single layer without horizontal joints.
2. As multiple layers with horizontal joints not permitted in any layer.
3. As multiple layers with horizontal joints staggered not less than 12
inches vertically between layers and not less than 8 feet vertically in
any single layer. The total required thickness of gypsum board or
gypsum panel products shall be determined on the basis of the
specified fire-resistance rating and the weight-to-heated-perimeter
ratio (W/D) of the column.
4. Galvanized 0.0149-inch minimum thickness steel corner beads with 11/2inch legs attached to the gypsum board or gypsum panel products with 1inch-long Type S screws spaced 12 inches on center.
5. No. 18 SWG steel tie wires spaced 24 inches on center.
6. Sheet metal angles with 2-inch legs fabricated from 0.0221-inch
minimum thickness galvanized steel.
7. Type S screws, 1 inch long, shall be used for attaching the first layer of
gypsum board or gypsum panel product to the steel studs and the third
layer to the sheet metal angles at 24 inches on center. Type S screws 13/4
inches long shall be used for attaching the second layer of gypsum board
or gypsum panel product to the steel studs and the fourth layer to the
sheet metal angles at 12 inches on center. Type S screws 21/4 inches long
shall be used for attaching the third layer of gypsum board or gypsum
panel product to the steel studs at 12 inches on center.
194
3
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
WEIGHT-TO-HEATED-PERIMETER RATIO (W/D)
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per linear foot/inch = 0.059 kg/m/mm.
FIGURE 722.5.1(4)
FIRE RESISTANCE OF STRUCTURAL
STEEL COLUMNS PROTECTED WITH VARIOUS
THICKNESSES OF TYPE X GYPSUM WALLBOARD
a. The W/D ratios for typical wide flange columns are listed in Table
722.5.1(1). For other column shapes, the W/D ratios shall be determined
in accordance with Section 722.5.1.1.
bf
tw
d
2
FIRE RESISTANCE (HOURS)
1″
FIGURE 722.5.1(5)
WIDE FLANGE STRUCTURAL STEEL COLUMNS WITH
SPRAYED FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
h2
L
L1
h
(a)
PRECAST
CONCRETE
COLUMN
COVERS
d
L2
*
*
L
h
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
h1
bf
(b)
CONCRETE
ENCASED
STRUCTURAL
TUBE
As
(c)
CONCRETE
ENCASED
WIDE-FLANGE
SHAPE
FIGURE 722.5.1(6)
CONCRETE PROTECTED STRUCTURAL STEEL COLUMNSa, b
a. Where the inside perimeter of the concrete protection is not square, L shall be taken as the average of L1 and L2. Where the thickness of concrete cover is not
constant, h shall be taken as the average of h1 and h2.
b. Joints shall be protected with not less than a 1-inch thickness of ceramic fiber blanket but in no case less than one-half the thickness of the column cover (see
Section 722.2.1.3).
D = 2w + 2d
d
w
d
tweb
D=d
0.25p
d
D=2(w+d)+2(w-tweb)
w
0.25p
W SHAPE COLUMN
STEEL PIPE COLUMN
STRUCTURAL TUBE COLUMN
FIGURE 722.5.1(7)
CONCRETE OR CLAY MASONRY PROTECTED STRUCTURAL STEEL COLUMNS
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
d = Depth of a wide flange column, outside diameter of pipe column, or outside dimension of structural tubing column (inches).
tweb = Thickness of web of wide flange column (inches).
w = Width of flange of wide flange column (inches).
722.5.1.2.1 Attachment. The gypsum board or gypsum panel products shall be supported as illustrated
in either Figure 722.5.1(2) for fire-resistance ratings
of 4 hours or less, or Figure 722.5.1(3) for fire-resistance ratings of 3 hours or less.
722.5.1.2.2 Gypsum wallboard equivalent to concrete. The determination of the fire resistance of
structural steel columns from Figure 722.5.1(4) is
permitted for various thicknesses of gypsum wallboard as a function of the weight-to-heated-perimeter ratio (W/D) of the column. For structural steel
columns with weight-to-heated-perimeter ratios (W/D)
greater than 3.65, the thickness of gypsum wallboard required for specified fire-resistance ratings
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
shall be the same as the thickness determined for a
W14 × 233 wide flange shape.
722.5.1.3 Sprayed fire-resistant materials. The fire
resistance of wide-flange structural steel columns protected with sprayed fire-resistant materials, as illustrated in Figure 722.5.1(5), shall be permitted to be
determined from the following expression:
R = [C1(W/D) + C2]h
(Equation 7-13)
where:
R = Fire resistance (minutes).
h = Thickness of sprayed fire-resistant material
(inches).
195
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
D = Heated perimeter of the structural steel column
(inches).
C1 and C2 = Material-dependent constants.
W = Weight of structural steel columns (pounds per
linear foot).
The fire resistance of structural steel columns protected with intumescent or mastic fire-resistant coatings
shall be determined on the basis of fire-resistance tests
in accordance with Section 703.2.
722.5.1.3.1 Material-dependent constants. The
material-dependent constants, C1 and C2, shall be
determined for specific fire-resistant materials on the
basis of standard fire endurance tests in accordance
with Section 703.2. Unless evidence is submitted to
the building official substantiating a broader application, this expression shall be limited to determining
the fire resistance of structural steel columns with
weight-to-heated-perimeter ratios (W/D) between the
largest and smallest columns for which standard fireresistance test results are available.
722.5.1.3.2 Identification. Sprayed fire-resistant
materials shall be identified by density and thickness
required for a given fire-resistance rating.
722.5.1.4 Concrete-protected columns. The fire resistance of structural steel columns protected with concrete, as illustrated in Figure 722.5.1(6)(a) and (b),
shall be permitted to be determined from the following
expression:
R = Ro(1 + 0.03m)
(Equation 7-14)
where:
Ro = 10 (W/D) 0.7 + 17 (h1.6/kc0.2) ×
[1 + 26 {H/pccch (L + h)}0.8]
As used in these expressions:
R = Fire endurance at equilibrium moisture
conditions (minutes).
Ro = Fire endurance at zero moisture content
(minutes).
m = Equilibrium moisture content of the concrete by
volume (percent).
W = Average weight of the structural steel column
(pounds per linear foot).
D = Heated perimeter of the structural steel column
(inches).
h = Thickness of the concrete cover (inches).
kc = Ambient temperature thermal conductivity of the
concrete (Btu/hr ft °F).
H = Ambient temperature thermal capacity of the
steel column = 0.11W (Btu/ ft °F).
pc = Concrete density (pounds per cubic foot).
cc = Ambient temperature specific heat of concrete
(Btu/lb °F).
196
L = Interior dimension of one side of a square
concrete box protection (inches).
722.5.1.4.1 Reentrant space filled. For wide-flange
structural steel columns completely encased in concrete with all reentrant spaces filled [Figure
722.5.1(6)(c)], the thermal capacity of the concrete
within the reentrant spaces shall be permitted to be
added to the thermal capacity of the steel column, as
follows:
H = 0.11 W + (pccc/144) (bfd - As)
(Equation 7-15)
where:
bf = Flange width of the structural steel column
(inches).
d = Depth of the structural steel column (inches).
As = Cross-sectional area of the steel column
(square inches).
722.5.1.4.2 Concrete properties unknown. If specific data on the properties of concrete are not available, the values given in Table 722.5.1(2) are
permitted.
722.5.1.4.3 Minimum concrete cover. For structural steel column encased in concrete with all
reentrant spaces filled, Figure 722.5.1(6)(c) and
Tables 722.5.1(7) and 722.5.1(8) indicate the thickness of concrete cover required for various fireresistance ratings for typical wide-flange sections.
The thicknesses of concrete indicated in these
tables apply to structural steel columns larger than
those listed.
722.5.1.4.4 Minimum precast concrete cover. For
structural steel columns protected with precast concrete column covers as shown in Figure
722.5.1(6)(a), Tables 722.5.1(9) and 722.5.1(10)
indicate the thickness of the column covers required
for various fire-resistance ratings for typical wideflange shapes. The thicknesses of concrete given in
these tables apply to structural steel columns larger
than those listed.
722.5.1.4.5 Masonry protection. The fire resistance of structural steel columns protected with concrete masonry units or clay masonry units as
illustrated in Figure 722.5.1(7) shall be permitted to
be determined from the following expression:
R = 0.17 (W/D)0.7 + [0.285 (Te1.6/K0.2)]
[1.0 + 42.7 {(As/dm Te)/(0.25p + Te)}0.8]
(Equation 7-16)
where:
R = Fire-resistance rating of column assembly
(hours).
W = Average weight of structural steel column
(pounds per foot).
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
D = Heated perimeter of structural steel column
(inches) [see Figure 722.5.1(7)].
Te = Equivalent thickness of concrete or clay
masonry unit (inches) (see Table 722.3.2,
Note a or Section 722.4.1).
K = Thermal conductivity of concrete or clay
masonry unit (Btu/hr · ft · °F) [see Table
722.5.1(3)].
As = Cross-sectional area of structural steel column
(square inches).
dm = Density of the concrete or clay masonry unit
(pounds per cubic foot).
p = Inner perimeter of concrete or clay masonry
protection (inches) [see Figure 722.5.1(7)].
722.5.1.4.6 Equivalent concrete masonry thickness. For structural steel columns protected with
concrete masonry, Table 722.5.1(5) gives the
equivalent thickness of concrete masonry required
for various fire-resistance ratings for typical column shapes. For structural steel columns protected
with clay masonry, Table 722.5.1(6) gives the
equivalent thickness of concrete masonry required
for various fire-resistance ratings for typical column shapes.
722.5.2 Structural steel beams and girders. The fireresistance ratings of structural steel beams and girders
shall be based on the size of the element and the type of
protection provided in accordance with this section.
722.5.2.1 Determination of fire resistance. These procedures establish a basis for determining resistance of
structural steel beams and girders that differ in size
from that specified in approved fire-resistance-rated
assemblies as a function of the thickness of fire-resistant material and the weight (W) and heated perimeter
(D) of the beam or girder. As used in these sections, W
is the average weight of a structural steel element in
pounds per linear foot (plf). The heated perimeter, D, is
the inside perimeter of the fire-resistant material in
inches as illustrated in Figure 722.5.2.
the wide flange shapes most often used as beams or
girders are given in Table 722.5.1(4). For different
shapes, the weight-to-heated-perimeter ratios (W/D)
shall be determined in accordance with the definitions given in this section.
722.5.2.1.2 Beam and girder substitutions. Except
as provided for in Section 722.5.2.2, structural steel
beams in approved fire-resistance-rated assemblies
shall be considered to be the minimum permissible
size. Other beam or girder shapes shall be permitted
to be substituted provided that the weight-to-heatedperimeter ratio (W/D) of the substitute beam is equal
to or greater than that of the beam specified in the
approved assembly.
722.5.2.2 Sprayed fire-resistant materials. The provisions in this section apply to structural steel beams and
girders protected with sprayed fire-resistant materials.
Larger or smaller beam and girder shapes shall be permitted to be substituted for beams specified in
approved unrestrained or restrained fire-resistancerated assemblies, provided that the thickness of the fireresistant material is adjusted in accordance with the following expression:
h2 = h1 [(W1 / D1) + 0.60] / [(W2 / D2) + 0.60]
(Equation 7-17)
where:
h = Thickness of sprayed fire-resistant material in
inches.
W = Weight of the structural steel beam or girder in
pounds per linear foot.
D = Heated perimeter of the structural steel beam in
inches.
Subscript 1 refers to the beam and fire-resistant
material thickness in the approved assembly.
Subscript 2 refers to the substitute beam or girder
and the required thickness of fire-resistant material.
The fire resistance of structural steel beams and
girders protected with intumescent or mastic fire-resistant coatings shall be determined on the basis of fireresistance tests in accordance with Section 703.2.
d
d
722.5.2.2.1 Minimum thickness. The use of Equation 7-17 is subject to the following conditions:
tw
bf
D = 3bf + 2d - 2tw
bf
D = 2d + bf
FIGURE 722.5.2
DETERMINATION OF THE HEATED PERIMETER OF
STRUCTURAL STEEL BEAMS AND GIRDERS
722.5.2.1.1 Weight-to-heated perimeter. The
weight-to-heated-perimeter ratios (W/D), for both
contour and box fire-resistant protection profiles, for
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
1. The weight-to-heated-perimeter ratio for the
substitute beam or girder (W2/D2) shall be not
less than 0.37.
2. The thickness of fire protection materials calculated for the substitute beam or girder (T1)
shall be not less than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).
3. The unrestrained or restrained beam rating
shall be not less than 1 hour.
4. Where used to adjust the material thickness
for a restrained beam, the use of this procedure is limited to structural steel sections
classified as compact in accordance with
AISC 360.
197
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
722.5.2.3 Structural steel trusses. The fire resistance
of structural steel trusses protected with fire-resistant
materials sprayed to each of the individual truss elements shall be permitted to be determined in accordance with this section. The thickness of the fireresistant material shall be determined in accordance
with Section 722.5.1.3. The weight-to-heated-perimeter ratio (W/D) of truss elements that can be simultaneously exposed to fire on all sides shall be
determined on the same basis as columns, as specified
in Section 722.5.1.1. The weight-to-heated-perimeter
ratio (W/D) of truss elements that directly support
floor or roof assembly shall be determined on the
same basis as beams and girders, as specified in Section 722.5.2.1.
The fire resistance of structural steel trusses protected with intumescent or mastic fire-resistant coatings
shall be determined on the basis of fire-resistance tests
in accordance with Section 703.2.
722.6 Wood assemblies. The provisions of this section contain procedures by which the fire-resistance ratings of wood
assemblies are established by calculations.
722.6.1 General. This section contains procedures for calculating the fire-resistance ratings of walls, floor/ceiling
and roof/ceiling assemblies based in part on the standard
method of testing referenced in Section 703.2.
722.6.1.1 Maximum fire-resistance rating. Fireresistance ratings calculated for assemblies using the
methods in Section 722.6 shall be limited to not more
than 1 hour.
722.6.1.2 Dissimilar membranes. Where dissimilar
membranes are used on a wall assembly that requires
consideration of fire exposure from both sides, the calculation shall be made from the least fire-resistant
(weaker) side.
722.6.2 Walls, floors and roofs. These procedures apply
to both load-bearing and nonload-bearing assemblies.
198
722.6.2.1 Fire-resistance rating of wood frame
assemblies. The fire-resistance rating of a wood frame
assembly is equal to the sum of the time assigned to the
membrane on the fire-exposed side, the time assigned
to the framing members and the time assigned for additional contribution by other protective measures such as
insulation. The membrane on the unexposed side shall
not be included in determining the fire resistance of the
assembly.
722.6.2.2 Time assigned to membranes. Table
722.6.2(1) indicates the time assigned to membranes on
the fire-exposed side.
722.6.2.3 Exterior walls. For an exterior wall with a
fire separation distance greater than 10 feet (3048
mm), the wall is assigned a rating dependent on the
interior membrane and the framing as described in
Tables 722.6.2(1) and 722.6.2(2). The membrane on
the outside of the nonfire-exposed side of exterior walls
with a fire separation distance greater than 10 feet
(3048 mm) shall consist of sheathing, sheathing paper
and siding as described in Table 722.6.2(3).
722.6.2.4 Floors and roofs. In the case of a floor or
roof, the standard test provides only for testing for fire
exposure from below. Except as noted in Section
703.3, Item 5, floor or roof assemblies of wood framing shall have an upper membrane consisting of a subfloor and finished floor conforming to Table
722.6.2(4) or any other membrane that has a contribution to fire resistance of not less than 15 minutes in
Table 722.6.2(1).
722.6.2.5 Additional protection. Table 722.6.2(5)
indicates the time increments to be added to the fire
resistance where glass fiber, rockwool, slag mineral
wool or cellulose insulation is incorporated in the
assembly.
722.6.2.6 Fastening. Fastening of wood frame assemblies and the fastening of membranes to the wood framing members shall be done in accordance with Chapter
23.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 722.5.1(1)
W/D RATIOS FOR STEEL COLUMNS
CONTOUR PROFILE
BOX
PROFILE
W14 × 233
× 211
× 193
× 176
× 159
× 145
× 132
× 120
× 109
× 99
× 90
× 82
× 74
× 68
× 61
× 53
× 48
× 43
2.55
2.32
2.14
1.96
1.78
1.64
1.56
1.42
1.29
1.18
1.08
1.23
1.12
1.04
0.928
0.915
0.835
0.752
3.65
3.35
3.09
2.85
2.60
2.39
2.25
2.06
1.88
1.72
1.58
1.68
1.53
1.41
1.28
1.21
1.10
0.99
W12 × 190
× 170
× 152
× 136
× 120
× 106
× 96
× 87
× 79
× 72
× 65
× 58
× 53
× 50
× 45
× 40
2.50
2.26
2.04
1.86
1.65
1.47
1.34
1.22
1.11
1.02
0.925
0.925
0.855
0.909
0.829
0.734
3.51
3.20
2.90
2.63
2.36
2.11
1.93
1.76
1.61
1.48
1.35
1.31
1.20
1.23
1.12
1.00
STRUCTURAL SHAPE
CONTOUR PROFILE
BOX
PROFILE
W10 × 112
× 100
× 88
× 77
× 68
× 60
× 54
× 49
× 45
× 39
× 33
1.81
1.64
1.45
1.28
1.15
1.01
0.922
0.84
0.888
0.78
0.661
2.57
2.33
2.08
1.85
1.66
1.48
1.34
1.23
1.24
1.09
0.93
W8 × 67
× 58
× 48
× 40
× 35
× 31
× 28
× 24
× 21
× 18
1.37
1.20
1.00
0.849
0.749
0.665
0.688
0.591
0.577
0.499
1.94
1.71
1.44
1.23
1.08
0.97
0.96
0.83
0.77
0.67
W6 ×25
× 20
× 16
× 15
× 12
×9
0.696
0.563
0.584
0.431
0.448
0.338
1.00
0.82
0.78
0.63
0.60
0.46
W5 ×19
× 16
0.644
0.55
0.93
0.80
W4 ×13
0.556
0.79
STRUCTURAL SHAPE
For SI: 1 pound per linear foot per inch = 0.059 kg/m/mm.
TABLE 722.5.1(2)
PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE
PROPERTY
Thermal conductivity (kc)
Specific heat (cc)
Density (Pc)
Equilibrium (free) moisture content (m) by volume
NORMAL-WEIGHT CONCRETE
STRUCTURAL LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE
0.95 Btu/hr · ft · °F
0.35 Btu/hr · ft · °F
0.20 Btu/lb °F
0.20 Btu/lb °F
145 lb/ft3
110 lb/ft3
4%
5%
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 lb/ft3 = 16.0185 kg/m3, Btu/hr · ft · °F = 1.731 W/(m · K).
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
199
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 722.5.1(3)
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF CONCRETE OR CLAY MASONRY UNITS
DENSITY (dm) OF UNITS (lb/ft3)
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY (K) OF UNITS (Btu/hr · ft · °F)
Concrete Masonry Units
80
0.207
85
0.228
90
0.252
95
0.278
100
0.308
105
0.340
110
0.376
115
0.416
120
0.459
125
0.508
130
0.561
135
0.620
140
0.685
145
0.758
150
0.837
Clay Masonry Units
120
1.25
130
2.25
For SI: 1 pound per cubic foot = 16.0185 kg/m3, Btu/hr · ft · °F = 1.731 W/(m · K).
TABLE 722.5.1(4)
WEIGHT-TO-HEATED-PERIMETER RATIOS (W/D) FOR TYPICAL WIDE FLANGE BEAM AND GIRDER SHAPES
STRUCTURAL SHAPE
W36 x 300
x 280
x 260
x 245
x 230
x 210
x 194
x 182
x 170
x 160
x 150
x 135
CONTOUR PROFILE
BOX PROFILE
2.50
2.35
2.18
2.08
1.95
1.96
1.81
1.72
1.60
1.51
1.43
1.29
3.33
3.12
2.92
2.76
2.61
2.45
2.28
2.15
2.01
1.90
1.79
1.63
CONTOUR PROFILE
BOX PROFILE
W24 x 68
x 62
x 55
STRUCTURAL SHAPE
0.942
0.934
0.828
1.21
1.14
1.02
W21 x 147
x 132
x 122
x 111
x 101
x 93
x 83
x 73
x 68
1.87
1.68
1.57
1.43
1.30
1.40
1.26
1.11
1.04
2.60
2.35
2.19
2.01
1.84
1.80
1.62
1.44
1.35
(continued)
200
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 722.5.1(4)—continued
WEIGHT-TO-HEATED-PERIMETER RATIOS (W/D) FOR TYPICAL WIDE FLANGE BEAM AND GIRDER SHAPES
CONTOUR PROFILE
BOX PROFILE
CONTOUR PROFILE
BOX PROFILE
W33 x 241
STRUCTURAL SHAPE
2.13
2.86
W21 x 62
STRUCTURAL SHAPE
0.952
1.23
x 221
1.97
2.64
x 57
0.952
1.17
x 201
1.79
2.42
x 50
0.838
1.04
x 152
1.53
1.94
x 44
0.746
0.92
x 141
1.43
1.80
x 130
1.32
1.67
W18 x 119
1.72
2.42
x 118
1.21
1.53
x 106
1.55
2.18
x 97
1.42
2.01
W30 x 211
2.01
2.74
x 86
1.27
1.80
x 191
1.85
2.50
x 76
1.13
1.60
x 173
1.66
2.28
x 71
1.22
1.59
x 132
1.47
1.85
x 65
1.13
1.47
x 124
1.39
1.75
x 60
1.04
1.36
x 116
1.30
1.65
x 55
0.963
1.26
x 108
1.21
1.54
x 50
0.88
1.15
x 99
1.12
1.42
x 46
0.878
1.09
x 40
0.768
0.96
x 35
0.672
0.85
W27 x 178
1.87
2.55
x 161
1.70
2.33
x 146
1.55
2.12
W16 x 100
1.59
2.25
x 114
1.39
1.76
x 89
1.43
2.03
x 102
1.24
1.59
x 77
1.25
1.78
x 94
1.15
1.47
x 67
1.09
1.56
x 84
1.03
1.33
x 57
1.09
1.43
x 50
0.962
1.26
x 45
0.870
1.15
W24 x 162
1.88
2.57
x 40
0.780
1.03
x 146
1.70
2.34
x 36
0.702
0.93
x 131
1.54
2.12
x 31
0.661
0.83
x 117
1.38
1.91
x 26
0.558
0.70
x 104
1.24
1.71
x 94
1.28
1.63
W14 x 132
1.89
3.00
x 84
1.15
1.47
x 120
1.71
2.75
x 76
1.05
1.34
x 109
1.57
2.52
W14 x 99
1.43
2.31
W10 x 30
0.806
1.12
x 90
1.31
2.11
x 26
0.708
0.98
x 82
1.45
2.12
x 22
0.606
0.84
x 74
1.32
1.93
x 19
0.607
0.78
x 68
1.22
1.78
x 17
0.543
0.70
x 61
1.10
1.61
x 15
0.484
0.63
x 12
0.392
0.51
x 53
1.06
1.48
x 48
0.970
1.35
(continued)
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
201
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 722.5.1(4)—continued
WEIGHT-TO-HEATED-PERIMETER RATIOS (W/D) FOR TYPICAL WIDE FLANGE BEAM AND GIRDER SHAPES
STRUCTURAL SHAPE
CONTOUR PROFILE
BOX PROFILE
STRUCTURAL SHAPE
CONTOUR PROFILE
BOX PROFILE
W14 x 43
0.874
1.22
W8 x 67
1.65
2.55
x 38
0.809
1.09
x 58
1.44
2.26
x 34
0.725
0.98
x 48
1.21
1.91
x 30
0.644
0.87
x 40
1.03
1.63
x 26
0.628
0.79
x 35
0.907
1.44
x 22
0.534
0.68
x 31
0.803
1.29
x 28
0.819
1.24
W12 x 87
1.47
2.34
x 24
0.704
1.07
x 79
1.34
2.14
x 21
0.675
0.96
x 72
1.23
1.97
x 18
0.583
0.84
x 65
1.11
1.79
x 15
0.551
0.74
x 58
1.10
1.69
x 13
0.483
0.65
x 53
1.02
1.55
x 10
0.375
0.51
x 50
1.06
1.54
x 45
0.974
1.40
W6 x 25
0.839
1.33
x 40
0.860
1.25
x 20
0.678
1.09
x 35
0.810
1.11
x 16
0.684
0.96
x 30
0.699
0.96
x 15
0.521
0.83
x 26
0.612
0.84
x 12
0.526
0.75
x 22
0.623
0.77
x9
0.398
0.57
x 19
0.540
0.67
x 16
0.457
0.57
W5 x 19
0.776
1.24
x 14
0.405
0.50
x 16
0.664
1.07
W10 x 112
2.17
3.38
W4 x 13
0.670
1.05
x 100
1.97
3.07
x 88
1.74
2.75
x 77
1.54
2.45
x 68
1.38
2.20
x 60
1.22
1.97
x 54
1.11
1.79
x 49
1.01
1.64
x 45
1.06
1.59
x 39
0.94
1.40
x 33
0.77
1.20
For SI: 1 pound per linear foot per inch = 0.059 kg/m/mm.
202
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 722.5.1(5)
FIRE RESISTANCE OF CONCRETE MASONRY PROTECTED STEEL COLUMNS
COLUMN SIZE
W14 × 82
W14 × 68
W14 × 53
W14 × 43
W12 × 72
W12 × 58
W12 × 50
W12 × 40
1
4 × 4 × /2 wall
thickness
3
4 × 4 × /8 wall
thickness
CONCRETE
MASONRY
DENSITY
POUNDS PER
CUBIC FOOT
MINIMUM REQUIRED EQUIVALENT
THICKNESS FOR FIRE-RESISTANCE
RATING OF CONCRETE MASONRY
PROTECTION ASSEMBLY, Te (inches)
1 hour
2 hours
3 hours
4 hours
CONCRETE
MASONRY
COLUMN SIZE
DENSITY
POUNDS PER
CUBIC FOOT
MINIMUM REQUIRED EQUIVALENT
THICKNESS FOR FIRE-RESISTANCE
RATING OF CONCRETE MASONRY
PROTECTION ASSEMBLY, Te (inches)
1 hour
2 hours
3 hours
4 hours
80
0.74
1.61
2.36
3.04
80
0.72
1.58
2.33
3.01
100
0.89
1.85
2.67
3.40
100
0.87
1.83
2.65
3.38
110
0.96
1.97
2.81
3.57
120
1.03
2.08
2.95
3.73
W10 × 68
110
0.94
1.95
2.79
3.55
120
1.01
2.06
2.94
3.72
80
0.83
1.70
2.45
3.13
80
0.88
1.76
2.53
3.21
100
0.99
1.95
2.76
3.49
100
1.04
2.01
2.83
3.57
110
1.06
2.06
2.91
3.66
110
1.11
2.12
2.98
3.73
120
1.14
2.18
3.05
3.82
120
1.19
2.24
3.12
3.90
W10 × 54
80
0.91
1.81
2.58
3.27
80
0.92
1.83
2.60
3.30
100
1.07
2.05
2.88
3.62
100
1.08
2.07
2.90
3.64
110
1.15
2.17
3.02
3.78
110
1.16
2.18
3.04
3.80
120
1.22
2.28
3.16
3.94
120
1.23
2.29
3.18
3.96
W10 × 45
80
1.01
1.93
2.71
3.41
80
1.06
2.00
2.79
3.49
100
1.17
2.17
3.00
3.74
100
1.22
2.23
3.07
3.81
110
1.25
2.28
3.14
3.90
110
1.30
2.34
3.20
3.96
120
1.32
2.38
3.27
4.05
120
1.37
2.44
3.33
4.12
W10 × 33
80
0.81
1.66
2.41
3.09
80
0.94
1.85
2.63
3.33
100
0.91
1.88
2.70
3.43
100
1.10
2.10
2.93
3.67
110
0.99
1.99
2.84
3.60
110
1.18
2.21
3.07
3.83
120
1.06
2.10
2.98
3.76
120
1.25
2.32
3.20
3.99
W8 × 40
80
0.88
1.76
2.52
3.21
80
1.06
2.00
2.78
3.49
100
1.04
2.01
2.83
3.56
100
1.22
2.23
3.07
3.81
110
1.11
2.12
2.97
3.73
110
1.29
2.33
3.20
3.97
120
1.19
2.23
3.11
3.89
120
1.36
2.44
3.33
4.12
W8 × 31
80
0.91
1.81
2.58
3.27
80
1.14
2.09
2.89
3.59
100
1.07
2.05
2.88
3.62
100
1.29
2.31
3.16
3.90
110
1.15
2.17
3.02
3.78
110
1.36
2.42
3.28
4.05
120
1.22
2.28
3.16
3.94
120
1.43
2.52
3.41
4.20
W8 × 24
80
1.01
1.94
2.72
3.41
80
1.22
2.20
3.01
3.72
100
1.17
2.17
3.01
3.75
100
1.36
2.40
3.25
4.01
110
1.25
2.28
3.14
3.90
110
1.42
2.50
3.37
4.14
120
1.32
2.39
3.27
4.06
120
1.48
2.59
3.49
4.28
80
0.93
1.90
2.71
3.43
100
1.08
2.13
2.99
3.76
110
1.16
2.24
3.13
3.91
120
1.22
2.34
3.26
4.06
80
1.05
2.03
2.84
3.57
100
1.20
2.25
3.11
3.88
110
1.27
2.35
3.24
4.02
120
1.34
2.45
3.37
4.17
W8 × 18
4 double
extra strong
0.674 wall
thickness
4 extra strong
0.337 wall
thickness
80
0.80
1.75
2.56
3.28
100
0.95
1.99
2.85
3.62
110
1.02
2.10
2.99
3.78
120
1.09
2.20
3.12
3.93
80
1.12
2.11
2.93
3.65
100
1.26
2.32
3.19
3.95
110
1.33
2.42
3.31
4.09
120
1.40
2.52
3.43
4.23
(continued)
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
203
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 722.5.1(5)—continued
FIRE RESISTANCE OF CONCRETE MASONRY PROTECTED STEEL COLUMNS
COLUMN SIZE
1
4 × 4 × /4 wall
thickness
1
6 × 6 × /2 wall
thickness
3
6 × 6 × /8 wall
thickness
1
6 × 6 × /4 wall
thickness
1
8 × 8 × /2 wall
thickness
3
8 × 8 × /8 wall
thickness
1
8 × 8 × /4 wall
thickness
CONCRETE
MASONRY
DENSITY
POUNDS PER
CUBIC FOOT
MINIMUM REQUIRED EQUIVALENT
THICKNESS FOR FIRE-RESISTANCE
RATING OF CONCRETE MASONRY
PROTECTION ASSEMBLY, Te (inches)
1 hour
2 hours
3 hours
4 hours
80
1.21
2.20
3.01
3.73
100
1.35
2.40
3.26
4.02
110
1.41
2.50
3.38
4.16
120
1.48
2.59
3.50
4.30
80
0.82
1.75
2.54
3.25
100
0.98
1.99
2.84
3.59
110
1.05
2.10
2.98
3.75
120
1.12
2.21
3.11
3.91
80
0.96
1.91
2.71
3.42
100
1.12
2.14
3.00
3.75
110
1.19
2.25
3.13
3.90
120
1.26
2.35
3.26
4.05
80
1.14
2.11
2.92
3.63
100
1.29
2.32
3.18
3.93
110
1.36
2.43
3.30
4.08
120
1.42
2.52
3.43
4.22
80
0.77
1.66
2.44
3.13
100
0.92
1.91
2.75
3.49
110
1.00
2.02
2.89
3.66
120
1.07
2.14
3.03
3.82
80
0.91
1.84
2.63
3.33
100
1.07
2.08
2.92
3.67
110
1.14
2.19
3.06
3.83
120
1.21
2.29
3.19
3.98
80
1.10
2.06
2.86
3.57
100
1.25
2.28
3.13
3.87
110
1.32
2.38
3.25
4.02
120
1.39
2.48
3.38
4.17
COLUMN SIZE
4 standard
0.237 wall
thickness
5 double extra
strong 0.750
wall thickness
5 extra strong
0.375 wall
thickness
5 standard
0.258 wall
thickness
6 double extra
strong 0.864
wall thickness
6 extra strong
0.432 wall
thickness
6 standard
0.280 wall
thickness
MINIMUM REQUIRED EQUIVALENT
THICKNESS FOR FIRE-RESISTANCE
RATING OF CONCRETE MASONRY
PROTECTION ASSEMBLY, Te (inches)
CONCRETE
MASONRY
DENSITY
POUNDS PER
CUBIC FOOT
1 hour
2 hours
3 hours
4 hours
80
1.26
2.25
3.07
3.79
100
1.40
2.45
3.31
4.07
110
1.46
2.55
3.43
4.21
120
1.53
2.64
3.54
4.34
80
0.70
1.61
2.40
3.12
100
0.85
1.86
2.71
3.47
110
0.91
1.97
2.85
3.63
120
0.98
2.02
2.99
3.79
80
1.04
2.01
2.83
3.54
100
1.19
2.23
3.09
3.85
110
1.26
2.34
3.22
4.00
120
1.32
2.44
3.34
4.14
80
1.20
2.19
3.00
3.72
100
1.34
2.39
3.25
4.00
110
1.41
2.49
3.37
4.14
120
1.47
2.58
3.49
4.28
80
0.59
1.46
2.23
2.92
100
0.73
1.71
2.54
3.29
110
0.80
1.82
2.69
3.47
120
0.86
1.93
2.83
3.63
80
0.94
1.90
2.70
3.42
100
1.10
2.13
2.98
3.74
110
1.17
2.23
3.11
3.89
120
1.24
2.34
3.24
4.04
80
1.14
2.12
2.93
3.64
100
1.29
2.33
3.19
3.94
110
1.36
2.43
3.31
4.08
120
1.42
2.53
3.43
4.22
3
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per cubic feet = 16.02 kg/m .
Note: Tabulated values assume 1-inch air gap between masonry and steel section.
204
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 722.5.1(6)
FIRE RESISTANCE OF CLAY MASONRY PROTECTED STEEL COLUMNS
MINIMUM REQUIRED EQUIVALENT
THICKNESS FOR FIRE-RESISTANCE
RATING OF CLAY MASONRY
PROTECTION ASSEMBLY, Te (inches)
CLAY
MASONRY
DENSITY,
POUNDS PER
CUBIC FOOT
1 hour
2 hours
3 hours
W14 × 82
120
130
1.23
1.40
2.42
2.70
3.41
3.78
W14 × 68
120
130
1.34
1.51
2.54
2.82
W14 × 53
120
130
1.43
1.61
W14 × 43
120
130
W12 × 72
MINIMUM REQUIRED EQUIVALENT
THICKNESS FOR FIRE-RESISTANCE
RATING OF CLAY MASONRY
PROTECTION ASSEMBLY, Te (inches)
4 hours
CLAY
MASONRY
DENSITY,
POUNDS PER
CUBIC FOOT
1 hour
2 hours
3 hours
4 hours
4.29
4.74
W10 × 68
120
130
1.27
1.44
2.46
2.75
3.26
3.83
4.35
4.80
3.54
3.91
4.43
4.87
W10 × 54
120
130
1.40
1.58
2.61
2.89
3.62
3.98
4.51
4.95
2.65
2.93
3.65
4.02
4.54
4.98
W10 × 45
120
130
1.44
1.62
2.66
2.95
3.67
4.04
4.57
5.01
1.54
1.72
2.76
3.04
3.77
4.13
4.66
5.09
W10 × 33
120
130
1.59
1.77
2.82
3.10
3.84
4.20
4.73
5.13
120
130
1.32
1.50
2.52
2.80
3.51
3.88
4.40
4.84
W8 × 40
120
130
1.47
1.65
2.70
2.98
3.71
4.08
4.61
5.04
W12 × 58
120
130
1.40
1.57
2.61
2.89
3.61
3.98
4.50
4.94
W8 × 31
120
130
1.59
1.77
2.82
3.10
3.84
4.20
4.73
5.17
W12 × 50
120
130
1.43
1.61
2.65
2.93
3.66
4.02
4.55
4.99
W8 × 24
120
130
1.66
1.84
2.90
3.18
3.92
4.28
4.82
5.25
W12 × 40
120
130
1.54
1.72
2.77
3.05
3.78
4.14
4.67
5.10
W8 × 18
120
130
1.75
1.93
3.00
3.27
4.01
4.37
4.91
5.34
COLUMN SIZE
COLUMN SIZE
STEEL TUBING
STEEL PIPE
MINIMUM REQUIRED EQUIVALENT
THICKNESS FOR FIRE-RESISTANCE
RATING OF CLAY MASONRY
PROTECTION ASSEMBLY, Te (inches)
NOMINAL
TUBE SIZE
(inches)
CLAY
MASONRY
DENSITY,
POUNDS PER
CUBIC FOOT
1 hour
2 hours
3 hours
4 hours
1
120
1.44
2.72
3.76
4.68
130
1.62
3.00
4.12
5.11
120
1.56
2.84
3.88
4.78
130
1.74
3.12
4.23
5.21
120
1.72
2.99
4.02
4.92
130
1.89
3.26
4.37
5.34
120
1.33
2.58
3.62
4.52
130
1.50
2.86
3.98
4.96
120
1.48
2.74
3.76
4.67
130
1.65
3.01
4.13
5.10
120
1.66
2.91
3.94
4.84
130
1.83
3.19
4.30
5.27
120
1.27
2.50
3.52
4.42
130
1.44
2.78
3.89
4.86
120
1.43
2.67
3.69
4.59
130
1.60
2.95
4.05
5.02
120
1.62
2.87
3.89
4.78
130
1.79
3.14
4.24
5.21
4 × 4 × /2 wall
thickness
4 × 4 × 3/8 wall
thickness
4 × 4 × 1/4 wall
thickness
6 × 6 × 1/2 wall
thickness
6 × 6 × 3/8 wall
thickness
6 × 6 × 1/4 wall
thickness
8 × 8 × 1/2 wall
thickness
8 × 8 × 3/8 wall
thickness
8 × 8 × 1/4 wall
thickness
NOMINAL PIPE
SIZE (inches)
4 double extra
strong 0.674
wall thickness
4 extra strong
0.337 wall
thickness
4 standard
0.237 wall
thickness
5 double extra
strong 0.750
wall thickness
5 extra strong
0.375
wall thickness
5 standard
0.258 wall
thickness
6 double extra
strong 0.864
wall thickness
6 extra strong
0.432 wall
thickness
6 standard
0.280 wall
thickness
MINIMUM REQUIRED EQUIVALENT
THICKNESS FOR FIRE-RESISTANCE
RATING OF CLAY MASONRY
PROTECTION ASSEMBLY, Te (inches)
CLAY
MASONRY
DENSITY,
POUNDS PER
CUBIC FOOT
1 hour
2 hours
3 hours
4 hours
120
1.26
2.55
3.60
4.52
130
1.42
2.82
3.96
4.95
120
1.60
2.89
3.92
4.83
130
1.77
3.16
4.28
5.25
120
1.74
3.02
4.05
4.95
130
1.92
3.29
4.40
5.37
120
1.17
2.44
3.48
4.40
130
1.33
2.72
3.84
4.83
120
1.55
2.82
3.85
4.76
130
1.72
3.09
4.21
5.18
120
1.71
2.97
4.00
4.90
130
1.88
3.24
4.35
5.32
120
1.04
2.28
3.32
4.23
130
1.19
2.60
3.68
4.67
120
1.45
2.71
3.75
4.65
130
1.62
2.99
4.10
5.08
120
1.65
2.91
3.94
4.84
130
1.82
3.19
4.30
5.27
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per cubic foot = 16.02 kg/m3.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
205
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 722.5.1(7)
MINIMUM COVER (inch) FOR STEEL COLUMNS ENCASED IN
NORMAL-WEIGHT CONCRETEa [FIGURE 722.5.1(6)(c)]
STRUCTURAL SHAPE
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
1
11/2
2
W14 × 233
1
1
× 176
2 /2
2
1 /2
11/2
× 43
21/2
1
× 96
1
1
1 /2
1
1 /2
× 40
21/2
1
11/2
1 /2
1
× 58
11/2
21/2
11/2
1
× 193
× 74
3
1
1
1
11/2
11/2
× 43
W12 × 65
1
1
1
11/2
× 40
× 88
× 60
1
1
11/2
W8 × 35
× 28
× 24
3
1
× 18
1
1
1
1 /2
2
4
11/2
2
21/2
11/2
2
2
21/2
11/2
2
2
21/2
2
11/2
21/2
21/2
3
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. The tabulated thicknesses are based on the assumed properties of
structural lightweight concrete given in Table 722.5.1(2).
31/2
2
3
× 18
4
1
W6 × 25
1 /2
2
2
21/2
1
× 16
×9
2
W14 × 233
× 33
3 /2
1
× 21
× 15
3
21/2
2
11/2
W10 × 112
1
W8 × 67
× 20
21/2
3
1
× 33
× 31
3
2
1
× 49
× 48
2
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (HOURS)
1
× 61
1
× 50
× 39
STRUCTURAL SHAPE
× 53
W12 × 152
× 45
2
1
× 48
W10 × 88
4
1
1
× 61
× 65
1 /2
1
× 132
× 90
3
TABLE 722.5.1(8)
MINIMUM COVER (inch) FOR STEEL COLUMNS
ENCASED IN STRUCTURAL LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETEa
[FIGURE 722.5.1(6)(c)]
1
1 /2
3
31/2
31/2
4
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. The tabulated thicknesses are based on the assumed properties of normalweight concrete given in Table 722.5.1(2).
206
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 722.5.1(10)
MINIMUM COVER (inch) FOR STEEL COLUMNS IN
STRUCTURAL LIGHTWEIGHT PRECAST COVERSa
[FIGURE 722.5.1(6)(a)]
TABLE 722.5.1(9)
MINIMUM COVER (inch) FOR STEEL COLUMNS IN NORMALWEIGHT PRECAST COVERSa [FIGURE 722.5.1(6)(a)]
STRUCTURAL SHAPE
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
1
11/2
W14 × 233
1 /2
11/2
× 176
× 109
11/2
21/2
31/2
21/2
11/2
W12 × 190
× 152
21/2
41/2
31/2
1
1 /2
× 120
2
1
1 /2
2
21/2
3
31/2
× 40
W10 × 112
11/2
× 88
× 77
2
4
3
4
2
21/2
× 33
11/2
W8 × 67
2
1
3 /2
× 28
4
11/2
× 21
× 18
W6 × 25
× 20
×9
2
21/2
1
2 /2
3
2
1
2 /2
11/2
× 16
× 12
41/2
3
× 58
× 48
4 /2
31/2
4
31/2
2 /2
2
3
3
11/2
21/2
2
× 43
3
W12 × 190
2
× 136
× 106
11/2
11/2
4
5
2
× 40
3
2
W10 × 112
1
1 /2
× 100
× 88
11/2
11/2
× 60
3
21/2
31/2
2
× 39
3
2
11/2
W8 × 67
21/2
3
1
1 /2
× 48
11/2
2
2
× 18
×9
3
31/2
× 65
× 15
21/2
21/2
× 87
× 77
31/2
11/2
W6 × 25
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. The tabulated thicknesses are based on the assumed properties of normalweight concrete given in Table 722.5.1(2).
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
11/2
× 28
4 /2
4
21/2
11/2
× 68
× 35
1
1
2
× 33
41/2
3
× 99
× 96
1
31/2
11/2
× 54
2
× 152
× 87
× 58
11/2
× 145
× 109
4
3 /2
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (hours)
1
W14 × 233
× 132
1
× 43
STRUCTURAL SHAPE
× 176
3
2
× 61
4
3
2
× 99
× 96
3
1
× 211
× 145
2
11/2
2
3
31/2
21/2
4
2
31/2
3
1
2 /2
31/2
4
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. The tabulated thicknesses are based on the assumed properties of
structural lightweight concrete given in Table 722.5.1(2).
207
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 722.6.2(1)
TIME ASSIGNED TO WALLBOARD MEMBRANESa, b, c, d
TIMEe(minutes)
DESCRIPTION OF FINISH
3
/8-inch wood structural panel bonded with exterior glue
5
15
10
19
/32-inch wood structural panel bonded with exterior glue
15
3
/8-inch gypsum wallboard
10
1
/2-inch gypsum wallboard
15
5
/8-inch gypsum wallboard
30
1
/2-inch Type X gypsum wallboard
25
5
/8-inch Type X gypsum wallboard
40
/32-inch wood structural panel bonded with exterior glue
3
Double /8-inch gypsum wallboard
25
1
35
3
/2-inch + /8-inch gypsum wallboard
1
Double /2-inch gypsum wallboard
40
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. These values apply only where membranes are installed on framing members that are spaced 16 inches o.c. or less.
b. Gypsum wallboard installed over framing or furring shall be installed so that all edges are supported, except 5/8-inch Type X gypsum wallboard shall be
permitted to be installed horizontally with the horizontal joints staggered 24 inches each side and unsupported but finished.
c. On wood frame floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies, gypsum board shall be installed with the long dimension perpendicular to framing members and shall
have all joints finished.
d. The membrane on the unexposed side shall not be included in determining the fire resistance of the assembly. Where dissimilar membranes are used on a wall
assembly, the calculation shall be made from the least fire-resistant (weaker) side.
e. The time assigned is not a finished rating.
TABLE 722.6.2(2)
TIME ASSIGNED FOR CONTRIBUTION OF WOOD FRAME a, b, c
DESCRIPTION
TIME ASSIGNED TO FRAME (minutes)
Wood studs 16 inches o.c.
20
Wood floor and roof joists 16 inches o.c.
10
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. This table does not apply to studs or joists spaced more than 16 inches o.c.
b. All studs shall be nominal 2 × 4 and all joists shall have a nominal thickness of not less than 2 inches.
c. Allowable spans for joists shall be determined in accordance with Sections 2308.4.2.1, 2308.7.1 and 2308.7.2.
TABLE 722.6.2(3)
MEMBRANEa ON EXTERIOR FACE OF WOOD STUD WALLS
SHEATHING
PAPER
EXTERIOR FINISH
Lumber siding
Wood shingles and shakes
1
5
/8-inch T & G lumber
/16-inch exterior glue wood structural panel
1
/2-inch gypsum wallboard
5
/8-inch gypsum wallboard
1
/2-inch fiberboard
/4-inch fiber-cement lap, panel or shingle siding
1
/4-inch wood structural panels-exterior type
5
1
Sheathing paper
/4-inch hardboard
Metal siding
Stucco on metal lath
Masonry veneer
Vinyl siding
None
—
3
/8-inch exterior-grade wood structural panels
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. Any combination of sheathing, paper and exterior finish is permitted.
208
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
TABLE 722.6.2(4)
FLOORING OR ROOFING OVER WOOD FRAMINGa
ASSEMBLY
STRUCTURAL
MEMBERS
SUBFLOOR OR ROOF DECK
15
Floor
Wood
/32-inch wood structural panels or
11
/16-inch T & G softwood
Roof
Wood
11
15
/32-inch wood structural panels or
/16-inch T & G softwood
FINISHED FLOORING OR ROOFING
Hardwood or softwood flooring on building paper resilient flooring,
parquet floor felted-synthetic fiber floor coverings, carpeting, or ceramic
tile on 1/4-inch-thick fiber-cement underlayment or 3/8-inch-thick paneltype underlay
Ceramic tile on 11/4-inch mortar bed
Finished roofing material with or without insulation
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. This table applies only to wood joist construction. It is not applicable to wood truss construction.
TABLE 722.6.2(5)
TIME ASSIGNED FOR ADDITIONAL PROTECTION
DESCRIPTION OF ADDITIONAL PROTECTION
Add to the fire-resistance rating of wood stud walls if the spaces between the studs are completely filled with
glass fiber mineral wool batts weighing not less than 2 pounds per cubic foot (0.6 pound per square foot of wall
surface) or rockwool or slag material wool batts weighing not less than 3.3 pounds per cubic foot (1 pound per
square foot of wall surface), or cellulose insulation having a nominal density not less than 2.6 pounds per cubic
foot.
FIRE RESISTANCE (minutes)
15
For SI: 1 pound/cubic foot = 16.0185 kg/m3.
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
209
210
2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
CHAPTER 8
INTERIOR FINISHES
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 8 contains the performance requirements for controlling fire growth and smoke propagation within buildings by
restricting interior finish and decorative materials. The provisions of this chapter require materials used as interior finishes and decorations to
meet certain flame spread index or flame propagation criteria and smoke development criteria based on the relative fire hazard associated
with the occupancy. The performance of the material is evaluated based on test standards.
Code development reminder: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [F] will be considered by the International
Fire Code Development Committee during the 2019 (Group B) Code Development Cycle. See explanation on page iv.
SECTION 801
SCOPE
801.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the
use of materials used as interior finishes, trim and decorative
materials.
¬
SECTION 802
GENERAL
802.1 Interior wall and ceiling finish. The provisions of
Section 803 shall limit the allowable fire performance and
smoke development of interior wall and ceiling finish materials based on occupancy classification.
802.2 Interior floor finish. The provisions of Section 804
shall limit the allowable fire performance of interior floor finish materials based on occupancy classification.
[F] 802.3 Decorative materials and trim. Decorative materials and trim shall be restricted by combustibility, fire performance or flame propagation performance criteria in
accordance with Section 806.
802.4 Applicability. For buildings in flood hazard areas as
established in Section 1612.3, interior finishes, trim and decorative materials below the elevation required by Section
1612 shall be flood-damage-resistant materials.
802.5 Application. Combustible materials shall be permitted
to be used as finish for walls, ceilings, floors and other interior surfaces of buildings.
802.6 Windows. Show windows in the exterior walls of the
first story above grade plane shall be permitted to be of wood
or of unprotected metal framing.
802.7 Foam plastics. Foam plastics shall not be used as interior finish except as provided in Section 803.4. Foam plastics
shall not be used as