Interpretation #6712

Published April 25, 2011

Original Request

Code Version: 2007
Code: BUILDING
Code Description: Building
Chapter: 7
Section: 711.4
Topic: Fire Rated Supporting Walls

Question

Is it the intent of FBC Section 711.4 Continuity to require all supporting walls to be fire rated to match a horizontal assembly’s fire rating? Example: A floor/ceiling is required to be 1 hour in a VB construction. The exterior walls in a VB building according to tables 601 & 602 do not need a fire rating. Would the exterior wall need to have a 1 hour fire rating if it supports the 1 hour floor/ceiling?

Answer Published 04/25/2011 at 11:09 AM

Yes. The structural walls supporting the floor/ceiling would
need to be rated as stated.

Commentary

As to the comment. Read and Apply each sentence separately.