Interpretation #7788
Published June 13, 2016
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2014
- Code
- BUILDING
- Code Description
- Chapter
- Section
- 1018
- Topic
- Rated hallways
Question
Is it the intent of section 1018.1 to require walls to be fire-resistance rated in a hallway of a Type 3B construction, single occupant tenant, Business occupancy. 12,291sq.ft., 120 occupant load with 4 exits, no fire sprinklers.
Answer Published 06/13/2016 at 4:03 PM
Yes. Assuming the information provided is correct.
Occupant load for a corridor includes all occupants using
it, in this case 120, according to the information provided.
However, the occupant load served by the corridor may not
actually be 120. More information is needed to know more
about the building layout. From the IBC Commentary to s.
1801: "The number of occupants served by the corridor is
different than the occupant load number used to determine
the corridor width (Section 1018.2). If a corridor leads in
two directions to two separate exits, that number is split
in half to determine the required occupant load for the
corridor width."
Occupant load for a corridor includes all occupants using
it, in this case 120, according to the information provided.
However, the occupant load served by the corridor may not
actually be 120. More information is needed to know more
about the building layout. From the IBC Commentary to s.
1801: "The number of occupants served by the corridor is
different than the occupant load number used to determine
the corridor width (Section 1018.2). If a corridor leads in
two directions to two separate exits, that number is split
in half to determine the required occupant load for the
corridor width."
Commentary
Hallways that are floor to ceiling, define and direct the
egress flow while limiting the path of egress to exits and
are called corridors. Table 1018.1 provides the rating for a
non-sprinklered building. Requirements would depend on the
occupant load each corridor serves and if there are doorways
separating the corridors. Table 1018.1 only requires fire
rated corridors when the occupancy served is greater than
30. See the 2012 ICC base code commentary. The total
occupant load that the corridor serves is used to determine
the requirement for a rated corridor enclosure.