Interpretation #7800
Published August 05, 2016
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2014
- Code
- BUILDING
- Code Description
- Chapter
- Section
- 706.2
- Topic
- Fire wall stability
Question
Section 706.2 of the 2014 Florida Building Code states Fire walls shall have sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to allow collapse of construction on either side without collapse of the wall for the duration of time indicated by the required fire-resistance rating or shall be constructed as double fire walls in accordance with NFPA 221. There is a single fire wall separating a parking garage from immediately adjacent construction; the fire wall is part of the garage construction. Would we meet the requirements of Section 706.2 if the wall was braced by intermediate floor or roof members designed to withstand a fire duration of at least the rating of the fire wall?
Answer Published 08/05/2016 at 11:24 AM
No per BOAF Interpretation #7706 (1/19/2016).
The question is a little fancier, but basically the same
question as asked in Report 7706. If the floor bracing the
wall weakens or collapses, the wall may fail. The wall must
remain in place and act as a firewall for the entire
duration of the rating of the wall. The answer is still No.
The question is a little fancier, but basically the same
question as asked in Report 7706. If the floor bracing the
wall weakens or collapses, the wall may fail. The wall must
remain in place and act as a firewall for the entire
duration of the rating of the wall. The answer is still No.
Commentary
If the bracing and attachment were all designed as "the
wall" and the assembly met the required fire rating for the
fire wall, it is not clear can't see why this would not be
an alternate design. Perhaps this should be up to the AHJ.