How to Measure Travel Distance?

12/19/2018

Is there any situation where travel distance is not measured using right angles and travel parallel/orthogonal to walls? Also, how close must travel distance be measured from adjacent walls?

Posted anonymously by a member for discussion. Discuss this | Subscribe

8 Comments

Wayne Ammons

12/19/2018 09:12:25 am

Is the travel distance for the purpose of developing life safety egress plans, fire hose coverage, or something else?

JOE MEYER

12/19/2018 09:20:10 am

This question came in as travel distance for the development of life safety plans (means of egress).

Wayne Ammons

12/19/2018 10:16:38 am

NFPA 101 gives guidance on measuring travel distance for means of egress:

7.6* Measurement of Travel Distance to Exits.

7.6.1*The travel distance to an exit shall be measured on the floor or other walking surface as follows:
(1) Along the centerline of the natural path of travel, starting
from the most remote point subject to occupancy
(2) Curving around any corners or obstructions, with a 12 in. (305 mm) clearance therefrom
(3) Terminating at one of the following:
(a) Center of the doorway
(b) Other point at which the exit begins
(c) Smoke barrier in an existing detention and correctional occupancy as provided in Chapter 23

Marc Vieno

12/19/2018 12:21:05 pm

Let me answer from the perspective of a commercial plans examiner that reviewed to the 2012 IBC.
- Diagonal travel distances are only not questioned if across a space that has to remain open for its intended use. And even then, as the reviewer I would ask for an explanation of why it has to remain open. Sport courts can be obstacle courses, wide corridors can have furniture lining the walls, etc. Note that the IBC does not discuss corners like NFPA 101 does.
- I would prefer the measured distance to be at least 18"/22" from all walls, based on the corridor width minimum requirements. This width is based on (historic) human size. If the measurement is taken closer to the walls, I would question it.

Note that in both cases, if you give me a good enough justification, I would allow either one to be relaxed a little.

Francis

12/19/2018 02:24:27 pm

One typical example of measuring travel distance (TD) in a diagonal approach is in a mall structure. Since mall concourse/corridor is wide and normally open for occupants to stroll, angular measurement of TD is possible. Also on a driveway of a parking area it is typical to do a TD diagonally and very much acceptable with the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Richard Lefcourt link

1/27/2020 09:45:18 am

I'm working on an exercise studio with one big open room and dealing with a plan examiner who insists travel distance is measured along walls leading to an exit, rather than diagonally across the space. To me this is absurd. Thoughts?

Rick Savela

7/21/2020 01:24:43 pm

You probably have the answer by now. It's about life safety, you should always measure the maximum possible path. Occupants may be using the wall to find their way in a dark or smoke filled building.

K Tisaab

8/26/2021 04:07:14 pm

Hello,

Is there a Code reference (here in Canada) that stipulates to a distance from a wall as being the start of Travel Distance?

Thanks

Leave a Reply.

Home
Our Cause

The Blog
The Forum

PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit
MeyerFire University

Pricing
Login
Support
Contact Us

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

MeyerFire, LLC is a NICET Recognized Training Provider and International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.
All text, images, and media Copyright © 2016-2024 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

How to Measure Travel Distance?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES