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An existing F1 occupancy with no high-piled storage is getting an addition, resulting in the total square footage for the entire F-1 area (all open) being over 50,000 ft sq, thus requiring smoke and heat vents per the 2012 IBC and IFC.
The question was asked if smoke and heat vents can just be added to the new addition and install a draft curtain to separate the existing from new, so smoke and heat vents will not be required in the existing space. My question is, would a draft curtain be sufficient for creating a divided area in this regard? There is no true definition of a divided area in either the building or fire codes. I wouldn’t think it would necessarily need to have a fire barrier or partition. I would assume a properly sized trap curtain would be sufficient? Does anybody have any experience with this unique type of issue, or have any comments or suggestions? Submitted anonymously and posted for discussion. Discuss This | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
4 Comments
Jonathan Joseph
8/21/2020 11:27:36 am
Does this building have a sprinkler system?
Scott
8/21/2020 01:46:27 pm
Building is fully sprinklered, the addition will be as well. They are asking if they can just install smoke and heat vents in the new addition and just install a draft curtain, so they do not have to install smoking with heat vents throughout the existing part of the factory. In my mind the draft curtain would serve the purpose of dividing the building for ventilation.
Jonathan Joseph
8/21/2020 11:46:27 am
I don't think that a draft curtain is going to be needed if the hazard has not changed just make sure that the automatic vents operate at a higher temperature then the sprinklers do. We want the sprinklers to operate effectively.
Scott
8/21/2020 01:52:09 pm
Well, I am the AHJ. I see what you’re talking about on the temperature rating for the smoke and heat vents. I am on the fence of allowing the draft curtain to divide up the area so the smoke and heat vents work properly on the new addition, but then the existing will not have any type of been ventilation. I am trying to work with the design professional, but I also want it to be safe for our firefighters and allow for better protection of the building and contents. I guess I could either have them install smoke and heat vents throughout the whole F1 area, install a dividing wall ceiling to floor, or allow the draft curtain between the old and new addition. I think the first two options are the optimal choice, however they are going to be more cost prohibitive and time consuming. Leave a Reply. |
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