Travel Distance Right Angles vs. Natural Path?

6/16/2026

Some AHJs require travel distance to be measured orthogonally, meaning all changes in direction are made at right angles. This does result in a worst-case travel distance, but the IBC specifically says it should be measured using the natural walking path.

Generally, walking occupants do not make turns at 90-degree angles.

How do you work through this code/interpretation with AHJs?

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5 Comments

Brian Gerdwagen FPE

6/16/2026 08:24:06 am

Orthogonal travel paths are useful if you do not know the furniture layout. It represents the worst-case unless backtracking through the layout is necessary. A more natural path is useful if walking obstructions are shown accurately.

Ivan

6/16/2026 09:42:40 am

I would maintain that, for spaces in which the furniture (or fixture) layout is not known and not fixed, the orthogonal travel path is a 'best practice', but not necessarily the 'worst-case' scenario, as there is no way of preventing a furniture/fixture layout that would create a "J" pattern egress path.

Mike link

6/16/2026 08:31:24 am

Keeping with the right angles plays it safe for AHJ.
It helps with future rearranging of aisle and stock arrangements. Architects deal with the original layout plans and AHJ have the building for life.

Todd Wyatt

6/16/2026 08:38:12 am

Occupants using Circulation Paths as part of the Exit Access (EA) portion of the Means of Egress (ME) can encounter obstructions (e.g. FFE : furniture, fixtures, and equipment) that may restrict their EA and require them to walk around these obstructions.

While Architects will sometimes identified "planned" furniture layouts within a space, they (nor the AHJ) cannot predict HOW an Owner may alter this furniture layout once they assume the occupancy of their building.

For this reason, AHJs require an orthogonal EA for determingin the Travel Distances (TD) for Common Path, Exit Access, and Dead Ends. If any of these (3) TDs are close to their maximums, their are strategies for making them compliant ... e.g. the addition of a Horizontal Exit (HE) will solve an EATD issue.

Utilizing an "as-the-crow-flies" TD strategy is typically not permitted except in rooms, areas, and space that can be verified as never to have FFE obstructions in it.

As an AHJ, the only places I would consider permitting a non-orthogonal Circulation Path would be in Healthcare (e.g. I-2 Hospitals) Occupancy Corridors since HC staff are specifically trained to clear the corridors of medical equipment during a fire emergency. However, the ME is not solely intended for a fire emergancy. For instance, an active shooter in a hospital would not "require" corridors to be cleared of equipment which would be obstructions for egressing occupants.

It comes down to liability. An AHJ wants to interpret the Code so that occupants are safe, especially during the Means of Egress. If the maximum EATD is 75-FT, most AHJs will permit a few feet in excess of this travel distance but some will require the Design Professional to provide a complaint TD for the ME.

D Cox

6/17/2026 11:56:31 am

AHJs and Fire Departments interpret based on the plans submitted. If you change it you have to resubmit.
Problem solved. There is no mystery layout. If FD goes out and it is different the business has to return to previous or resubmit. Code sheets approved by building safety must have aisles that meet code-Travel distances are regulated and verified.
I have never seen a 'J' Aisle except maybe in a Cheech and Chong skit.

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Travel Distance Right Angles vs. Natural Path?

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