A building owner has an existing mixed-use building which has approximately 6,000 sqft of storage space (S-1 Occupancy) and offices (larger than 6,000 sqft). The offices and storage appear to have a rated separation (steel studs, 2x gypsum on at least one side of the wall) in-between them.
The owner is looking to store new product in the warehouse, but would like for it to be sprinkler protected. This building, if new, would be under the 2015 International Building Code. As the building currently stands, it is a code-compliant mixed-use separated, non-sprinklered occupancy. Can the owner voluntarily provide a sprinkler system above code, but only for the warehouse portion? If so, does anything with the fire barrier between the warehouse and office need to change? As this is only a voluntary improvement to the property and life safety systems, I could see it being an alternative design method and seek approval from the AHJ under IBC Section 104.11 as a partially-protected building - I just wasn't sure if it even needed to come to that. Would be interested in other opinions, thank you in advance! Submitted anonymously and posted for discussion. Discuss This | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
9 Comments
Dan Wilder
9/2/2020 08:34:47 am
I rarely go into the Building & Fire Code at this level, but doesn't IBC 901.2 Exception give allowance for this?
Reply
WES
9/2/2020 03:21:59 pm
Well said!
Reply
Austin
9/2/2020 10:10:35 am
Check out 901.4.2 of the 15 IFC as well. It allows for partial coverage of a fire protection system over the intent of the code. If installed though, it must meet all requirements of IFC, IBC, and NFPA.
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sean
9/2/2020 11:13:11 am
you would not get any credit for a fully sprinklered building per the IBC.
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Jonathan Sullivan
9/3/2020 10:04:46 am
This is a really important point that is often missed. Thanks for pointing this out.
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Jonathan Sullivan
9/3/2020 10:13:00 am
Although two important caveats to add:
sean
9/21/2020 02:42:17 pm
agreed.
Mike
9/2/2020 12:47:16 pm
I wonder what the insurance company would say.
Reply
Mike
9/2/2020 01:32:17 pm
I am not a IFC or IBC expert.
Reply
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