Fire and Smoke Resistant Assemblies – Passive Systems

75% of all codes deal with fire and life safety

Interior fire-related codes focus on protecting the occupant allowing time to evacuate during a fire.

The ultimate goal is to contain a fire to the room of origin.

Fire codes include provisions for both fire protection and smoke protection.

More people die from asphyxiation due to smoke than from burns.

Focus on prohibiting and containing fires Also known as prevention systems Once in place, nothing else has to occur from them to be

part of the control of a fire. Fire and smoke barriers and partitions Horizontal Assemblies (floors, ceilings) Opening Protective (windows, doors) Through-penetration (Firestops, dampers) Finishes and furniture

These systems are considered active because they have to be activated in order to work.

Once called suppression systems, they are now called extinguishing systems Detection systems Extinguishing and suppression systems Emergency lighting

Elements of a space or building that assists and direct occupants to a place of safety Means of egress (corridors, exits, stairs,

ramps) Exit Communication systems (signage,

audible, visual communication)

CaliforniaBostonMassachusettsNew York CityFloridaNew JerseyNew York State

The overall concept of a Passive fire-protection method

Separation of areas in a building to control fire and smoke by the use of: Wall Assemblies Floor Assemblies Ceiling Assemblies

Compartments are created by fire-resistance-rated assemblies which include:

Fire walls Fire barriers Horizontal assemblies Fire partitions

As a result, the fire can spread only a limited area before meeting resistance from rated assemblies.

Equally important is the use of smoke barriers.

Fire resistant ratings do not automatically control the spread of smoke.

Smoke barriers are discussed later in this chapter.

When required, these assemblies become part of the compartmentation of the space or building.

The use of a sprinkler system will affect the requirements for compartmentaiton.

Some of the fire-ratings may be reduced if the building has an automatic sprinkler system installed.

You should determine if a sprinkler system is going to be installed prior to doing your codes research.

Fire walls are used either within or between buildings creating two or more separate buildings.

Each “building” has a separate foundation. Fire walls are not usually “added” to an existing

building. Also know as a party wall if it falls on the lot lines Provides complete vertical separation of areas in

a building. Extends from the slab to the roof and from

exterior wall to exterior wall. Parapet is a fire wall that extends above the roof. Rated 3 or 4 hours typically. Minimum is 2 hrs. See table 706.4 for rating by occupancy (page

222) Avoid penetrating a fire wall!

Fire Barriers are walls that have a fire-resistant rating and must be continuous from floor to ceiling assembly. (extends thru a suspended ceiling). Joints are sealed and the number of doors, windows are limited.

Horizontal assemblies serve the same function as fire barriers and extends horizontally from one rated wall to another.

Where horizontal and vertical assemblies meet, the joints must be sealed. Also openings are limited and must be sealed.

Fire partitions are similar to fire barriers but have less restrictive requirements. It does not always have to be a full enclosure from floor to ceiling above.

Typically 1 hour rating Example is an exit

access corridor See figure 5.3 page 225

2009 IBC requires that fire walls, fire barriers and partitions as well as smoke barriers and partitions be marked in the field.

In new construction, this marking must: Indicate the type (barrier, partition, etc.) Hourly rating Located above the finished ceiling Spaced approximately 30’ apart

When more than one occupancy exists in a building it is considered a mixed or multiple occupancy.

Each occupancy must be separated from the other by a fire barrier or horizontal assembly.

In the past, all occupancies were typically required to be separated by at least a 1-hour fire rating; however, beginning in 2006, only dissimilar risks factors to be separated by a fire barrier or horizontal assembly.

Refer to figure 5.6 page 231

Example: Page 230 Business adjacent to Assembly required 2 hour occupancy separation wall (non-sprinklered)

What if a storage (S-2) occupancy was located below the business occupancy?

Codes no longer require a rated separation between tenants of the same occupancy

Referred to as a demising wallExceptions: Tenants within a

covered mall (stores and restaurants) are required to be separated by a fire partition.

Typically required to be separated by fire partitions

Hotels, dormitory, apartment buildings

Typically 1 hour

Machine rooms and laundry rooms are considered incidental use rooms.

Must be enclosed by fire barriersNo longer a requirement: Storage

rooms over 100 sq. feet are required to be separated by a fire barrier with a rating of 1 hour or to be sprinklered.

See table 5.8 page 235.

Elevators, dumbwaiters, mechanical chases, stairwells

Rating is determined by the number of floors

Typically 1 or 2 hour rating Exit stair of 3 stories or less are 1 hour

while 4 or more stories are 2-hour rated. These walls are typically continuous

from floor to underside of the roof deck. See figure 5.9 page 236

Exit Stairs: 1 hour (3 or less floors)Exit Stairs: 2 hours (4 or more

floors)Horizontal Exits: 2 hours and wall

must extend to exterior wallsArea of refuge: 1 hour min.Exit Access Corridors: ½ to 1 hourExit passageways: 2 hours

Another type of passive fire protection system

Barriers provide higher degree of protections than smoke partitions

Barriers restrict the movement or passage of smoke and gases

Barriers must be continuous and sealed completely at all joints

Smoke barriers use automatic release door closures and smoke dampers in mechanical ducts. Cannot install recessed lighting, speakers, etc in ceilings.

Smoke partitions can terminate at suspended ceilings and penetrations such as speakers and recessed lighting are allowed

An opening protective is a rated assembly that prevents the spread of fire or smoke through an opening in a rated wall.

Typically a door or window

Doors are assigned fire-protection ratings.

Codes regulate when an opening can be used in a rated assembly.

Some state no opening will be allowed

When allowed, size of the opening will be limited to a % of the total size or wall area.

Door Assemblies consists of door, frame and hardware and is tested as an entire unit. Solid Core or Hollow Metal Self-closing (closer) Rated from 20 min. to 3-hour Fire exit hardware similar to panic bar

Window assemblies consist of the frame, rated glazing, and hardware. Glazing has the ability to stay in place under

pressure of hose streams and the ability to resist heat transfer

Hollow metal frames are typical

Fire Exit Hardware that is tested and rated

Panic hardwareAssemblies and Educational

Occupancy

Wire glass (safety-wired) Laminated with a film-impact resistant

Tempered glass – used in 1 hour walls and should not be used near sprinkler heads due to impact.

Glass block- used in walls with a maximum of 1 hour rating.

Laminated glass – two pieces of glass laminated together – good for impact resistance and can be sand blasted to create decorations

NOTE: check code requirements for size limitations of glazing

An opening that pierces the entire thickness of a construction assembly such as a wall or floor/ceiling assembly.

Most common are Firestops and smokestops Achieved by using noncombustible

materials: Fire-rated caulk Silicone foam Mortar Mineral wool

Restricts movement of fire and hot gasses through openings made in the fire resistance-rated walls and floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies Plumbing pipes Electrical conduit HVAC ducts Communication cables

Restrict the spread of smoke through concealed spaces should a fire occur Used at dropped ceilings if the

wall stops to the underside of the ceiling

When double stud walls are constructed to conceal pipes and mechanical ducts or for acoustical separation.

Raised flooring – plenum spaces

A type of opening protective specifically for HVAC systems Duct passes through a rated assembly Specified by a mechanical engineer It will automatically interrupt the flow of

air during an emergency so that it restricts the passage of smoke, fire and heat

Rated 1 ½ - 3 hours

Fire Protection Systems (Active systems)

Overall aim of the fire-protection system is to detect a fire in a building or space, warn the occupants, and suppress the fire until the fire department arrives. Detection Systems (Initiating devices –

heat and smoke) Alarms Systems Extinguishing Systems

Do not play heavily in the development of fire protection systems

ADA does require the designer to plan fire alarms and accessible warning systems Accessible mounting heights for alarms and

other devices Avoid projections in egress path Signage, type and location

Collaboration with an electrical engineer is necessary to coordinate these systems with the rest of the design

Detection systems must also be integrated into other systems within the building, including the electrical system.

Detection systems rely on electricity as their main power source, and in most cases require an emergency source of power as well.

Smoke detectors Battery operated are not allowed 30 feet apart and at least 4” from wall 900 sq. feet Wall or ceiling mounted Keep away from vents and return units

Heat detectors (changes in heat) Manual fire alarms

Adjacent to each required exit Maximum of 60” from Latch side of door 42-48” AFF Must be red in color

Used to make occupants aware that something unusual is occuring Fire Toxic spills Sever weather Bomb threats

Alarms must use both visual and audible notification methods Visual alarms are required by ADA

(strobes) Visual alarms are provided in all

public use areas such as restrooms, corridors, lobbies, meeting rooms, break rooms, examination rooms and classrooms.

Audible alarms are installed in the natural path of travel and at each required exit from the building

Once known as suppression systems Fire extinguishers Standpipes Fire hoses Sprinkler systems

Surface mounted or recessed in the wall for ADA compliance

Required in commercial kitchens, breakrooms, buildings under construction, computer rooms, generator rooms.

No occupant can be more than 75 feet from a fire extinguisher

Located along normal path of travel Must be mounted within ADA reach ranges Refer to page 292 and 293 for placement

and height requirements

Glass enclosed cabinet with a folded fire hose

Large diameter pipes with connections for fire hose hookup.

Heat sensitive Newer systems are zoned Building codes and the LSC will specify

when an automatic sprinkler system is required.(see page 296)

Required for assemblies, healthcare, and hazardous

Covers 90 – 200 sq. foot per head 12 – 15 feet apart Engineers will determine the type and

layout Allow 18” clearance below the sprinkler

deflector.

When water should not be used: Grease fires Near large electrical equipment Computer/telephone equipment rooms

Examples: Wet-chemical Dry-chemical Foam Carbon dioxide Halon (no longer used in new buildings)

Plumbing and Mechanical Requirements

Interior projects that include major plumbing or mechanical work will usually require collaboration with a professional engineer.

Smaller project such as adding a break room sink or moving a supply vent will only require a licensed plumbing or mechanical contractor.

Table 403.1 on page 314 identifies the number of: (based on occupancy loads)

Round any fractions up Water closets Lavatories Bathtubs or showers Drinking fountains

School with 680 occupants Divide in half: 340 male and 340 female Refer to educational (E ) occupancy in

the table Table states: water closets and

lavatories are 1 per 50 340 / 50 = 6.8 – round up to 7 Drinking fountains are 1 per 100

680/100 = 6.8 or 7 1 service sink is required

Male / female ratios: if not specified, divide the number equally

You can combine restroom into one common room as long as path of travel does not exceed 500 feet; 300’ in covered malls

Private bath facility cannot be deducted from requirement

Unisex allowed in smaller sq. footages and occupancies and must be accessible.

Can provide two separate toilet facilities for employees and customers

Required for every floor.

Elongate bowl with hinged seat and open front

Min. of 15” to side wall and at least 21” in front of bowl (non-accessible)

Accessible toilets require at least 18” (range of 16 – 18”)

Toilet height is 17 – 19 inches

Typical accessible

space is 60 x 56”

Not required for every occupancy Typically found in schools, restaurants,

clubs, lounges, transportation terminals, auditoriums, theaters and churches.

When used, they are substituted for one or more of the required water closets

Privacy panels are required when more than one urinal is used.

Provide a 30 x 48 space in front of accessible urinal

Codes require fewer lavatories than toilets.

Sensor-type help reduce water consumption

Level handles, push type or automatic

One lavatory must be accessible on each floor

Accessible space 30 x 48”

Hot water pipes must be covered with a removable panel

Include service sinks, utility sinks, kitchen sinks, laundry basins

Most occupancies require a janitors sink which does not have to be accessible.

Breakroom sinks should be accessible: 34” AFF, 25” deep max with a 30 x 48” front approach and 19” deep kneespace

Can nor use doors that open and provide clearance with covered pipes.

6 ½ “ deep sink for ADA

Required on each floor of a building Some allow water coolers to substitute

– verify with the code official first. Cannot be inside a public toilet room or

the vestibule leading to the toilet Usually located in the hallway outside

the restroom area Caution: protruding object rule: Not

more than 4” into path of travel Alcoves must be a minimum of 36”

wide and provide at least 30 x 48” clear floor space

Most common in hotels, dormitories, apartment buildings and institutional facilities

Showers can be used to replace a tub

Accessible tubs require hand-held shower sprays (60” hose), a seat, grab bars, clear floor space of 30 x 48”

Used in hotels, and institutional facilities as well as gymnasiums, health clubs, and in some manufacturing plants where people are exposed to skin contamination.

Accessible showers are either transfer or roll-in type

Transfer: 36 x 36 minimum with 36 x 48 clear floor area and a fixed or folding shower seat.

Roll-in: 30 x 60” with 36 x 60” clear floor space (seats are optional)

Privacy from outside is required – should not be able to look directly into a toilet facility

Use a vestibule or walls to provide privacy.

Doors must have a closure

Must be accessible Doors swinging into

accessible restrooms or stalls cannot reduce the clear floor space required at the sink or interfere with the turning space. Always draw in the clear floor space and turning circle to indicate compliance.

Stalls must be used At least one stall must be accessible Six or more, at least two are accessible

– one ambulatory stall and one W.C. stall.

There must be a 60” turning circle in the room and clear 30 x 48” floor space at all areas (lavatory, urinal, and accessory units.)

Refer to page 336 for floor plan.

Includes a shower or bathtub.A certain percentage will be required

to be accessibleFloor drain may be required in

multiple toilet facilitiesSee pages 339 and 340 for examples

Smooth, hard, non-absorbent surfaces Floor surfaces should extend up the wall

at least 4” Walls must have smooth, hard,

nonabsorbent finishes around urinals, toilet fixtures, tubs and showers.

Stalls should be impervious such as laminate, stainless steel, solid surface, painted metal.

Regulated by ADA Mirrors, dispensers, receptacles, disposal

units, air hand dryers, vending machines, etc.

All accessories must be accessible in single-toilet rooms.

At least one of each type should be accessible in multi-fixture rooms.

4” limit on projections in circulation path Work within accessible reach ranges Grab bars require at all accessible toilets,

showers and tubs. 33” – 36” AFF Refer to page 344 for installation heights of

accessories

Installation heights for accessories

Required by code Non-accessible

facilities should have sign indicating the location of the accessible stall

International symbol of Accessibility should be use and on the stall door that is accessible.

Locate signs between 48 – 60” AFF on the latch side of the door