PDD Practice Exam Case Study 1, Fire separation ratings meet the minimum code requirements.

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An Liu

May 21, 2023 15:20

Case Study Question: 

In order to increase property revenues, the client decides to rent the Gallery at the corner of the ground floor to an accounting firm. The Programmable Space in the basement will be used as storage. The architect will need to accommodate the change in occupancy for the former Gallery space by making sure its fire separation ratings meet the minimum code requirements. What should the architect specify for the former Gallery space?➡️ The correct answer is 1 hour rated wall, ceiling, and floors. 

My question ➡️ The scenario doesn't mention the building has sprinkler system. How can we tell if we need 1hr rated or 2 hr rated?

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  Rebekka O'Melia May 22, 2023 16:33 (Edited May 22, 2023 17:10)

  Hi An,

  I like your critical thinking here.  I don't have access to the drawing associated with this question.  Could you please post it?  If the storage is S-1 and the gallery is A, you are correct that it'd need to be 2 hr not sprinkled, or 1 hr sprinklered.

  But I'd bet a sprinkler head is shown on the plans (?) or sprinklers are mentioned somewhere in the scenario.

  The answer uses this chart from IBC Ch 5: 

  

  Hope this helps!

  Rebekka O'Melia, R.A., NCARB, B. Arch, M. Ed, NOMA, Step UP ARE 5.0 Courses

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  An Liu May 27, 2023 13:02

  Yes, in the basement there is a room called out as " Mechanical Sprinkler" I assume it indicates that the whole building is sprinklered. 

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  Brendan Clifford September 10, 2023 21:29

  The question/case study did not say if the building was sprinkled or not.

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