"He stated, The IBC 2009 doesn't require sprinklers except for the basement,
so NFPA 13 isn't applicable."..............

2009 IBC/IFC

[F] 903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new
buildings and structures shall be provided in the locations described in
Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12.

[F] 903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM SHALL BE PROVIDED FOR
GROUP A-3 OCCUPANCIES where ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS EXISTS:

1. The fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1115m2);
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more;
or
3. THE FIRE AREA IS LOCATED ON A FLOOR OTHER THAN A LEVEL OF EXIT DISCHARGE
SERVING SUCH OCCUPANCIES.

[F] 903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 sprinkler systems. Where the provisions of this code
require that a building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an
automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with this section, sprinklers shall be installed
throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 except as provided in Section
903.3.1.1.1.

[F] 902.1 FIRE AREA. The aggregate floor area enclosed and BOUNDED BY FIRE
WALLS, FIRE BARRIERS, EXTERIOR WALLS OR HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES OF A BUILDING.
Areas of the building not provided with surrounding walls shall be included
in the fire area if such areas are included within the horizontal projection
of the roof or floor next above.

[F] 702.1 FIRE BARRIER. A fire-resistance-rated wall assembly of materials
designed to restrict the spread of fire in which continuity is maintained.

FIRE WALL. A fire-resistance-rated wall having protected openings, which
restricts the spread of fire and extends continuously from the foundation to
or through the roof, with sufficient structural stability under fire
conditions to allow collapse of construction on either side without collapse
of the wall.
 
HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLY. A fire-resistance-rated floor or roof assembly of
materials designed to restrict the spread of fire in which continuity is
maintained.

Comment - It's important to define the fire areas in accordance with 702,
902 & 903. Often entire buildings end up being sprinklered and not just the
occupancy due to passive fire protection requirements.


Hope this helps,

John Drucker, CET
Fire Protection Subcode Official 
Fire/Building/Electrical Inspector
Fire Marshals Office
Borough of Red Bank, NJ

Not the official position of any agency, association, committee or
otherwise.  Obtain required applications, permits, inspections and approvals
from Authority(s) Having Jurisdiction. 


-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Rod DiBona
Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 11:05 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Building trade off update


I wanted to follow up and let everyone who helped me think through the
process know what happened. This was a new two story courthouse (A3) with a
combustible attic above the 2nd floor and a single (B) occupancy attached
adjacent on the ground floor.  IBC 2009. He was sprinklering the basement,
1st and 2nd but not the attic. We met with the Architect and and asked him
if he could educate us on his decision tree that allowed:


 1.   No sprinklers in the combustible attic that was draft stopped every
3,000 ft.
 2.   Install fire protection on the first and second floors (not  required
systems in the A3) to allow a reduction in fire rating of the corridor
walls, stairs, and the wall separating the courtroom A3 from the B
occupancy.
 3.  His logic for not mandating an increase of the design area on the 2nd
floor to 3,000 ft.

His answers were:


 1.  The IBC 2009 doesn't require sprinklers  except for the basement, so
NFPA 13 isn't applicable.
 2.  He stated that the IBC allows for reduction with partial systems. 901.2
"exception"
 3.  He believed that because partial systems are allowed and that because
the code didn't require a system in the attic that we wouldn't need to
increase our area on the 2nd floor even though the combustible attic above
was unsprinklered.

We took the advice of GC / Roland and others and listened and accepted what
he said. The tone of the meeting was very good and at the end of the day I
am glad he chose more sprinklers than required in lieu of more rating. I
personally don't agree with the lack of increase in area ( question #3) but
as it has been pointed out...... not my decision.

Thanks for all the input and help. We learn and move on.


Rod DiBona
Rapid Fire Protection

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