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Fire-Resistance-Rated Wall or Assembly Continuity
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Garland, TX
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[#1] Posted: 09/08/2011 - 1:48:59 PM		Reply with Quote
In a condominium built on a pier and beam foundation which is open to the adjacent units in the crawl space, is not the fire-resistance-rated wall or assembly required to be continuous from the soil level to the bottom of the roof deck as per IRC 302.2.1?

It is my understanding that the intent regardless how the buildings are constructed each townhouse is to be separate from the other townhouses.
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Fire-Resistance-Rated Wall or Assembly Continuity
 [#2] Posted: 09/08/2011 - 2:05:46 PM		Reply with Quote
Hi Aaron,

You tend to know code cites better than most, so I'll wait for some expert to pop on here, but.......

1)When was the place built?
2)Your code cite doesn't show up under my 2006 IRC. Was this place built under the IRC or IBC?

For condo's in my area, a firewall or separation wall? from dirt to roof line has been required since about the 1980's I believe.

EDIT TO ADD:

IBC 706 may apply.......
Brandon

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Fire-Resistance-Rated Wall or Assembly Continuity
 [#3] Posted: 09/08/2011 - 2:39:44 PM		Reply with Quote
Some more information is needed.

Is the building type V construction?

Does the building have sprinklers:

1. In the units?
2. In the interstatial space below the floor?

Does the fire rated assembly pass through the floor to the underside of the framing?

Is it an area separation wall or a fire rated demising wall?

How large is the space under the units?


As long as the wall is not rated above 1 hour the following pertains.

708.4 Continuity. Fire partitions shall extend from the top of the foundation or floor/ceiling assembly below to the underside of the floor or roof sheathing, slab or deck above or to the fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly above, and shall be securely attached thereto. If the partitions are not continuous to the sheathing, deck or slab, and where constructed of combustible construction, the space between the ceiling and the sheathing, deck or slab above shall be fire blocked or draft stopped in accordance with Sections 717.2 and 717.3 at the partition line. The supporting construction shall be protected to afford the required fire-resistance rating of the wall supported, except for tenant and sleeping unit separation walls and corridor walls in buildings of Types IIB, IIIB and VB construction.

Exceptions:
1. The wall need not be extended into the crawl space below where the floor above the crawl space has a minimum 1-hour fire-resistance rating.
   
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