Fire Codes

Sprinklers Above Gypboard Ceiling

Question: 

I have a 29 x 72 mobile office with a 2-foot deep wooden truss above the ceiling that a client is required to sprinkler. Is there any way to avoid sprinklering above the gypboard ceiling?

Penetration Of Fire Walls

Question: 

Can a roof truss penetrate a one-hr. tenant separation wall without having a one-hr. rated ceiling? The building official insists that the 2x4 chords are combustible and nullify the integrity of the one-hr. rated partition that is constructed in an attic above an 8 in. C.M.U. bearing wall. The partition consists of gypsum board attached to 2 x 4 stud framing. The building official insists that a ledger must be attached through the gypsum board to support the trusses each side of the wall. This is almost saying that any rated assembly must have bearing only on other rated assemblies.

Two Hour Assembly Ul Number

Question: 

We have a local builder wishing to use floor trusses with a 2-hour assembly. I have shown him the 2-hour design on pages 17-27 of the second edition of SBCA’s Metal Plate Connected Wood Truss Handbook. Is this assembly UL approved? If so, what is the design number?

Fire Retardants and Truss Design - Educational Program

This presentation provides information and analysis of fire retardant-treated wood and metal plate connected wood truss designs.

Single Membrane Floor Protection Requirements of 2012 IRC Section R501.3 & 2015 IRC Section R302.13

This Research Report aims to enhance fire performance and fire safety characteristics through the application of a gypsum wallboard membrane.

Advocating with Evidence

A CM in Pennsylvania is taking a proactive approach to dealing with exception four of IRC provision R501.3.

Fire Endurance Calculation for Wood Truss Structural Framing Systems: 2-Hour Assembly

Fire endurance ratings may be mandated by code for many assemblies in both floor and roof framing systems. This Research Report discusses methodologies to calculate 2-hour fire endurances of a given assembly.

Sprinkler Loads on Trusses - Educational Program

This presentation provides information on and requirements for sprinkler loads on metal plate connected wood trusses.

Sprinkler Systems and Wood Trusses

The goal of this Research Report is to assist in designing safe buildings economically, especially when sprinkler systems are required or desired in the design.

Fire Resistance Rated Truss Assemblies

A fire endurance rating may be mandated by code for many of the applications where trusses could be used in floor/ceiling, roof/ceiling or in attic separation applications. This Research Report discusses 5 different methods for determining fire resistance.