47 Questions
What is the fundamental consideration for the building code?
Intended use or occupancy of the building
What determines the occupancy group to which a facility is assigned under the building code?
Desired use of the facility
What trigger specific requirements for the allowable area and height of a building, means of egress, and type of construction?
Occupancy group classifications
Who is the ultimate judge of occupancy classification according to the provisions of Chapter 1 of the IBC?
Building official
How are uses separated in the building code?
By occupancy group classifications
What best describes the intent regarding classification of atypical occupancies according to the text?
'Such structure shall be classified in the group which the occupancy most nearly resembles'
What is the purpose of the control area concept?
To allow multiple parts of a building to contain hazardous materials when properly separated
What is the primary consideration for establishing control areas?
The nature of the hazard of the material in question
How must control areas be separated from one another?
By 1-hour fire-barrier walls and floors with a minimum fire-resistance rating of 2 hours
What does the control area concept reinforce?
That hazard levels are mitigated by passive and/or active fire-protection measures
What is the definition of control areas as per § 202?
"Spaces within a building where quantities of hazardous materials not exceeding maximum allowable quantities can be stored, dispensed, used or handled"
What is the relationship between hazard levels and quantity of materials within a given area?
Hazard levels are primarily related to the quantity of materials within a given area
What is the threshold area for small food-processing facilities to be classified as Group B occupancies?
2,500 sf
Which group of occupancy is used by six or more people for classes up to the 12th grade?
Group E
What is the criterion used to determine whether a use or occupancy should be classified as Group F-1 or F-2?
Quantities of materials used in the process
What is the threshold area for F-1 food-processing establishments and commercial kitchens to be classified as Group B occupancies?
2,500 sf
Which group of occupancy contains operations not falling within the definitions for Group F-2?
Group F-1
What is the classification of Group F occupancies based on?
Processes and familiar users
Which category of hazardous occupancies requires careful code and design analysis?
High-Hazard Group H-5
Which criterion relates to the nature of the use as well as the quantity and nature of hazardous materials in use?
"Maximum allowable quantities" (MAQ)
"Maximum allowable quantities" (MAQ) pertains only to occupancy classification related to quantities and does not waive compliance with any other code provisions. True or False?
True
What does Chapter 4 need to be read in concert with to determine all applicable code requirements for separation of control areas?
Chapter 3
Religious classrooms and auditoriums that are accessory to churches and have fewer than how many occupants are to be considered as A-3 occupancies?
100 occupants
What determines the classification of uses in High-Hazard Groups H-1 through H-4?
Nature of use and quantity of hazardous materials in use
Which occupancy group is typically defined as having 50 or more occupants?
Group A-1
According to § 303.1.2 Item 2, which type of assembly area of less than 750 sf (69.68 m2) is not considered as Group A?
Assembly areas accessory to other uses
Which type of assembly area is intended for the viewing of indoor sporting events?
Group A-4
What is the principal distinction between Group A-4 and A-5 occupancies?
Indoor versus outdoor facilities
What does the classification of greenhouses having public access for botanic gardens fall under?
Group A-3
Which type of occupancy group may have alcoholic beverages served, potentially impairing occupants’ responses to an emergency?
Group A-2
Which occupancy group includes assembly areas that do not fit into the other Group A categories?
Group A-3
What is contained in the B occupancy list and defined as being a facility where patients stay for less than 24 hours but may be rendered incapable of self-preservation?
"Ambulatory care facility"
"Testing and research laboratories that do not exceed the quantities of hazardous materials specified in the code are also classified as Group B occupancies." True or False?
"Testing and research laboratories are always classified as Group F occupancies."
What is the classification of uses in High-Hazard Groups H-1 through H-4 based on?
Quantity and nature of hazardous materials in use
What type of assembly areas are considered Group A-5 occupancies?
Outdoor sporting events
What is the purpose of the 'User Notes' at the beginning of Chapter 3 in the IBC?
To outline the criteria for classifying buildings into use groups and occupancies
What is the fundamental consideration for establishing control areas?
Hazard levels and quantity of materials within a given area
In what section of the IBC are the sections regarding mixed occupancies and incidental uses located?
Chapter 5
What is the relationship between hazard levels and adjacent properties according to the text?
The code places responsibility for protection of adjacent facilities on the building under consideration
According to the text, what determines the occupancy group to which a facility is assigned under the building code?
The program given to the designer by the client
What is the primary purpose of Chapter 3 in the IBC?
To provide criteria for classifying buildings into use groups and occupancies
What should designers consider when determining occupancy classification according to the text?
The presence of hazardous materials or processes
What is a key concept discussed in Chapter 5 that allows rooms within buildings to be considered as distinct occupancies?
Separated and nonseparated uses
What is a primary factor that impacts occupancy classification according to the text?
The mixture of various uses in a building and their sizes relative to the predominant use of the building
According to Chapter 3, what does 'less than 50 persons' mean in relation to criteria?
It means that 49 or fewer people have one set of criteria, and '50 or more' have another set of criteria.
What concept allows for the use of mixed occupancies in a single building without considering the entire building as a single occupancy group?
Separated and nonseparated uses
What is an important factor for determining occupancy classification according to Chapter 3?
The presence of hazardous materials or processes
Study Notes
Building Code Fundamentals
- The fundamental consideration for the building code is to provide a safe environment for occupants.
- Occupancy groups are determined by the use of a facility, and each group has specific requirements for allowable area and height of a building, means of egress, and type of construction.
Occupancy Classification
- The ultimate judge of occupancy classification is the building official.
- Facilities are assigned to an occupancy group based on the use of the facility.
- Atypical occupancies are classified based on the predominant use of the facility.
- Uses are separated in the building code into different occupancy groups, each with specific requirements.
Control Areas
- The control area concept is used to separate hazardous occupancies from non-hazardous occupancies.
- The primary consideration for establishing control areas is the hazard level of the occupancy.
- Control areas must be separated from one another by fire-resistant construction.
- The control area concept reinforces the importance of separating hazardous occupancies from non-hazardous occupancies.
Specific Occupancy Groups
- Group B occupancies include offices, mercantile establishments, and food-processing facilities.
- Group E occupancies include educational facilities for six or more people up to the 12th grade.
- Group F occupancies include factories and warehouses, with F-1 being moderate-hazard and F-2 being low-hazard.
- Group H occupancies include high-hazard facilities, with H-1 through H-4 being classified based on the nature of the use and the quantity and nature of hazardous materials.
Other Key Concepts
- Maximum allowable quantities (MAQ) pertain to occupancy classification related to quantities and do not waive compliance with other code provisions.
- Chapter 4 must be read in concert with other chapters to determine all applicable code requirements for separation of control areas.
- Religious classrooms and auditoriums that are accessory to churches and have fewer than 50 occupants are considered A-3 occupancies.
Test your knowledge of occupancy group classifications based on the International Building Code (IBC) standards. Learn about the criteria for defining Group A and B occupancies, and understand the specific use cases that determine the classification.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
