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Course Information: ARCH 4605-6605
Department of Architecture, Cornell University

ARCH 4605-6605 Advanced Fire- and Life-Safety Concepts

Assignment 1

Issued: Sept. 1, 2021

Due: Sept. 8, 2021 at 1:00 pm (Answer the questions using the "Quizzes" function in Canvas; some questions have been "tweaked" to fit into the multiple-choice or true-false "quiz" format.)

Read* Chapter 7 in the 2020 NYS Building Code and answer the following questions:

  1. Section 703.2: What two documents — not part of, but referenced in the building code — establish test procedures for determining fire-resistance ratings?
  2. Section 703.2.1: What is the fire-resistance rating of a nonsymmetrical wall which tests as a 1-hour wall from one side and a 2-hour wall from the other side?
  3. Section 703.4: Without invoking Sections 104.2 and 104.3, can a building element be tested for a "prescriptive" fire-resistance rating using sprinklers?
  4. Speaking of Sections 104.2 and 104.3, briefly summarize what they allow (and what they don't allow).
  5. Section 703.6: Can transparent glazing have a fire-resistance rating?
  6. Can a column supporting a 2-hour-rated beam have a 1-hour fire-resistance rating?
  7. Section 704.4.2: What exactly is a horizontal assembly (see definition in Section 202)? Note that most italicized words in the Code are defined in Section 202.
  8. Section 704.10: What two tables in the Code should be consulted to determine the required fire-resistance rating of a column within an exterior wall?
  9. Section 704.11: You've probably noticed that shelf angles supporting brick veneer are not protected with a fire-resistive covering. If such shelf angles are not part of the primary structural frame of the building, can they span more than 6 feet 4 inches (1931 mm)?
  10. Section 704.13.4: In general, can sprayed fire-resistant materials (SFRM) be applied during freezing temperatures?
  11. Table 705.2: Can a building surface that is 18 inches from the side property line (i.e., "interior lot line") have a roof eave overhang of 6 inches? Note that "fire separation distance" is defined in Section 202.
  12. Section 705.5: Must the required fire-resistance rating of an exterior wall that is 12 feet from an interior lot line be rated for exposure to fire from both sides of the wall (i.e., from the inside and the outside)?
  13. Table 705.8: Can an opening, like a window, in an exterior wall that is 12 feet from an interior lot line be larger than 45% of the wall area if the opening is unprotected but in a sprinklered building?
  14. Section 705.8.5: Do any of the stipulations about vertical separation of openings apply to sprinklered buildings?
  15. Section 705.11: If you don't like reading "exceptions," you'll need to provide a parapet on all exterior walls of all buildings. Milstein Hall has no parapet because the architects looked for exceptions to rules. Assuming that Milstein Hall does not meet the criteria in Exception 1, which exception is most likely to have been invoked?
  16. Section 706.1.1: What is the main restriction that a party wall has, unlike an ordinary fire wall? Hint: it involves openings.
  17. Section 706.2: Fire walls "allow collapse of the structure on either side without collapse of the wall under fire conditions." Based on this sentence, does a fire wall need to remain standing if the structure on both sides of the wall collapses?
  18. Section 706.6 Fire walls "extend from the foundation to a termination point not less than 30 inches (762 mm) above both adjacent roofs." As an architect, if you don't want to see the fire wall projecting above the roof, what do you need to do, per exception 2?
  19. Section 707.3: List the ten primary uses of fire barriers itemized in this section.
  20. Table 707.3.10: What fire-resistance rating would be required for a fire wall or fire barrier separating Milstein Hall (Occupancy groups A and B) from Rand Hall (Occupancy groups A and F-1). Hint: if different occupancy groups in the two buildings have different fire-resistance rating requirements, select the largest fire-resistance rating.
  21. Section 707.5: Do fire barriers need to be continuous from the foundation to the roof?
  22. Section 708.1: What are the five primary applications for fire partitions?
  23. Section 709.4.2: Which two applications for smoke barriers are mentioned in this section?
  24. Section 711.1: Do all horizontal assemblies have a fire-resistance rating? Hints: (1) a "nonfire-resistance rated floor and roof assembly" is not a horizontal assembly; and (2) see Section 202 definition.
  25. Section 711.2.2: "Assemblies shall be continuous without vertical openings..." So, unless you read a bit further, it would be impossible to have a stair or elevator connecting two or more floor levels. Which two main Code sections (e.g., 710, 711, 712, 713, etc.) provide the "exceptions" to this otherwise Draconian rule?
  26. Section 712.1: This section is incredibly important, as it contains 16 ways to create vertical openings. Which of these 16 exceptions to the otherwise Draconian requirement for absolute continuity of horizontal assemblies or floor and roof assemblies allow the following types of openings (for each of the four items listed below, just provide the number, from 1 – 16):
    • Stairs or elevators within enclosed shafts.
    • Atriums.
    • Two-story openings.
    • Mezzanines.
  27. Section 713.4: What is the required fire-resistance rating for a stair shaft enclosure connecting 6 stories?
  28. Section 716.1(1): If a glazed opening satisfies ASTM E119 or UL 263, can it be marked with a "W" and used in place of a solid wall? Hint: If there is nothing in this section that says you can't, then you can.
  29. Section 716.2.9.1: What information is required on labels for fire doors?
  30. Table 721.1(1): When used as fire protection for a structural member, 3-3/4-inch-thick clay or shale brick with brick and mortar fill provides what fire resistance (in hours)?
  31. Table 721.1(2): What are the required specifications for a 2x4 wood stud wall with gypsum board to achieve a 2-hour fire-resistance rating? Just copy the first sentence, but read all the gory details.
  32. Table 722.2.1.1: What is the minimum thickness (inches) of a reinforced concrete slab (siliceous) to achieve a 1 hour fire-resistance rating?

* You should read the sections of Chapter 7 for which questions are asked. Everything else can just be skimmed, so you get an idea of what this chapter contains, but it need not be rigorously read or studied.

Last updated: 04 Sept. 2021