Commercial Building Inspector B2Public Safety and Special ConstructionEasy
A building inspector is reviewing the plans for a new three-story Group B office building. The building has a total occupant load of 150 people per floor. According to the IBC, what is the minimum required width for a corridor serving an occupant load of 150?
- A44 inches (1118 mm)
- B60 inches (1524 mm)
- C72 inches (1829 mm)
- D36 inches (914 mm)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 44 inches (1118 mm)
According to IBC Table 1020.2, the minimum corridor width for an occupant load between 51 and 300 is 44 inches. Since each floor has an occupant load of 150, 44 inches is the correct minimum width.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 60 inches is often required for accessible routes in certain areas or for corridors serving larger occupant loads or specific uses.
- C. 72 inches is generally for corridors serving very large occupant loads or specific institutional uses, not typical for this scenario.
- D. 36 inches is typically for corridors serving an occupant load of 50 or less, or within a dwelling unit.
Corridor Width (IBC)
The minimum width of a corridor is determined by the occupant load it serves, ensuring adequate egress capacity.
- IBC Table 1020.2 specifies minimum corridor widths.
- Occupant load dictates the required width.
- Minimum width ensures safe and efficient egress.
Memory trick: Corridor width: Count the people, then open the path.