Commercial Building Inspector B2General Administration, Permits, and PlansMedium
A commercial building inspector is reviewing plans for a new 3-story Group B office building where the lowest occupied floor is 35 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. The building has an automatic sprinkler system throughout. What is the minimum required fire-resistance rating for the primary structural frame of this building, assuming Type II-A construction?
- ANo rating required
- B3-hour
- C2-hour
- D1-hour
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 1-hour
For Type II-A construction, the IBC Table 601 specifies a 1-hour fire-resistance rating for the primary structural frame. The height of the lowest occupied floor does not change this fundamental requirement for the construction type itself.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Type II-A construction always requires some level of fire-resistance rating for structural elements.
- B. 3-hour rating is for Type I-A construction's primary structural frame.
- C. 2-hour rating is typically for Type I-A construction or specific elements in other types.
Type II-A Structural Frame Rating
The minimum fire-resistance rating required for the primary structural frame in a Type II-A constructed building according to the IBC.
- Type II-A is a protected noncombustible construction type.
- Table 601 of the IBC specifies ratings for various building elements.
- Ensures structural integrity during a fire event.
Memory trick: II-A frame, one hour, for safety's power.