Commercial Building Inspector B2Public Safety and Special ConstructionHard
A building inspector is reviewing the plans for a new four-story mixed-use building with Group A-3 (assembly) on the first floor and Group R-2 (residential) on the upper three floors. The building is fully sprinklered. The first-floor assembly area has a total occupant load of 250. What is the maximum common path of travel allowed for the Group A-3 occupancy before a choice of two distinct egress paths is available?
- A50 feet (15240 mm)
- B75 feet (22860 mm)
- C100 feet (30480 mm)
- D20 feet (6096 mm)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 75 feet (22860 mm)
For Group A-3 occupancies that are fully sprinklered, the maximum common path of travel is 75 feet (22860 mm) as per IBC Table 1006.3.2(1). This value applies because the building is sprinklered and the occupant load is less than 500 for a Group A-3.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 50 feet is the common path of travel for unsprinklered Group A occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or less, or for many non-assembly occupancies that are unsprinklered.
- C. 100 feet is typically for Group B or S occupancies that are sprinklered, not for Group A-3.
- D. 20 feet is the common path of travel for unsprinklered Group A occupancies with an occupant load greater than 50.
Common Path of Travel (Group A-3)
The maximum distance an occupant must travel from any point within a Group A-3 occupancy to a point where a choice of two distinct and separate egress paths is available, subject to sprinkler protection.
- Applies to assembly occupancies (A-3).
- Length depends on sprinkler status and occupant load.
- 75 feet for sprinklered A-3 with <500 occupants.
- Ensures early access to multiple exit options.
Memory trick: How far 'til two ways out? Depends on the fire safety scout!