Project #5: Evaluate Draft-stopping performance within Type V combustible concealed attic space.

Definition of the problem:

Under the SBC, Type VI buildings were restricted to three stories with 13R sprinkler systems. Unsprinkled concealed combustible attic spaces did not exceed greater than the three story limitation in the SBC. Under the IBC, four story combustible concealed attic spaces are permitted with no fire sprinkler protection in the attic using 13R system. Even five stories are permitted in a pedestal type arrangement. This creates a critical reliance on the performance of draft-stopping to control fire spread in a type V unsprinklered attic. There have been significant fire event where fires have progressed into the unsprinklered attic spaces in type V buildings causing the complete loss of these structures. Attic fire is extremely difficult to fire with manual fire suppression efforts. The fire performance of the code specified draft stopping materials in an attic should be reviewed to see if it is appropriately mitigating the risk as the application has been expanded to taller structures.

Scope of Work:

Phase 1:

1. Literature Review Including:

1. Review of the existing code provisions contained in the IBC on Attic Draft-stopping;

2. Review of the history of Attic Drafts-topping initial code justifications in the SBCCI and ICC;

3. Review of non-IBC approaches to dealing with fire confinement in concealed combustible attic spaced; (Non-US Codes)

4. Review of the evolution of code provisions related to the increased heights/stories allowed in IBC type V buildings from the SBC to the IBC;

5. Review of technical literature and available fire testing data related to fire testing of draft-stopping assemblies;

6. Review of fire incident data related to attic fires in IBC type V buildings;

7. Review of literature regarding manual fire suppression challenges of attic fires in IBC type V buildings.

2. Conduct a field sampling assessment of existing attic draft stopping installations in both new and existing type V buildings.

3. Data Analysis and Gap Assessment: Using the information complied in Task 1 and 2 above, assess what additional information may be needed to determine if code changes are necessary to the existing attic draft stopping provisions in the IBC and recommend a methodology for a Phase II study to fill these gaps.

4. If no additional testing or data is necessary, develop code changes submittals to that ICC and justification.

Phase 2 (Potentially some all or none of these tasks depending on phase 1 results.)

1. Fire testing;
2. Develop code change submittals to the ICC and justification.

Phase 1 could be accomplished for less than $25,000. Fire Protection Engineering firms would most likely be the ones to bid this work.