Deletion legend:

[1- Default – Not related to structural wind resistance design]

[2- Fire/Life Safety]

[3- Covered in model base code]

[4- Code Cycle Modification to be submitted to strike section and refer to appropriate FBC,B sections]

SECTION R4412

[4- Code Cycle Modification to be submitted to strike section and refer to appropriate FBC,B sections]

HIGH-VELOCITY HURRICANE ZONES — PLASTICS

R4412.1.1 General.

R4412.1.1.1 Plastic materials used as structural elements shall be designed by methods admitting of rational analysis according to established principles of mechanics.

R4412.1.1.2 Plastic materials may be permitted as set forth herein. The physical properties, such as, not but limited to, weather resistance, fire resistance and flame spread characteristics, shall comply with the requirements of this code.

R4412.1.1.3 Application and plans submitted for proposed construction shall identify the plastic material intended for use and such material shall be stamped or otherwise marked so as to be readily identifiable in the field.

[1- Default – Not related to structural wind resistance design]

R4412.1.1.4 Plastic structural elements, other than sheets, shall be designed by a Florida-registered professional engineer or a Florida-registered architect.

R4412.1.2 Definitions.

APPROVED FOAM PLASTIC. An approved foam plastic shall be any thermoplastic, thermosetting or reinforced thermosetting plastic material that has a minimum self-ignition temperature of 650°F (343°C) or greater when tested in accordance with ASTM D 1929. It shall have a smoke density rating not greater than 450 and a flame spread of 75 or less when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84.

APPROVED PLASTIC. An approved plastic shall be any thermoplastic, thermosetting or reinforced thermosetting plastic material which has a self-ignition temperature of 650°F (343°C), or greater when tested in accordance with ASTM D 1929, a smoke density rating no greater than 450 when tested in the way intended for use by ASTM E 84 or a smoke density rating no greater than 75 when tested in the thickness intended for use according to ASTM D 2843 and which meets one of the following combustibility classifications:

CLASS C-1. Plastic materials that have a burning extent of 1 inch per minute (25.4 mm) or less when tested in nominal 0.060 inch (1.5 mm) thickness or in the thickness intended for use by ASTM D 635.

CLASS C-2. Plastic materials that have a burning rate of 21/2 inches (64 mm) per minute or less when tested in nominal 0.060 inch (1.5 mm) thickness or in the thickness intended for use by ASTM D 635.

Approved plastics for outdoor exposure shall be evaluated for outdoor durability in accordance with the Voluntary Standard Uniform Load Test Procedure for Thermoformed Plastic Domed Skylights , of the AAMA/WDMA 101/IS2/NAFS, Voluntary Performance Specification for Windows, Skylights and Glass Doors, as follows:

1. Outdoor exposure conditions: Specimen exposed in Florida at 45 degree south exposure for a period of five years.

2. Alternate:

a. Exposure to xenon arc weatherometer using a 6500-watt lamp per ASTM G 26-77 and ASTM D 2565 for a period of 4,500 hours.

b. Impact testing, after exposure test as above, per ASTM D 256.

FINISH RATING. The time, as determined in accordance with ASTM E 119, at which a thermal barrier reaches a temperature rise of 240°F (116°C), above ambient or an individual temperature rise of 324°F (162°C), above ambient as measured on the plane of the thermal barrier nearest to foam plastic.

FLAME SPREAD RATING. The measurement of flame spread on the surface of materials or their assemblies as determined in accordance with ASTM E 84.

GLASS FIBER REINFORCED PLASTIC. Plastic reinforced with glass fibers having not less than 20 percent of glass fibers by weight.

LIGHT DIFFUSING SYSTEM. A suspended construction consisting in whole or in part of lenses, panels, grids or baffles suspended below independently mounted electrical lighting sources.

PLASTIC GLAZING. Plastic materials that are glazed or set in frame or sash and not held by mechanical fasteners which pass through the glazing material.

PLASTIC ROOF PANELS. Plastic materials that are fastened to structural panels or sheathing and which are used as light transmitting media in the plane of the roof.

PLASTIC SANDWICH PANELS. Panels of foam plastic sandwiched between incombustible skins.

PLASTIC WALL PANELS. Plastic materials that are fastened to structural panels or sheathing and which are used as light transmitting medium in exterior walls.

SKYLIGHT. An assembly that includes plastic materials used as light transmitting medium and which is located above the plane of the roof

SMOKE DENSITY. A numerical value of smoke development, determined by measuring the area under the curve of light absorption versus time, in accordance with ASTM E 84 or ASTM D 2843.

THERMOPLASTIC MATERIALS. A plastic material that is capable of being repeatedly softened by increase of temperature and hardened by decrease of temperature.

THERMOSETTING MATERIALS. A plastic material that is capable of being changed into a substantially non-reformable product when cured.

R4412.1.3 Foam plastics.

R4412.1.3.1 General.

R4412.1.3.1.1 Except as otherwise provided herein, all foam plastics or foam plastic cores in manufactured assemblies used in building construction shall have a flame spread rating of not more than 75 and shall have a smoke-developed rating of not more than 450 when tested in the maximum thickness intended for use in accordance with ASTM E 84.

R4412.1.3.1.2 Except as otherwise provided herein, foam plastics shall be separated from the interior walls, floors and ceiling herein of a building by an approved thermal barrier of 1/2 inch (13 mm) gypsum wallboard or equivalent thermal barrier material which will limit the average temperature rise of the unexposed surface to not more than 259°F (126°C), after 15 minutes of fire exposure complying with the ASTM E 119 standard time-temperature curve.

R4412.1.3.1.3 Foam plastics trim, defined as picture molds, chair rails, baseboards, handrails, ceiling beams, door trim and window trim, shall also meet requirements for interior finish in Section 805.3 of the Florida Building Code, Building .

R4412.1.3.1.4 Foam plastic not meeting the requirements of this section may be specifically approved on the basis of approved tests such as, but not limited to, FM procedure 4880, UL Subject 1040, NFPA 286 or UL 1715, or fire tests related to actual end-use configuration and shall be performed on the finished foam plastic assembly in the maximum thickness intended for use. Assemblies tested shall included seams, joints and other typical details used in the installation of the assembly and shall be tested in the manner intended for use.

[1- Default – Not related to structural wind resistance design]

[2- Fire/Life Safety]

R4412.1.3.2 Specific requirements. The following specific requirements shall apply to all uses of foam plastics unless otherwise permitted in this code.

R4412.1.3.2.1 Cold storage buildings.

R4412.1.3.2.1.1 Foam plastics when tested in a thickness of 4 inches (102 mm), may be used in a thickness up to 10 inches (254 mm) when the building is equipped with an approved automatic fire suppression system.

R4412.1.3.2.1.2 Such approved automatic fire suppression system shall be provided in both the cold storage room and the part of the building in which the room is located.

[1- Default – Not related to structural wind resistance design]

[2- Fire/Life Safety]

R4412.1.3.2.2 Walk-in coolers.

R4412.1.3.2.2.1 Foam plastic having a maximum flame spread of 75 may be used in a thickness up to 4 inches (102 mm) in free-standing walk-in cooler or freezer units less than 400 square feet (37 m2) in floor area without a thermal barrier and without an automatic fire suppression system when the foam plastic is covered by a metal facing not less than 0.032 inch (0.813 mm) thick aluminum or corrosion-resistant steel having a minimum of base metal thickness of 0.016 inch (0.406 mm).

R4412.1.3.2.2.2 When protected by a thermal barrier, the foam plastic may be used in a thickness up to 10 inches (254 mm).

[1- Default – Not related to structural wind resistance design]

[2- Fire/Life Safety]

R4412.1.3.2.3 Exterior walls of one story buildings.

R4412.1.3.2.3.1 Foam-plastic insulation having a flame spread of 25 or less may be used without thermal barriers in or on exterior fire-resistive incombustible walls in a thickness of not less than 0.032 inch (0.813 mm) aluminum or corrosion-resistant steel having a minimum base metal thickness of 0.0160 inch (0.406 mm), and the insulated interior area is protected with automatic sprinklers.

R4412.1.3.2.3.2 Foam plastic may be used without the thermal barrier described herein when it is protected by a minimum of 1 inch (25.4 mm) thickness of masonry or concrete.

[1- Default – Not related to structural wind resistance design]

[2- Fire/Life Safety]

R4412.1.3.2.4 Exterior walls of multistory buildings.

R4412.1.3.2.4.1 Where walls face a street or permanent open space of 30 feet (9 m) or more, foam plastic insulation may be used in a nonfire-rated exterior wall assembly.

R4412.1.3.2.4.2 Where a separation of less than 30 feet (9 m) exists, foam plastic may be used within exterior walls, provided the wall assembly affords the required fire resistivity.

R4412.1.3.2.4.3 Foam plastic insulation shall be separated from the building interior by a thermal barrier having an index of 15 unless a specific approval is obtained on the basis of Section R4412.1.3.1.4.

R4412.1.3.2.4.4 The amount of foam plastic in any portion of the wall or panel shall not exceed 6000 Btu/square foot (68.1 MJ/m2) of projected area as determined by tests conducted in accordance with NFPA 259.

R4412.1.3.2.4.5 The foam-plastic core, coatings and facings shall have a flame spread rating of 25 or less and smoke-developed rating of 450 or less as determined in accordance with ASTM E 84.

R4412.1.3.2.4.6 Facing, coating and core materials shall be mechanically or adhesively fastened to each other and to building members to prohibit failure in bond as a result of temperatures which may be experienced in a building fire from wind loads or other conditions.

R4412.1.3.2.4.7 Results of diversified or full-scale fire tests reflecting an end-use configuration shall be submitted to the building official demonstrating the assembly in its final form does not propagate the flame over the surface or through the core when exposed on the exterior face to a fire source.

[1- Default – Not related to structural wind resistance design]

[2- Fire/Life Safety]

R4412.1.3.2.5 Roofing.

R4412.1.3.2.5.1 Foam plastic may be used in a roof covering assembly without the thermal barrier when the foam is separated from the interior of the building by plywood sheathing not less than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) in thickness bonded with exterior glue, with edge supported by blocking, tongue-and-grooved joints or other approved type of edge support, or an equivalent or better material or system.

R4412.1.3.2.5.2 Foam-plastic roof insulation that complies with Factory Mutual Standard 4450 or Underwriters Laboratories Subject 1256 need not meet the requirements of Section R4412.1.3.1.2.

R4412.1.3.2.5.3 For all roof applications, the smoke developed rating shall not be limited.

[1- Default – Not related to structural wind resistance design]

[2- Fire/Life Safety]

R4412.1.3.2.6 Attics and crawl spaces.

R4412.1.3.2.6.1 Within an attic or crawl space where entry is made for service of utilities, exposed foam plastics shall be protected against ignition by 1-inch-thick (25 mm) mineral fiber insulation, 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) thick plywood, particleboard or hardboard or 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) gypsum wall board, corrosion-resistant steel having a base metal thickness of 0.0160 inch (0.406 mm) or other equivalent material installed in such manner that the foam plastic is not exposed.

R4412.1.3.2.6.2 The protective covering shall also meet the requirements for the type of construction.

[1- Default – Not related to structural wind resistance design]

[2- Fire/Life Safety]

R4412.1.3.2.7 Doors.

R4412.1.3.2.7.1 Where doors are permitted without a fire-resistance rating, foam plastic having a flame-spread rating of 75 or less may be used as a core material when the door facing is metal having a minimum thickness of 0.032 inch (0.813 mm) aluminum or sheet steel having a minimum thickness of 0.0160 inch (0.406 mm).

R4412.1.3.2.7.2 There shall be no thermal barrier requirements for these doors.

[1- Default – Not related to structural wind resistance design]

[2- Fire/Life Safety]

R4412.1.4 Light transmitting plastics.

R4412.1.4.1 General.

R4412.1.4.1.1 The provisions of this section shall govern the quality and methods of application of plastics for use as light transmitting media within buildings and structures.

R4412.1.4.1.2 All plastics to be used according to the provisions of this section shall be approved plastic and conform to Sections R4412.1.1 and R4412.1.2.

Exception: Roof coverings over terraces and patios of one- and two-family dwellings shall be permitted with approved plastics.

[1- Default – Not related to structural wind resistance design]

R4412.1.4.2 Glazing of openings in nonfire-rated walls.

R4412.1.4.2.1 Doors, sash and framed openings which are not required to be fire rated may be glazed with approved plastic materials in buildings of Type V construction.

R4412.1.4.2.2 In all other types of construction openings not required to be fire rated may be glazed or equipped with approved plastic material subject to the requirements listed below.

R4412.1.4.2.2.1 The area of such glazing shall not exceed 25 percent of the wall face of the story in which it is installed.

R4412.1.4.2.2.2 The area of a unit or pane of glazing installed above the first story shall not exceed 16 square feet (1.49 m2) and the vertical dimension of a unit or pane shall not exceed 4 feet (1219 mm). There shall be a minimum 3 feet (914 mm) vertical spandrel wall between stories.

R4412.1.4.2.2.3 Approved plastics shall not be installed more than 75 feet (22.9 m) above grade level except as provided in Section R4412.1.4.2.2.4.

R4412.1.4.2.2.4 Approved thermoplastic materials may be installed in areas up to 50 percent of the wall area of each story in structures less than 150 feet (45.7 m) in height if continuous architectural projections constitute an effective fire barrier extending at least 3 feet (914 mm) from the surface of the wall on which the glazing is installed and are provided on each floor above the first floor. The size and the dimensions of individual units shall not be limited in such installations except as required to meet structural loading requirements.

R4412.1.4.2.3 Area increase based on fire protection. In buildings or portions thereof protected by approved automatic, fire extinguishing systems, the area of glazing permitted by Section R4412.1.4.2.2.1 may be increased by 100 percent.

R4412.1.4.3 Exterior nonfire-rated wall panels.

R4412.1.4.3.1 General. Approved plastic materials may be used as wall panels, in exterior walls not required to heave a fire-rating subject to the requirements in this section.

R4412.1.4.3.1.1 Installation. Exterior wall panels installed as provided herein shall not alter the type of construction classification of the building.

R4412.1.4.3.1.2 Height limitation. Approved plastics shall not be installed more than 75 feet (22.9 m) above grade level except as permitted by Section R4412.1.4.3.1.4 (see Exception 3).

R4412.1.4.3.1.3 Area limitation and separation. Area limitation and separation requirements of exterior wall panels shall be provided in Table R4412.1.4.3.1.3.

R4412.1.4.3.1.4 Combination of glazing and wall panels. Combinations of plastic glazing and plastic wall panels shall be subject to the area, height and percentage limitations and separation requirements applicable to the class of plastics as prescribed for wall panel installations.

Exceptions:

1. Structures which provide continuous architectural projections extending at least 36 inches (914 mm) from the surface of the wall in which plastic wall panels are installed shall not be required to provide vertical separation at that floor.

2. Area increase based on in fire protection. In buildings or portions thereof protected by approved automatic fire-extinguishing systems the maximum percent area of plastic panes in exterior walls and the maximum square feet of separate panel are given in Table R4412.1.4.3.1.3 may be increased 100 percent but the area of plastic wall panels shall not exceed 50 percent of the wall area.

3. Approved thermoplastic materials may be installed in areas up to 50 percent of the wall area of each story in structures less than 150 feet (45.7 m) in width if continuous architectural projections constitute an effective fire barrier extending at least 3 feet (914 mm) from the surface of the wall on which the panels are installed and are provided on each floor above the first floor.

4. The use of plastics shall not be permitted in exterior walls in occupancies groups A, H and I.

[1- Default – Not related to structural wind resistance design]

[2- Fire/Life Safety]

R4412.1.4.4 Roof panels.

R4412.1.4.4.1 General. Approved plastic roof panels may be installed as follows.

R4412.1.4.4.1.1 Where the roof is not required to have a fire rating.

R4412.1.4.4.1.2 Where the roof panels meet the requirements for roof coverings of the particular occupancy.

R4412.1.4.4.1.3 In roofs of buildings protected by an approved automatic fire extinguishing system.

Exception: The use of plastics shall not be permitted in roofs of Group A, H and I occupancies.

R4412.1.4.4.2 Separations. Individual roof panels shall be separated from each other by a distance of not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) measured in a horizontal plane.

R4412.1.4.4.3 Location. Where exterior wall openings are required to be fire rated, a roof panel or unit shall not be installed within 6 feet (1829 mm) of such exterior wall.

R4412.1.4.4.4 Area limitations. Roof panels or units shall be limited in area, according to provisions set forth in Table R4412.1.4.4.4.

TABLE R4412.1.4.4.4

AREA LIMITATIONS FOR ROOF PANELS

CLASS OF PLASTIC MAX. SEPARATED PANEL AREA (sq ft) MAX. AGGREGATE AREA (% of floor area)

C1 300 30

C2 100 25

[1- Default – Not related to structural wind resistance design]

[2- Fire/Life Safety]

R4412.1.4.5 Skylight assemblies. Skylight assemblies may be glazed with approved plastic materials in accordance with this section.

R4412.1.4.5.1 Mounting.

R4412.1.4.5.1.1 The plastic shall be mounted a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) above the plane of the roof on a curb constructed in accordance with requirements of types of construction.

R4412.1.4.5.1.2 Dome-shape skylights shall rise above the mounting flange a minimum distance equal to 10 percent of the maximum span of the dome, but not less than 4 inches (102 mm).

R4412.1.4.5.1.3 The edges of the skylights shall be protected by incombustible material in Types I, IV, protected and Type IIB construction.

R4412.1.4.5.2 Maximum area of skylight units. Each skylight unit shall have a maximum area within the curb of 100 square feet (9.3 m2) for Class C-2 material and 200 square feet (18.6 m2) for Class C-1 material.

R4412.1.4.5.3 Aggregate area of skylights. The aggregate area of skylights shall not exceed 33 percent when Class C-1 materials are used and 25 percent when Class C-2 materials are used, of the floor area of the room or space sheltered by the roof in which they are installed.

R4412.1.4.5.4 Separation. Skylights shall be separated from each other by a distance of not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) measured in a horizontal plane.

R4412.1.4.5.5 Location. Where exterior wall openings are required to be fire rated, a skylight shall not be installed within 6 feet (1829 mm) of such exterior wall.

Exceptions:

1. Skylight assemblies may not be glazed with approved plastic materials in buildings of Group H and I occupancies.

2. The aggregated area of approved plastic skylights may be increased 100 percent beyond the limitations set forth herein if the skylights are used as an automatic fire venting system or if the building is equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing system.

3. When a building not more than one story in height has a minimum distance separation from other buildings of 30 feet (9.1 m) and is not used as an enclosed means of egress, skylights in such a building need not comply with the requirements set forth in this paragraph.

4. When skylights used in a building are made of approved plastic materials that meet the fire-rated requirements of the roof of the building, such skylight assemblies need not comply with the requirements set forth in this paragraph.

5. Skylights installed in detached buildings of Group R3 occupancy, Type IV and Type IIIB need not comply with this section.

[1- Default – Not related to structural wind resistance design]

[2- Fire/Life Safety]

R4412.1.4.6 Light diffusing systems.

R4412.1.4.6.1 General.

R4412.1.4.6.1.1 Light diffusing systems shall not be installed in Group I and H occupancies or in exitways unless they are protected with an approved automatic fire extinguishing system.

R4412.1.4.6.1.2 Approved plastic diffusers shall comply with the flame spread requirements for interior finishes, unless the individual plastic panels will fall from their mountings before igniting at an ambient temperature of at least 200°F (93°C) below their ignition temperature. The panels must, however, remain in place at an ambient room temperature of 175° (79°C) for a period of not less than 15 minutes.

R4412.1.4.6.1.3 Location. Where fire-rated ceiling assemblies are required, plastic diffusers, if used, shall be located below such assemblies.

R4412.1.4.6.2 Installation. Plastic diffusers shall be supported directly or indirectly from ceiling or roof construction by use of incombustible hangers. Hangers shall be at least No. 12 Steel Wire gauge [0.0106 inch (0.27 mm)] galvanized wire or equivalent.

R4412.1.4.6.3 Size limitations. Individual panels or units shall not exceed 10 feet (3 m) in length or 30 square feet (2.8 m2) in area.

R4412.1.4.6.4 When buildings are protected by an automatic fire extinguishing system, this section shall apply to light diffusing systems within such buildings.

R4412.1.4.6.4.1 Fire-extinguishing systems shall be located above and below the light diffusing system unless specifically approved for above such system only.

R4412.1.4.6.4.2 Areas of light diffusing systems protected by a fire-extinguishing system shall not have to comply with the size limitations set forth in this section.

R4412.1.4.6.5 Electrical lighting fixtures.

R4412.1.4.6.5.1 Plastic light-transmitting panels and light-diffuser panels installed in approval electrical lighting fixtures shall have flame spread ratings compatible with the occupancy of the building.

R4412.1.4.6.5.2 The area of approved plastic materials when used in required fire exits or corridors shall not exceed 30 percent of the aggregate area of the ceiling in which they are installed, unless the occupancy is protected by an approved fire-extinguishing system.

TABLE R4412.1.4.3.1.3

AREA LIMITATION AND SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PLASTIC WALL PANELS IN NONFIRE-RATED WALLS

FIRE SEPARATION (ft) CLASS OF PLASTIC MAX. AGGREGATE AREA (% OF EXTERIOR WALL) MAX. SEPARATED PANEL AREA (sq ft) MINIMUM SEPARATION OF PANELS (ft)

Vertical Horizontal

10 up to and C1 25 90 6 4

including 30 C2 15 70 8 4

Over 30 C1 50 No limit 31 0

C2 50 100 61 3

1: See Exception 1 to R4412.1.4.3.1

R4412.1.4.7 Partitions. Approved light-transmitting plastics may be used in or as partitions provided the requirement of the types of construction are met.

R4412.1.4.8 Bathroom accessories. Approved plastics shall be permitted as glazing in shower stalls, shower doors, bathtub enclosures and similar accessory units and shall conform to 16 CFR 1205 and the Safety Standard for Architectural Glazing Materials .

R4412.1.4.9 Awnings and similar structures. Approved light-transmitting plastics may be used on or as awnings and similar structures when in conformance with provisions as set forth in other sections of this code.

[1- Default – Not related to structural wind resistance design]

[2- Fire/Life Safety]