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Published by ICC, the 2009 edition of this popular IBC Handbook includes discussion on many of the fire- and life-safety provisions of the 2009 International Building Code.
This Handbook provides detailed commentaries on the nonstructural provisions in Chapters 1–15 and 24–34 of the 2009 International Building Code (IBC). The Handbook provides many application examples that work through more complex nonstructural issues using example problems and uses commentary style to explain the intent and purpose of code provisions. More than 400 full-color drawings and figures are included to clarify application.
Author and code expert Douglas W. Thornburg, AIA, discusses administrative, fire- and life-safety and inspection components, addressing in depth: means of egress, occupancy classification, building height and area, fire protection systems, fire and smoke protectives, mixed occupancies and type of construction requirements contained in the International Building Code. The book also traces the historical background and rationale of code provisions.
A bonus CD contains the complete Handbook in PDF as well as ICC/ANSI A117.1-2003. This CD allows you to navigate easily through the documents, search text, copy images from figures and tables, and cut and paste small excerpts into correspondence or reports.
This essential resource is an important tool for building officials, architects, fire marshals, plans examiners, inspectors and others who use the International Building Code. No office should be without a copy of the IBC Handbook Fire and Life Safety Provisions.
Features of this publication include:
- Comprehensive content and in full color!
- More than 400 drawings, figures and examples help clarify the application of the fire- and life-safety requirements.
- Follows format of the IBC to allow for quick and easy access to information.
- Addresses nonstructural provisions found in 2009 IBC Chapters 1-15 and 24-Appendices.
- Code provisions are examined in a manner to provide a better understanding of the provisions' intent and purpose.
- Bonus CD includes the full text of the handbook and ICC A117.1 A117.1-2003 in a PDF format.
From the Foreword
How often have you heard these questions when discussing building codes: "What is the intent of this section?" Or, "How do I apply this provision?" This publication offers the code user a resource that addresses much of the intent and application principles of the major design provisions of the 2009 International Building Code (IBC).
It is impossible for building codes and similar regulatory documents to contain enough information, both prescriptive and explanatory narrative, to remove all doubt as to the intent of the various provisions. If such a document were possible, it would be so voluminous that it would be virtually useless.
Because the international Building Code must be reasonably brief and concise in its provisions, the user - and particularly the enforcement official - must have knowledge of the intent and background of these provisions to apply their intent appropriately. The International Building Code places great reliance on the judgment of the designer and building official for the specific application of its provisions. Where the designer and official have knowledge of the rationale behind the provisions, the design and enforcement of the code will be based on informed judgment rather than arbitrariness or rote procedure.
The information that this handbook provides, coupled with the designer's and enforcement official's experience and education, will result in better use of the International Building Code and uniformity in its application. As lengthy as this document may seem, it still cannot provide all of the answers to questions of code intent; that is why the background, training experience of the reader must also be called on to properly apply, interpret and enforce the code provisions.
The preparation of a document of this nature requires consulting a large number of publications, organizations and individuals. Even so, the intent of many code provisions is not completely documented. Sometimes the discussion is subjective; therefore, individuals may disagree with the conclusions presented. It is, however, important to note that the explanatory narratives are based on many decades of experience by the authors and the other contributors to the manuscript.
From the Preface
Internationally, code officials recognize the need for a modern, up-to-date building code addressing the design and installation of building systems through requirements emphasizing performance. The International Building Code (IBC) meets those needs by providing model code regulations that safeguard the public health and safety in all communities, large and small.
The International Building Code is one of a family of codes published by the International Code Council (ICC) that establishes comprehensive minimum regulations for building systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that use new materials and new building designs. Additionally, the IBC is compatible with the entire family of International Codes published by the ICC.
There are three major subdivisions to the International Building Code:
- The text of the International Building Code.
- The referenced standards listed in Chapter 35.
- The appendices.
The first 34 chapters of the International Building Code contain both prescriptive and performance provisions that are to be applied. Chapter 35 contains those referenced standards that, although promulgated and published by separate organizations, are considered as a part of the IBC as applicable. The provisions of the appendix do not apply unless specifically included in the adoption ordinance of the jurisdiction enforcing the code.
The 2009 IBC Handbook: Fire- and Life-Safety Provisions is designed to present commentary only for those portions of the code for which commentary is helpful in furthering the understanding of the provision and its intent. This handbook uses many drawings and figures to help clarify the application and intent of many code provisions.
This handbook examines many design provisions for the administrative, fire- and life-safety, and inspection components of the International Building Code. It addresses in detail: means of egress, occupancy classification, allowable height and area, type of construction, fire protection systems and fire-resistance-rated construction.
As a benefit to the reader, ICC has included a CD-ROM containing the complete handbook. The CD-ROM also includes the complete ICC A117.1-2003 standard. This CD allows you to navigate easily through the handbook and ICC A117.1-2003, search for specific text, copy images from figures and tables, and copy and paste code provisions into correspondence or reports.
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