IBC Questions from PDD Virtual Workshop

Hi all!

I wanted to follow up on some topics that came out of the 12/8/24 PDD workshop on Utilizing IBC as a Reference!

When trying to find the maximum allowable height for a podium building with R-2 occupancy above, we dove into IBC Section 510.5 which allows a 10’ height increase ONLY IF the first floor is subdivided by fire walls into areas less than 3,000 SF. If we don’t know if the latter part is true from the information presented in question, we shouldn’t use it in determining the answer.

Later in the workshop, we were asked what changes could be made in order to add 2 stories to a building that was already maxed out on its height limit based on its construction type. It was pointed out that although changing to Type IA or IB was a correct solution, changing to Type IV was also an option! That is also correct, and we’re modifying the question/answer to address that.

Happy studying!
Mike

I think this question also had some confusion in regards to the podium in answer c. A podium wouldn’t be an appropriate type of solution if the building is too tall for a podium possibility with the added stories. (This was a few weeks ago, so a little fuzzy, but I don’t think this concern was addressed.)