Hello. I am at Minute 9:37 of video Objective 2.2, Building Code - Construction Types, Height, + Area. The description says that you look at the table to see which Occupancy type will allow a certain size building. Please clarify that this table only shows a ‘Factor’. For instance you describe a 4 level building, but table 506.4 (2021 IBC and 2024 IBC) have indication that the factor is for ‘each floor’, not the total. Thus opening up multiple other construction types. Please advise.
Hi @adamb, thanks for your question! You are correct in that IBC Table 506.2 provides an allowable area factor for each occupancy classification based on sprinkler conditions and construction type. You then plug this factor into the appropriate equation in either 506.2.1 or 506.2.2, which gives you the allowable area of each story. It’s a challenging concept, but I hope this helps clarify things!
FYI - we do not allow copyrighted material to be shared on this community, so I’ve removed the screenshot from your post.
Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB
Product Coordinator Black Spectacles
Thank you and apologies Kiara. In our office, this topic goes through multiple review cycles and people, you are correct, it is not an easy concept and is a critical one for future construction. Codes have shifted from 2015 to 2015 and then to 2021/2024, each with varying calculations. Thanks!