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Utilizing IBC as a Reference [Exercise A]
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Hello, I have a question about one of the options for question 4: “Unprotected steel framing is permitted for all load bearing walls”. Wouldn’t this be true because in Table 601, Fire Resistance Rating for Building Elements (Hours), it shows 0 for all the building elements. So, doesn’t that mean unprotected steel framing would be permitted for load bearing walls?
Welcome to the Black Spectacles Community @znfernando787! Great question – the key is that a 0-hour rating does not mean “no requirements.” In Type II-B, Table 601 shows 0 hours for load-bearing walls, meaning they don’t need fire-resistance protection. However, Type II construction still requires noncombustible materials (Section 602.2). So while unprotected steel may be acceptable in some cases, it’s not automatically permitted for all load-bearing walls without considering other code requirements (like exterior wall provisions).
Hope this helps!
Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB
Product Coordinator
Black Spectacles