Multiple Buildings on One Lot

Building Code
0
This article discusses the code implications of having multiple standalone buildings on one lot. Specifically, we will investigate fire separation requirements and code-compliant options to reduce these requirements. Fire Separation The basic fire separation requirements for a building are based on the fire separation distance for each exterior wall. Here…

Retaining Walls – Resisting Sliding

Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering
0
This article discusses the techniques and tricks available to resist sliding when designing a retaining wall. Concrete retaining walls, ecology blocks, rockeries, and other common retaining wall designs need to resist the driving pressure of earth forces without tipping over and without sliding along their base. It has been our…

Energy Code Requirements for Significant Alterations and Conversions

Energy Code
0
This article discusses energy code requirements for residential buildings that are undergoing a significant alteration or change of use, with no addition of floor area, while still staying within the Residential provisions of the energy code. This article specifically deals with the Washington State Energy Code (WSEC). The example that…

Structural Requirements for Existing Buildings

Building Code, Structural Engineering
0
This article discusses the structural requirements for projects involving existing buildings. It covers repairs to damaged buildings, alterations of existing buildings, additions, and changes of use. This article focuses on residential buildings (R-2 and R-3 occupancies). Applicable Codes Buildings that fit within the scope of the IRC (one- and two-family…

Fire Sprinkler Requirements for Residential Change of Use

Building Code
0
This article investigates the requirements for fire sprinklers when an existing R-3 occupancy (single-family residence / duplex / townhouse) is converted to an R-2 occupancy (apartment / 4-plex). For new construction, R-2 occupancies are regulated under the IBC rather than the IRC. Per IBC, all residential structures require fire sprinklers.…

Type B Accessible Units

Accessibility
0
This article outlines the requirements for Type B accessible units. Multifamily residential buildings with 4 or more units require at least some of the units to be “Type B” accessible. These are not fully accessible units, but they include features that make them more easily adaptable for an occupant who…

Whole House Ventilation

Building Code
0
This article discusses ventilation requirements for the living spaces of residential buildings (group R occupancies) in Washington State. Both the IRC and IBC require ventilation for all habitable rooms(IRC R303.1, IBC 1202.1/1202.5). Per the original code, this can be via natural ventilation or mechanical ventilation. However, the Washington State amendments…

Exit Code Definitions

Building Code
0
This article discusses the means of egress components as defined in the IBC, and interpretations regarding the transition points between them. Code Definitions COURT: An open, uncovered space, unobstructed to the sky, bounded on three or more sides by exterior building walls or other enclosing devices. EGRESS COURT: A court…