1724 N Spurgeon St, Unit A & C - Plan

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By including both hose-stream test procedures, ASTM E-119 includes two distinct levels of durability performance. Clearly, application of the hose stream to a specimen that has undergone the full fire-exposure test is more rigorous and indicates a high level of durability. In a real building fire, a wall assembly doesn’t get a second chance to perform. In typical code applications, however, no distinction is made between the two tests and, as a result, assemblies that pass the duplicate specimen test are assumed to have the same “durability rating” as those passing the more rigorous optional test method. This is an erroneous assumption (see Fig. 2 ). Control Joints Movement control joints in fire rated wall assemblies should also be rated. Figure 3 shows the types of control joints available in accordance with standard TMS 216 to maintain the fire-resistance rating of the wall in which they are constructed. Improving Fire Safety Hourly fire ratings alone do not adequately address structural performance and durability under real world fire conditions. This means that some “rated” walls may not be able to provide the level of fire safety expected. However, concrete masonry’s inherent non-combustibility coupled with excellent strength and durability combine to provide fire rated walls whose performance is exceptional. Masonry walls offer the following fire safety benefits: • Protect building egress • Prevent fire-spread within a building and to adjacent buildings • Maintain the structural integrity of bearing walls • Provide firefighter protection Building owners and designers should consider the advantages offered by durable, noncombustible concrete masonry wall systems over other systems having equivalent fire-resistance ratings. The added protection provided to both life and property should not be overlooked. To provide the best fire protection for occupants and the greatest opportunity to escape, the masonry industry recommends that building codes require a balanced design approach comprised of three key elements: fire detection, suppression, and containment by compartmentation. Fire detection includes the installation of smoke detectors and fire alarms; active fire suppression includes the use of sprinkler systems; and fire containment includes interior firewalls, and exterior walls built of noncombustible fire- resistant materials such as concrete masonry. Concrete masonry construction can contain the spread of fire while not emitting toxic gases or smoke, allowing precious additional time for building occupants to exit. Unfortunately, building and fire codes have strayed significantly from this balanced design approach to fire safety. Codes often except (trade- off) the requirements to use noncombustible construction when certain fire sprinkler requirements are met. Today’s building code officials should be encouraged to develop code provisions that provide an improved level of redundancy for life safety and property protection and to eliminate sprinkler trade-offs. Owners and designers should be aware of the benefits of balanced design. Consider the reliability of protection from only individual fire-safety components versus the redundancy provided by the complementary features of the balanced-design system. For example, in the event the sprinkler systems fails to properly operate during a fire, the built-in protection offered by concrete masonry fire-separation walls will help contain the fire until it can be controlled. Along with this built-in fire protection, concrete masonry provides property protection, and ensures building stability to allow occupants to safely exit. Without this level of protection, safety can be jeopardized. Figure 3. Fire Rated Control Joints