Sentence 3.1.10.1.(3) states “A firewall is permitted to be supported on the structural frame of a building of noncombustible construction, provided the supporting frame has a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the firewall“
Sentence 3.1.10.3.(1) states that “A firewall shall extend from the ground continuously through, or adjacent to, all storeys of a building or buildings so separated, except that a firewall located above a basement storage garage conforming to Article 3.2.1.2. is permitted to commence at the floor assembly immediately above the storage garage. (See also Sentence 3.1.10.1.(3))”
My questions are:
- Firewalls are used frequently to create two buildings that are permitted to be of combustible construction…. however Sentence 3.1.10.1.(3) is slightly confusing. It seems as though what is intended is vertical support, and not lateral support. The word “on” could be interpreted as lateral support as well. Is this Sentence strictly referring to vertical support? And if so, why is there no reference back to 3.1.10.3.(1) or 3.2.1.2? Is there other situations where this may apply?
- From a structural perspective, it seems as though if the wall assemblies on either side are meant to breakaway in the even of a fire, full lateral support should be provided from both sides. Does the code explicitly say this anywhere? If not, should it?