Codes and Standards

Greetings Codes and Standards Committee -

The 2009 IBC [actually, the related fire code] requires that high-rise residential project provide a dedicated elevator for Fire - that is an easy code requirement. However, that code now also requires that these elevators have some sort of trench drain at the sill, to prevent water from entering the shaft. This makes no sense, because in the event of a fire, the sprinklers will hit the door, and water will sheet down the face, bypassing any trench drain. We [and our code experts] are at a complete loss as to how to achieve this is a practical, affordable manner.We are seeking to get our local building department to amend this requirement due to impracticality, but so far, they are not willing to acquiesce - while at the same time, providing no guidance as to how this can be done, given the requirement for link beams and imbeds for the elevator sill, which are at the location where we are supposedly to put the trench drain.Has anyone dealt with this situation effectively?
Thank you,
Blaine Weber, AIA
Director, High-Rise Design Studio
Weber Thompson
Seattle

bweber@weberthompson.com

Blaine,

Actually, you stated it correctly, any high rise building with occupied floors over 120 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access is required by the 2009 IBC to have a fire service access elevator (Section 403.6.1).  Section 3007 then gives the detailed requirements for such elevators.

However, you are confusing the provisions for an occupant evacuation elevator in Section 3008 with fire service elevators in Section 3007.  Occupant egress elevators are an option when they are part of the egress from a building and are permitted to substitute for the additional stair that is required by Section 403.5.2.  Water protection is only required for the occupant egress elevator, not the fire service elevator.

Dave
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David Collins FAIA
President
Preview Group, Inc.
Cincinnati OH
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Show Original Message -------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 03-10-2012 19:00
From: Blaine Weber, AIA
Subject: 2009 IBC/UFC ELEVATOR TRENCH DRAIN REQUIREMENT

Greetings Codes and Standards Committee -

The 2009 IBC [actually, the related fire code] requires that high-rise residential project provide a dedicated elevator for Fire - that is an easy code requirement. However, that code now also requires that these elevators have some sort of trench drain at the sill, to prevent water from entering the shaft. This makes no sense, because in the event of a fire, the sprinklers will hit the door, and water will sheet down the face, bypassing any trench drain. We [and our code experts] are at a complete loss as to how to achieve this is a practical, affordable manner.We are seeking to get our local building department to amend this requirement due to impracticality, but so far, they are not willing to acquiesce - while at the same time, providing no guidance as to how this can be done, given the requirement for link beams and imbeds for the elevator sill, which are at the location where we are supposedly to put the trench drain.Has anyone dealt with this situation effectively?
Thank you,
Blaine Weber, AIA
Director, High-Rise Design Studio
Weber Thompson
Seattle

bweber@weberthompson.com