IBC, however, fills this gap and provides the information discussed
in this section. IBC, Section 715.1 begins by stating that joints
installed “in or between fire-resistance-rated” walls or horizontal
assemblies are required to be protected by approved fire-resistant
joint systems. While Section 715 contains specific requirements for
certain locations in Sections 715.4 through 715.6, most locations
are covered by the general requirements of Section 715.1 or its
exceptions.
Perhaps the most important aspect of Section 715.1 is the exception
of listing the nine locations where joint systems are not required
to be installed. The vast majority of these locations eliminate the
need for joint protection due to the fact that some other provision
would allow a fire to circumvent the joint system; therefore it cannot
be justified to require a joint system in which fire could bypass by
another route. A quick review and discussion of the various exempt
locations are as follows:
■ ■
■ ■
Item 1: In Section 712.1.2 and Exception 2 of Section 1019.3, the
code allows unconcealed vertical openings and open exit access
stairways within an individual dwelling unit.
Item 2: Although not common, this provision recognizes that a shaft
may be used to protect the floor opening and therefore prevent the
spread of a fire from one level to the next. In this situation, there is
no protection required at the floor opening due to the fact that the
shaft walls will contain and limit the potential spread of fire within
the building. This provision mirrors the fact that Sections 712.1.1 and
713 allow unprotected vertical openings within a shaft enclosure.
105