Blog 12- Rugalations

 This week in Building Systems we learned about Regulations. When it comes to designing a project there are many different phases, including programming, schematic design, design development, contract documents, construction administration, and post occupancy evaluation.  

Programming is the phase where you interview your client, assess needs, and spatial analysis. Also, during this phase, research and case studies are done for inspiration and consideration of things such as codes (which may depend on the occupancy type).  

Schematic design is a designer's initial design solutions, which are presented to the client. Usually these are several concepts that are then narrowed down to one. These concepts must include considerations such as occupancy calculations, the number of exits and paths of egress- which have a maximum travel distance in case of emergencies.  

Design Development is when materials and finishes are selected. These of course must follow code, which can be related to fire ratings, when considering partition types, doors, glass, and all finish selections.  

Contract documents, such as construction documents, are created which contain all applicable codes used to design the project and help the contractor, engineer, architect, and any other participants to know exactly what to do. Construction administration is when the designer visits the sight to ensure that their design is being constructed accurately.  

Post occupancy evaluation is done after the building is occupied. This process is done to gather feedback from its users to see if the design provides satisfaction and creates a comfortable and productive environment.  

Building Code are determined by the ICC or the International Code Council. This is reevaluated every 3 years through the ICC Code Development Process, the current version being the ICC IBC-2021. Building codes are put in place for people’s safety. They are put in place both to prevent accidents from happening and allow people to make a swift exit in case of an emergency.  

One important concept that building codes covers is the means of egress, the path occupants take to exit a building, which is broken down into four principles.  

1. There must be alternative paths of travel 

2. The design must protect occupants from fire and smoke 

3. The building must accommodate all occupants and their needs 

4. The means of egress must be well marked and illustrated (emergency power to light path)  

To apply these principles a designer must create a path of egress according to the type of occupancy, the number of egresses, width of corridor, and possible fire separation. Depending on the type of occupancy and if there is a sprinkler system, determines the length of the path of travel.  

Compartmentalization is when sections of a building are closed off during an emergency. This can be things such as doors that automatically lock or actual gates that are closed blocking off an area. Fire separation maintain specific fire rated separations, such as how long a dead-end corridor may be. Within a path of egress occupants move through corridors, stairs, exits, and any and all egress.

In the case of an emergency, especially a fire, there is usually some sort of detection put in place to alert occupants. Smoke detectors can alert in the case of smoke, heat or flame. Detectors trigger an alarm which includes audio signals and often visual strobes. These can be set off by detection automatically or may have a pulling mechanism.  

In the case of a fire, suppression equipment is used to extinguish it. This can include things such as fire hoses, hand-held fire extinguishers, standpipe systems, and sprinkler systems. Sprinkler systems are usually only used in high rise or commercial settings. Sprinkler systems allow for a longer path of egress. Light hazard spaces only require a sprinkler head every 200 sq ft in a non-hydraulic system or every 225 sq ft in a hydraulic system. In a space that has wooden ceiling joists these are required every 130 sq ft.  

There are a few different types of sprinkler systems that can be installed. A wet pipe system is the most common, which allows water to dispense as soon as the fire starts (can contain antifreeze). A dry pipe system contains pressurized air and is good for areas that can freeze, this is electrically operated. Sprinkler heads are the part of the system that is mounted to the ceiling or wall and dispenses the water. There are several different types of sprinkler heads.

Smoke causes even more deaths than the fire itself, so it is important to remove and control this smoke. Certain materials can cause more toxic smoke than others, so it is important to avoid these materials. To remove smoke, hatches and fans should be properly placed. And exit signs should be placed accordingly to be seen no matter how dense the smoke is.  

Interior finishes must follow codes as well. In the case of a fire, they can determine how fireproof the wall or ceiling is and how many toxic materials are emitted. According to whether or not a building has sprinklers determines the grade of finishes that may be used.  

When it comes to regulations in public building they must follow the ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, which sets standards so that everyone can have equal access to a space. Those with disabilities may have certain physical restrictions such as not being able to see, hear, or the use of a device such as a wheelchair, etc. Due to consideration of all disability's buildings must have compliant routes that include ramps, useable doors, elevators and areas of refuge, accessible restrooms, signage for directions, reasonable projections, and accessible seating. This is throughout the entirety of a building, as an occupant moves through it.  

Ramps require a maximum slope of 1:12, and access to every level of a building (which may include an elevator). Doors must be at least 36” wide, with clearances, and ADA hardware. Elevators are technically not considered a means of egress (due to the fact that they should not be used in the case of a fire). This means that areas of refuge (a landing in a stairwell) must be a certain size to allow occupants in a wheelchair a safe spot to wait for assistance.  

Restrooms must also be ADA compliant, having a minimum of one ADA bathroom, more depending on the occupancy. These have certain measurements requirements to allow accessibility, as well as facets with lever handles and grab bars.  

Signage should be throughout public buildings to direct people what to do or where to go, which should include braille for visually impaired and symbols for hearing impaired. While drinking fountains need to be accessible, there is a limit to projections from walls in an egress corridor for those who are visually impaired.  

Additionally, there is the life safety code, published by the National Fire Protection Association, to provide additional requirements for life safety in the event of an emergency. These are for both new and existing buildings. There are also Testing Agencies, which will test buildings, products, and/or materials for various things. The best agencies are third party ones that have no bias, such as ANSI, UL, and ASTM.  

Plus, there are voluntary measures to make a project healthier and safer. These efforts are recognized by organizations such as LEED. However, there are also State and other local guidelines, which have additional requirements or codes to follow depending on your region, state, county, or city.  

 

 

Blogging Assignment: 

The dorm that I live in is called Volkman Hall. Volkman is not a very ADA friendly building. The only way to access the dorm rooms is by stairs. The only signage on/in the building is our room numbers (which do not include braille). There is a door in my dorm room that connects two rooms that are less than three feet. The bathrooms are also not ADA friendly at all- no grab bars, not enough room to turn around, smaller doorframe, shower does not have a seat or ability to roll in. I think the one thing about Volkman that could be considered ADA friendly are the desks that are provided (although not the chairs) and the flooring would not hinder wheelchair.  

Many corrections could be made to rectify this situation, however the most dyer would be to add access to the second and third floors. This could be done by adding a ramp somehow and possibly an elevator. Signage could easily be added to areas. Doors could be widened, and the bathrooms would have to be totally redone. In conclusion, I don’t think that Volkman could become totally ADA accessible, but it could work on becoming a bit more ADA friendly.