Are parking garages fire resistive?
Open parking garages complying with Section 406 shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating.
What occupancy classification is a parking garage?
Group S-2 occupancy
Section 311.3 of the International Building Code (IBC) states that parking garages, open or enclosed, are classified as Group S-2 occupancy while Section 312.1 states that private garages are classified as Group U.
Why are there fans in parking garages?
Traditional parking garage ventilation systems combine supply and exhaust fans with ductwork to push fresh air in and pollutants, smoke and harmful emissions out.
What type of construction is a parking garage?
There are two primary ways to construct a garage: with precast or cast-in-place concrete.
Do parking garages have ventilation?
Most U.S. underground parking garages use a traditional ducted approach for ventilation, with fresh air levels based on a given number of air changes per hour.
Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning in a parking garage?
Parking garages are common in shopping malls and residances where population density is high. Carbon monoxide in the exhaust gases of the vehicles in parking garages lead to severe health risks for people. Vehicles operating with gasoline and diesel fuels produce toxic gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.
What is an enclosed parking garage?
If a parking garage does not meet these requirements, it is considered an enclosed garage and must be provided with mechanical ventilation, sprinkler protection, and it must also meet the other requirements listed above.
Why are parking garages concrete?
Fire Resistance The fire-resistant characteristics of the flat surfaces and wide beams of post-tensioned structures provide fire-resistance ratings to meet code requirements. Concrete insulation delays the strength loss of the main reinforcement.
What is the minimum exhaust rate in parking garages?
According to ASHRAE 62.1 Table 6.4, a minimum exhaust rate of 3.7 l/sm² is required.
Do you have to have a fire resistance rating for an open parking garage?
Fire Resistance Ratings of Exterior Walls Both open and enclosed parking garages are required to comply with the exterior wall rating requirements of IBC 602. However, per Footnote C to IBC Table 602, open parking garages with a fire separation distance of 10 feet or greater are not required to have a fire-resistance rating.
Which is the NFPA standard for parking garages?
In 1973, NFPA 88A, Standard for Parking Garages, and NFPA 88B, Standard for Repair Garages, were published separately. NFPA 88A-2019 revises and supersedes the 2015 edition of the standard for parking garages.
How many cars were involved in the parking garage fire?
By the time the fire crews dragged hose lines to the third floor, about 18 to 20 vehicles were fully involved.
Do you need a sprinkler system in an enclosed parking garage?
Open parking garages are not required to be sprinkler protected. Enclosed parking garages require sprinkler protection in accordance with NFPA 13. If the garage is not maintained above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, a dry-pipe sprinkler system is required by NFPA 13. Both open and enclosed garages typically require standpipe systems.