Even though a design worked in the past...
that does not mean it will meet today's IBC Building code.
This section demonstrates some common design practices we feel could present problems meeting today's IBC building codes.
We recommend consulting your local building department for approval before using these designs.
Note: The building codes have changed over the years... and since the tragedy of 9-11, other changes are being considered.
Furthermore, almost all states have adopted the IBC code standards. Accordingly what was acceptable in the past may not be approved today.
Outdated and non-compliant designs need to be removed from the market.
Questionable Designs Provided by Others
Fire Safety
Design 1. Hardboard walls with a polystyrene core.
Reason: Polystyrene must have a 15 minute thermal barrier protecting it. Hardboard does not meet that requirement.
National Partitions does not offer this product.
For further information, please see IBC Code 2603.4
Design 2. Steel clad polystyrene walls without proper testing.
Reason: This product is allowed in Freezers or Coolers, and other applications with the proper fire tests such as NFPA 286 or 25' Corner Test.
National Partitions has passed those tests.
For further information, please see IBC Code 2603.8
Design 3. Aluminum structural elements used as column supports for steel beams.
Reason: Typically column supports require hourly ratings. Aluminum melts and can not meet this requirement.
National Partitions only uses steel as structural elements.
For further information, please see IBC Table 601
Design 4. One-hour walls without proper certification.
Reason: The system is claimed to be one-hour rated because of a single material namely the gypsum surface is one-hour rated, however the "system" may have never been tested and certified.
National Partitions has passed the tests on its system, and can provide proper certification.
Structural Safety
Design 5. DOC*- Allowing a beam to rest on top of a wall's connecting post or the wall alone for structural design.
Reason 1: Typically this places weight on the wall greater than the allowable 100 pounds per linear foot making the wall load bearing. In most instances that requires the wall to have an hourly rating. Most modular companies do not have hourly rated systems (National Partitions does).
Reason 2: The design is a "slip" connection and does not have a "bolted and anchored" design thus reducing greatly the allowable safe load.
National Partitions uses independent bolted and anchored steel columns for structural elements and the walls do not carry loads greater than 100 plf.
For further information, please see IBC Table 601
*DOC - Dependent office wall concept (not deck of cards) - refers to the beam hinged (or attached) to the top of the wall without proper structural column support. The support is dependent on the wall.
Design 6. Not using steel support on end walls.
Reason 1: When a load bearing roof design is used the end walls usually have loads that exceed 100 PLF. This makes the wall classified as load bearing. In most instances that requires the wall to have an hourly rating. Most modular companies do not have hourly rated systems (National Partitions does).
National Partitions uses end wall steel supports in these circumstances and therefore the walls do not carry loads greater than 100 plf.
For further information, please see IBC Table 601
TIP - The easiest way to check for questionable structural designs is to compare the gross weight with National Partitions structure. Dramatically lighter structures indicate less steel and possibly design flaws.
Egress Safety
Design 7. Steep stairs and stairs without proper hand rails.
Reason: The design only meets OSHA criteria but does not meet the IBC building code requirements.
National Partitions only provides IBC building code compliant stairs.
For further information, please see IBC Table 1009.3
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