Section BC 403: High-Rise Buildings

403.1 Applicability.

High-rise buildings shall comply with Sections 403.2 through 403.8.

   Exception: The provisions of Sections 403.2 through 403.8 shall not apply to the following buildings and structures:

      1.   Air traffic control towers in accordance with Section 412.3.

      2.   Buildings occupied entirely by Group R-3 classification.

      3.   Open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5.

      4.   The portion of a building containing a Group A-5 occupancy in accordance with Section 303.6.

      5.   Special industrial occupancies in accordance with Section 503.1.1.

      6.   Buildings with:

         6.1.   A Group H-1 occupancy;

         6.2.   A Group H-2 occupancy in accordance with Section 415.8, 415.9.2, 415.9.3 or 426.1; or

         6.3.   A Group H-3 occupancy in accordance with Section 415.8.

403.2 Construction.

The construction of high-rise buildings shall comply with the provisions of Sections 403.2.1 through 403.2.4.

403.2.1 Types of construction.

The following modifications to the minimum fire-resistance rating of the building elements in Table 601 shall be as follows:

   1.   High rise buildings 420 feet (128 m) or greater in building height shall be constructed of Type IA construction.

   2.   For high rise buildings not greater than 420 feet (128 m) in building height, and constructed to meet the fire-resistance rating requirements of Type IB or IIA construction, the required fire-resistance rating of columns supporting floors shall be constructed to meet Type IA construction.

403.2.2 Seismic considerations.

For seismic considerations, see Chapter 16.

403.2.3 Structural integrity of interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures.

For all high-rise buildings, exit enclosures for interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures shall comply with Sections 403.2.3.1 through 403.2.3.4.

   Exception: Where fire-resistance rating is not required by this code for the enclosure or portions thereof.

403.2.3.1 Wall assembly.

The wall assemblies making up the enclosures for interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures shall meet or exceed Soft Body Impact Classification Level 2 as measured by the test method described in ASTM C 1629 / C 1629M.