High pile storage next to exterior windows

[Sdpaddler50]

Racks to 15 ft with class 1-3. Sprinkler densities and the usual stuff is generally ok. One, 50 ft long rack section is right up against a glass window on the exterior wall of the building. Dont ask me the rating, i have no idea, but it is tempered glass so it may last a few minutes. The area was probably originally designated for offices, and then storage was likely brought in later. Anyone deal with this situation? Issues? Governing codes; 09' IBC/IFC (actually Cal versions) and NFPA 13, 2010. BTW, i am not going to ask for exposure sprinklers on these glass walls. It would not do any good for the fuel loads involved with the racks. My premise is basically; Storage is adequately protected by the sprinklers, so a fire is controlled in the incipient stage. Plenty of means of egress available to occupants in warehouse. Damage to windows occurr, but nothing major. Overall, fire is controlled and the building lives to ship product another day. Thanks.

 

[cdafd]

You mention

Glass window and

Glass wall

Which is it and what is the size ??

And it is part on an exterior wall?

 

[stookeyfpe]

I'm assumining this is a Group S-1 occupancy and given that it is being used for high-piled combustible storage, it most likely is an unlimited area building per IBC (CBC) Chapter 5. The glazing may have bbeen required for the Energy code. If you at least 40 feet on all sides of the structure, that building is most likely and unlimited area building per IBC Section 507.

 

[Sdpaddler50]

Stookeyfpe, you are dead on. I dont have the original arch plans (trying to get those from the arch who wants $30/page, paid in advance, no checks accepted), but 507 would apply here for this S-1, with sprinklers and side yards. I believe this particular area next to these large windows where storage is now present was originally built out for offices, and then my client brought their storage in a few years ago. I have seen this before, and have not made a big deal of it, i was just looking for a code reference to back me up, and i think i now have justification if it were to become an issue with the ahj.

 

[Sdpaddler50]

BTW, that is $30 per page for pdf's. The cad (dwg) files are $130/page

 

[stookeyfpe]

And an another architect was made poorer. I will celebrate your savings with a bourbon and H2O this evening.