Occupancy Category / Importance Factor / Veterinary Clinic 1

[BSVBD]

Designing a Veterinary Clinic.

ASCE 7-05 Table 1-1 CLEARLY states, in Occupancy Category III:
“Buildings and other structures that represent a substantial hazard to human life…”

I get it! “Human” life!

On (2) past veterinary clinics I did designed for 1.0 Importance.

On (1) past, high-profile, veterinary clinic, I designed for 1.15, but, I don't recall why.

I don’t want to design for 1.0 and have to redesign afterward if the plan reviewer requires it.

I don’t see any loopholes in any codes or standards, but, I don’t want to miss anything if there has been any recent changes.

What have you done?

Thank you!

 

[JAE]

1.0 in my book

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[canwesteng]

I guess you could make the case in a pinch that a vet clinic could be brought into service as a hospital.

 

[JAE]

But you are never obligated to design to a higher importance factor for a theoretical future use unless
that is desired by the owner or if you as the engineer know for certain that a different use is planned as a part of the design parameters.

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[WinelandV]

What does the architect have to say? Maybe there's something about the occupancy (hazardous materials in use?) that should bump up the structural occupancy category.

What does the building official think? Maybe the community has decided that they want their veterinary facilities to be designed to higher requirements.

What does the owner want? Maybe the owner just wants the piece of mind that the building is built to higher loads (and is willing to pay for it).


If those parties have no opinion, I agree with JAE.

 

[Nor Cal SE]

I agree with JAE, seeing no reason why this structure would go higher than Occupancy Category II. Winelandv makes some good points, but I would say the burden falls on those other parties to provide extra requirements or explain why an increase from OC II is needed.

Just curious, any reason you're still using ASCE 7-05 instead of 7-10? If your local jurisdiction has adopted IBC 2015, then ASCE 7-10 by default is the applicable standard. However, I believe the occupancy category definitions have not changed.

 

[BSVBD]

Nor Cal... Wisconsin is still under ASCE 7-05. I believe that will change by year end.

Thank you all for your comments!

 

[JLNJ]

I can't imagine it's anything other than a Risk Category II, I = 1.0 building, but you could call the plan reviewer and ask.