Restrained/Unrestrained Construction

[ron9876]

Does anyone know where to find the definition for restrained/unrestrained construction in the Florida Building Code.

Also what is the required cover for concrete walls as it relates to fire rating.

 

[JedClampett]

Where is this used in the code?

 

[ron9876]

It is referenced in the fire rating requirements. I am fairly sure that a concrete slab is always restrained but I am working on a condo in South Florida so I want to be sure.

 

[msquared48]

Jail Construction.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[JAE]

ron9876,
The best definition I've seen is in the UL fire ratings book.

 

[JAE]

Here's two similar posts.
thread507-164258

thread507-227858

There is also a UL forum you could post in.

 

[ron9876]

Thanks for your input. I forgot to check the PCI Handbook. What a good reference for all kinds of things. It has a table on page 9-31 that says flat slabs are restrained.

 

[slickdeals]

I have recently reviewed restrained vs unrestrained requirements and contacted several experts.

Their opinion is that end bays of flat slabs with no spandrel beams is considered as unrestrained because it is not possible to quantify them as restrained. The code reads that unless you can classify them as restrained, you will need to assign them as unrestrained.

For post tensioned slabs it means that you cover will not change from 3/4" to 1.5" on the end spans. This requirement is also presented in the Post tensioning Manual.

 

[JLNJ]

The May 1997 issue of Modern Steel Construction has an article which talks about restained/unrestrained at length, though it refers mainly to steel construction.

I have a hard copy but I will try to find a link.