2018 IMC - Historic Building Fire/Smoke Dampers

Question

2018 IMC - Historic Building Fire/Smoke Dampers

jdmz (Mechanical)

(OP)

7 Dec 22 00:14

I am designing a VRF system for a historic 3 story courthouse early 1900s and adding energy recovery ventilators to provide dedicated OA. The building is old and does not have life safety drawings or a fire alarm/sprinkler system. Most interior partitions is masonry.

Is a life safety analysis required to identify wall ratings for fire or smoke dampers in the ventilation system ducts? Is there some kind of exception for older buildings like this?

nuuvox000 (Mechanical) · Answer 1 · 2022-12-07 15:55:58

With remodels, I usually leave that up to the architect/owner/GC to figure out. I send an email asking for this information and let them make a guess or do the research. Sorry I can't answer your question directly but that's how I go about it.

HVAC-Novice (Mechanical) · Answer 2 · 2022-12-07 18:44:20

Someone should verify current fire separation. Most JHA will require that you maintain current safety (= not make the building more dangerous). Someone also should determine what level of remodel that is and what upgrades will be required.

Are you stamping the final plans? if so, it is you who is on the hook. If you are sub to an architect, they are to find out and stamp whatever they determine.

Talk to JHA. We don't know if you are in Singapore, or Canada.

Unrelated to fire, you should add a cooling coil to ventilation air for dehumidification. Unless you are in arid climate.

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2018 IMC - Historic Building Fire/Smoke Dampers