INT324SEK

  Plumbing and Mechanical Requirements While most codes that were previously discussed within our book, The Codes Guidebook for Interiors , were utilized for the safety of the occupants within a building, the plumbing and mechanical requirements focus on addressing health and welfare concerns. This makes it critical for us as designers to know how to determine the quantity of plumbing fixtures needed in a project and how a design affects the differing components of a mechanical system. How to Determine the Quantity of Fixtures It is critical that the number of plumbing fixtures required is established in the early stages of a project. The number of fixtures is determined by the plumbing code which indicates water closets, lavatories, bathtubs and showers, drinking fountains, and other fixtures. Usually, each floor is required to have at least on toilet, but the actual number depends on the type of occupancy and the occupant load of the building. Within the IPC, Table 403.1 “M...

  Fire Protection Systems Within our reading this week, we learned of various systems that can be installed to help alert and protect a building’s occupants from a fire. While fire and smoke are the main threats to the occupants safety, there are other potential hazards when a fire is present, such as changes in temperature (heat) and gases. Due to the fact that any sort of fire poses a large risk, aside from just burning, it is very important to detect and control such a danger as soon as possible. There are certain systems designers and engineers use to communicate these dangers known as detection systems, alarm systems, and extinguishing systems. Detection Systems It should be well known that one of the best ways to protect occupants from the dangers of a fire is to simply know there is a fire as quickly as possible. Detection systems, or initiating devices, are required by the IBC and IFC in all new buildings unless exempt. However, choosing the appropriate detection syst...