International Building Code Section 703 – International Building Code 2006 Discussions

International Building Code 703.1

FIRE-RESISTANCE-RATED CONSTRUCTION

Scope. Materials prescribed herein for fire resistance
shall conform to the requirements of this chapter.

International Building Code 703.2

Fire-resistance ratings. The fire-resistance rating of
building elements shall be determined in accordance with the
test procedures set forth in ASTM E 119 or in accordance with
Section 703.3. Where materials, systems or devices that have
not been tested as part of a fire-resistance-rated assembly are
incorporated into the assembly, sufficient data shall be made
available to the building official to show that the required
fire-resistance rating is not reduced. Materials and methods of
construction used to protect joints and penetrations in
fire-resistance-rated building elements shall not reduce the
required fire-resistance rating.
Exception: In determining the fire-resistance rating of exterior
bearing walls, compliance with the ASTM E 119 criteria
for unexposed surface temperature rise and ignition of
cotton waste due to passage of flame or gases is required
only for a period of time corresponding to the required
fire-resistance rating of an exterior nonbearingwall with the
same fire separation distance, and in a building of the same
group. When the fire-resistance rating determined in accordance
with this exception exceeds the fire-resistance rating
determined in accordance with ASTM E 119, the fire exposure
time period, water pressure, and application duration
criteria for the hose stream test of ASTM E 119 shall be
based upon the fire-resistance rating determined in accordance
with this exception.

Nonsymmetrical wall construction. Interiorwalls
and partitions of nonsymmetrical construction shall be
tested with both faces exposed to the furnace, and the
assigned fire-resistance rating shall be the shortest duration
obtained from the two tests conducted in compliance with
ASTM E 119. When evidence is furnished to show that the
wall was tested with the least fire-resistant side exposed to
the furnace, subject to acceptance of the building official,
thewall need not be subjected to tests from the opposite side
(see Section 704.5 for exterior walls).

Combustible components. Combustible aggregates
are permitted in gypsum and portland cement concrete
mixtures approved for fire-resistance-rated construction.
Any approved component material or admixture is permitted
in assemblies if the resulting tested assembly meets the
fire-resistance test requirements of this code.

Restrained classification. Fire-resistance-rated
assemblies tested under ASTM E 119 shall not be considered
to be restrained unless evidence satisfactory to the
building official is furnished by the registered design professional
showing that the construction qualifies for a
restrained classification in accordance with ASTM E 119.
Restrained construction shall be identified on the plans.

International Building Code 703.2.1

International Building Code 703.2.2

International Building Code 703.2.3

International Building Code 703.3

Alternative methods for determining fire resistance.
The application of any of the alternative methods listed in this
section shall be based on the fire exposure and acceptance criteria
specified in ASTM E 119. The required fire resistance of a
building element shall be permitted to be established by any of
the following methods or procedures:
1. Fire-resistance designs documented in approved
sources.
2. Prescriptive designs of fire-resistance-rated building
elements as prescribed in Section 720.
3. Calculations in accordance with Section 721.
4. Engineering analysis based on a comparison of building
element designs having fire-resistance ratings as determined
by the test procedures set forth in ASTM E 119.
5. Alternative protection methods as allowed by Section
104.11.

International Building Code 703.4

Noncombustibility tests. The tests indicated in Sections
703.4.1 and 703.4.2 shall serve as criteria for acceptance of
building materials as set forth in Sections 602.2, 602.3 and
602.4 in Type I, II, III and IV construction. The term
“noncombustible” does not apply to the flame spread characteristics
of interior finish or trim materials. A material shall not
be classified as a noncombustible building construction material
if it is subject to an increase in combustibility or flame
spread beyond the limitations herein established through the
effects of age, moisture or other atmospheric conditions.

Elementary materials. Materials required to be
noncombustible shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E
136.

Composite materials. Materials having a structural
base of noncombustible material as determined in
accordance with Section 703.4.1 with a surfacing not more
than 0.125 inch (3.18 mm) thick that has a flame spread
index not greater than 50 when tested in accordance with
ASTM E 84 shall be acceptable as noncombustible materials.

International Building Code 703.4.1