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Blaine Weber, AIA AIA
AIA
Weber + Thompson PLLC
Seattle WA
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Greetings -
The 2009 IBC [actually, the related fire code] requires that high-rise residential project provide a dedicated elevator for Fire - that is an easy code requirement. However, that code now also requires that these elevators have some sort of trench drain at the sill, to prevent water from entering the shaft. This makes no sense, because in the event of a fire, the sprinklers will hit the door, and water will sheet down the face, bypassing any trench drain. We [and our code experts] are at a complete loss as to how to achieve this is a practical, affordable manner.We are seeking to get our local building department to amend this requirement due to impracticality, but so far, they are not willing to acquiesce - while at the same time, providing no guidance as to how this can be done, given the requirement for link beams and imbeds for the elevator sill, which at the location where we are supposedly to put the trench drain.
Has anyone dealt with this situation effectively?
Thank you,
Blaine Weber, AIA
Director, High-Rise Design Studio
Weber Thompson
Seattle