Class is back in session! Construction Terminology 102 is here to give you a quick run down of a few commonly used words and terms in construction.
Today we're focusing on terms defined straight out of the 2015 International Building Code Chapter 10 - Means of Egress
Why did I use the 2015 IBC? Great question! The IBC is written by the ICC.
IBC = International Building Code
ICC = International Code Counsel
"The International Code Council is a member-focused association with over 64,000 members. It is dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes." (The ICC website gets full credit for their explanation of who they are).
The ICC began an effort to standardize the minimum regulations for building in 1997 and 21 years later their I-codes are the most recognized codes across the United States. The IBC is one of the code books required for Class A General Contractors to know and continue to educate themselves on as it is revised and implemented in local jurisdictions.
Why did I pick the 2015 IBC? It was on top of the stack of books next to me 😉 It isn't the most adopted code in our area, that would be the 2012 IBC and the newest IBC is the 2018.
Why did I pick Means of Egress terms? Because I wanted to... and means of egress is a very important topic to consider during your build or remodel. Very specific requirements must be met to meet the minimum requirements set forth in the IBC and in turn will be required by the inspecting jurisdiction for your project.
Ok ok! On to the terms for today's lesson...
Means of Egress: A continuous and unobstructed path of of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to a public way. A means of egress consists of three separate and distinct parts: the exit access, the exit, and the exit discharge.
Exit: That portion of a means of egress system between the exit access and the exit discharge or public right of way. Exit components include exterior exit doors at the level of exit discharge, interior exit stairways and ramps, exit passageways, exterior exit stairways and ramps and horizontal exits.
Exit Access: That portion of a means of egress system that leads from any occupied portion of a building or structure to an exit.
Exit Discharge: That portion of a means of egress system between the termination of an exit and a public way.
Accessible Means of Egress: A continuous and unobstructed way of egress travel from any accessible point in a building or facility to a public way.
Public Way: A street, alley or other parcel of land open to the outside air leading to a street, that has been deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use and which has a clear width and height of not less than 10 feet.
Corridor: An enclosed exit access component that defines and provides a path of egress travel.
Open-Ended Corridor: An interior corridor that is open on each end and connects to an exterior stairway or ramp at each end with no intervening doors or separation from the corridor.
Occupant Load: The number of persons for which the means of egress of a building or portion thereof is designed.
How did you do? Did you pass Construction Terminology 102?