3003 W CASINO RD BLDG 40-21 2018-09-21

line) as required by Table 708 . 4 . Table 708 . 4, Footnote d states, "For occupancies in Group H-2 or H-3 , unprotected openings shall not be permitted for openings with a fire separation distance of 15 feet or less . " Table 708 . 4 itself allows for unlimited unprotected openings where the fire separation distance is greater than 30 feet . Fire separation distance is measured from the face of the exterior wall to, in this case, an assumed lot line between the buildings in question on the same lot (Sections 702 . 1 and 704 . 3 ) . There is 150 feet between Buildings 40-21 and 40-51 and 175 feet between Buildings 40-36 and 40-37 . Accordingly, the fire separation distances for opening protective determination purposes are 75 feet and 87 . 5 feet, respectively. In every buildings' case, the most conservative fire separation distance of 30 feet is exceeded by more than 100 percent . The design condition that confuses the issue is the connecting airlocks themselves . There are a number of ways that one could view these enclosures . They could be treated as other buildings, structures or even projections . "Building" is defined in Section 202 as, "Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. " "Structure" is defined in the same section as, "That which is built or constructed. " Projections are governed by Section 704 . 2 which refers to such construction as, "cornices, eave overhangs, exterior balconies, and similar architectural appendages extending beyond the floor area. " Accordingly, the classification of these areas goes to function. The function of these airlocks is to serve as enclosed equipment traffic ways . Specifically, these enclosures protect crane rails connecting the subject buildings as well as protecting associated equipment and parts being transported. In terms of Chapter 3 , there is no formal use or occupancy housed by the airlocks . By exclusion, these areas more closely resemble projections, not that dissimilar in function to a common building projection, the porte-cochere. The airlocks at issue are clearly special construction. Chapter 31 of the IBC is titled, "Special Construction. " Perhaps the closest precedent for this design condition contained in Chapter 31 is that provision regulating pedestrian walkways . Although pedestrian walkways are a design feature specifically intended to accommodate pedestrian traffic between connected buildings, some of the general design requirements could serve to govern these enclosed equipment traffic ways . Section 3104 . 1 indicates that the section applies to connections between buildings. Section 3104 . 2 states that, "Connected buildings shall be considered separate structures . Section 3104 . 3 requires pedestrian walkways to be constructed of noncombustible construction. Section 3104 . 4 limits the contents of pedestrian walkways. The remainder of the technical requirements are intended to apply to the pedestrian aspects of construction connecting buildings generally separated by less than 60 feet and normally located above grade . There are no apparent, specifically applicable IBC exterior wall opening protection requirements for this special and unusual