Coaching Conversations from the ICC Commercial Building Course
These are actual coaching conversations from our online ICC Commercial Building course.
Our coaching system is simple and convenient. You can easily ask a question anywhere in the course. There's no need to open your email program or go to another page.
Please explain as per IBC 2021
The question is: "According to the Exhibit, the fascia will extend ______ past the centerline of the column on gridline L."
Answer 1: 3’-0”
Answer 2: 7’-6”
Answer 3: 0’-7-½”
Answer 4: 9’-0”
The correct answer is: Answer 3.
My answer was: Answer 2.
Based on the detail in the building section, the fascia extends 0-71/2" horizontally past the column centerline. This is shown in the dimension at the top. The fascia is the furthest extension of the front horizontal face.
Thank you for the clarification.
Ok, you guys got me on a question like this before. So I remembered the key word in Table "Min" not max. So let's look at wall thickness, I say we use the 7.5 but according to your answer I'm suppose to look at the 9.5. I say 7.5 because that would take us from 7.5- anything below 9.5.
The question is: "A concrete retaining wall is 9’ high and 10” thick, with 45 lbs of lateral pressure per foot of depth, and an unbalanced fill of 8’. What is the minimum vertical reinforcement bar size and spacing?"
Answer 1: #5 @ 37”
Answer 2: #6 @ 38”
Answer 3: #7 @ 41”
Answer 4: PC or plain concrete (no reinforcing)
The correct answer is: Answer 1.
My answer was: Answer 2.
Todd, good question. The question states 10" but there is no column with that thickness so we need to be conservative and use the next lower thickness, which is 9.5. To go below that would be too much.
1 for 3000 sq ft. so 2 for 6 K and 3 for over 6k? Im confused
The question is: "How many draft stops are required for an 8,000 sf attic?"
Answer 1: 1
Answer 2: 2
Answer 3: 3
Answer 4: 4
The correct answer is: Answer 2.
My answer was: Answer 3.
Todd, I am looking at your question regarding draft stops. It may seem difficult but I think there is an explanation given. Essentially if you take a box representing an 8,000 sf attic, and place two dividers in the space, each representing 3,000 sf you have a space of 2,000 remaining which is legal. You have only placed 2 draft stops and have solved the problem. Is this helpful? Are you clear on this?
Let me know if you need more.
So, in short, no draft stops for 2000 ft.² of attic and less?. I’ll have to relook at it. Thank you. I have one more practice test with SI and then study study study! Any extra tips?
Todd, actually no stops for 3,000 sf or less. In my example the 2000 just happened to be what was left over.
Got it! I will look it up and highlight the 3k or less. Thank you
I see all of the answers as Reference Codes not sure what makes the IPMC the correct answer
The question is: "The IBC refers to other codes, called “Referenced Codes”, which include all the following except:"
Answer 1: International Fire Code
Answer 2: International Property Maintenance Code
Answer 3: International Existing Building Code
Answer 4: International Energy Conservation Code
The correct answer is: Answer 2.
My answer was: Answer 1.
Miguel, this is Tom Jensen, author of the course. If you look at the IBC Section 101.4 you will see the listing and description of Reference Codes. The question lists four codes but answer #2, International Property Maintenance Code is not included. It is referred to later in Section 102, in the discussion on existing buildings. The difference is that it is not pertinent to the Building Official in the construction or development of new projects.
Thank you for the information.
section 303.1.1 points to Assembly group A.
The question is: "What is the classification of a space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of 31 persons?"
Answer 1: Assembly - A
Answer 2: Business - B
Answer 3: Mercantile - M
Answer 4: Factory - F
The correct answer is: Answer 2.
My answer was: Answer 1.
Quincy, this is Tom Jensen, author of the course. The answer is found in the IBC in Section 303.1.1 where it states, " Small buildings and Tenant Spaces. A building or tenant space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of less than 50 persons shall be classified as a Group B occupancy." Thus where the occupant load is 31 persons, it is classified as Business which is answer 2.
Thanks Tom, I didn't catch that. Read it too fast.
In Section 102.1 it states "where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern." So how is this the correct answer?
The question is: "Which is false? If there is a conflict between codes,"
Answer 1: the most restrictive code prevails.
Answer 2: the more general prevails over the more specific.
Answer 3: the IBC governs over all others.
Answer 4: if a building changes occupancy, it must comply with current code.
The correct answer is: Answer 2.
My answer was: Answer 1.
Curtis, the question asks "which is false?" and #1 states "the most restrictive code prevails" which is true, so it can't be the answer. #2 states "the more general prevails" which is not true, or false. These are a bit tricky. You need to read them carefully.
Oh duh! Thank you for your clarification. I just misread the question! Thanks again for your time.
I need help with this question.
The question is: "What is the fire resistance rating of a department store that has a fire separation distance of 4 feet and is of Type III construction?"
Answer 1: 3
Answer 2: 2
Answer 3: 1
Answer 4: 0
The correct answer is: Answer 2.
My answer was: Answer 3.
Miguel, if you go to the Table 602 in IBC 2018 or Table 705.5 in IBC 2021 you will see first the column showing the Fire Separation Distance. The question indicates that it is less than 5 feet. Now go across on that row to where it shows an Occupancy including 'M' which is mercantile for a department store. The Fire Resistance rating is thus 2 hours.
Got it, thank you
HI I was wondering why I did not have Chapter 23 Sec 2307. it went from 206.3(3) chart strait to 2308.2.1. am I missing something?
I don't think you are missing anything. The Section 2307 is really only a reference to other codes. There is not much to teach there in my opinion.
Ok no worries thank u
Why the code only says veneers shall be fabricated from approved corrosion resistant materials
The question is: "Which is false? When attaching metal veneers,"
Answer 1: fasteners must be installed no greater than 24" by 24", both horizontal and vertical.
Answer 2: grounding of metal veneers is required.
Answer 3: if units exceed 4 SF in area, there shall be four attachments per unit.
Answer 4: metal veneers shall be fabricated from approved corrosion resistant materials.
The correct answer is: Answer 2.
My answer was: Answer 1.
The explanation is: IBC, Section 1404.11.
Roberto, answers 1, 3 and 4 are all defined in the code, Section 1404.11. Answer 2 which is the false or correct answer is not defined in this code. Answers 1 and 3 are in 1404.11.1. Answer 4 is in 1404.11.
Grounding is not defined in this section of the code nor in the IBC Commercial Code.
Thank you
please explain the meaning of the following by easier way words: Flashing, Coping, parapets , thanks
Mohamed, sure, glad to help.
Flashing is a thin, usually metal, strip installed at critical joints in a building such as the edge of a roof, an intersection of a roof and wall or chimney, joints around windows and joints. It directs the water away from entering a building structure.
Coping is the material on the top of a wall or parapet designed to divert water from entering the wall section. It is often sloped to direct water onto the roof.
A parapet is a wall section, usually at the perimeter of a building, that rises above the roof and is topped by a coping. It gives an enclosure to the roof and directs water and snow inward. It also gives some concealment to equipment that is placed on the roof. It may range in height from about 6" or so up to about 36".
I hope this is helpful. You could find many of these in the index to the code book or by doing a google search. .....Tom Jensen
thanks Tom , i got it
what keywords should i look for in the 504.4 section that tells me this is for an apartment building?
The question is: "What are the allowable number of stories for an apartment building that is not sprinkled, and construction Type III?"
Answer 1: 5
Answer 2: 4
Answer 3: 3
Answer 4: Unlimited
The correct answer is: Answer 2.
First you need to determine what occupancy is an apartment building. If you look at Section 310.3 you will see that an apartment building is R-2. Now go to Table 504.4 and go down the left column to R-2. Now go across on "NS" for non-sprinkled, to Type III. Since both A and B columns are the same it doesn't matter. You should see that 4 stories are allowed. That is answer 2.
I made the mistake of using table 1507.8.7, which is similar in information and numbers used and I did see and read table 1507.9.8 but decided to use the wrong table. What makes the .9.8 table more correct than .8.7?
The question is: "What is the weather exposure for 24-inch No.1 wood shakes of naturally durable wood?"
Answer 1: 12"
Answer 2: 10"
Answer 3: 7.5"
Answer 4: 5.5"
The correct answer is: Answer 2.
My answer was: Answer 3.
Liam, this is Tom Jensen, author of the course. The question asks about wood shakes which is answered in Table 1507.9.8. Table 1507.8.7 is dealing with wood "shingles". I hope that answers your question. Good luck.
yes it does thanks for that. I just didnt read through properly.