I am trying to complete a set of drawings for a room addition that, due
to property line proximity, will require a fire-rated wall on its south
side. Per the city's code enforcement . . .
"plans shall state all walls that are to be built with one-hour fire
ratings. Plans shall include one-hour fire-rated design details and
wall sections from the foundation to the roof and any roof
overhangs. Provide a one hour fire rated wall design number and
criteria from an approved testing agency."
I've Googled this to death and have been unable to locate something on-line
that will fill this bill (as in downloading a pdf file with appropriate
illustrations, etc). No shortage of places to buy $50-$60-$75 dollar code
books but, of course, I am trying to avoid buying the whole volume.
Somebody point me.

Signature
NuWave Dave in Houston
Bob Morrison - 25 Jan 2007 16:36 GMT
In a previous post NuWaveDave wrote...
> I've Googled this to death and have been unable to locate something on-line
> that will fill this bill (as in downloading a pdf file with appropriate
> illustrations, etc). No shortage of places to buy $50-$60-$75 dollar code
> books but, of course, I am trying to avoid buying the whole volume.
> Somebody point me.
Try your local library.

Signature
Bob Morrison, PE, SE
R L Morrison Engineering Co
Structural & Civil Engineering
Poulsbo WA
bob at rlmorrisonengr dot com
NuWaveDave - 25 Jan 2007 17:36 GMT
> In a previous post NuWaveDave wrote...
>> I've Googled this to death and have been unable to locate something
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> Try your local library.
Actually, I did. Or, the local branch of the Harris County Public Library
(since I'm not actually in Houston city limits). Their sole UBC reference
was a 1991 UBC. An, it did have sections on fire-rated walls but nothing
[that I could find] in the way of illustrations or accredited testing
agencies.
I suppose I shall have to renew my efforts, revisit HCPB's on-line
catalog.
Thanks, Bob.

Signature
NuWave Dave in Houston
Bob Morrison - 25 Jan 2007 21:30 GMT
In a previous post NuWaveDave wrote...
> Actually, I did. Or, the local branch of the Harris County Public Library
> (since I'm not actually in Houston city limits). Their sole UBC reference
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> catalog.
> Thanks, Bob.
Try the Fire Resistance Design Manual:
http://www.gypsum.org/download.html

Signature
Bob Morrison, PE, SE
R L Morrison Engineering Co
Structural & Civil Engineering
Poulsbo WA
bob at rlmorrisonengr dot com
Jonny - 26 Jan 2007 11:54 GMT
>> In a previous post NuWaveDave wrote...
>>> I've Googled this to death and have been unable to locate something
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> catalog.
> Thanks, Bob.
Residents of municipalities with population 10,000 or greater in the state
of Texas must write their building code using IRC as minimum basis, state
law. Where does UBC come in regarding Harris county, TX? Is Harris county
writing building code, vice a municipality (a county is not a municipality)?
Here's an example regarding IRC fire wall enforcement in Arlington, TX:
http://www.ci.arlington.tx.us/build/pdf/notices/townhouse_firewalls_plan_review_
inspection.pdf
You might call the inspecting office and find out their requirements for
inspection in the sequence of building.

Signature
Jonny
Chuck - 27 Jan 2007 09:10 GMT
>>> In a previous post NuWaveDave wrote...
>>>> I've Googled this to death and have been unable to locate something
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
> You might call the inspecting office and find out their requirements for
> inspection in the sequence of building.
FYI UBC is not used any longer if the state has approved the the IBC.
Folks need to know that IRC stands for "International Residential Code"
where the IBC stands for "International Building code". If you need the
code for a resident use IRC if you need the code for something not
residential use IBC. The latest is IBC 2006.
CID..
NuWaveDave - 29 Jan 2007 15:01 GMT
> Where does UBC come in regarding Harris county, TX? Is Harris county
> writing building code, vice a municipality (a county is not a
> municipality)?
Harris County PUBLIC LIBRARY . . . LIBRARY.
I was looking for pertinent reference materials to show me actual
construction method(s) in order that I can insert that material into my
permit application. The City of Houston Code Enforcement office provided us
with the requirements but do not provide us with the source(s) to satisfy
those requirements. They state, in part, ". . . Provide a one-hour fire
rated wall design number and criteria from an approved testing agency."
My references to the HCPL were merely to illustrate that I had attempted
some research into the matter using the first source available to me. And,
that source was pretty much totally lacking in reference material.
> Here's an example regarding IRC fire wall enforcement in Arlington, TX:
> http://www.ci.arlington.tx.us/build/pdf/notices/townhouse_firewalls_plan_review_
inspection.pdf
>
> You might call the inspecting office and find out their requirements for
> inspection in the sequence of building.
Thanks anyway; this is of no help at all. CofH gladly provides you with
all such "examples" necessary. I just wish they would provide you with
actual examples of approved methods and tell you, "Here's how you have to
build it to meet code."

Signature
Dave in Houston
Dennis - 30 Jan 2007 00:05 GMT
Bob Morrison's reply was exactly what you need. It has many tested 1-hour
walls avalaible, including the design number, method of construction and
fastenings. All you need to do is reference the design number, the AHJ
should be able to look up the wall. (Many are cross-referenced to UL).
In the submittal I review, all I require is the design number.
(You may need to specify the contruction for any overhangs however.)
>> Where does UBC come in regarding Harris county, TX? Is Harris county
>> writing building code, vice a municipality (a county is not a
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
> with actual examples of approved methods and tell you, "Here's how you
> have to build it to meet code."
Bill - 25 Jan 2007 17:11 GMT
Hummm... I did a search of google.com using the following and found all
sorts of stuff...
"hour fire rated wall" design number
(Include quotes above)
"NuWaveDave" wrote in message
> I am trying to complete a set of drawings for a room addition that, due
> to property line proximity, will require a fire-rated wall on its south
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> volume.
> Somebody point me.
Nick - 28 Jan 2007 02:47 GMT
In a previous post NuWaveDave wrote...
> "Provide a one hour fire rated wall design number and
> criteria from an approved testing agency."
I think what they're asking for is UL Design details. Not knowing
your specific construction, UL Design U404 or U425 is pretty typical,
but you'll need to search anywhere from U302 to U495. These come from
the UL Fire Resistance Directory vol.1. We typically take these UL
details and copy/paste them right into the drawings from the book, and
refer constrution to adhere to that standard for that specific type of
rated wall or rated assembly.
Local may require a one hour rating on both sides of the wall, a rated
ceiling assembly, even a finish rating as well, so there are many
possible combinations, but the directory has a detail for nearly
posible combination. Also, check if they require any penetrations
such as outdoor water bibbs, cable or conduit to be rated and include
these details as well (these are in vol. 2).
You used to be able to buy vol 1&2 for $40, but I haven't seen that
deal in a while. If the local library doesn't have it, check the
architecture department of your local college (or a friendly
architect).
Hope this helps.
NuWaveDave - 31 Jan 2007 00:32 GMT
Thanks to Nick, Chuck, Bill, Bob Morrison, and Dennis whose posts here
prodded me to continue my search. I'm going with the Gypsum Association
Fire Resistance Design Manual and/or the APA's both of which reference the
Ul design numbers. I hope this is going to satisfy the city. We manage to
do a room addition every four or five years.
NuWave Dave in Houston
abarr - 29 Jan 2007 04:32 GMT
Consider using NUDURA Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) for you addition walls.
You can find fire rating information about this walls at www.nudura.com
(3hrs).
They have CAD drawing available also.
> I am trying to complete a set of drawings for a room addition that, due
> to property line proximity, will require a fire-rated wall on its south
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> volume.
> Somebody point me.