A Gym in the basement of a single-dwelling structure is inconsequential. A Gym in the basement of an apartment building or commercial building is consequential. What the buildings columns are made of or whether they need protection is a function of code research for all the columns in the building regardless of them being in the basement.
A gym in a multiple use building implies “Assembly” and would put the basement gym into a different/separate Use Group and bring fire separation of the above floor and ceiling into play. It too would almost always trigger the application of fire sprinklers and multiple exits. In this case also the separate Use Group and its size in SF might require that the basement columns be different or protected. If the gym is too big it could be the dictator of the construction assembly of the entire building.
It would probably be best to contact your local code official with all of the details on the construction and occupancy. But then again, you could ask an anonymous forum with little to no details.
If you are doing this type of project in NYC you need to be a NY licensed architect. If you are a NY licensed architect then you should know how to answer this question. Hint: read the NYC building code.
I just designed a gym and I didn't rate any columns, so yes its possible but as many have already stated too many factors to consider to determine and you did not give us any. I think you are over your head on this one, so hire an architect!
Depends on the construction type of the building where the basement is located... check the Certificate of Occupancy on the DOB website... it should list it there...
This of course, is dependent on weather or not you are also planning on changing the use of the building... As someone else stated above... too many variables...
Yes, you need to provide a rated enclosure around your columns. How much of an enclosure depends on many variables, such as occupancy and construction type. Use the UL fire resistance design wizard to help you find the right design:
fire proofing
Hi all!
I ve a quaestion: we are doing a gym in a basement in NYC: do the columns must be fire protected or not?
Thanks so much
Best
edo
There are too many variables for anyone to answer that.
maybe.
A Gym in the basement of a single-dwelling structure is inconsequential. A Gym in the basement of an apartment building or commercial building is consequential. What the buildings columns are made of or whether they need protection is a function of code research for all the columns in the building regardless of them being in the basement.
A gym in a multiple use building implies “Assembly” and would put the basement gym into a different/separate Use Group and bring fire separation of the above floor and ceiling into play. It too would almost always trigger the application of fire sprinklers and multiple exits. In this case also the separate Use Group and its size in SF might require that the basement columns be different or protected. If the gym is too big it could be the dictator of the construction assembly of the entire building.
Why would its size in San Francisco matter if it's in NYC?
LOL, No my use of SF refers to square feet not San Fran as in California.
It would probably be best to contact your local code official with all of the details on the construction and occupancy. But then again, you could ask an anonymous forum with little to no details.
the answer is YES no matter how you slice it by the way....i know a little NYC code and the scenario for NO is virtually impossible.
I just designed a gym and I didn't rate any columns, so yes its possible but as many have already stated too many factors to consider to determine and you did not give us any. I think you are over your head on this one, so hire an architect!
Depends on the construction type of the building where the basement is located... check the Certificate of Occupancy on the DOB website... it should list it there...
This of course, is dependent on weather or not you are also planning on changing the use of the building... As someone else stated above... too many variables...
what columns?
Yes, you need to provide a rated enclosure around your columns. How much of an enclosure depends on many variables, such as occupancy and construction type. Use the UL fire resistance design wizard to help you find the right design:
http://database.ul.com/cgi-bin/ulweb/LISEXT/1FRAME/FireResistanceWizard.html?utm_source=ulcom&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=firewizard
The rule of thumb in the five boroughs is everything is fire rated min 1 hr, even stick construction.
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