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Mechanical Tunnel Between Buildings?

This is a weird one so stay with me.  

We're running a sprinkler line from one building to another.  I know it doesn't make sense but it's fed from a well , water tank, and pump room. Don't ask unless you want a long, boring, and odd explanation. 

We can't bury the sprinkler line so it needs to be in a horizontal chase that is accessible (not ADA, just by maintenance staff).  My understanding is that this is considered a shaft per section 713 of the IBC 2021.  

Do you think my understanding of this correct?  Is this a shaft?  

For those of you keeping up with things, yes this is THAT fire station project in a small mountain town.  :s

 
Jul 26, 23 1:08 pm
Non Sequitur

Chad, I'm dealing with a similar situation, but in reverse.  Demo'in an old service tunnel from the late 70s.

In my world, such spaces are considered service spaces, not shafts.  This triggers a few clauses such as min distance until you require 2 exits plus FRR and exit signs.  

Jul 26, 23 1:33 pm  · 
1  · 

This is my initial thought too, most likely a 2 hr separation, everything sealed right, etc... vs a shaft.

Jul 26, 23 3:32 pm  · 
1  · 

Thanks for the input! 

I don't think the IBC has a service spaces classification.  I could be incorrect though - any idea if the IBC has a service space classification?  - I could not find it. 

The closest I could find was the shaft classification. This was due to the space penetrating the floors of each building.

Jul 26, 23 3:44 pm  · 
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b3tadine[sutures]

Is NFPA 520 or Chapter 3104 of IFC of any help? Perhaps thinking of this as a vault of utility tunnel?

Jul 26, 23 2:22 pm  · 
2  · 

Thanks! Good idea!

Jul 26, 23 3:40 pm  · 
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