The potential for extensive damage during a fire event is greatest when a building is under construction because it is largely unprotected.
Fire Professional Topical Library
SBCA generates a large volume of timely, applicable information to its members and the industry at large on a wide variety of topics. Recognizing it can sometimes be difficult to locate a specific resource among this volume of content, we’ve created a topical library on the most prevalent subjects of interest to component manufacturers today. This topical library pulls together the most relevant articles, news items, best practices and other online resources on each topic.
SBCA supports universal building installation of sprinklers for all types of construction, provided they are cost effective and do not create a competitive advantage for one structural element over another. When it comes to properly locating and designing sprinklers within a building, the IBC and IRC reference NFPA 13, 13D, and 13R (depending on the type of building). The resources below will assist the designer in understanding and implementing sprinkler systems in accordance with applicable building codes and referenced fire protection standards.
Recent ASTM E119 testing confirm that an unprotected floor assembly constructed of 2x10s or Flak Jacket coated I-joists do not provide “equivalent performance” to a floor assembly that has a ½” gypsum wallboard.
Fire Retardant Treated Wood (FRTW) products are permitted by code in certain situations where a fire resistance rating is required.
Framing the American Dream data suggests that installing floor trusses requires less framer skill and experience, results in a floor that requires less bearing locations and more effectively accommodates HVAC, plumbing and electrical infrastructure. SBCA, with the help of its members, has developed a wide variety of resources and tools to help component manufacturers design, build and deliver high quality floor trusses to their customers.
Integrating sprinkler systems into the open webbed configuration of metal plate connected wood trusses can be easy when following best practices. Truss construction can be manipulated with adjustments to panel lengths and web configurations to accommodate most special requirements. However, the Truss Designer needs to account for the additional weight of the sprinkler system and water. Additionally, construction loads encountered during installation need to be accounted for.
Framing the American Dream data suggests that installing roof trusses completes the task of framing a building’s roof in less time, requires less framer skill and experience and ultimately results in a roof that enables more open and flexible floor plans. SBCA, with the help of its members, has developed a wide variety of resources and tools to help component manufacturers design, build and deliver high quality roof trusses to their customers.
Floor systems in student housing face a very real threat: parties.
Framing the American Dream data suggests that installing wall panels completes the task of framing a building’s walls in less time, requires less framer skill and experience and ultimately results in a more reliable building envelope. SBCA, with the help of its members, has developed a wide variety of resources and tools to help component manufacturers design, build and deliver high quality wall panels to their customers.