Where is uniformity on Codes? Green Code, Title-24

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Aug 022016
 

Have you felt, there are rules, they are inconsistently applied or enforced?

Have you felt that your hands are tied, you are requested to follow rules, you obey, and yet no one adheres to the rules?

Have you felt that there are no consistent rules, a computer program becomes the appellant court, and questing the computer will not result in responses?

I have been lecturing new codes in multiple format (AIA, County of Orange, USC School of Architectural, IAPMO, ASPE) since 2010. There are many other outlets that are doing the same, yet, there are still contractors (in-state or out-of-state), inspectors, engineers, plan examiners, and architects that either partially of wholly ignore or do not enforce these laws.

 

In conversation with several plan examiners, the responses to the above questions were nearly the same. The level of work load to the staff level is overwhelming. The lack of increase in staff as well as in crease of laws and in responsibilities has taken a toll on the time allocated to all requirements.

 

The questions were raised: Can a boiler plate check lists published at the City Sites reveal the expectations of City from each plans. This can sample graphics in the web site provide a format that can be argued as a first step. The state has provided ample check lists, graphics, and narratives. Posting these on each City Web site provides a uniform base.  It is argued that, all cities do indicate their references to the applicable codes, i.e., the various parts of California Title-24. However, it is a wide gap from refereeing to a complete book to a simple graph or tabulations.

 

For example, the point of contention with for example lighting Title-24 is lighting controls, primary, secondary zones, the daylight harvesting sensors, motion sensors, Addressable Demand Response, the Controlled Receptacle (CR),  T24 triggering design changes,  … In an argument that the engineer has over designed the system will simply be removed by simple graphics. Of course there are some gray areas in the code, for example the CR is requested by plan checkers in the retail spaces, since cash register area, or the back office is considered “office”.

 

To this engineer now arguing the Green Code as well the Energy Compliance, education, education, and education, have been the three pillars. I believe the lack of education by all parties gives rise to the discussion above. Samples plan check lists and graphics and tabulations on each jurisdictions web sites, will alleviate some of the problems, if not all.

 

As everyone is aware, mandatory preparation to install solar panels, even if not installed. The interaction with Southern California Edison is through a computer program. The software clearly identifies the limits of your installation to the “nameplates” of the equipment. Ironically, the inverter nameplate limits the size of the system. Currently, system is only looking at the size of the total watts generated panels on the DC side versus the inverter controls the 10,000 watts on the AC side. This issue at hand is the Southern California Edison’s means of communication is limited, no scientific discussion can take place. The 800 number is packed with individuals that cannot or will not communicate on technical levels, and their web side questions and answers are simply boiler plate responses with no dialogue. Utility companies require to setup a “Plan Check” counter with real people.

 

Lastly, soon, it will me 30th years of engineering practice after ten years of academic life. Within this 40 year span, pragmatism has been foundation of the thinking process. If a device or a law has no pragmatic component, it must not exist. In other words, if one component nearly stops the natural migration of stores or offices from one place to another (called “tenant improvement”), then we must halt and review such laws.

The Public Utility Commission and profits of the utility companies possibly was the reasoning for existence of these laws. A shopping center or office complex with individual meters are continuously evolving. Either they are expanding due to growth or reducing due to  economic or efficiency. The original shell engineer attempts to create a very flexible engineering design for future tenants with many street addresses and future meter sockets. Each square feet of space is translated into a rentable space, therefore the electrical rooms are designed with highest efficiency. It is then nearly impossible to allocate additional room for additional meters, switchgears, years after original build-out. Generally speaking, each storefront bay (a uniquely designed to be isolated ~1500-2000 sqft) receives 200 amps of 208 v, 3 phase power.

 

What happens if a store occupies two or three stores. In nearly 29 years, adherence to the original shell engineers design was the answer. Unfortunately, from time to time, there are planners that will not permit and require one single meter for one tenant. They recite tariff laws and One meter- one tenant.

This where if a law is not pragmatic, it must not exist. In 29.7 years of practice, I have confronted this issue and fortunately, there were many pragmatic  planners and plan checkers that realize the history and facts. What happens, if you are confronted with individuals that simply will not listen.

 

This is where I need the assistance of the readers. Simply put: “Education, Education, Education.”

All of the above can be resolved in educating the players in the industry. Create a viable plan check section at Southern California Edison. Currently, you can only go through the office of the planners for an area. Communication with the Supervisors are not fruitful, since the supervisory is a rotating position among the planners, and seldom, they overturn, their future bosses’ position. SCE needs one central command to review and may be provide universal resolutions.

Readers must inquire the jurisdictions with a uniform plan check list that they expect the plan checkers will be looking. Currently all cities are purchasing plan check software with boiler plate questions.

The argument must be in conversations among BOCA, ICC, IAEI, IAPMO, Plan Checkers, SCE Planners, Building Officials, and Inspectors during coffee breaks, plan checkers during lunch hours, and every other venue.

Saum Nour

Where is uniformity and communication with our local Southern California Edison?

 Comments Off on Where is uniformity and communication with our local Southern California Edison?
Aug 022016
 

Have you felt, there are rules, they are inconsistently applied or enforced?

Have you felt that your hands are tied, you are requested to follow rules, you obey, and yet no one adheres to the rules?

Have you felt, there are rules, they are inconsistently applied or enforced?

Have you felt that your hands are tied, you are requested to follow rules, you obey, and yet no one adheres to the rules?

Have you felt that there are no consistent rules, a computer program becomes the appellant court, and requesting the machine (computer) will not result in responses?

I have been practicing for years now and lecturing in easing the pain of design, and construction. There are many issues at hand the Southern California Edison holds near the center of the core, and any discussion or debates are technically non-existence. SCE personnel, recite their obligations to the Electrical Service Requirement guide and their obedience to the Public Utility Commission. Therefore, they leave no room for dialogue or discussion that one may have with the local building officials.

With the advent and exponential growth of the electronics, all businesses, from dentist to a high tech retail store to a basic coffee shop, the electrical needs have quadrupled from 1950’s. Yet the shopping centers are the same as original shall with original switchgear.

First Concern: This will be my 30th years of engineering practice after ten years of academic life. Within this 40 year span, pragmatism has been foundation of the thinking process. If a device or a law has no pragmatic component, it must not exist. In other words, if one component nearly stops the natural migration of stores or offices from one place to another (called “tenant improvement”), then we must halt and review such laws.

The Public Utility Commission and profits of the utility companies possibly was the reasoning for existence of these laws. A shopping center or office complex with individual meters are continuously evolving. Either they are expanding due to growth or reducing due to economic or efficiency. The original shell engineer attempts to create a very flexible engineering design for future tenants with many street addresses and future meter sockets. Each square feet of space is translated into a rentable space, therefore the electrical rooms are designed with highest efficiency. It is then nearly impossible to allocate additional room for additional meters, switchgears, years after original build-out. Generally speaking, each storefront bay (a uniquely designed to be isolated ~1500-2000 sqft) receives 200 amps of 208 v, 3 phase power.

There are many examples and scenarios. What happens if a store occupies two or three stores? In nearly 30 years, adherence to the original shell engineers design was the answer. Unfortunately, from time to time, there are planners that will not permit and require one single meter for one tenant. They recite tariff laws and One meter- one tenant.

This where if a law is not pragmatic, it must not exist. In 29.7 years of practice, I have confronted this issue and fortunately, there were many pragmatic planners and plan checkers that realize the history and facts. What happens, if you are confronted with individuals that simply will not listen? This baffling question must be responded and to be addressed to all landlords across the SCE Land.

 

Growth of Solar Panel Phenomenon:

As everyone is aware, mandatory preparation to install solar panels, even if not installed. The interaction with Southern California Edison is through a computer program. The software clearly identifies the limits of your installation to the “nameplates” of the equipment. Ironically, the inverter nameplate limits the size of the system. Currently, system is only looking at the size of the total watts generated panels on the DC side versus the inverter controls the 10,000 watts on the AC side. This issue at hand is the Southern California Edison’s means of communication is limited, no scientific discussion can take place. The 800 number is packed with individuals that cannot or will not communicate on technical levels, and their web side questions and answers are simply boiler plate responses with no dialogue. Utility companies require to setup a “Plan Check” counter with real people.

This is where I need the assistance of the readers. Simply put: “Education, Education, and Education.”

In case of Edison, my theme is altered to: “Dialogue, Dialogue, and Dialogue”

All of the above can be resolved in educating the players in the industry. Create a viable plan check section at Southern California Edison. Currently, you can only go through the office of the planners for an area. Communication with the Supervisors are not fruitful, since the supervisory is a rotating position among the planners, and seldom, they overturn, their future bosses’ position. SCE needs one central command to review and may be provide universal resolutions- IN PERSON, Not Robots.

Saum Nour

 

Ambulatory Accessible Toilet Compartment Federal ADA. Issues At Hand

 Comments Off on Ambulatory Accessible Toilet Compartment Federal ADA. Issues At Hand
Jul 282016
 

AATC

Somewhere since 2013, I and many others missed a very important Code change: Ambulatory Accessible Toilet Compartment. I highly recommend discussing this with your architects, building officials, and designers. The correction becomes devastating.

Somehow, it was felt as if I am Immanuel Kant and after reading this code, I was awakened from somber sleep.  You may not know, known, or have heard of this, yet for three years, it has been the law. The impact is major.

 

  1. Majority of architects are not aware.
  2. Cities have not enforced, or remotely given plan check comments.
  3. The impact on existing building is immense.

 

There are multiple scenarios that I could create and each are more costly and devastating.

  1. If is a new construction, and the plan checkers are not aware and do not give the correction, it does not translate that the building is fine from ever installing AATC.
  2. This will be a plan check correction forever.
  3. If the building is existing and the correction is triggered, where are the space to enlarge existing restrooms to comply?

 

In a situation in Los Angeles, this high rise was required to install. Since they had too many voluntary fixtures. Let us go back for further details.

 

One of the ADA upgrades of the 2013 codes was:

Chapter 6: Plumbing Elements and Facilities

Ambulatory accessible toilet compartments

Description: In large Toilet Facility restrooms, an ambulatory accessible toilet compartment

(AATC) must be provided for every six fixtures including the combination of urinals and water closets. Change from previous standard: 2010 CBC Section 1115B.3.1.5 requires an AATC for every six toilet compartments (not including the urinal fixtures).

Effective date: March 15, 2012

Original source: 2010 ADA Section 213.3.1

Relevant 2013 CBC code citations: Section 11B-213.3.1, 11B-604.2, 11B-604.8.2

Notes: AATC compartments are intended for ambulatory individuals with disabilities and are provided in addition to the normal requirements for a full-size accessible toilet compartment.

The AATC dimensions have been loosened in the 2010 ADA/2013 CBC with regard to compartment width and centerline of toilet requirements.

  • The allowable width is now 35-37 inches rather than 36 inches absolute.
  • The toilet centerline measurement is 17-19 inches rather than 18 inches absolute.
  • Review listed code citations for more information.

These values are larger than normal existing ADA restrooms.

 

The keyword is: every six toilet compartments (not including the urinal fixtures).

Let us analyze this:

  1. Count the number of Toilets (Not Urinals) and see if the number is greater than 5. Do nothing
  2. If the number is greater than 6, then each men and women installation requires to be expanded to 17-19” centerline.

 

The question becomes what if:

  1. The number of water closets are voluntary or extra beyond the need of the building.
  2. All codes are based on people count not toilet fixture counts.

This engineer believes, the intent and body of code nearly from cover to end is based on units of people and occupancy. Therefore, if the occupancy requires only 5 toilets in the facility and the owners decided to add toilets, the 6th fixture must not be AATC.

 

The original ADA requirement reads:

604.2 Location.  The water closet shall be positioned with a wall or partition to the rear and to one side.  The centerline of the water closet shall be 16 inches (405 mm) minimum to 18 inches (455 mm) maximum from the side wall or partition, except that the water closet shall be 17 inches (430 mm) minimum and 19 inches (485 mm) maximum from the side wall or partition in the ambulatory accessible toilet compartment specified in 604.8.2.  Water closets shall be arranged for a left-hand or right-hand approach.

 

 

Difference between Accessible and ambulatory. (Two grab bars)

604.3 Clearance.  Clearances around water closets and in toilet compartments shall comply with 604.3.

604.3.1 Size.  Clearance around a water closet shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum measured perpendicular from the side wall and 56 inches (1420 mm) minimum measured perpendicular from the rear wall.

 

ada2

 

Figure 604.3.1 Size of Clearance at Water Closets

604.3.2 Overlap.  The required clearance around the water closet shall be permitted to overlap the water closet, associated grab bars, dispensers, sanitary napkin disposal units, coat hooks, shelves, accessible routes, clear floor space and clearances required at other fixtures, and the turning space.  No other fixtures or obstructions shall be located within the required water closet clearance.

EXCEPTION:  In residential dwelling units, a lavatory complying with 606 shall be permitted on the rear wall 18 inches (455 mm) minimum from the water closet centerline where the clearance at the water closet is 66 inches (1675 mm) minimum measured perpendicular from the rear wall.

Advisory 604.3.2 Overlap.  When the door to the toilet room is placed directly in front of the water closet, the water closet cannot overlap the required maneuvering clearance for the door inside the room.

 

ada3

 

 

Figure 604.3.2 (Exception) Overlap of Water Closet Clearance in Residential Dwelling Units

 

 

To begin with, urinals are not included in the fixture count.

 

For buildings with greater than 6 water closets: My argument is as noted. If the 6th water closets are voluntary, this should not apply.

 

At the End

The English of the reading below is:

 

  1. Required:              Therefore ………….. fixture counts are based on occupancy load. Nearly all codes are based on occupancy load.
  2. Then at least one is Required to be ADA
  3. If what you have designed (Required)  >6 toilets
    1. Only then. You need AATC
    2. Logic is not reversed. Code does not read backwards.
    3. Logic:
  4. If A is the law and is required then ………………………………….  provided B is true
  5. If A is the law and required > 6 WC is provided ………………  AATC required and C is true.
  6. Nowhere law addresses the voluntary.

Reverse Logic example: We have a small restaurant that needs one Men and one women restrooms (Say Starbucks). If they decide and not to demolish 8 toilets in the building and use all.

Is Starbucks obligated to start from C.?

 

If logic does not prevail, something wrong here.

 

 

 

IBC Code Reads

404.1 Where required. Toilet rooms and bathing facilities containing fixtures for occupants of a structure that is required to be accessible by the International Building Code shall have at least one fixture or element of each type accessible in accordance with this section and ICC/ANSI A117.1. Where water closet compartments are provided in a toilet room or bathing facility, a wheelchair–accessible compartment shall be provided in accordance with ICC/ANSI A117.1. Where six or more water closet compartments are provided in a toilet room or bathing facility, at least one ambulatory–accessible compartment shall be provided in accordance with ICC/ANSI A117.1, in addition to the wheelchair–accessible compartment. At least 50 percent of drinking fountains, but not less than one, provided on every floor shall be accessible. Accessible routes to plumbing fixtures shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of the International Building Code.

AATC

Somewhere since 2013, I and many others missed a very important Code change: Ambulatory Accessible Toilet Compartment. I highly recommend discussing this with your architects, building officials, and designers. The correction becomes devastating.

Somehow, it was felt as if I am Immanuel Kant and after reading this code, I was awakened from somber sleep.  You may not know, known, or have heard of this, yet for three years, it has been the law. The impact is major.

 

  1. Majority of architects are not aware.
  2. Cities have not enforced, or remotely given plan check comments.
  3. The impact on existing building is immense.

 

There are multiple scenarios that I could create and each are more costly and devastating.

  1. If is a new construction, and the plan checkers are not aware and do not give the correction, it does not translate that the building is fine from ever installing AATC.
  2. This will be a plan check correction forever.
  3. If the building is existing and the correction is triggered, where are the space to enlarge existing restrooms to comply?

 

In a situation in Los Angeles, this high rise was required to install. Since they had too many voluntary fixtures. Let us go back for further details.

 

One of the ADA upgrades of the 2013 codes was:

Chapter 6: Plumbing Elements and Facilities

Ambulatory accessible toilet compartments

Description: In large Toilet Facility restrooms, an ambulatory accessible toilet compartment

(AATC) must be provided for every six fixtures including the combination of urinals and water closets. Change from previous standard: 2010 CBC Section 1115B.3.1.5 requires an AATC for every six toilet compartments (not including the urinal fixtures).

Effective date: March 15, 2012

Original source: 2010 ADA Section 213.3.1

Relevant 2013 CBC code citations: Section 11B-213.3.1, 11B-604.2, 11B-604.8.2

Notes: AATC compartments are intended for ambulatory individuals with disabilities and are provided in addition to the normal requirements for a full-size accessible toilet compartment.

The AATC dimensions have been loosened in the 2010 ADA/2013 CBC with regard to compartment width and centerline of toilet requirements.

  • The allowable width is now 35-37 inches rather than 36 inches absolute.
  • The toilet centerline measurement is 17-19 inches rather than 18 inches absolute.
  • Review listed code citations for more information.

These values are larger than normal existing ADA restrooms.

 

The keyword is: every six toilet compartments (not including the urinal fixtures).

Let us analyze this:

  1. Count the number of Toilets (Not Urinals) and see if the number is greater than 5. Do nothing
  2. If the number is greater than 6, then each men and women installation requires to be expanded to 17-19” centerline.

 

The question becomes what if:

  1. The number of water closets are voluntary or extra beyond the need of the building.
  2. All codes are based on people count not toilet fixture counts.

This engineer believes, the intent and body of code nearly from cover to end is based on units of people and occupancy. Therefore, if the occupancy requires only 5 toilets in the facility and the owners decided to add toilets, the 6th fixture must not be AATC.

 

The original ADA requirement reads:

604.2 Location.  The water closet shall be positioned with a wall or partition to the rear and to one side.  The centerline of the water closet shall be 16 inches (405 mm) minimum to 18 inches (455 mm) maximum from the side wall or partition, except that the water closet shall be 17 inches (430 mm) minimum and 19 inches (485 mm) maximum from the side wall or partition in the ambulatory accessible toilet compartment specified in 604.8.2.  Water closets shall be arranged for a left-hand or right-hand approach.

 

 

Difference between Accessible and ambulatory. (Two grab bars)

604.3 Clearance.  Clearances around water closets and in toilet compartments shall comply with 604.3.

604.3.1 Size.  Clearance around a water closet shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum measured perpendicular from the side wall and 56 inches (1420 mm) minimum measured perpendicular from the rear wall.

Figure 604.3.1 Size of Clearance at Water Closets

604.3.2 Overlap.  The required clearance around the water closet shall be permitted to overlap the water closet, associated grab bars, dispensers, sanitary napkin disposal units, coat hooks, shelves, accessible routes, clear floor space and clearances required at other fixtures, and the turning space.  No other fixtures or obstructions shall be located within the required water closet clearance.

EXCEPTION:  In residential dwelling units, a lavatory complying with 606 shall be permitted on the rear wall 18 inches (455 mm) minimum from the water closet centerline where the clearance at the water closet is 66 inches (1675 mm) minimum measured perpendicular from the rear wall.

Advisory 604.3.2 Overlap.  When the door to the toilet room is placed directly in front of the water closet, the water closet cannot overlap the required maneuvering clearance for the door inside the room.

Figure 604.3.2 (Exception) Overlap of Water Closet Clearance in Residential Dwelling Units

 

 

To begin with, urinals are not included in the fixture count.

 

For buildings with greater than 6 water closets: My argument is as noted. If the 6th water closets are voluntary, this should not apply.

 

At the End

The English of the reading below is:

 

  1. Required:              Therefore ………….. fixture counts are based on occupancy load. Nearly all codes are based on occupancy load.
  2. Then at least one is Required to be ADA
  3. If what you have designed (Required)  >6 toilets
    1. Only then. You need AATC
    2. Logic is not reversed. Code does not read backwards.
    3. Logic:
  4. If A is the law and is required then ………………………………….  provided B is true
  5. If A is the law and required > 6 WC is provided ………………  AATC required and C is true.
  6. Nowhere law addresses the voluntary.

Reverse Logic example: We have a small restaurant that needs one Men and one women restrooms (Say Starbucks). If they decide and not to demolish 8 toilets in the building and use all.

Is Starbucks obligated to start from C.?

 

If logic does not prevail, something wrong here.

 

 

 

IBC Code Reads

404.1 Where required. Toilet rooms and bathing facilities containing fixtures for occupants of a structure that is required to be accessible by the International Building Code shall have at least one fixture or element of each type accessible in accordance with this section and ICC/ANSI A117.1. Where water closet compartments are provided in a toilet room or bathing facility, a wheelchair–accessible compartment shall be provided in accordance with ICC/ANSI A117.1. Where six or more water closet compartments are provided in a toilet room or bathing facility, at least one ambulatory–accessible compartment shall be provided in accordance with ICC/ANSI A117.1, in addition to the wheelchair–accessible compartment. At least 50 percent of drinking fountains, but not less than one, provided on every floor shall be accessible. Accessible routes to plumbing fixtures shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of the International Building Code.

AATC

Somewhere since 2013, I and many others missed a very important Code change: Ambulatory Accessible Toilet Compartment. I highly recommend discussing this with your architects, building officials, and designers. The correction becomes devastating.

Somehow, it was felt as if I am Immanuel Kant and after reading this code, I was awakened from somber sleep.  You may not know, known, or have heard of this, yet for three years, it has been the law. The impact is major.

 

  1. Majority of architects are not aware.
  2. Cities have not enforced, or remotely given plan check comments.
  3. The impact on existing building is immense.

 

There are multiple scenarios that I could create and each are more costly and devastating.

  1. If is a new construction, and the plan checkers are not aware and do not give the correction, it does not translate that the building is fine from ever installing AATC.
  2. This will be a plan check correction forever.
  3. If the building is existing and the correction is triggered, where are the space to enlarge existing restrooms to comply?

 

In a situation in Los Angeles, this high rise was required to install. Since they had too many voluntary fixtures. Let us go back for further details.

 

One of the ADA upgrades of the 2013 codes was:

Chapter 6: Plumbing Elements and Facilities

Ambulatory accessible toilet compartments

Description: In large Toilet Facility restrooms, an ambulatory accessible toilet compartment

(AATC) must be provided for every six fixtures including the combination of urinals and water closets. Change from previous standard: 2010 CBC Section 1115B.3.1.5 requires an AATC for every six toilet compartments (not including the urinal fixtures).

Effective date: March 15, 2012

Original source: 2010 ADA Section 213.3.1

Relevant 2013 CBC code citations: Section 11B-213.3.1, 11B-604.2, 11B-604.8.2

Notes: AATC compartments are intended for ambulatory individuals with disabilities and are provided in addition to the normal requirements for a full-size accessible toilet compartment.

The AATC dimensions have been loosened in the 2010 ADA/2013 CBC with regard to compartment width and centerline of toilet requirements.

  • The allowable width is now 35-37 inches rather than 36 inches absolute.
  • The toilet centerline measurement is 17-19 inches rather than 18 inches absolute.
  • Review listed code citations for more information.

These values are larger than normal existing ADA restrooms.

 

The keyword is: every six toilet compartments (not including the urinal fixtures).

Let us analyze this:

  1. Count the number of Toilets (Not Urinals) and see if the number is greater than 5. Do nothing
  2. If the number is greater than 6, then each men and women installation requires to be expanded to 17-19” centerline.

 

The question becomes what if:

  1. The number of water closets are voluntary or extra beyond the need of the building.
  2. All codes are based on people count not toilet fixture counts.

This engineer believes, the intent and body of code nearly from cover to end is based on units of people and occupancy. Therefore, if the occupancy requires only 5 toilets in the facility and the owners decided to add toilets, the 6th fixture must not be AATC.

 

The original ADA requirement reads:

604.2 Location.  The water closet shall be positioned with a wall or partition to the rear and to one side.  The centerline of the water closet shall be 16 inches (405 mm) minimum to 18 inches (455 mm) maximum from the side wall or partition, except that the water closet shall be 17 inches (430 mm) minimum and 19 inches (485 mm) maximum from the side wall or partition in the ambulatory accessible toilet compartment specified in 604.8.2.  Water closets shall be arranged for a left-hand or right-hand approach.

 

 

Difference between Accessible and ambulatory. (Two grab bars)

604.3 Clearance.  Clearances around water closets and in toilet compartments shall comply with 604.3.

604.3.1 Size.  Clearance around a water closet shall be 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum measured perpendicular from the side wall and 56 inches (1420 mm) minimum measured perpendicular from the rear wall.

Figure 604.3.1 Size of Clearance at Water Closets

604.3.2 Overlap.  The required clearance around the water closet shall be permitted to overlap the water closet, associated grab bars, dispensers, sanitary napkin disposal units, coat hooks, shelves, accessible routes, clear floor space and clearances required at other fixtures, and the turning space.  No other fixtures or obstructions shall be located within the required water closet clearance.

EXCEPTION:  In residential dwelling units, a lavatory complying with 606 shall be permitted on the rear wall 18 inches (455 mm) minimum from the water closet centerline where the clearance at the water closet is 66 inches (1675 mm) minimum measured perpendicular from the rear wall.

Advisory 604.3.2 Overlap.  When the door to the toilet room is placed directly in front of the water closet, the water closet cannot overlap the required maneuvering clearance for the door inside the room.

Figure 604.3.2 (Exception) Overlap of Water Closet Clearance in Residential Dwelling Units

 

 

To begin with, urinals are not included in the fixture count.

 

For buildings with greater than 6 water closets: My argument is as noted. If the 6th water closets are voluntary, this should not apply.

 

At the End

The English of the reading below is:

 

  1. Required:              Therefore ………….. fixture counts are based on occupancy load. Nearly all codes are based on occupancy load.
  2. Then at least one is Required to be ADA
  3. If what you have designed (Required)  >6 toilets
    1. Only then. You need AATC
    2. Logic is not reversed. Code does not read backwards.
    3. Logic:
  4. If A is the law and is required then ………………………………….  provided B is true
  5. If A is the law and required > 6 WC is provided ………………  AATC required and C is true.
  6. Nowhere law addresses the voluntary.

Reverse Logic example: We have a small restaurant that needs one Men and one women restrooms (Say Starbucks). If they decide and not to demolish 8 toilets in the building and use all.

Is Starbucks obligated to start from C.?

 

If logic does not prevail, something wrong here.

 

 

 

IBC Code Reads

404.1 Where required. Toilet rooms and bathing facilities containing fixtures for occupants of a structure that is required to be accessible by the International Building Code shall have at least one fixture or element of each type accessible in accordance with this section and ICC/ANSI A117.1. Where water closet compartments are provided in a toilet room or bathing facility, a wheelchair–accessible compartment shall be provided in accordance with ICC/ANSI A117.1. Where six or more water closet compartments are provided in a toilet room or bathing facility, at least one ambulatory–accessible compartment shall be provided in accordance with ICC/ANSI A117.1, in addition to the wheelchair–accessible compartment. At least 50 percent of drinking fountains, but not less than one, provided on every floor shall be accessible. Accessible routes to plumbing fixtures shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of the International Building Code.

CPD II Class Notes. Certified in Plumbing Design Notes. [Civil PE Hydraulics] ASPE OC

 Comments Off on CPD II Class Notes. Certified in Plumbing Design Notes. [Civil PE Hydraulics] ASPE OC
Feb 232015
 

Greetings,

Another set of notes for your attention and study.

I have left some homework type calculations for you to do.

If anyone wishes to type the into word and send back we will use them for future.

Some materials go beyond CPD and extend to Civil and mechanical professional Engineering exams.

It is there for your use, if you wish.

There are several series that will continue this.

Read and question the content.

Do not move onto the next page till you absolutely understand the page you are on.

Otherwise, you will not be there.

CPD Class Session II Dr. Saum K. Nour. Copyright 2015

Good luck and ask questions.

 

Saum

Navajo_Bridges_1

 

 

 

 

Certified in Plumbing Design Lecture Series- CPD 1 ASPE OC

 Comments Off on Certified in Plumbing Design Lecture Series- CPD 1 ASPE OC
Jan 282015
 

Dear CPD Candidate and Plumbing Designer,

It is our effort to transfer all knowledge to others. The reference book can be purchased from ASPE National and we will intent to use that as the basis of our lectures.

 

All comments are greatly appreciated.

[download id=”18″]

Sincerely,

 

Dr. Saum K. Nour, ASPE Feloow

 

ASPE Los Angeles- New Cal Green Code 2013 and T-24 July 2014

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Jul 092014
 

To all Plumbing Engineers,

 

Attached is a overview of changes in the new California Green Code.

Download the codes from the State Site and use this presentation as a guide.

 

Good Luck

           [download id=”17″]

American Disabilities Act- USC School of Architecture

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Jun 092014
 

Greetings to Current and Future Architects.

Attach is the lecture.

It is near 1400 pages.

Download this file: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>                                   are bdcd- ADA with checklist

Segments are: History, American Barriers Act, American Disabilities Act, ARE exam section of ADA, Question and Answers from multiple sources, Very complete checklist for Federal ADA, Complete Index of Chapter 11 of CBC 2013, and so on.

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