ICC Commercial Building Inspector Practice Test

Which type of wall needs a fire resistance rating correlated to the occupancy type?

1. External walls

2. Partition walls

3. Corridor walls

4. Interior walls

The correct answer is: Corridor walls

Corridor walls require a fire resistance rating that is closely correlated to the occupancy type because they serve as critical elements in a building's means of egress and can influence the safety and flow of occupants during an emergency. The occupancy type dictates the level of risk associated with a given space and, consequently, the necessary fire protection measures. For example, corridors in an assembly occupancy may need a higher fire resistance rating than those in an office building due to the potential for greater occupancy loads and increased fire hazards. Understanding the specific fire resistance ratings helps ensure that these walls can withstand fire for an appropriate duration, thus providing occupants with sufficient time to evacuate and limiting the spread of fire and smoke. This requirement is rooted in building codes, which set standards to protect life safety and property. The correlation between fire resistance ratings and occupancy types is essential to maintaining a safe environment, especially in areas where people are expected to gather.