The International Building Code (IBC) is a model building code developed by the international Code Council (ICC) which has been used as a code standard by most jurisdictions in United State. The IBC addresses both health and safety concerns for buildings based upon prescriptive and performance related requirements. It has been adopted for use as a standard not only in the United States but also properties owned by US developer or for projects which is covered by US insurance companies, for example some US Theme Parks, Hotel and Casino in the globe. 

Within these projects, architects and engineers must be aware of the differences in the Occupancy Classification, Fire and Smoke Protection Features, Life Safety Systems and Structural Design as they might be deviated from your local code and as consultants may need to maintain a good balance between compliance of these codes. 

Fire and Smoke Protection System 
IBC has its own specification and testing standard for different fire protection system which can be identified in three main types: 

Fire-Resistance-Rated-Assembly – the rating of a combined building elements which is indicated by Fire Resistance Rating tested in according to ASTM E119 or UL 263.

Penetration Firestop System – Openings located at Fire Wall, Barriers and Horizontal Assembly indicated by F-Rating tested in according to ASTM E814 or UL 1479.

Fire Resistance Joint System – Joints installed in or between fire resistance walls, floor and ceiling assemblies indicated by Assembly Rating tested in according to ASTM E1966 or UL 2079.

To comply with the code requirements, prescribed UL System has to be strictly followed in design and installation or else Engineering Judgment could be made based on the previous fires protection system test result and the judgement should be issued by a qualified technical person from the system manufacturer or person in connection with the manufacturer. That person should be a knowledgeable registered Professional Engineer, Fire Protection Engineer, or an independent testing agency that provides listing services for fire protection systems.



Inspection and Tests 
To ensure the quality of the Fire Protection System installation, some special inspection requirements were defined in Chapter 17 of the IBC for the Penetration and Joints. Since it is a special inspection and therefore the inspection can only be conducted by an approved agency whom is accredited by the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction), the inspection must be carried out in according with ASTM E2174 for Penetration System and ASTM E2393 for Joint System. 

IBC is a popular standard extensively adopted worldwide especially Casino in Macau and the standard gives owners and consultants a full picture on fire protection and life can be further protected when there is fire. For more information regarding on UL system listing and products for fire protection under different situation, Hilti can be your professional advisor to overcome some complicated situation.