Alternative Solutions

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Most building and fire codes permit the use of Alternative Solutions. Specifically, these codes indicate that alternative solutions can be used to satisfy one or more of the code requirements provided it is demonstrated that the proposed alternative solution will provide the level of performance intended by the applicable code requirements.

LMDG Building Code Consultants Ltd. has developed numerous alternative solutions which have been accepted by various Authorities Having Jurisdiction. The following list outlines some of these alternative solutions:

·         justifying the use of new products and assemblies not specifically permitted by the building codes, including combustible exterior cladding panels, combustible insulation panels for cold storage rooms, combustible water distribution piping in noncombustible buildings and unlisted steel floor and roof assemblies;

·         permitting mixed uses in buildings, such as a nonresidential occupancy in a 4-storey combustible residential building;

·         utilizing sprinkler protection to address building, exit and fire compartment exposure conditions and to permit large glazed areas in fire separations having up to a 2-hour fire-resistance rating;

·         addressing the fire protection and life safety requirements for isolated buildings and structures such as waterfront and mountain-top developments;

·         developing performance-based exit requirements in conjunction with smoke management systems;

·         developing performance-based approaches to using heavy timber and other wood elements using fire and smoke modelling; and

·         developing building/component separation concepts to isolate more onerous requirements to the applicable building/component (e.g., highrise measures applicable only to the highrise components).

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