The David Eccles School of Business on the University of Utah campus is a new state-of-the-art teaching, learning, and research facility designed to meet future growth in student enrollment. SAFTI FIRST heard about this project following a successful AIA lunchtime presentation at MHTN Architects by Kevin Turner, SAFTI FIRST’s local architectural representative.
The design called for a 28- x 18-ft two-hour interior glass wall with a 90 minute full-vision door in an exit enclosure/stairwell. The architects selected fire rated glass to meet fire rating requirements while providing maximum visibility in the space. The project’s specifications also required the fire rated glass to have the same optical clarity as the adjacent non-rated glass systems.
To meet both the design and code requirements, SAFTI FIRST provided SuperLite II-XL 120 in GPX Framing for the walls and SuperLite II-XL 90 in GPX Door Framing for the full-vision door. With their clean lines, sharp edges and multiple finish options, the GPX Frames matched the non-rated storefront systems. Matching the optical clarity of the adjacent non-rated glazing was easily achieved through SuperLite II-XL’s superior optical clarity, free of wires or any tints.
In addition, designers were able to take advantage of SuperLite II-XL 120’s large clear view areas, which is currently the largest available in the market for 2-hour fire resistive applications.
Project Summary
Project: David Eccles School of Business, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City
Architect: MHTN Architects
Contract Glazier: Mollerup Glass
Products used: SuperLite II-XL 90/120 in GPX Framing
As far as the code requirements are concerned, 2-hour exit enclosures allow 90 min. doors with full vision lights using glazing tested to ASTME 119 for 90 minutes. Any other glazing in the enclosure wall, including sidelites and transoms around the door, must have a 2-hour rating that meets the ASTM E-119 wall requirements (see Tables 716.5 and 716.6 in the 2012 IBC).
SuperLite II-XL in GPX Framing meets the ASTM E-119 requirement for up to 2 hours and is impact safety rated to CPSC Cat. II, the maximum safety standard. This ability to block radiant heat transfer also made it possible to have a full-vision 90 minute door. If fire protective glazing such as wired glass and ceramics were used in the vision panel, it would be limited to 100 square inches.
At the end of the project, the architects were able to create a 2-hour exit enclosure/stairwell that provided vision and maximum fire safety using fire rated glazing that seamlessly matched the look of other non-rated glazing systems. As an additional benefit, natural daylight was also able to penetrate further into the building because of the transparency provided by the fire rated glass wall.
To locate the SAFTI FIRST representative in your area, click here. +
Related Stories
| Oct 25, 2011
MKK participates in BSA Engineering Merit Badge day
MKK principal Craig Watts attended the event as a representative of the MEP (mechanical/electrical/plumbing) engineering industry to give scouts an idea of what’s involved in becoming a mechanical engineer, and an overview of a typical day in the life of an engineer.
| Oct 24, 2011
FMI releases Adjust, Adapt, Act Study
The paper explores several case studies, including Sun Country Builders, Huen, BakerTriangle, Consigli, Skender Construction and Flatiron, and distills the key factors that make these companies unique and successful.
| Oct 24, 2011
BBS Architects & Engineers receives 2011 Sustainable Design Award from AIA Long Island Chapter
AIA LI also recognized BBS with the 2011 ARCHI Award Commendation for the St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery Welcoming and Information Center in Farmingdale, NY.
| Oct 24, 2011
Kolbe adds 3-D models of direct set windows to BIM library?
Beveled Direct Set SketchUp and Revit Models available.
| Oct 20, 2011
UNT receives nation’s first LEED Platinum designation for collegiate stadium
Apogee Stadium will achieve another first in December with the completion of three wind turbines that will feed the electrical grid that powers the stadium.
| Oct 20, 2011
Process leads to new design values for southern pine and other visually graded dimension lumber
A summary of the process used to develop new design values will clarify many of the questions received by the SFPA.
| Oct 20, 2011
Johnson Controls appoints Wojciechowski to lead real estate and facilities management business for Global Technology sector
Wojciechowski will be responsible for leading the continued growth of the technology vertical market, while building on the expertise the company has developed serving multinational technology companies.
| Oct 20, 2011
Stellar hires Navy veteran Taylor as vice president
Stellar’s federal experience includes military exchanges (large retail stores on military bases), lodging facilities for military personnel, fuel stations, youth activities centers and recreational centers.
