Question 7

The following diagram illustrates a section through a proposed multi-unit residential building which will contain 5 storeys. Generally each main storey above ground level will contain 4 residential sole-occupancy units (SOUs). The top four apartments will contain attic levels. The lowest storey is a basement carpark which will accommodate up to 16 vehicles.

The residential upper storeys of the building will be served by a single internal open stairway which leads to the ground floor lobby. Within the lobby will be a flight of stairs with a stairway platform lift alongside. Egress from the lobby leads to a landing with awning over. A ramp is provided from the landing to the ground and then there is a path to the street.

The only means of escape from the carpark that will be provided to satisfy the NCC will be via the internal non-fire isolated stairway which leads to the lobby and then to outside.

The building will not be sprinkler protected.

(a)Based on the information provided answer the following questions. Youmust justify your responses by specifying the DTS Provision(s) you relyupon to determine your answers.

(i)Travel distance from the uppermost levels of the building is measuredfrom what point?

(ii)The nearest part of an exit from the upper levels is at what point?

(iii)Egress travel distance on the ground floor storey is required to bemeasured to what point?

(iv)The maximum permissible overall distance of travel to open space viathe stairway that connects all storeys is?

(v)The maximum permissible distance between the base of the non-fire- isolated stairway and the doorway that provides egress to open spaceis?

(vi)The maximum permissible distance of travel from point H to the exit serving the ground floor storey is?

(vii)The maximum permissible step at the doorway threshold at D is?

(viii)The minimum required width of the stairway between points E and Fis?

NB. The stairway platform lift is to be provided for access for persons with adisability. The stairway platform lift will occupy a width of 650mm when unfolded and300mm when folded.

(ix)The minimum required width of the doorway at point D is?

(x)The minimum height above floor level for required barriers belowopenable windows in external walls to restrict falling is?

(xi)The nearest part of an exit from the carpark is at point?

(xii)The maximum permissible distance of travel from point M in the carpark to open space is?

(b)Determine whether the following statements are generally true or false:

(i)The entrance doors to each apartment (SOU) must swing in thedirection of egress?

(A)TrueFalse

(B)Justification

(ii)The stairways within the upper level two storey sole-occupancy units

(SOUs) must have a minimum unobstructed width of at least 1m?

(A)TrueFalse

(B)Justification

(iii)The carpark storey must be accessible to persons with a disability?

(A)TrueFalse

(B)Justification