HomeKnowledgeIBC Section 603 — Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction
📋 Codeconstruction

IBC Section 603 — Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction

Updated Apr 3, 2026
Specifies minimum fire-resistance ratings for primary structural elements by construction type.

Section 603 establishes the specific fire-resistance ratings required for primary building elements including structural columns, beams, floor-ceiling assemblies, roof-ceiling assemblies, and bearing walls for each construction type. Type IA construction requires 3-hour fire-resistance for primary structural elements, floor-ceiling assemblies, and roof-ceiling assemblies, representing the highest fire-resistance requirement in the code. Primary structural elements include main supporting columns, girders, and beams. Bearing walls are the exterior and interior walls that support floors or roofs above. Type IB construction requires 2-hour fire-resistance for primary elements and floor assemblies, with 1-hour for roof-ceiling assemblies and exterior walls. Type II noncombustible construction has no required fire-resistance ratings but mandates noncombustible materials throughout. Non-structural elements may be unrated in Type II construction if they are noncombustible. Type III construction requires 1-hour fire-resistance for floor-ceiling assemblies and 2-hour for exterior bearing walls. Combustible interior elements are permitted. Type IV heavy timber construction requires 1-hour fire-resistance for floor-ceiling assemblies and 2-hour for exterior walls, achieved through the inherent properties of large solid wood timbers. Type V unprotected construction has no required fire-resistance ratings, while Type V protected requires 1-hour ratings for certain elements including exterior walls and floor-ceiling assemblies in buildings exceeding certain area or height limits.

TAGS
ibcchapter-6fire-resistance-ratings
DETAILS
section
603
category
General Requirements
code body
IBC
code year
2021
RELATED KNOWLEDGE
📋 Code
IBC 903.2.1 — Group A Occupancies (Sprinkler Requirements)
Automatic sprinkler system required throughout buildings with Group A occupancy where fire area exceeds 5,000 square feet, or overall building area exceeds 12,000 square feet, or occupant load of the fire area exceeds 300.
📋 Code
IBC 903.2.7 — Group M Occupancies (Retail Sprinkler Requirements)
Automatic sprinkler system required in Group M (mercantile) occupancies where fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet or building is more than three stories above grade.
📋 Code
IBC 903.2.11.3 — Buildings 55 Feet or More in Height
Automatic sprinkler system required throughout buildings with a floor level having an occupant load of 30 or more that is located 55 feet or more above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
📋 Code
IBC 1015.1 — Exit and Exit Access Doorways Required
Two exits or exit access doorways required from any space where occupant load exceeds the table values. Spaces with occupant load exceeding 500 require a minimum of 3 exits. Spaces exceeding 1,000 require 4 exits.
📋 Code
IBC 1017.2 — Exit Access Travel Distance
Maximum travel distance from any point in a building to an exit shall not exceed 200 feet unsprinklered or 250 feet sprinklered for most occupancies. Specific occupancies have modified limits.
📋 Code
IBC Table 601 — Fire-Resistance Rating Requirements
Specifies minimum fire-resistance ratings for structural elements based on construction type (Type I through V). Type IA requires 3-hour rated structural frame, 2-hour floors, and 1.5-hour roof.
← Back to Knowledge Garden