Smoke Management In the 2006 IBC

For some building spaces, smoke management is an important part of the overall fire and life-safety strategy. Smoke management requirements within the International Building Code (IBC)1,2 continue to evolve, and some dramatic changes were made in the 2006 version. The most recent updates allow greater design flexibility for atrium spaces. This flexibility requires a more comprehensive approach to the design of the smoke management system. A majority of the revised provisions affect the exhaust method for atrium smoke manage-ment. However, smoke management within underground buildings and provisions related to the location of fire command centers also have been updated. This article will review smoke management requirements within the International Building Code, and discuss the revised provisions related to fire command centers, smoke management in underground buildings and atrium spaces. Where is Smoke Management Required? The 2006 edition of the IBC requires smoke management systems within atrium spaces, underground buildings, hospi-tals and detention facilities, windowless detention facilities, warehouse buildings, legitimate stages, high-rise stairs, and, where necessary, for smoke-protected assembly seating (IBC Section 1025.6.2.1). • Atrium Spaces. Smoke management is required within atrium spaces connecting more than two stories per IBC Section 404.4. • Underground Buildings. Underground buildings requir