Exiting From Underground Parking Ramp

[darcymcc]

Hi, I work with a code consulting company in Halifax, NS, Canada. A project we have become involved with is a large complex (footprint of approximately 100,000 sq.ft.), which includes two levels of underground convention space and two levels of underground parking below that. The lowest parking level is approximately 72' below grade. Vehicle access to these levels is provided via a ramp around the perimeter of the building. The travel distance down this ramp between grade and the upper parking level is is approximately 1,000'.

Does anyone have any knowledge on what sort of exiting (if any) should be provided from this ramp? For example, in the event of a vehicular collision midway down the ramp, the persons involved would be 500' from either the parking level, or the ramp entrance. This is a considerable path of travel, but I can't find any code reference (either in the IBC or the National Building Code of Canada/Nova Scotia) regarding exiting from a ramp itself. The parking levels themselves have their own protected exits, it's just from the ramp itself I'm unsure of.

I'd appreciate any help you might have.

 

[syarn]

2009 IBC table 1016.1 for S-2 occupancy requires 400 FT max to an exit with a NFPA13 fire sprinkler system.....IMO that includes the distance travelled from anywhere in the building area.

steve yarnall

http://svyarchitect.blogspot.com/