Buildings are classified according to a variety of criteria, including size, function, construction type, style, and design. However, when it comes to regulatory standards, classifications by occupancy and use are especially significant. The International Building Code (IBC 2018) and the Uniform Building Code (UBC) categorize building types according to how they are occupied and utilized. This approach provides a logical foundation for determining design and construction requirements that prioritize safety, health, and risk management for occupants and nearby properties.
By classifying buildings based on occupancy and use, the IBC and UBC help set standards for design features, fire safety, and emergency access, among other considerations, thereby mitigating risks to human life and property.
Types of Buildings Based on IBC and UBC Classifications
According to IBC and UBC, buildings are categorized into several main types based on how they are occupied and used. This section outlines the primary classifications and provides examples to illustrate the different functions and hazard levels associated with each type.
Detailed Classification of Building Types
- Assembly Buildings Assembly buildings are intended for people to gather for purposes like entertainment, worship, eating, or awaiting transportation. Due to the large number of people that often occupy these spaces simultaneously, they are carefully regulated for emergency egress and fire safety. The IBC categorizes assembly buildings into six groups, ranging from A-1 to A-6, each accommodating different uses, such as theaters, concert halls, and restaurants. Examples: Theaters, banquet halls, concert venues, restaurants, gyms, community halls, libraries, and places of worship.
- Business Buildings Business buildings serve primarily for professional transactions, offices, and related services. These buildings are generally low-risk in terms of fire hazards but must accommodate office-related risks, such as data storage and electrical safety. Their classification typically involves settings where business and professional activities are conducted, including medical facilities and financial institutions. Examples: Office buildings, banks, clinics, labs, post offices, and professional service providers (e.g., law firms, architectural offices).
- Educational Buildings Educational buildings are designed for the primary purpose of education, training, and the supervision of students. This classification requires specific considerations for accessibility, safety, and emergency preparedness to protect younger occupants. Institutions for all stages of education fall under this category. Examples: Schools, colleges, training institutes, and daycare centers.
- Factory and Industrial Buildings Factory and industrial buildings support a range of industrial activities such as manufacturing, assembling, and processing goods. Although they often contain machinery and specialized equipment, these buildings are generally designed to mitigate moderate hazard levels. They are regulated to reduce risks associated with heavy equipment, storage of materials, and assembly processes. Examples: Aircraft manufacturing facilities, power plants, refineries, gas plants, factories, and laundries.
- High Hazard Buildings High hazard buildings are those where materials that are highly combustible, flammable, or otherwise hazardous are stored or processed. Due to the elevated risk of fire, explosion, or toxicity, these buildings adhere to strict regulations and are classified further into groups H-1 through H-5, depending on the type and level of hazard present. Examples: Firework manufacturing plants, hydrogen peroxide storage facilities, chemical plants, and cyanide storage sites.
- Institutional Buildings Institutional buildings provide care, supervision, or detention for people who require assistance for self-preservation. This category includes healthcare facilities, as well as buildings used for detention, treatment, or rehabilitation. Institutional buildings are categorized into groups I-1 through I-4 based on the type of care provided and the occupants’ level of independence. Examples: Hospitals, nursing homes, drug rehabilitation centers, psychiatric facilities, and foster care centers.
- Mercantile Buildings Mercantile buildings are those used for the display and sale of goods. This classification applies to retail environments that are open to the public and involve the movement and stocking of goods. These buildings are designed with accessibility and public safety in mind, ensuring safe and effective exits and entries, among other considerations. Examples: Department stores, supermarkets, drug stores, retail shops, and plant greenhouses open to the public.
- Residential Buildings Residential buildings provide accommodations primarily for sleeping purposes. These spaces range from short-term accommodations to permanent living spaces. Safety requirements for these buildings are particularly important, as they often house occupants during night hours, increasing the need for effective fire safety measures. Examples: Apartment buildings, dormitories, hotels, motels, and group homes.
- Storage Buildings Storage buildings are primarily intended for the storage of various goods and materials. These facilities, which do not store hazardous materials, are designed with basic fire protection and security features. Storage facilities serve as spaces for holding items not immediately required or awaiting transport. Examples: Warehouses, garages, cold storage units, and transit sheds.
- Utility and Miscellaneous Buildings Utility and miscellaneous buildings are typically specialized structures that do not fall into other categories but serve unique purposes. These buildings may house communication equipment, agricultural machinery, or utility-specific storage solutions. They are generally designed to meet the specific needs of the industry or purpose they serve. Examples: Grain silos, water tanks, communication towers, aircraft hangars, and agricultural structures.
Conclusion
The classification of buildings by occupancy and use, as standardized by IBC and UBC codes, plays an essential role in creating safe and functional environments. By adhering to these standards, builders and designers can implement safety protocols and design elements that mitigate hazards and reduce risks to occupants and surrounding properties.