250
Planning Module Applications: Design Configurations
The 160' height limit on all configurations is established by the practical
limit of the shear wall.
In large buildings shear walls often occur in interior locations because of
their relationship to expansion or separation joints. Any shear walls, in
addition to those in the service bay, should occur at the service module
boundaries to ensure that the service zone is unobstructed. (See Section
316.2 for further discussion.)
3. Expansion and Separation Joints
Large buildings should be broken by thermal expansion joints so that
dimensions in any direction do not exceed 300 feet (less in areas of large
temperature variation). The separation created by an expansion joint
often means that shear walls are necessary at that location to assure
lateral stability, thereby forming a barrier along the line of the separation.
Shear walls are similarly required at seismic separation joints. If the
expansion or separation joint can be located on the border of a service
module or fire section, the effect of this barrier can be minimized. (See
Section 316.1.)
251.3.2
The Service Bay
In the service distribution system, the only aspect which plays a major role
in developing configurations is the arrangement of service bays.
1. The Typical Condition
The service bay typically should have at least one exterior face to
facilitate equipment installation and allow a direct fresh air intake. This
pattern of perimeter service bay locations provides for the potential of
large uninterrupted spaces which are twice the length of one service
module, exclusive of the service bay.
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