June 2006
Service Module
Section 220: Describes the prototype service module and discusses the issues that the design
team must consider when establishing modules. This section is supplemented as follows.
222 Size and Shape: Dimensions in Section 220 are not fixed standards. As with the struc-
tural bay, size and shape of the service modules may vary.
222.1.3 Fire Sections: Rename this section as "Fire and Smoke Compartments." Dimensions
and sizes of service modules may vary as required by functional program and as required to
meet limits on fire and smoke compartments. Smoke zones are limited to 22,500 square feet.
Fire compartments should be limited to 52,000 square feet because NFPA 13 limits the maxi-
mum size of a sprinkler system to 52,000 square feet.
223 Service Bays: See structural comments for Section 300 for discussion of arrangement of
framing (beams) and lateral systems (shear walls). Refer to Appendices A and B for examples
of service bay arrangements used in existing VAHBS hospitals.
223.4 Priority of Service: Current Codes do not require that all of the fire or smoke separa-
tions from the functional zone be continued through the service zone. However, distribution of
services will be simplified and the need for fire or smoke dampers will be minimized if the design
team avoids sharing services between modules.
224 Service Zone: Split the S6 Platform/Ceiling subzone into two subzones: S-6 Platform and
S-7 Ceiling.
224.2 Channels: Refer to examples in Appendices A and B, and details in Appendix C for ex-
amples of typical channels.
224.3 Access and Maintenance: Access to the interstitial service zone shall be provided by
means of an industrial stair from the service bay and from fire/exit stairs in the service module.
Ladders are not an acceptable means of access to the service zone. If the service zone is sub-
divided by partitions or walls, doors shall be provided for maintenance access and emergency
egress. VA does not consider the interstitial service zone as occupied space.
224.4 Construction Design: Smoke barriers may not be required in the service zone. Design
shall be based on VA Fire Protection Design Manual and applicable codes.
Amend Section 224 to add new subsection 224.6 as follows.
224.6 Wayfinding: The design team shall develop a strategy for wayfinding in the interstitial
service zone(s). Permanent markings and or signage shall be provided as appropriate to assist
in locating and using access routes, means of egress; and establishing position within the inter-
stitial service zone relative to the functional zone and any fire or smoke separations below.
225 Functional Zone: Ceiling heights shall be in accordance with VA Program Guide PG-18-
10, Architectural Design Manual for New Hospitals/Replacement Hospitals Paragraph 4.6.2.
SUPPLEMENT TO RESEARCH STUDY REPORT
VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM
SECTION 4-4
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