1616.5 Gas explosions.
BC § 1616.5
In buildings with gas piping operating at pressures in excess of 15 psig (193.4 kPa gauge), all key elements and their connections within 15 feet (4572 mm) of such piping shall be designed to resist a potential gas explosion. The structure shall be designed to account for the potential loss of the affected key elements one at a time by the alternate load path method. Load combinations for the alternate load path shall be as specified in Section 1605.4. In lieu of the alternate load path method, the affected key elements shall be designed to withstand a load of 430 psf (20.6 kPa) applied using the load combinations specified in Section 1605.5. The load shall be applied along the entire length of the element, and shall be applied in the manner and direction that produces the most damaging effect. Exceptions: 1. If a structural enclosure designed to resist the specified pressure is provided around the high-pressure gas piping, only the key elements within the structural enclosure need to comply with this section.
2.A reduced pressure for gas explosions can be used based on an engineering analysis approved by the commissioner.
