ICC Commercial Mechanical Practice Exam

If a courtroom measures 2000 sq. ft. with a maximum occupancy density of 70 people per 1000 sq. ft., what is the required outdoor airflow rate when filled to capacity?

1. 100 cfm

2. 600 cfm

3. 500 cfm

4. 700 cfm

The correct answer is: 700 cfm

To determine the required outdoor airflow rate when the courtroom is filled to capacity, you first need to calculate the maximum occupancy based on the provided occupancy density and the total area of the courtroom. The courtroom has an area of 2000 square feet. Given the maximum occupancy density of 70 people per 1000 square feet, you can calculate the total maximum occupancy: 1. First, calculate the number of people allowed per square foot: - Since there are 70 people for every 1000 square feet, for 2000 square feet, you would double this number: - 70 people/1000 sq. ft. x 2 = 140 people. Now, knowing that the courtroom can accommodate 140 people at full capacity, we can determine the required outdoor airflow using a common ventilation standard, which in many codes suggests using an airflow rate based on the number of occupants. For example, if the standard requires 0.5 cfm (cubic feet per minute) of outdoor air per person (a figure often referenced in space ventilation guidelines), the calculation would be: 2. Required outdoor airflow rate: - 140 people x 0.5 cfm/person = 70 cfm. However, if