I saw this interesting Fixed-it Friday application in Mexico City – center pivoting gates leading to a large shopping area. Some had egress doors to the side, others did not.
It’s a little bit like the sections of the model codes that permit key-operated locks (double-cylinder deadbolts) on certain occupancy types. The idea there is that the building could not be operable with the main entrance locked, so the exit would permit free egress when the building or space was occupied. I’m guessing the locking device for these gates is a padlock.
The model codes also permit security grilles under certain circumstances; here is the IBC section:
1010.3.4 In Groups B, F, M and S, horizontal sliding or vertical security grilles are permitted at the main exit and shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort during periods that the space is occupied. The grilles shall remain secured in the full-open position during the period of occupancy by the general public. Where two or more exits or access to exits are required, not more than one-half of the exits or exit access doorways shall be equipped with horizontal sliding or vertical security grilles.
It would be impossible for the shopping area to be open for business/occupied with the gates rotated into the closed position, so I felt like it was pretty safe and well-designed.
What do you think?
You need to login or register to bookmark/favorite this content.
Some great Engineering and Craftsmanship!
Even has has a walk through personal gate/door on the side!!!
One or both does have that pesky slide bolt!!
Super cool! Charles, good eye on the manual slide bolt. I didn’t see that at first.
My only additional thought would be that it would be safer if they padlocked the gate open as well.
Hi Zac –
One thing I didn’t mention is that I’m pretty sure there was a security guy at each exit or nearby. I think it would be very unlikely that an unauthorized person would try to close the gates and secure the area.
– Lori
The description seems to infer more than half of the required exits may be equipped with this type of gate.
Some additional thoughts since this gate might operate fairly similar to a revolving door: 1. how are these gates “secured” to remain in the full open position while occupied? 2. do these gates rotate freely in either direction? 3. do these gates have any stops to limit rotation, i.e. 90 degrees only, 180 only, or a full 360? 4. are slide bolts able to be “secured” in the open position while the facility is occupied? 5. how much force is required to set the gate in motion?
Hi Larry –
I didn’t try to move the gates but I’m guessing they’re quite heavy to pivot into the open position – they’re pretty big. There is a photo of what is holding them in the open position. I think there was also a security guy at each entrance. And this is Mexico…the normal rules don’t apply! 😀
– Lori
The contrast between center-pivoting gates with side egress doors and those without raises an important code-compliance question for large shopping areas. I’ll also check out https://meshyai.online for related resources.