If the corridor ceiling is constructed as required for corridor walls, how are the walls allowed to terminate?

When the corridor ceiling is constructed in accordance with the requirements set for corridor walls, it creates a situation where the walls can effectively terminate at the upper membrane of the ceiling assembly. This is permissible because the ceiling assembly, designed to function like a barrier, can support the same fire and smoke containment features as the walls themselves.

By allowing the walls to terminate at the upper membrane, you ensure that the barrier remains intact and effective without the need for extending the walls all the way to the floor above. This approach simplifies construction while maintaining safety measures required by building codes.

The terminations at the floor above or exterior walls may not meet the necessary fire and smoke containment provisions expected within a corridor space. Furthermore, the statement "They cannot terminate" is not accurate as it misinterprets the requirement that allows for a specific termination point in relation to the ceiling assembly. Thus, acknowledging that walls can indeed terminate at the upper membrane solidifies the understanding of building design principles and safety compliance.