The term "Means of Egress" refers to a continuous and unobstructed path of travel from any point in a building to a public way. This system is comprised of three parts: the exit access, the exit, and the exit discharge. The elements listed in the question—travel distance, exit ramps and stairwells, aisle widths, and dead-end corridors—are all fundamental components and design constraints that are evaluated and designed as part of the overall means of egress system to ensure life safety, as mandated by building codes.

B. Number of required exits: This is primarily determined by the occupant load of a space or floor, not by the specific design elements of the egress path itself.

C. Occupancy load of a space: The occupant load is calculated first (based on function and area) and then dictates the required capacity and dimensions of the means of egress components.

D. Building occupancy classification: This is determined by the building's intended use (e.g., business, residential, assembly), which in turn sets the specific requirements for the means of egress.

1. International Code Council. (2018). International Building Code (IBC).

Chapter 10

Section 1002

Definitions: Defines "Means of Egress" and its components.

Chapter 10

Section 1005

Means of Egress Sizing: Discusses how widths are determined.

Chapter 10

Section 1011

Stairways: Provides requirements for stairwells.

Chapter 10

Section 1012

Ramps: Provides requirements for ramps.

Chapter 10

Section 1017

Exit Access Travel Distance: Defines the limitations on travel distance.

Chapter 10

Section 1020.4

Dead Ends: Specifies the maximum allowable length of dead-end corridors.

2. Ching

F. D. K.

& Winkel

S. R. (2018). Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2018 International Building Code. John Wiley & Sons.

Chapter 3

"Means of Egress

" pp. 113-188: This chapter comprehensively covers all the listed elements as integral parts of the means of egress system. Page 114 explicitly diagrams the components of a means of egress

including corridors

stairs

and ramps.

3. Piotrowski

C. M. (2016). Professional Practice for Interior Designers (6th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

Chapter 12

"Codes and Regulations

" Section on "Means of Egress

" pp. 318-320: This section explains that means of egress regulations control the design of exit corridors

stairs

and the maximum distance an occupant must travel to an exit

directly linking the question's elements to the concept of means of egress.