Final answer:
Building codes vary but typically require new construction exit corridors to be a minimum width of 44 inches, with greater widths for high occupancy. Existing buildings may require changes only when significant renovations occur. Local building codes and standards should always be consulted.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the minimum width requirements for exit corridors in building design, which relates to the field of building codes and regulations within civil engineering and safety standards. Exit corridors are pathways designated for the safe egress of individuals from a building in the case of an emergency. The minimum width requirements for these corridors ensure that they are functional in an evacuation scenario.
The requirements for the minimum width of exit corridors can vary based on several factors, including the type of construction (new or existing), the expected occupancy load, and specific building codes that may vary by location or the applicable standards such as the International Building Code (IBC) or the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
In new construction, the IBC typically requires exit corridors to have a minimum width of 44 inches, which is approximately 3.67 feet; however, some codes may require greater widths, especially in buildings designed for high occupancy loads where the minimum could be increased to as much as 8 feet. For existing buildings, renovation and code compliance could potentially require widening corridors to meet current code but often are subject to grandfather clauses allowing compliance with the codes in place at the time of construction. Thus, in existing buildings, it is not automatically expected for corridors to be wider than 8 feet, unless a significant renovation triggers a code update.
In summary, exploring the option presented earlier, Option A: 'at least 8 feet wide in new construction' may be applicable in certain scenarios involving high occupancy but isn't a broad rule. Option B: 'at least 8 feet wide in existing buildings' is generally not a requirement unless specified by local amendments or as a result of significant renovation. Option C: 'more than 8 feet wide in existing buildings' is also generally not a requirement. Every case should be referred to local building codes and ordinances for the exact specifications.