I have been asked to design a sprinkler system for a 4 story building as per NFPA 13R. The building has existing standpipes consisting of three 2 1/2” risers. I am hoping to use the existing standpipe risers to also feed the sprinkler system.
In this scenario would it make sense to include a hose allowance even though NFPA 13R does not require it? Also, since NFPA 13R doesn’t require zoning by floor, would it be plausible to have one single “Standpipe & Sprinkler Water Flow Alarm” at the water entry? I appreciate and respect your input. Posted anonymously for discussion. Discuss This | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
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Being told I need two fire dampers to serve a single fire wall. The fire wall is made of a "double wall", essentially two masonry walls next to each other with a very small (less than 2-inch) air gap in-between. The engineer on the project is stating that this "double wall" requires a fire damper in each.
I've never come across this as a requirement before. Do I need two fire dampers? Posted anonymously for discussion. Discuss This | Submit Your Question | Subscribe I have an inspector who wants me to prove that calculating run or through tees is appropriate for 13 Residential systems.
I showed them that run tees are in 13D, he thinks they should be calc'd in 13? How do I prove something is not in a code? Any help would be appreciated. Posted anonymously for discussion. Discuss This | Submit Your Question | Subscribe What is the greatest allowed spacing among all pipe sizes between hangers for CPVC pipe in fire sprinkler systems? a. 6'-0" b. 9'-0" c. 10'-0" d. 12'-0" Solution | Posted 10/04/19
Our firm specializes in corporate interiors, buildings retrofits, modernizations, etc. A common problem that we encounter is how to provide sprinkler protection during construction.
As an example, suppose a tenant leases a single floor in a multi-story, fully sprinklered, office building. The design of the new office space requires the existing systems to be gutted and refitted. Ideally, the existing sprinkler system would be demolished to permit new ductwork, plumbing, conduit, etc. to be installed in coordination with the new sprinkler system that is designed to meet the proposed architectural layout and ceiling design. However, most municipalities would not permit the existing system to be demolished unless a fire watch was provided during system impairment. For a project with a construction schedule duration of 12-16 weeks, this could be extremely cost prohibitive. Currently, the IBC Section 3312 states that the space can only be occupied once the sprinkler system is tested and accepted for service. No guidance is given for protection during actual construction activity (even though the name of Chapter 33 is Safeguards During Construction) I have spoken with some AHJ’s about the topic. Some offer a solution of providing smoke/heat detection in lieu of the sprinklers during construction while others simply state to “follow the code”. I see NFPA has a similar code to the IBC (NFPA-241) but it also lacks guidance for sprinkler protection during construction. In NYC, a solution referred to as a Temp-Loop has been implemented for years. The Temp-Loop consists of a 2-1/2” pipe installed at 7’-6” AFF with heads spaced 12’-0” OC along the pipe, installed close to the ceiling slab. The Temp Loop piping is installed along a single path of egress connecting all egress stairs and elevator openings. The basic concept is to provide a protected path of egress and notify the FDNY should a fire occur. But by the time a sprinkler head is fused, a lot of damage would have already been done. Have you encountered this situation previously? I’m trying to get a consensus of what can be done in situations like above that would be mutually agreeable to the AHJ’s, landlords, leasing tenants, EOR’s, etc… Posted anonymously for discussion. Discuss This | Submit Your Question | Subscribe Are calculated stair widths based on occupant loads based only on a single level that the stair is serving, or a cumulative (total) occupant load for all floors the stair serves?
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