Are Natural Smoke Vents Obstructed for Stage?

7/13/2020

We have an auditorium with a stage area. The stage area is fully sprinklered and provided with four natural smoke vents at the roof.

Below the smoke vents at a depth of almost 10-feet (3 meters) there is structural steel frame (provided for structural stability) arranged with narrow gap of only about 1-inch (30 mm) and obstructing all the smoke vents. We understand this steel frames will deflect the smoke plume and affect the performance of smoke vents.

Is there a standard/code reference regarding how to include this obstruction in the calculations and to prove to AHJ that the smoke vents would still be sufficient?

Thanks in advance.

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2 Comments

Tony

7/13/2020 10:02:56 am

I am unaware of any standardized obstruction rule similar to that of sprinklers that applies to a smoke control system. I would look at the Handbook of Smoke Control Engineering and the SFPE handbook.

It will really depend on how big these obstructions are. From your question it make it sound like you essentially have smoke vents above a drop ceiling. A CFD model may be your only solution.

Robinson link

4/6/2023 01:16:51 am

Hey there, Meyer Fire Protection team! The importance of maintaining natural smoke vents in stage buildings, and I have to say, it's an eye-opener. As someone who's worked in the events industry for quite some time, I never really thought about the potential dangers of obstructed smoke vents until now. It's a topic that isn't often discussed, and I appreciate you shedding light on it.

Your article does an excellent job of breaking down the reasons why natural smoke vents are necessary in stage buildings and the consequences that can occur if they're obstructed. I especially appreciated the section on common obstructions, such as lighting fixtures and rigging equipment, and the importance of regular inspections to ensure the vents are clear. As you mentioned, many building owners may assume that natural vents are working correctly without checking them, which can lead to disastrous consequences in the event of a fire.

Overall, I think this article is an essential read for anyone involved in the events industry, from building owners to event planners to technicians. It's crucial to prioritize safety and take the necessary precautions to prevent fires, and maintaining natural smoke vents is an essential step in that process. Thank you for sharing your expertise and raising awareness about this critical issue.

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Are Natural Smoke Vents Obstructed for Stage?

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