Chicago Minimum Density/Area Requirement?

3/9/2020

Sorry if this is too location-specific, but I have a question I'd like to get other designer/engineer input on. The Chicago Building Code (Section 15-16-600) specifically has their own density/area requirements, with a minimum of 0.10 gpm over 1,500 sqft for NFPA 13 applications.

Does this mean that they do not accept residential sprinklers (most demanding 4 adjacent residential sprinklers)? Do they also not accept the area reductions for quick-response sprinklers?

Based on the requirement in the code they certainly have the ability/right to override NFPA 13, I just haven't seen any other jurisdiction overrule the allowances in NFPA 13 and was curious if this holds up for other installers in the area.

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4 Comments

Paul

3/9/2020 10:10:57 am

The answer is in the wording. "for NFPA 13" - If you are doing a residential application you would use "NFPA 13R" which will have applicable requirements.

James

3/9/2020 10:21:17 am

Not necessarily -

NFPA 13 has its own design criteria with the use of residential sprinklers. See "Residential Sprinklers" under "Special Design Approaches" that allows four residential-style sprinklers to be calculated (NFPA 13-2010 11.3.1.3).

This would still be under an NFPA 13 system - you don't have to be in 13R to make use of residential style sprinkler calculations using four sprinklers.

Sean

3/9/2020 12:47:05 pm

Please clarify if your project is using the new codes or the legacy codes. It sounds like the legacy codes

James

3/9/2020 12:49:54 pm

Chicago Building Code 2018 Edition - would it make a difference though? Thanks Sean.

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