How to Accommodate Closely-Spaced Sprinklers?

12/3/2019

Attached is a sketch of an interesting design issue we’ve been dealing with.

We have a convenience stair connecting multiple floors of an office building. With this, we need to treat the opening as an Atrium opening. So we have told the architect that we need a draft curtain with closely spaced heads.

The sketch attached shows some limitations that we’ve been given.

My question is, how would you suggest we accomplish the required protection given the constraints of this particular stair?

Posted anonymously for discussion. Discuss This | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

6 Comments

Wayne Ammons

12/3/2019 08:50:51 am

What is the code basis for requiring a draft curtain as well as a water curtain?

Marc Vieno link

12/3/2019 11:14:51 am

Not the OP, so don't know the AHJ requirements/applicable code editions, but I'm going to try to answer this question from an IBC perspective.

2015 IBC §1019 prescribes protection for exit access stairs. Typically these need to be enclosed, however 1019.3 provides options for alternate methods of protection. Option 4 is a very commonly used one, and it requires (among other things) "...the opening is protected by draft curtain and closely spaced sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 13."

Hope that helps!

Marc Vieno link

12/3/2019 11:32:50 am

Assuming this opening connects more than 2 floors, and your code analysis is all in order.

This is a really tough situation, and is a good example of where subs can add value earlier on in the design process. If the building needs to meet the 2015 or 2018 IBC, I don't think it can meet the architects requirements and still be compliant. You may need to get creative with an AM&M by providing additional exiting (either more than code or closer than code), smoke detection, etc. Risky you have to convince the AHJ....

Jonathan Joseph

12/3/2019 12:27:27 pm

You would want to space your standard spray sprinklers to be spaced 6 feet apart and 6 inches off of the soffit all around the opening

NFPA 2016 8.15.4

If its 3 stories or less you might be able to use the Communicating Space rules of NFPA 101 8.6 and maybe eliminate the smoke barrier/draft curtain

Cliff

12/3/2019 12:35:20 pm

Would it be possible to create a ceiling pocket on the room side of the stair that would give you the 18" required?

Mike

12/3/2019 06:08:45 pm

Try "stepping " the acoustic panel so it is higher closest to the stairs.

Free Signup

Subscribe and learn something new each day:

Community

Thank You to Our Top
August 2020 Contributors!

1. SK
2. Near Engineer
3. NinaB
4. Brenton
5. Mike

6. Sean
7. Dan Wilder
8. Tim D.
9. Rob B.
10. Jonathan

Your Post

SUBMIT A QUESTION

The Toolkit

Sprinkler Designer or Engineer?

Get all of our tools, including the Sprinkler Database, Friction Loss Calculator, Fire Pump Analyzer and more:

FREE 30-DAY TRIAL

GET THE TOOLKIT

Filters

Exam Prep

2020 PE Prep Guide
(Available Now!)

PE Prep Series
(Available Now!)

2020 PE Prep Series
Current Leaderboard
(Click to enlarge)

PE Problems

Visit July-October for daily Fire Protection PE Exam sample questions.

Solutions are posted the day after posting.

Comment with your solutions, questions or clarifications.

Please note that questions posted are unofficial and in accordance with NCEES rules are intended to be similar to actual exam questions, not actual exam questions themselves.

RSS Feed

Home - About - Blog - Contact - Exam Prep - Store

Copyright © 2020 MeyerFire, LLC
The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author shown and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a commission for orders placed elsewhere.