Method to Determine Closely-Spaced Sprinklers?

8/19/2019

NFPA 13 Section 8.15.4 (2013 Edition) requires certain types of unenclosed floor openings to be protected with closely spaced sprinklers where sprinklers serve as an alternative to the enclosure of the vertical opening.

What method do you use to determine if the opening requires enclosure, and thus closely-spaced sprinklers?

As a sprinkler designer, I may overlook something in the Building Code that allows the unprotected opening, or vice versa.

A pre-bid RFI to the architect seems to be the best course, but it would be nice to have something to hang the hat on before the bid is submitted.

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2 Comments

Wayne Ammons

8/19/2019 08:06:42 am

I would absolutely submit a pre-bid RFI or qualify the bid with or without closely spaced sprinklers around the opening in question. In my opinion, the architect should have an intimate knowledge of the building codes, NFPA 101, 5000, etc. to design the proper enclosures, barriers, and ratings to meet the needs of the owner. On more than one occasion I have seen the design of an area in a building change once the architect realized there would need to be sprinklers every 6 ft. around an opening or those attractive window sprinklers to protect glazing.

I have worked with fire protection engineers who are acting as consultants working closely with architects and ultimately the architect decided what the design of the space would be while taking into consideration the fire protection implications.

I'm interested if others think I am completely off base here. Being on the contractor side of the sprinkler world, we often walk a fine line between consultant and contractor bidding off plans and specs.

Kelly

8/20/2019 07:16:12 am

As a design engineer, I can tell you that there are any number of instances that could require or not require closely spaced sprinklers around an opening.

If the jurisdiction follows ICC, check into section 404 or 712 of the IBC. It should be free to view online (albeit in a clunky online viewer not a nice pdf). But you should at least be able to see if one of the situations might apply to your building.

It would be hard to say for sure how the requirement kicks in, especially if you are not privy to the entire design package where you might see other mitigating factors in the design that prevents the need for the closely spaced sprinklers (ie smoke control). So I would agree, definitely submit that RFI, but hopefully those sections can help you be more informed. Good luck.

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