PE Problem #53

Fire sprinkler system design has been based upon all of the following except:
a. Empirical flow and pressure loss calculations
b. Application of experienced judgement and reasoning
c. Mathematical suppression modeling
d. Evolutionary changes based on fire loss

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Solution | Posted 09/23/20

c. Mathematical suppression modeling. 

The complexity to which water actually suppresses fire is a very complex topic which has not yet impacted fire sprinkler design. The majority of fire sprinkler systems' legacy has been based upon judgement, evolutionary changes, and starting the 1970s calculations based up on flow and pressure loss through pipe networks. See SFPE (5th) p1425-1426 for further reading on the topic.