Space Under Bowling Alley Need Sprinklers?

9/8/2020

We have a bowling alley that has bowling lanes constructed of wood, with supporting solid-wood members underneath. The bottom of the solid-wood support members are about 1-ft above the top of any other obstructions at the bottom of this concealed space, leaving a total height of roughly 2-ft below the lanes. This whole bowling alley (30+ lanes) is being retrofitted with sprinklers.

Are sprinklers usually provided underneath the lanes for areas like this?

If so, how do we address inspection and draining from these areas below the floor level?

Thanks in advance.

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7 Comments

Colin Lusher link

9/8/2020 10:16:46 am

Check out section 8.15.6 of NFPA 13 (2016), as it addresses this issue of "Spaces under ground floors, exterior docks, and platforms". In many instances, you can eliminate sprinklers in these areas as long as there is no storage, conveyors, or fuel-fired equipment under the space.

Is the space accessible for maintenance? Is the bowling ball return system in the same space? If so, I would think that the space would be required to be sprinklered. If not, you may meet the exceptions of 8.15.6 and be able to eliminate them....there are four conditions, and the space must meet ALL of them in order to eliminate fire sprinklers.

9/8/2020 02:46:32 pm

Keep in mind if you do use this exception, you would need to do a 3,000 sq ft remote area on the floor above.

Colin Lusher

9/8/2020 03:03:11 pm

Great point TJ!

Michael

9/9/2020 03:10:22 pm

Can you explain your reference to the "3,000 sq ft remote area on the floor above"?

Colin

9/9/2020 03:47:18 pm

Michael, NFPA 13 section 11.2.3.1.5.1 (2016) states that when you use the exceptions of section 8.15.6 to eliminate fire sprinklers in a combustible concealed space, you must make up for it by calculating a 3000 sq.ft. design area for sprinklers above the concealed space.

John Whitehead

9/8/2020 10:27:55 am

Just make sure you don't let this girl bowl at your establishment...https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xr3vr6

James

9/8/2020 02:37:40 pm

Haha, no joke!

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