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Sprinkler Protection for Air-Supported Structure?

5/4/2020

8 Comments

 
A manufacturing facility is considering an air-supported dome facility. This would consist of a pressurized interior fabric dome structure. To date, they've managed not to require sprinkler protection for air-supported dome facilities.

Does the structure type like this have any bearing on sprinkler requirements?

I don't see a code path for not requiring sprinkler protection, but want to be sure I'm fair in my evaluation.Thanks in advance.

Posted anonymously for discussion. Discuss This | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
8 Comments
Glenn Berger
5/4/2020 10:27:28 am

The question does not state the size of the facility. If the applicable code is the current IBC then Chapter 5 would apply.

Reply
Anonymous
5/4/2020 10:28:46 am

It's large, at least 40,000 sqft. Will be used for light manufacturing.

Reply
David Goff
5/4/2020 10:37:32 am

To add to Glenn's comment- The IBC addresses membrane structures in Chapter 31 and will describe different construction types that may be applicable 3102.3

Reply
Mike
5/4/2020 10:50:58 am

If it's a completely inflatable structure:
1. How do you hang the pipe?
2. How will a "plastic"dome last lost enough in a fire to actuate the fire sprinklers or even survive during a fire? If it collapses, nothing left to protect except the equipment inside.

NFPA 13 is for the protection of life and property. Maybe the value of the building is too expensive to support a manufacturing facility.

Reply
Rusty Scott
5/4/2020 11:26:02 am

This takes sky/cloud hangers to a whole new meaning

Reply
Dan Wilder
5/4/2020 02:41:51 pm

The last one I saw had water monitor nozzles on raised platforms around the perimeter with UV/IR detection and override remote control capabilities (they were set to an automatic oscillation when activated). Took an engineering report and a couple meetings with the city.

Reply
Anthony Brown
5/6/2020 10:29:55 am

How high off the floor were the Monitors and were they angles to wet the structure or just contents? Also do you recall the "throw" of the Monitors. Thanks.

Reply
Franck
5/7/2020 10:54:17 am

As indicated by Mike, I don’t see a possible way to install sprinklers.
The good question is : if the occupancy requires a sprinkler protection, then is the building appropriate ?
If you need a sprinkler protection, then you shouldn’t house the activity in an air-supported structure. Otherwise you will have unprotected activity.

Reply



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  • Blog
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    • *TOOLKIT (PURCHASE)
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    • BACKFLOW DATABASE*
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