Sprinkler Protection for Air-Supported Structure?

5/4/2020

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.

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12 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.

Anonymous

5/4/2020 10:28:46 am

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

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

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.

Rusty Scott

5/4/2020 11:26:02 am

This takes sky/cloud hangers to a whole new meaning

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.

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.

JASPER PROCTOR link

11/15/2021 07:55:13 pm

IT SEEMS POSSIBLE TO CONSTRUCT A SPRINGLER SYSTEM IN THE 40,000 SQFT DOME. IF DAN WILDER COULD CONTACT ME I HAVE ANOTHER DOME THAT MIGHT NEED A SPRINKLER.

Jeff W

3/18/2023 12:10:05 pm

Dan, we have an air supported structure in DE. Over 10,000sqft for 3 tennis courts. It is currently a temporary structure (comes down in the wamer months). We are considering applying for permanent structure, but the fire marshal said we need a sprinkler system (there is no way around the code). This is not possible with the bubble, but we are interested in knowing more about the towers. Is it a raised tower with a water cannon? Any thermal cameras attached? Thank you. Jeff

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.

Scott Harrison link

11/23/2021 11:19:33 am

Looking for the example Dan WIlder mentioned.
Trying to reach Dan WIlder.

Moderator

11/23/2021 11:22:48 am

Please don't chase our contributors on the platform. If there is something that you'd want to ask (even as a followup) - send it to us at [email protected], or better would be to submit a question to the forum using the "SUBMIT A QUESTION" button on the right-hand side.

I know many of the contributors here have full time occupations and they are already extremely generous with their time here. Thanks Scott!

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Sprinkler Protection for Air-Supported Structure?

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