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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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.

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.

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.

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