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.

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.

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.

Free Signup

Subscribe and learn something new each day:

Community

Thank You to Our Top
August 2020 Contributors!

1. SK
2. Near Engineer
3. NinaB
4. Brenton
5. Mike

6. Sean
7. Dan Wilder
8. Tim D.
9. Rob B.
10. Jonathan

Your Post

SUBMIT A QUESTION

The Toolkit

Sprinkler Designer or Engineer?

Get all of our tools, including the Sprinkler Database, Friction Loss Calculator, Fire Pump Analyzer and more:

FREE 30-DAY TRIAL

GET THE TOOLKIT

Filters

Exam Prep

2020 PE Prep Guide
(Available Now!)

PE Prep Series
(Available Now!)

2020 PE Prep Series
Current Leaderboard
(Click to enlarge)

PE Problems

Visit July-October for daily Fire Protection PE Exam sample questions.

Solutions are posted the day after posting.

Comment with your solutions, questions or clarifications.

Please note that questions posted are unofficial and in accordance with NCEES rules are intended to be similar to actual exam questions, not actual exam questions themselves.

RSS Feed

Home - About - Blog - Contact - Exam Prep - Store

Copyright © 2020 MeyerFire, LLC
The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author shown and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a commission for orders placed elsewhere.