Sprinklers Req'd for Linking Pedestrian Bridge?

8/12/2021

We have two structures that each are sprinkler-protected and require sprinklers. The first is a parking garage, and the second is a combination parking garage and office building.

There is a pedestrian bridge between the two built as an open structure.

Are sprinklers required on the pedestrian bridge?

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10 Comments

Alex

8/12/2021 07:42:51 am

Hi Anonymous,

From the way your question is written, it sounds like the pedestrian walkway is open and does not have a covering. If that is the case, you can’t protect it from above since there will be no object/roof to contain the heat required to activate a sprinkler. Although, there are a few more things you may need to consider:

1. Do you need to protect beneath it? NFPA 13 (2016) 8.15.7 discusses exterior projections. Assuming the walkway is greater than 4’ in width, you will need to ensure you meet the criteria of 8.15.7.2 through 8.15.7.4

2. Per the IBC, pedestrian walkways shall be separated from the interior of the building by not less than 2-hour fire barrier

Best of luck with your project!
Alex

David Kendrick

8/12/2021 09:10:57 am

Thank you all for the comments. Certainly the description left out there is a roof, siderails and walkway. The sides are open. Since posting the question what I've found is this from NFPA 13-2016 which is applicable for this jurisdiction.

8.15.7.4 Sprinklers shall be permitted to be omitted from
exterior exit corridors when the exterior walls of the corridor
are at least 50 percent open and when the corridor is entirely
of noncombustible construction.

NFPA 13-2016 page 13-92

What I'm less familiar with is all the other codes that parent over NFPA 13.

Again thank you all for your comments.

Glenn Berger

8/12/2021 08:10:40 am

Depending on the jurisdiction - you may need to protect the openings to each structure. Sprinklers may be applicable. Automatic shutters may also be required.

Chad

8/12/2021 08:47:14 am

Agreed, without a roof, you’d most likely need a sidewall above the door. Possibly need protection below it, as mentioned above. Ask the AHJ, it’s not a straightforward situation.

CJ Bonczyk

8/12/2021 08:42:29 am

Depending on the way the structure is built the walkway is considered an occupiable space above and sprinkler protection below is required.

Franck

8/12/2021 08:49:39 am

Check NFPA 88A Standard for Parking Structures
Depending on the parking structure and distance between buildings, you may need (or not) sprinkler protection for your connection

John G

8/12/2021 08:53:37 am

Code enforcement 101. There are other code requirements that are enforced by the AHJ s and designers need to read them. Some require the bridges or walkways to be fully protected with automatic sprinklers. Some codes require protection below. IBC chapter 31 is an example of that. You should get a listing if the codes you are required to satisfy from/for your municipality and / or required by your projects specifications.
The first thing I was taught when learning design in 1963 —- “ nfpa phamplets are minimal codes! You must always satisfy the township, and project architect and engineer!”

Todd Wyatt

8/12/2021 09:06:12 am

Review the adopted building code (e.g. 2021 IBC Section 3104 Pedestrian Walkways and Tunnels) for the (4) separations options : 1) 2-Hr Fire Barriers, 2) Automatic sprinkler system + Const that reist the passage of smoke, 3) 50% open sides pedestrian walkway, or 4) Exterior walls >2-Hrs.

The adopted building code determines IF a building or structure requires an automatic sprinkler system (see 2021 IBC 903.2 Where required) ... the referenced standard (e.g NFPA 13) describes HOW an automatic sprinkler system is to be installed)

Pete

8/12/2021 11:47:50 am

It sounds like you might need sprinklers underneath pursuant to NFPA 13 8.15.7.1 (2016) but probably can ignore ones in the walkway itself due to 8.15.7.4 (2016).

Also, check with your AHJ about actually protecting underneath he covered walkway, because what are you protecting and where you expect heat to be trapped in a fire situation that you'd even have system actuation underneath an exterior covered walkway connecting two parking garages.

mahmoud Abdelaziz

9/10/2021 07:29:51 am

Hi, I have the same case, but buildings are classified as assembly, and the pedestrian walkway is at ground level and open to sky, so I don`t think sprinklers are required, but I think maybe it is required to protect the pedestrian walkway by FHCs ?

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Sprinklers Req'd for Linking Pedestrian Bridge?

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