Standpipe Spacing on Top Level of Open Garage?

1/30/2019

What is the requirement for standpipes on the top level of a fully-sprinklered, open parking garage?

On the covered levels that are sprinklered, the hose travel distance is allowed to be 200 feet based on NFPA 14-2013 Section 7.3.2.3. For levels that are not sprinklered (the top level is open to the sky), the same NFPA section states the hose travel distance is 150 feet.

So, on a 6 level parking deck I've got standpipes located such that 200 foot hose travel distance is accomplished on the covered/sprinklered levels. What happens when I get to the top/open level?

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4 Comments

PETE

1/30/2019 10:45:23 am

The top level of a garage is typically considered occupied space, because there are people parking cars on the roof. So it doesn't apply to a hose travel exemption the way an unoccupied roof would. The short answer is 200 ft.

Typically, there would be an exemption for sprinklers in an "open" parking garage, if it met the definition of open (% open), but in your case the AHJ, engineer, owner has required sprinklers. Whether or not the building is sprinklered determines the total hose demand in the standpipe calculation. Because the top level is occupied, you will need hose travel for the entire space just as you would an occupied roof of another building, and that's independent of whether all the stairs go up to the roof. That means you may be looking at placing free-standing standpipes penetrating a curb with bollards surrounding them to meet the travel requirement.

PETE

1/30/2019 11:24:44 am

I think I gave you some bad info. The definition of open has to do with whether manual standpipes are permitted or not, and it's defined in NFPA 5000 and the IBC. I was confused because I have seen sprinkler exemptions in some garages by the AHJ.

PETE

1/30/2019 11:31:45 am

Seeing how you already described the travel distance below as 200' I would assume that either you don't have manual standpipes, or the AHJ has made an exception because of the sprinklers. So, if the AHJ has made that exception, it will come down the AHJ or engineer's decision. The rule is 200' for sprinklered buildings, and 150' for unsprinklered and 130' for manual standpipes. If you don't have manual standpipes, being on the roof doesn't change the definition of a sprinklered building (200 ft.).

Justin Stirling

1/30/2019 01:01:02 pm

As stated in the appendix of NFPA 14 (2013 edition) to section 7.3.2.2 the intent of the paragraph is to provide local fire departments with the authority to require additional hose stations if a 150 ft (unsprinklered) or 200 ft (sprinklered) hose can’t reach the most remote area.

So, I'm interpreting this to mean that they are not specifically required by NFPA 14 unless requested by the local fire authority.

Anyone agree or disagree with this?

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