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?

Posted anonymously by a member for discussion. Discuss this | Subscribe

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?

Free Signup

Subscribe for posts on PE Problems and Daily Discussions, straight to your inbox, for free:

Community

Thank You to Our Top March 2019 Contributors!

1. PETE
2. Mike
3. James
4. Rusty S.
5. Franck

6. Kelly
7. WES
8. Dan W.
9. Colin L.
10. JAL

Your Post

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

2018 PE Prep Guide

Weekly Practice Exams

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 © 2018 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.