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Had a quick question regarding design of thrust blocks for underground FDC / fire water supply. In your experience is that design typically a civil designer’s responsibility or the responsibility of the fire sprinkler sub?
I have a project where both parties are saying they do not do this design – the sprinkler sub says their design begins at the flanges in the riser room. I have an earthwork subcontractor doing the physical installation of the FDC and fire water pipes outside leading into the riser room. Would thrust blocking details then need to be calc’ed and detailed by the civil engineer? I’d appreciate knowing what your experience has been! Posted anonymously by a member for discussion. Discuss this | Subscribe.
5 Comments
Mark
11/13/2018 10:00:39 am
It has always been my experience that the civil engineer is required to provide the information to the utility contractor. Assuming its the fire sprinkler contractor responsibility because it supplies their system is incorrect. The responsibility of the sprinkler contractor usually starts at the flange of the stub in and water supply from the source to the building falls on others.
Tom
10/6/2020 04:45:57 pm
What about if the FDC serving the fire sprinkler system is located outside of the building. I believe the FDC is an integral part of the fire sprinkler system. This is different than just providing fire water to the building which is the civil engineer;s responsibility. Doesn't the Fire Sprinkler Engineer have a responsibility to make sure his system works and is provided with the specific, valves, checks and valve monitoring that is required of the fire sprinkler system? 11/13/2018 10:21:39 am
Yes the site utility contractor should be responsible for the thrust blocks. The thrust block is a part of the underground piping system.
Dave L.
11/13/2018 10:39:54 am
The confusion often happens because Civil's responsibility usually extends to only "five feet outside" the building, even though in realities of construction, 99% of the time, the fire sprinkler contractor's start point is flange-above-floor. Project specifications and possibly State / AHJ requirements may provide clarification. Whether or not thrust blocks are installed per said calculations is another matter.
Peter
11/13/2018 06:58:35 pm
It depends on the jurisdiction. In Texas, for example, a licensed fire sprinkler contractor is required to do the underground fire protection installation. When a FP contractor creates shop drawings for an underground installation, I specify (when EOR) that they submit thrust block calcs with their drawings and I check them. When I am designing underground for submittal as the sprinkler contractor, I do the thrust block calcs or check them if they've been provided and include them in my UG submittal. Leave a Reply. |
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