TECHNICAL PAPERS
May 1, 2009

Primer on Fire Sprinkler Installation for Structural Engineers

Publication: Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 14, Issue 2

Abstract

Automatic sprinkler systems are considered to be one of the most important facilities for providing people with safety and protecting a structure and its contents from fire. Even old high-rise buildings are required to upgrade to fire safety provisions by installing sprinklers. In this paper, a comprehensive methodology for the design process of sprinkler systems is presented. Specifically, the paper discusses: (1) the requirement for automatic fire suppression systems according to the building groups, occupant load, or fire area and its location vis à vis the discharge level; (2) the design and installation of automatic sprinklers; and (3) the use and maintenance of automatic sprinkler systems. The attempt is to consolidate various principles for sprinkler design and to propose further enhancement on the practical issues related to design by integrating it with other mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, devices, and fixtures. Furthermore, practical recommendations are provided along with a brief discussion on alternative solutions.

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References

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McGrattan, K. B., Hamins, A., and Evans, D. (1998a). “Sprinklers, vent and draft curtain interaction—Modeling and experiment.” Proc., Fire Suppression and Detection Research Application Symp., Research and Practice: Bridging the Gap, F. Orlando, ed., National Fire Protection Research Foundation, Quincy, Mass.
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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 14Issue 2May 2009
Pages: 54 - 62

History

Received: Jun 8, 2006
Accepted: May 25, 2007
Published online: May 1, 2009
Published in print: May 2009

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Authors

Affiliations

Ahmed Chérif Megri [email protected]
Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Univ. of Wyoming, Dept. 3295 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071. E-mail: [email protected].

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