I am working on a project with a rather complex ceiling system. The
roof is steel deck, below the steel are some T shaped baffles and
below that is a fabric ceiling which is stepped with vertical
openings. (This is for a church. You sometimes find similar looking
ceilings in theaters, sans fabric). My proposal is to install
sprinklers at the deck, under the baffles and beneath the fabric. I
have two questions:
First, the T shaped baffles are 8 feet wide with a member
perpendicular near the mid point. one side is 4'-2" and the other
3'-10" . three feet away, there a three foot wide baffle and three
feet from that, another T. My instinct tells me to put a sprinkler on
both sides of the vertical member. The engineer is looking at
everything closely, because he basically showed sprinkler below the
fabric and that is it (and is now in the hot seat). Any good
justification I can use for adding the sprinkler (assuming it is questioned)?
Secondly, NFPA 13 (2002) section 11.2.3.1.8(6) says that sprinklers
below obstructions do not need to be included in the hydraulic
calculations. I am having a hard time accepting this as well because
I'm not sure the potential fire demand will only include sprinklers
at the deck. Actually, sprinklers at the deck may be so obstructed
that very little will effectively get to the fire area. I would think
it be more than likely a combination of sprinklers above and below.
Any thoughts?
Todd G. Williams, PE
Fire Protection Design/Consulting
Stonington, Connecticut
860-535-2080
www.fpdc.com
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