Kurt,
I'd do a couple of things to attempt to get some clarity (sanity?) from
your AHJ.
First, I'd direct his to the applicable definitions of feed main, cross
main, and branch
lines in chapter 3 of NFPA-13. They are 3.5.3, 3.5.2 and 3.5.1,
respectively. After
he's had a chance to look that over, direct him to figure A.3.5 in the
annex, particularly
the blow-up which shows the relationship to branches, mains, riser
nipples, etc.
Next, ask him to review the requirements in 9.3.5.3.1, which clearly
makes a distinction
between feed/cross mains and branch lines. Of course, if the branch
lines you're arguing
about are 2-1/2" or larger, you're going to have to brace them anyway,
unless the exception
for short rods in 9.3.5.3.7 allows you to eliminate the lateral braces.
Finally, I'd ask him for a ruling that if he is regarding the branch
lines as feed or cross
mains in a gridded system that he is therefore requiring that you
laterally and longitudinally
brace the branch lines, even in light of the clear explanatory material
in Fig A.9.3.5.6(c)
which shows the typical location of bracing in a gridded system, and
very explicitly indicates
"No Bracing" on the branch lines. If he does so require, then I would
ask that he put that
decision into writing, as you now have an excellent extra to take back
to your client, as there
is no clear intent for branch lines in a grid (less than 2-1/2" in size)
to be braced, and unless
this AHJ has a published policy of such a requirement (doubtful), or it
was in the project spec
(doubly doubtful), you could not have known this was a requirement, and
are entitled to an extra.
One thing for sure though is that if you are required to do this, you
won't have as much loading
on the main braces, as the branch lines being braced eliminates their
load from the mains.
--
PARSLEY CONSULTING
Ken Wagoner
760.745.6181 voice
760.745.0537 fax
[EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> e-mail
www.parsleyconsulting.com <http://www.parsleyconsulting.com/> website
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This correspondence is not a Formal
Interpretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion
expressed is the personal opinion of the author and does not necessarily
represent the official position of the NFPA or its Technical Committees.
In addition, this correspondence is neither intended, nor should it be
relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services.
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