My opinion is that sprinkler systems are not required to be braced under ASCE 7 in seismic design category B. ASCE 7 specifically exempts mechanical and electrical equipment in seismic design category B. I believe it appropriate to consider a sprinkler system under the same umbrella as mechanical and electrical systems.
Mechanical and electrical systems are also exempt from seismic protection in seismic design category C, unless the importance factor is greater than 1. Because sprinkler systems have an importance factor of 1.5, they do require seismic protection in design category C. Christopher Born, P.E. Director, Fire Protection Engineering Clark Nexsen Norfolk, VA Sent from my iPad On Mar 14, 2013, at 6:03 PM, "Bob" <[email protected]> wrote: > There is a project that I am not involved in, but the AHJ called for an > opinion. The situation revolves around the idea that if a building is in > site class C and design category B, the sway bracing requirements of NFPA 13 > are waved by ASCE 7. I have not come across this before, and there is a > certain fire sprinkler contractor that is eliminating the sway bracing, > retaining straps, etc... on several large warehouse / distribution > buildings. The claim is that ASCE 7 allows for this. Has anyone come > across this and have information verifying or negating it? I am meeting > with several AHJ's in regard to this tomorrow morning, so any input will be > extremely useful. > > Thank you, > > Bob Knight, CET III > 208-318-3057 > www.firebyknight.com > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sprinklerforum mailing list > [email protected] > http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum
