May 2, 2016
Columns Within Storage Racks “The architect is questioning the need for column protection based on the word “within.” 1) Is protection required for columns that fall in the longitudinal flue space between back-to-back racks? 2) Is protection required for columns that are adjacent to single row racks? 3) What distance do the columns need to be from the racks to be considered not within racks?” We have reviewed NFPA 13, 2013 edition that you indicated as the applicable standard as well as the 2016 edition. Our informal interpretation is that the 2016 edition of NFPA 13 specifically addresses when columns are within storage racks. The 2013 edition of NFPA 13 refers to the term columns within the rack structure. A literal interpretation is that the column would be located within the rack structure. If the column was located outside the rack and adjacent, this leads one to believe protection would not be required. The 2016 edition now clarifies this issue. Sections 16.1.4 and 17.1.4 changed the wording to say, “where fireproofing of building columns is not provided and storage heights are in excess of 15 ft protection of building columns located wholly or partially within the rack footprint inclusive of flue spaces or within 12 in. of the footprint shall be protected.” The annex material provides additional text and figures for columns within and adjacent to a rack structure 16.1.4 and 17.1.4. The columns at the ends of the racks or in the aisles need to be protected from the heat of a fire in the racks if they are near the racks. Columns within the flue spaces are already within the footprint of the racks and would need protection. The referenced figure shows four different column locations as Columns 1 through 4. Column 1 is shown within the flue space of the rack and would need protection. Column 2 is shown adjacent to the rack and within 12 in. of the rack and would need protection. Column 3 is shown more than 12 in. away from the rack structure and would not need protection even though it is located in an aisle between the racks. The key is to be at least 12 in. away from the rack. The last example shows a portion of Column 4 is within 12 in. of the rack and would require sprinkler protection. The only real changes from earlier editions are extending the rack footprint to include the adjacent 12 in. and defining that the aisles are not considered being within the rack. Technical Update is prepared by the Technical Services Dept. of the AFSA: Roland Huggins, a PE registered in fire protection engineering, Vice President of Engineering and Technical Services; and Tom Wellen, a PE registered in fire protection engineering. This is provided with the understanding that the AFSA assumes no liability for this opinion or actions taken on it and they are not to be considered the official position of the NFPA or its technical committees. Copyright © 2016, American Fire Sprinkler Association. All Rights Reserved. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.firesprinkler.org/private.cgi/sprinklernotes-firesprinkler.org/attachments/20160503/9fe66d45/attachment.htm>
