I would agree with the architect that the structure is non-combustible. The plywood would be similar to interior finish and not part of the structure. The TC has ruled in the past that typical patio furniture, including wood, plastic, and cushions are not considered sufficient combustible loading to trigger sprinklers on all balconies. But, you can have extreme examples of combustible loading on a balcony where sprinklers are needed. The plywood does add to the overall fuel load that could be anticipated. Not sure if this alone pushes them over the edge, but there is an upper limit to the amount of combustible that should be permitted without sprinklers.
Ray Schmid, PE Koffel Associates -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Greg McGahan Sent: Friday, August 24, 2007 4:05 PM To: [email protected] Subject: combustible balconies We have an architect arguing that NFPA 13 8.15.7 refers to the construction of a balcony and not the finishes. We have a non-combustible structure with real wood plywood attached directly to the concrete for the ceiling. I believe there are also some boxing around the beams etc. We are saying it needs protection and he says it does not. He is requesting commentary for this. Does anyone have anything I can give him? Thanks, Greg Living Water Fire Protection, LLC 1160 McKenzie Road Cantonment, FL 32533 850-937-1850 Fax: 850-937-1852 _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
