FM recommends 0.15/6,000 for baled Flax and similar fibers up to 16 ft. high (Data Sheet 8-7). I suspect hay would have similar burn characteristics; maybe more difficult to burn, as it tends to be "greener" (I believe). It is my understanding that the larger design area is due to the burrowing effect of burning bales.
I don't know anything about the ability of hay to absorb water and expand. This could be an issue to consider from a safety standpoint. Some baled fibers can expand when wet and push out walls; or wet, unstable piles could topple onto personnel. Just something that someone should be considering when arranging the storage. Mark A. Sornsin, PE Fire Protection Engineer Ulteig Engineers, Inc. Fargo, ND 701.280.8591 [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ed Cyr Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2008 4:28 PM To: American Fire Sprinkler Association Subject: Hay Bale/Cube Storage Forum, What commodity class would hay bales in solid piles to 20 feet in height fall under? This is a fully enclosed structure. Thanks in advance, Ed Cyr Alpha Fire Sprinkler Corp. _______________________________________________ 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)
