GC / Bill / Matt / Mike / Steve.....Thanks for responding. Sorry I forgot to 
include the code reference. 2009 IBC. Flow test of 38/32/854. Architect has 
verified that only the basement is required for this  occupancy however he 
wants to sprinkler 1st and 2nd floor  but not the attic. This is a county 
courthouse.

I hear you on the EOR / architect stuff. We are not stamping these prints so 
there is some truth in what you are saying.....Probably should just pose my 
sprinkler questions to him and let him respond back to us.  We have a 
conference call next week and I wanted to know if this is correct so I 
understood all of my options.  Also wanted to understand for future design 
builds. Thought I understood it pretty well but now I am second guessing 
myself.... Specific questions:

1.       If we do as requested and not protect the entire building per NFPA #13 
would we then put per "architects instructions" on the plans?

2.       IBC 2009  table 508.4 (required separations) says "buildings protected 
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 
section 903.3.1.1."....here is that text.... " Where the provisions of this 
code require that a  building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an 
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with this section, sprinklers shall be 
installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 except as provided  in section 
903.3.1.1.1"  ....When it states building or portion thereof be equipped 
throughout does that mean throughout the building or just the "portion thereof?"

3.       Do we have to increase our area to 3,000 ft on the second floor due to 
unsprinklered combustible concealed space in the attic (NFPA 13 2007 - 
11.2.3.1.4(3))? 

If we have to increase our area we don't have the pressure without a pump. I am 
afraid that the costs of the pump will outweigh the advantages of the tradeoffs 
and he will revert us back to a basement system only. 

Thanks

Rod DiBona
Rapid Fire

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] 
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of George Church
Sent: Friday, May 27, 2011 4:01 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: building code tradeoff

Are you asking: 
what is proper protection under the IBC as a minimum?
What is required under #13?
What is the scope of work that you are to include in your bid?

>From the sound of your question, you're the BCO and wondering whether to 
>accept this protection strategy; however, I'll bet you should focus on what 
>they've asked for you to provide.
DON'T take on the role of the EOR, the Architect has defined the work as he 
sees it in his professional opinion. You're not entitled to one.


George L.  Church, Jr., CET
Rowe Sprinkler Systems, Inc.
PO Box 407, Middleburg, PA 17842
877-324-ROWE       570-837-6335 fax
[email protected]



-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] 
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Rod DiBona
Sent: Thursday, May 26, 2011 8:08 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: building code tradeoff

We have a project where the architect has stated the following:


1.      We have installed draftstops in the attic space to subdivide the space 
into areas less than 3000 sf.


2.      We are installing the fire protection system in the basement according 
to 903.2.11.1.


3.      We are installing fire protection on the first and second floors to 
allow a reduction in fire rating of the corridor walls, stairs, and the wall 
separating the courtroom A3 from the B occupancy.


4.      We are installing the draftstops in the attic space and not accepting 
the reduction but utilitzing the exception to 901.2.



5.      The architect has stated that only the basement is required to be 
sprinklered.

This is a new courthouse. This is an architect that we have done work with and 
he is sharp but I don't see read the IBC the same way. First we were 
questioning not sprinklering the combustible attic. We don't have the water 
available to do a dry system in that attic without a fire pump. I don't think 
the reductions can be taken on first and second floor unless the entire 
building is sprinklered per NFPA 13. Can he subdivide with draftstops and then 
take the rating reductions on the first and second floor? I don't think so but 
even if I am wrong and this can be done, wouldn't we still have to increase our 
area on the second floor to 3,000ft? If so we would need the pump anyway. 
Thanks for your input.

Rod DiBona
Rapid Fire






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