NFPA 13:8.15.1.2 (2010 edition) states that "Concealed spaces of noncombustible and limited-combustible construction with limited access and not permitting occupancy or storage of combustibles shall not require sprinkler protection." Consider a masonry building with a metal roof deck, but the deck is sprayed with a foam material that functions as an air barrier. The spray foam is exposed to view and doesn't meet the definition of limited-combustible at NFPA 13:3.3.13 because the potential heat value is greater than 3500 Btu/lb.
The construction itself is noncombustible, but the surface exposed to view is combustible. I'm pretty comfortable that the intent of NFPA 13 is that this space would need to be sprinklered, but would welcome either concurrence with that thought or an explanation of where I've gone astray. The answer to this potentially drives whether or not a fire pump is required and obviously has cost implications. Thanks in advance for any opinions. Sincerely, Christopher H. Born, P.E. Director, Fire Protection Engineering Clark Nexsen, P.C. Norfolk, VA Sent from my iPad _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list Sprinklerforum@firesprinkler.org http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum
