Ken you're the Bomb!
-----Original Message-----
From: sprinklerforum-boun...@firesprinkler.org
[mailto:sprinklerforum-boun...@firesprinkler.org] On Behalf Of ParsleyConsulting
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2013 8:24 AM
To: b...@firebyknight.com; sprinklerforum@firesprinkler.org
Subject: Re: Seismic and ASCE 7
Bob, and everyone else who weighed in on this,
My apologies for not chiming in sooner, I was away from the office
yesterday.
ASCE7 is the basis for "when" fire sprinkler systems require seismic
protection, and while I'm not sure about other states, here in California that
document is adopted by reference in the California Building Code. You may want
to check the building code in your area to see if it doesn't include ASCE7 as
an "adopted" or "referenced"
standard. You'll also find it in the referenced publications (section 2.3), of
the 2010 edition of NFPA 13, which indicates to my non-lawyer eyes that it is
"considered part of the requirements" of NFPA 13.
Both ASCE7 (in section 11), and the IBC (in section 1613) provide a means
to establish the seismic design category. It's also worth noting that IBC
references ASCE7 in the process. The only variable which is complicated in the
process of establishing the SDC is the "Site Class", as it involves some soil
considerations which truly should be made by an engineer of record. The
default class is presumed to be "D", however this should not be a decision made
by a fire sprinkler contractor.
Once the SDC has been established, there is little left to review, because
the remaining calculations are simple math and values from tables. ASCE7-10,
notes in section 13.1.4 (4) that "mechanical and electrical components in
seismic design category B" are exempt from requiring seismic protection. The
very next "exemption" states that "mechanical and electrical components in
seismic design category C [are exempt] provided that the component importance
factor (Ip) is equal to 1.0". Section 13.1.3 specifies that "...the component
importance factor shall be 1.5 if....(1) the component is required to function
for life-safety purposes after an earthquake, including fire sprinkler
systems...."
And, eventually, ASCE7 section 13.6.8.2, gets around to advising that
"Fire protection sprinkler piping, pipe hangers, and bracing designed and
constructed in accordance with NFPA 13 shall be deemed to meet the force and
displacement requirements of this section." That is also the conclusion
reached by the IBC in section 1613.6.3.
So, Bob, to your question, if the building is indeed in design category
"B", no seismic protection is required for the fire sprinkler system by ASCE7
or the IBC. Any category higher than that (C-D-E-F), will require seismic
protection.
Hope that helps.
PARSLEY CONSULTING
Ken Wagoner, SET
760.745.6181 voice
760.745.0537 fax
parsleyconsult...@cox.net <mailto:parsleyconsult...@cox.net>e-mail
www.ParsleyConsulting.com <http://www.ParsleyConsulting.com>website
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This correspondence is not a Formal Interpretation issued
pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion expressed is the personal opinion of
the author and does not necessarily represent the official position of the NFPA
or its Technical Committees. In addition, this correspondence is neither
intended, nor should it be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or
services.
On 3/14/2013 3:03 PM, Bob wrote:
> There is a project that I am not involved in, but the AHJ called for
> an opinion. The situation revolves around the idea that if a building
> is in site class C and design category B, the sway bracing
> requirements of NFPA 13 are waved by ASCE 7. I have not come across
> this before, and there is a certain fire sprinkler contractor that is
> eliminating the sway bracing, retaining straps, etc... on several
> large warehouse / distribution buildings. The claim is that ASCE 7
> allows for this. Has anyone come across this and have information
> verifying or negating it? I am meeting with several AHJ's in regard
> to this tomorrow morning, so any input will be extremely useful.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Bob Knight, CET III
> 208-318-3057
> www.firebyknight.com
>
>
>
>
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