In my State, I would be able to explain it to such a customer like this: We don't specify the exact scope of work divisions amongst the building design team; however, the plans must comply with the applicable code requirements. Therefore, you may need to discuss who on the design team is responsible with the person designated as the "design professional in responsible charge" (see 2012 IBC 107.3.4).
One method [the needed fire flow calculations such as per 2012 IFC Section 507 (Appendix B is one of several possible calculation methods such as ISO, NFPA 1, etc.)] is for the amount of water [gpm] needed by the fire department to fight a fire when they arrive on the scene which (once calculated) allows the designer to determine the number of hydrants needed to supply that water. It is a calculation used for all buildings regardless of whether they have a sprinkler system protecting them or not. Based on the wording of 2012 IFC 507.3, consultation with the fire code official is needed to ensure the calculation method used is approved by them. The other method [such as sprinkler system calculations per NFPA 13] is the amount needed by the building's fire protection system to perform its design function and comply with the water supply requirements in the applicable NFPA standard [per 2012 IFC 903.3.5]. The NFF calculation result (for the FD fire suppression/extinguishment activities) is typically the greater GPM controlling how much water is needed for the site water supply, and the calculation is typically reduced if the building is sprinklered. [For a discussion of calculation factors see https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/coffee-break/cb_fp_2013_37.pdf.] Respectfully, David W. S. Blackwell, II, PE, CFPE, CFI I Chief Engineer Office of State Fire Marshal SC Department of Labor, Licensing, & Regulation, 141 Monticello Trail, Columbia, SC 29203 Telephone: 803.896.9800 [Office] 803.896.9833 [Direct] Fax: 803.896.9806 [Office] Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.scfiremarshal.llronline.com/ Please note that you can find a lot of information on our website at http://www.scfiremarshal.llronline.com/ including contact information, current events, laws, regulations, policies, forms, procedures, and links to other website resources for further information. -----Original Message----- From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Brian Harris Sent: Tuesday, December 22, 2015 1:47 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Fire Flow vs Hydraulic calc's *** SCDLLR NOTICE *** This email is from an external email address. Please use caution when deciding whether to open any attachments or when clicking links inside the email. Can someone please put into laymen's terms the difference between doing a fire flow demand calc for the underground and the hydraulic calc's for the sprinkler system? We have been running into some projects lately where the civil engineer tries to pawn sizing the underground off onto the sprinkler contractor. I try telling them that's their responsibility not ours but I'd like something more definitive to have on hand. Brian Harris, CET BVS Systems Inc. Sprinkler Division bvssystemsinc.com<http://bvssystemsinc.com/> Phone: 704.896.9989 Fax: 704.896.1935 _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org
