9/29/14 Fire Sprinkler Design:
The Challenge of
Special Situations
Presented by Steven Scandaliato
To receive credit for this seminar, please:
1)  sign in on Sign-In sheet;
2)  include FL-issued Student ID number;
3)  attend seminar in its entirety;
4)  submit a completed evaluation form.
Instructor
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Steven Scandaliato, S.E.T., CFPS
SDG, LLC.
5961 N. Mona Lisa Rd., Tucson, AZ 85741
Voice: (520) 971-2322
Steven Scandaliato is Principal, a NICET IV Certified Senior Engineering Technician
and Certified Fire Protection Specialist at SDG, LLC. He has over 33 years of
experience at executive, principal and senior levels for management,
engineering and design of fire protection and life safety projects. His experience
includes the development and strategic planning for the production of fire and
life safety RFP's, and FEED production for all types of active and passive fire
protection and life safety solutions; encompassing fire suppression, alarm and
detection, due diligence and existing condition evaluations, hazardous material
audits, industrial systems and special hazards. He is fluent in all major building
and life safety codes, system integration and testing and commissioning. He
serves on the Technical Advisory Committee for the American Fire Sprinkler
Association and represents AFSA as a member of the NFPA 13, 101, 102, and 5000
Committees. Steven is published in several periodicals including articles for the
NFPA Journal, Fire Marshals Quarterly, Sprinkler Age and American Society of
Plumbing Engineers. He is also a contributing author of the text published by
NFPA/SFPE titled “Designers Guide to Automatic Sprinkler Systems”. He is a
member of NFPA, SFPE, AFSA. CREDIT
INFORMATION
FL Fire Prevention Bureau #
RN10052 – 1.5 Hrs
FL Building Code Administrators
& Inspectors #
5007793 – 1 Hrs (GEN)
Provider #6225
DISCLAIMER
This seminar and its content is not a formal interpretation
issued pursuant to NFPA regulations. Any opinion expressed is
the personal opinion of the author and presenter and does
not necessarily present the official position of the NFPA and
its Technical Committees.
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1 9/29/14 Advisory information:
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• All NFPA-13 references are to
the 2013 edition, including
annex and tentative interim
amendments (TIA) issued prior
to this date
•  Important Notice: This presentation is in no manner
to be regarded as a Formal Interpretation issued
pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any opinion
expressed by the presenter 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 be relied upon, to
provide professional consultation or services.
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The Rough-In Inspection
Learning Objectives
1.  Quickly identify construction definition(s) in order
to ensure the correct sections regarding special
situations are applied.
2.  Identify the special situations and evaluate them
with regard to hazard and occupancy…not just
“what the book says”.
3.  Determine if performance based designs will be
required and hose engineered solutions can be
utilized.
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“Success has come, not because of any
thing that I have done…but in spite of
my weaknesses..”
Dominick Scandaliato
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What You Don’t Know…
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With friends like these…who needs?
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SDG copyright © 2010
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SDG copyright © 2010
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What you don’t know ? hurt you!!
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SDG, LLC copyright© 2009
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SDG, LLC copyright© 2009
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5 9/29/14 Those were the days…
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The Rough-In Inspection
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Special Situations
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¡  8.15.1Concealed Spaces
¡  8.15.2 Vertical Shafts
¡  8.15.3 Stairways
¡  8.15.4 Vertical Openings
¡  8.15.5 Elevator Hoistways and Machine Rooms
¡  8.15.6 Spaces Under Ground Floors, Exterior Docks and Platforms
¡  8.15.7 Exterior Projections
¡  8.15.8 Dwelling Units
¡  8.15.9 Hospital Clothes Closets
¡  8.15.10 Library Stack Areas and Record Storage
6 9/29/14 Special Situations
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¡  8.15.11 Electrical Equipment
¡  8.15.12 Industrial Ovens and Furnaces
¡  8.15.13 Duct Protection
¡  8.15.14 Open-Grid Ceilings
¡  8.15.15 Drop-Out Ceilings
¡  8.15.16 Old-Style Sprinklers
¡  8.15.17 Stages
¡  8.15.18 Stair Towers
¡  8.15.19 Return Bends
¡  8.15.20 Piping to Sprinklers Below Ceilings
Special Situations
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¡  8.15.21 Dry Pipe Underground
¡  8.15.22 System Subdivision
¡  8.15.23 Space Above Ceilings
¡  NEW Proposal 2016 - 8.15.24 Cloud Ceilings
Approach to Special Situations
Key Factors to Consider
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OCCUPANCY
CONSTRUCTION DEFINITION
SPRINKLER TYPE
WATER SUPPLY / TEST / DESIGN INFORMATION
(NEXT 50 YEARS)
7 9/29/14 Key Factors to Consider
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OCCUPANCY
Occupancy
Key Factors to Consider
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OCCUPANCY
CONSTRUCTION DEFINITION
SPRINKLER TYPE
WATER SUPPLY / TEST / DESIGN INFORMATION
(NEXT 50 YEARS)
8 9/29/14 Why:
Objective of Active Fire Suppression
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¡  Understanding Fire Behavior
SSSW (128 sec)
QRSW (92 sec)
Why:
Objective of Active Fire Suppression
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¡  Understanding Fire Behavior
7” deep @ 48” oc (90
sec)
24” deep @ 48” oc (103
sec)
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Construction Definitions
¡ Obstructed
¡ Solid Web
¡ 3’-0” – 7’-6”
¡ 300sq ft nuance
¡ Unobstructed
¡ Not Obstructed
When:
Occupancy and Hazard
Classifications
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¡  Introduction to Definitions
¡  Obstructed
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12 9/29/14 Key Factors to Consider
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OCCUPANCY
CONSTRUCTION DEFINITION
SPRINKLER TYPE
WATER SUPPLY / TEST / DESIGN INFORMATION
(NEXT 50 YEARS)
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Sprinkler Types
¡  Introduction to Definitions
¡  Sprinklers
¡  6 Characteristics
1. Thermal Response
2. Coverage
4. Spray Pattern
5. Occupancy
3. Orientation
6. Special
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13 9/29/14 Q = k √p
`
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¡ Position, Spacing and Location (8.5)
¡  Protection Area Per Sprinkler (horizontal)
The Rough-In Inspection
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OCCUPANCY
CONSTRUCTION DEFINITION
SPRINKLER TYPE
WATER SUPPLY / TEST / DESIGN
INFORMATION (NEXT 50 YEARS)
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8.15.1 Concealed Spaces
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Concealed Spaces
¡  Introduction to Definitions
¡  NFPA
¡  AHJ
¡  Approved
¡  Listed
¡  General
¡  Ceiling Types
¡  Fire Control vs Fire Suppression
¡ Limited Combustible
15 9/29/14 Where: Spacing & Location
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¡  3.3.13* Limited-Combustible (Material). Refers to a building construction
material not complying with the definition of noncombustible material that, in
the form in which it is used, has a potential heat value not exceeding 3500
Btu/lb (8141 kJ/kg), where tested in accordance with NFPA 259, Standard
Test Method for Potential Heat of Building Materials, and includes either of
the following: (1) materials having a structural base of noncombustible
material, with a surfacing not exceeding a thickness of 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) that
has a flame spread index not greater than 50; or (2) materials, in the form and
thickness used, having neither a flame spread index greater than 25 nor
evidence of continued progressive combustion, and of such composition that
surfaces that would be exposed by cutting through the material on any plane
would have neither a flame spread index greater than 25 nor evidence of
continued progressive combustion, when tested in accordance with ASTM E
84, Standard Test Method of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building
Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard Test Method of Surface Burning
Characteristics of Building Materials.
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Where: Spacing & Location
¡  Position, Spacing and Location (8.5)
¡  Deflector Position (vertical)
Maximum Distance Between Sprinklers
Maximum Distance from Walls
Minimum Distance from Walls
Minimum Distance Between Sprinklers
NFPA copyright © 2009
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SDG, LLC copyright© 2009
16 9/29/14 Attic Testing w/ Standard Sprinklers
Roof Damage - Test No. 2
Attic Testing w/ Standard Sprinklers Damage – Test
No. 2
Attic Testing w/ Standard Sprinklers
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Test No. 4
2:24 s. after Ignition
8:09 s. after Ignition
17 9/29/14 Attic Testing w/ Standard Sprinklers
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Test No. 4
9:13 s. after Ignition
14:08 s. after Ignition
Attic Testing w/ Standard Sprinklers Roof
Damage - Test No. 4
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Combustible Concealed Space Sprinklers
¡ Commercial /Light Hazard /NFPA 13
¡ Developed For Use with CPVC (Wood Truss Const.)
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4 m (13’)
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DRY
3m
(10’)
DRY
DRY
DRY
DRY
Testing Shows Standard
18”=
457
Spray
Sprinkler
Pattern
mm
Blocked-
19 9/29/14 Typical “CC” Location
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SDG, LLC copyright© 2009
Where: Spacing & Location
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¡ 8.15.1.2* Concealed Spaces Not Requiring
Sprinkler Protection.
8.15.1.2.1* Concealed spaces of
noncombustible and limited-combustible
construction with minimal combustible loading
having no access shall not require sprinkler
protection.
8.15.1.2.1.1 The space shall be considered a
concealed space even with small openings such
as those used as return air for a plenum.
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Where: Spacing & Location
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¡  8.15.1.2.2 Concealed spaces of noncombustible and limitedcombustible construction with limited access and not
permitting occupancy or storage of combustibles shall not
require sprinkler protection.
¡  8.15.1.2.2.1 The space shall be considered a concealed space
even with small openings such as those used as return air for a
plenum.
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21 9/29/14 Where: Spacing & Location
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¡  8.15.1.2.3 Concealed spaces formed by studs or joists with less than 6
in. (152 mm) between the inside or near edges of the studs or joists shall
not require sprinkler protection. (See 8.6.4.1.5.1.)
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Where: Spacing & Location
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¡  8.15.1.2.4 Concealed spaces formed by bar joists with
less than 6 in. (152 mm) between the roof or floor deck and
ceiling shall not require sprinkler protection.
8.15.1.2.5* Concealed spaces formed by ceilings attached
directly to or within 6 in. (152 mm) of wood joist or similar
solid member construction shall not require sprinkler
protection.
22 9/29/14 Where: Spacing & Location
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¡  8.15.1.2.6* Concealed spaces formed by ceilings attached to
composite wood joist construction either directly or onto metal channels
not exceeding 1 in. (25.4 mm) in depth, provided the joist channels are
fire-stopped into volumes each not exceeding 160 ft3 (4.53 m3) using
materials equivalent to the web construction and at least 3 1/2 in. (90
mm) of batt insulation is installed at the bottom of the joist channels
when the ceiling is attached utilizing metal channels, shall not require
sprinkler protection.
8.15.1.2.7 Concealed spaces entirely filled with noncombustible
insulation shall not require sprinkler protection.
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Where: Spacing & Location
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¡  8.15.1.2.8 Concealed spaces within wood joist construction and
composite wood joist construction having noncombustible insulation
filling the space from the ceiling up to the bottom edge of the joist of
the roof or floor deck, provided that in composite wood joist
construction the joist channels are fire-stopped into volumes each not
exceeding 160 ft3 (4.53 m3) to the full depth of the joist with material
equivalent to the web construction, shall not require sprinkler
protection.
8.15.1.2.9 Concealed spaces over isolated small rooms not exceeding
55 ft2 (5.1 m2) in area shall not require sprinkler protection.
23 9/29/14 Where: Spacing & Location
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¡  8.15.1.2.10 Concealed spaces where rigid materials are
used and the exposed surfaces have a flame spread index of
25 or less, and the materials have been demonstrated not to
propagate fire more than 10.5 ft (3.2 m) when tested in
accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method of
Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or
ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning
Characteristics of Building Materials, extended for an
additional 20 minutes in the form in which they are
installed, shall not require sprinkler protection.
Where: Spacing & Location
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¡  8.15.1.2.11* Concealed spaces in which the exposed materials are
constructed entirely of fire retardant–treated wood as defined by
NFPA 703, Standard for Fire Retardant–Treated Wood and FireRetardant Coatings for Building Materials, shall not require sprinkler
protection.
8.15.1.2.12 Noncombustible concealed spaces having exposed
combustible insulation where the heat content of the facing and substrate
of the insulation material does not exceed 1000 Btu/ft2 (11,356 kJ/m2)
shall not require sprinkler protection.
8.15.1.2.13 Concealed spaces below insulation that is laid directly on
top of or within wood joists or composite wood joists used as ceiling
joists in an otherwise sprinklered concealed space, with the ceiling
attached directly to the bottom of the joists, shall not require sprinkler
protection.
Where: Spacing & Location
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¡ 8.15.1.2.14 Vertical pipe chases under 10 ft2 (0.93
m2), where provided in multi-floor buildings where the
chases are fire-stopped at each floor using materials
equivalent to the floor construction, and where such
pipe chases shall contain no sources of ignition, piping
shall be water-filled or noncombustible and pipe
penetrations at each floor shall be properly sealed and
shall not require sprinkler protection.
8.15.1.2.15 Exterior columns under 10 ft2 (0.93 m2)
in area, formed by studs or wood joist supporting
exterior canopies that are fully protected with a
sprinkler system, shall not require sprinkler protection.
24 9/29/14 Where: Spacing & Location
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¡ 8.15.1.2.16* Concealed spaces formed by noncombustible
or limited-combustible ceilings suspended from the bottom
of wood joists, composite wood joists, wood bar joists, or
wood trusses that have insulation filling all of the gaps
between the bottom of the trusses or joists, and where
sprinklers are present in the space above the insulation
within the trusses or joists, shall not require sprinkler
protection.
8.15.1.2.16.1 The heat content of the facing, substrate,
and support of the insulation material shall not exceed 1000
Btu/ft2 (11,356 kJ/m2).
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Where: Spacing & Location
¡  8.15.1.2.17* Concealed spaces formed by noncombustible
or limited-combustible ceilings suspended from the bottom
of wood joists and composite wood joists with a maximum
nominal chord width of 2 in. (50.8 mm), where joist spaces
are full of noncombustible batt insulation with a maximum
2 in. (50.8 m) air space between the roof decking material
and the top of the batt insulation. Facing that meets the
requirements for noncombustible or limited-combustible
material covering the surface of the bottom chord of each
joist and secured in place per the manufacturer's
recommendations shall not require sprinklers.
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Where: Spacing & Location
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¡  8.15.1.2.18.1 Combustible soffits, eaves, overhangs, and decorative
frame elements shall not exceed 4 ft 0 in. (1.2 m) in width.
8.15.1.2.18.2 Combustible soffits, eaves, overhangs, and decorative
frame elements shall be draft-stopped, with a material equivalent to that
of the soffit, into volumes not exceeding 160 ft3 (4.5 m3).
8.15.1.2.18.3 Combustible soffits, eaves, overhangs, and decorative
frame elements shall be separated from the interior of the building by
walls or roofs of noncombustible or limited-combustible construction.
8.15.1.2.18.4 Combustible soffits, eaves, overhangs, and decorative
frame elements shall have no openings or unprotected penetrations
directly into the building.
26 9/29/14 Where: Spacing & Location
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¡  11.2.3.1.4 Restrictions. When either the density/area method or room
design method is used, the following shall apply:
¡  (3)*Unless the requirements of 11.2.3.1.4(4) are met for buildings
having unsprinklered combustible concealed spaces, as described in
8.15.1.2 and 8.15.6, the minimum area of sprinkler operation for that
portion of the building shall be 3000 ft2 (279 m2). The design area of
3000 ft2 (279 m2) shall be applied only to the sprinkler system or
portions of the sprinkler system that are adjacent to the qualifying
combustible concealed space.
Where: Spacing & Location
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¡  (4)The following unsprinklered concealed spaces shall not require a
minimum area of sprinkler operation of 3000 ft2 (279 m2):
(a)Noncombustible and limited-combustible concealed spaces with
minimal combustible loading having no access. The space shall be
considered a concealed space even with small openings such as
those used as return air for a plenum.
¡  (b)Noncombustible and limited-combustible concealed spaces with
limited access and not permitting occupancy or storage of
combustibles. The space shall be considered a concealed space even
with small openings such as those used as return air for a plenum.
Where: Spacing & Location
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c. Combustible concealed spaces filled entirely with noncombustible
insulation.
¡  (d)* Light or ordinary hazard occupancies where noncombustible or limitedcombustible ceilings are directly attached to the bottom of solid wood joists
or solid limited-combustible construction or noncombustible construction so
as to create enclosed joist spaces 160 ft3 (4.5 m3) or less in volume, including
space below insulation that is laid directly on top or within the ceiling joists
in an otherwise sprinklered concealed space.
¡  (e) Concealed spaces where rigid materials are used and the exposed surfaces
have a flame spread index of 25 or less and the materials have been
demonstrated to not propagate fire more than 10.5 ft (3.2 m) when tested in
accordance with ASTM E 84,
Standard Test Method of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building
Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning
Characteristics of Building Materials, extended for an additional 20 minutes
in the form in which they are installed in the space.
27 9/29/14 Where: Spacing & Location
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¡  (f) Concealed spaces in which the exposed materials are constructed
entirely of fire-retardant treated wood as defined by NFPA 703,
Standard for Fire Retardant–Treated Wood and Fire-Retardant Coatings
for Building Materials.
¡  (g) Concealed spaces over isolated small rooms not exceeding 55 ft2
(5.1 m2) in area.
¡  (h) Vertical pipe chases under 10 ft2 (0.93 m2), provided that in multifloor buildings the chases are fire-stopped at each floor using materials
equivalent to the floor construction and where such pipe chases shall
contain no sources of ignition, piping shall be noncombustible, and pipe
penetrations at each floor shall be properly sealed.
Where: Spacing & Location
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¡  (i) Exterior columns under 10 ft2 (0.93 m2) in area formed by studs or
wood joists, supporting exterior canopies that are fully protected with
a sprinkler system.
¡  (j)* Light or ordinary hazard occupancies where noncombustible or
limited-combustible ceilings are attached to the bottom of composite
wood joists either directly or on to metal channels not exceeding 1 in.
(25.4 mm) in depth, provided the adjacent joist channels are firestopped into volumes not exceeding 160 ft3 (4.5 m3) using materials
equivalent to 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) gypsum board and at least 3 1/2 in. (90
mm) of batt insulation is installed at the bottom of the joist channels
when the ceiling is attached utilizing metal channels.
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Clouds
¡  New Proposal - 8.15.24
Ceiling Cloud -­‐ Minimum width dimension (>) 2 -­‐ < 2.5 2.5 -­‐ 4 > 4 Maximum Area (sq>) -­‐ Maximum Area (sq>) -­‐ Opening width ≤ 0.5 in/> of Opening width ≤ 0.75 in/> of ceiling height ceiling height 175 225 225 70 120 150 Maximum Area (sq>) -­‐ Opening width ≤ 1 in/> of ceiling height NP 70 150 Annex material available to aid with determining values especially
with odd shaped clouds.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Sprinklers shall be QR standard or ec
EC’s cannot extend more than 16ft
Maximum cloud height is 20ft
Spacing cannot exceed light and ordinary tables
Smooth ceiling construction
Irregular shapes – smallest width and greatest gap
QR reduction not allowed if upper protection is omitted
28 9/29/14 Odd Situations
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¡  Rock Climbing Wall
¡  Atriums
¡  Mixed Occupancies
CONCLUSION
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¡  Questions & Answers
¡  Evaluations: Paper or Mobile Device
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¡  Paper: SEMINAR ID# 00481
¡  Mobile Device:
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SEMINAR ID#
00481
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