SPRINKLER PROTECTION IN ATRIUM SPACES,
IS DELUGE AN OPTION?
Ing. J.C. (Johan) Hoogeweg
DGMR, Netherlands
Fire Sprinkler International 2014

Introduction:
Objective:
To give an insight in the daily practice of a fire engineer regarding
High atrium spaces and sprinklers.
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The problem? (1)
Architect:
• Empty atrium / no fire load
• Larger and higher (>40 m)
Users: no limits in usage:
• Seating area’s
• (Car) exhibition
• Service desks
• Shops
• Libraries
• Stages
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The problem? (2)
Dutch building code:
• Fire compartiments (FC) max 1.000 m2, 60 minutes rating between FC’s:
• Atrium is > 1.000 m2
• Atrium is open with the surrounding floors (no walls/glass)
• Atrium wall is glass (60 minutes rating around 400-600 €/m2)
• In the past a atrium without fire compartments was acceptable if:
• Slow growing fire (max 25 m2 after 30 minutes)
• Smoke and heat venting
• However this is no longer generally accepted by the fire brigade
• Option: Sprinkler to control the fire
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Sprinkler code limits
Code
EN 12845
FM global
NFPA 13
Max hight
12 meters
30 meters
15,3 meters remark
• Discussion if this is acceptable
(will K80 sprinklers control a fire?)
• Wet systems only
• Limited ceiling slope
• Lot of fire damage (fire and smoke) due to late activation
• Test reports are ‘secret’.
• Discussion if this is acceptable
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Deluge Concept (1)
Concept:
• 100% based on existing sprinkler technology
• Apply water over the total area of the protected space
• Density the same as sprinkler code
(depends on hazard)
• System activated by fire detection system
• Sidewall sprinklers or sprinklers under the ceiling
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Will it work (example case)?
Aspect
Hazard
Density
Design Area
Ceiling height
Activation
First sprinkler / system activated
Fire size
Fire controle
Real fire test
EN 12845: OH1
5 mm/min
72 m2
8 meters
Sprinkler head
18:34 [min:sec]*
Large
YES
Deluge concept
EN 12845: OH1
5 mm/min
Total atrium (>72 m2)
31 meters
Fire detection system
< 5 minutes
Smaller than sprinkler
YES
* source: VdS office OH1 fire test
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Activation
• Activation by fire detection system
• reliable detection (false detection  water!)
• Always ‘double knock’ system
• Smoke detection and flame detection (all directions)
• Fire size:
• 0.25 m2
• Foam
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Flame detection
ASD

Safegards
It’s a complex systems, accidental activation of the system is possible!
To prevent unwanted activation:
1) ‘Double knock’ fire detection
2) Delay in activation of the system (manual override)
Sample:
Detection time flame detection
Detection time smoke detection [3:00]
Max. delay time [4:00]
Activation time sprinkler (calculated/fire test) [7:00]
9 time
Fire Sprinkler International 2014

Sprinkler heads
Sprinkler heads:
• (EC) sidewall sprinklers
• (EC) pendent/upright sprinklers
• Listed/approved for risk (VdS/LPC/UL/CE)
• Glass bulb removed, after pressure test
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Design Area (1)
Design area:
• Location 1: total atrium
• Location 2: normal design area sprinkler
(e.g. EN 12845 OH 72 m2)
• Location 3:
• Normal sprinklers + Deluge protection?
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Design Area - Zoned systems
Limit water demand en water
Damage
Fire in zone A:
A+B activated
Fire in zone B:
B+C+D activated
• Advanced flame detection required (if possible)
• Not possible in square or round atriums
• More valves and piping required
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Water management
In case of activation, water damage could be a issue:
• Water in elevator shafts/server rooms/storage  € € € € € € €
• Keep in mind:
• Water drains
• Barriers (2/3 cm is enough)
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Deluge cases
Building
Police Academy, Apeldoorn
Hirsch building, store
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Eneco HQ Rotterdam
Hilton Schiphol
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Curved ceiling
Outside FM 3-26 / FM 2-0 scope
8 meter atrium
Architect: no sprinklers under glass roof
Protection of restaurant seating area
Existing roof structure
Atrium height: 25 m
Pre FM 3-26 K360
Atrium height: 42m

Case 1: Hilton Amsterdam Airport (1)
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Case 1: Hilton Amsterdam Airport (2)
• Ceiling height: 42 meters
• 676 m2 (26*26 meters)
• ‘no limits’
• parking cars
• exhibitions
• stages
• Seating area’s
• Sprinkler code: NFPA 13
• Ordinary hazard group 2
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Case 1: Hilton Amsterdam Airport (3)
Sprinkler design:
-Sidewall sprinklers only
-Design area sprinkler:
- 4,9 * 7,3 m
No coverage in the centre of the atrium
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Case 1: Hilton Amsterdam Airport (4)
Solution: Sprinkler column
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Case 1: Hilton Amsterdam Airport (5)
Design area atrium:
-3 columns
-24 sidewall sprinklers
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Case 1: Hilton Amsterdam Airport (6)
Design area -atrium:
-24 sidewall sprinklers
-291 l/min/sprinkler
-Water demand:
-24 sprinklers * 291 l/min * 60 minutes *1.2 (hydraulic imbalance) =
503 m3
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Case 2: Eneco World, Rotterdam
Position of flame detection
• Ceiling level: 25-35 m
• Horeca area
• Event area
• Sprinkler heads:
• Sidewall sprinklers
• In the koffee corner
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Position of sprinkler heads

Conclusion
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Is deluge THE solution: NO
Will deluge control a fire: same a sprinkler (maybe better)
Water damage: YES
Fire and smoke damage: Small
Is deluge A solution: in some cases?
Fire Sprinkler International 2014

Discussions
Questions, discussions?
23 Fire Sprinkler International 2014 jho@dgmr.nl