Sprinklers in a Gymnasium

[KLH]

Hello all,

The 2009 International Building Code requires sprinklers in enclosed areas within buildings containing "smoke-protected assembly seating" per Paragraph 1028.6.2.3.

I don't see a requirement for sprinklers in similar areas within buildings containing seating without smoke protection.

This seems odd to me. Am I missing something?

Thanks in advance.
Ken

 

[acb324]

Ken,

I think you need to take a look at the IBC chapter 9, particularly 903.2 Where Required. Sprinklers are required based on occupancy type, occupant load, and fire area, among other requirements. See if that clears anything up for you. It's hard to say much more without more details of your occupancy.

Amanda

 

[cdafd]

agree start with chapter 9

 

[KLH]

Thanks for your responses.

This is not for a specific sprinkler project. I stumbled across 1028.6.2.3 by chance.

I did look at 903 and as an example, a gym (A-4) with a fire area less than 12,000 square feet does not require an automatic sprinkler system per 903.2.1.4.

But according to 1028.6.2.3, it does require a sprinkler system, regardless of fire area, but only if it has a smoke-protected seating. Though not clearly stated, it appears no sprinklers are required if the seating area is not smoke-protected. This seems backwards and that is what doesn't make sense to me. Also, the definition of smoke-protected seating seems broad.

Thanks!

 

[Sdpaddler50]

"smoke protected seating" sounds like an oxymoron to me.

 

[acb324]

SMOKE-PROTECTED ASSEMBLY SEATING. Seating served by means of egress that is not subject to smoke accumulation within or under a structure. Seems that there has to be some form of mechanical or natural smoke control.

As far as 903.2.1.4 - be careful not to overlook the occupant load. I have sprinklered lecture halls that exceed a 300 person occupant load but were only ~4000 sqft. I would take a look at the amount of people the gym is meant to accommodate during an event.

 

[stookeyfpe]

KLH,

Your asking a question asking us to look into a box without knowing how to open it.

First, your trying to equate a means of egress provision to when sprinklers are required (I think). Sprinkler requirements are found in Chapter 9 of the IBC and are based on:

[ul]The building fire area[/ul]
[ul]The occupancy[/ul]
[ul]The occupant load[/ul]
[ul]The building's height or area[/ul]
[ul]If the building contains hazardous materials or high-piled combustible storage[/ul]

Second, what's the use of the building and its seating? My office is in a fire station and it doesn't have sprinklers. But I have a bar one block away and it seats 600.

A gymnasium with spectator seating with an occupant load > 50 is classified as a Group A-4 occupancy by the IBC. Sprinkler protection is required when the occupant load exceeds 300 or the fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet.

Smoke protected assembly is a design option allowed by the IBC for assembly occupancies with an occupant load > 1000. Because the occupant load is > 300, it's already required to be sprinklered. The provision you are citing is provided to correlate back to Chapter 9 and secondly, provide a place holder for specific sprinkler exceptions in a Group A occupancies.

 

[KLH]

Thanks Stookeyfpe, but as I mentioned, this is not for a specific application. I have no problem determining if sprinklers are required by using Chapter 9. My problem was with 1028.6.2.3. But I think you answered my question.

Paragraph 1028.6.2.3 talks about "enclosed areas with walls and ceilings in buildings or structures containing smoke-protected assembly seating." After reading this section again, I believe the "enclosed areas" pertains to the means of egress from the seating area. I was equating the "enclosed area" to the whole (hypothetical) gym.

If that's true, now it makes sense.

Thanks again to all.

Regards,
Ken