Sprinklers in a library with minimal clearences

[PEDARRIN2]

I am looking at a sprinkler design in a library where they want to place the books so that the top books are within 0.25" from the ceiling. Also, the ceilings are the same as the floor above (concrete) and they are only about 7' high.

They want a preaction system due to concerns with vandalism.

Looking at NFPA 13, I cannot see how this will be done with the stack height they want.

I have two questions.

1. Anybody know of a way that can work with this while staying within the prescriptive parameters of the code?

2. If not, has anybody ever tried to get a variance or appeal the code requirements?

Option #2 might be the route if it is possible. The client is a major university. Therefore, they do have some clout when it comes to getting their wants satisfied.

 

[TravisMack]

The only suggestion I would have is to treat the racks where the books are stacked as "walls." Can you just place sprinklers in the individual aisles? If possible, try to maintain a minimum of 6' between the branch lines so that if the books on the top shelves are removed, you don't have to be concerned with "cold soldering."

 

[PEDARRIN2]

There is an exception that has been used for this application to put the sprinklers in each aisle because of the clearance problem, but it refers to use with "racks" which is somewhat different than the "shelves" we will have. I do not know if it will apply.