What I have is an FM global warehouse with peak @ 32'-4" and weird bracing at end bay

[SprinklerDesigner2]

I have a 60,000 sq ft warehouse that has an existing system that FM Global wants "reinforced" which can be interpreted as replaced.

See the layout below and it does appear to me we could meet FM's requirements on minimum spacing by installing a baffle on top of a W8 beam as shown in my sketch below:

One of the options given by the FM Field Agent was K16.8 upright sprinklers discharging 10 sprinklers @ 35 psi.

Luckily we have to deal with the beams, which have to be for wind bracing, on just the end of the building. I included a couple photo's to try to make things clear.

Look at figure 26 which appears to fit my layout. Anyone have experience with this?

 

[TravisMack]

Are you trying to use baffles to be less than 8' on center? If so, that is not permitted in straight NFPA 13. You may be able to get it through on FM stuff as you have the highlighted text to support your position.

Travis Mack, SET, CWBSP, RME-G, CFPS
MFP Design, LLC

http://www.mfpdesign.com

 

[SprinklerDesigner2]

In this situation an ESFR system per NFPA would he impossible or at least I can't see how it would be done.

This is not an ESFR system and the heads are not ESFR heads.

From FM's recommendation letter:

I have lots of water (6,000 gpm) through multiple fire pumps but the highest pressure is 100 psi. I am thinking of using the Viking VK580 Standard Response Sprinkler

Preliminary calcs indicate I have the choice between 2 1/2" lines with 4" mains or 2" lines with 6" mains and I hate running 6" mains in a bent metal purlin building because it is really tough finding a building manufacturer that will accept 6" mains.

I am not really sure how to interpret this.. seems to me I am limited to two branch lines in the space but they need to be at least 8'-0" apart.

I will call the FM rep for this project but I am hoping to get a "jump start" if you will.

 

[TravisMack]

Factory mutual has eliminated use of the term ESFR or CMSA for sprinklers. They are storage or non-storage sprinklers. As I understand it, you basically have to treat all storage sprinkler spacing like we are thinking ESFR in NFPA terms.

It does seem that FM does have the guidance for being in every beam pocket, so you should be good there. I would definitely want the FM rep to have a say as well.

Travis Mack, SET, CWBSP, RME-G, CFPS
MFP Design, LLC

http://www.mfpdesign.com

 

[SprinklerDesigner2]

It does appear I'm good but I fired off a detailed letter to the FM field agent this morning just to make sure.

I don't think it would be a big problem because the warehouse itself is nearly 61,000 sq ft with the area in question being 2,060 sq ft.

What temperature heads? I know the question sounds silly but last year I installed sprinklers in a peanut roaster bldg where FM wanted 155 F heads which really surprised me given the heat in the bldg but they are the insurer which would make it their problem.