Request for Proposals

Smoke Detector Spacing Requirements for Complex Beamed and Sloped Ceilings

Background: In 2005, the Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) undertook a computer
simulation study to evaluate and develop new smoke detector spacing rules related to deep beam
and waffle ceiling construction for level ceilings, using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS). Code
change proposals were submitted during the most recent NFPA 72 code change process based on
this work and accepted by the Committee.

Scope of Work: To provide further verification for the accepted code changes, and to extend the
work to sloped ceiling configurations, a Phase 2 is proposed to (1) validate the level ceiling
recommendations through in-situ full scale hot smoke tests; (2) extend the Phase I work by
performing additional FDS modeling of parallel beam or joist channels on level ceilings; and (3)
evaluate smoke detector spacing requirements for sloped ceilings through FDS computer
simulations.
Tasks:
The Foundation seeks a project consultant to provide the testing, modeling, analysis and
documentation services of the Phase 2 program that will include:
a. Construct full scale corridor geometry with beams comparable to that in the model
simulations used in the Phase 1 study and construct a beam pocket ceiling for testing.
With a 100 kW fire in the corridor and under the beam pocket ceiling, perform tests to
determine the response of detectors located at key locations along the corridor ceiling
and beam pocket ceiling. Detectors are to be mounted in the beam pockets and at the
bottom of beams. Tests are to be documented and analyzed with respect to the findings
of Phase 1.
b.
Perform FDS modeling of level ceilings having parallel joist or beam channels to
determine if the NFPA 72 spacing rules for parallel joists/beams are appropriate.
c.
Perform FDS modeling for sloped ceilings with varying configurations of beam/joist
channels and, also beam pocket arrangements. Develop recommended spacing
guidelines for sloped ceilings.
d.
Provide a review/comparison of results with earlier NFPRF Fire Detection Research
Project reports (1993-1994) to identify/explain consistencies or inconsistencies with the
data available in this Phase 2 program.
IMPLEMENTATION:
The research program will be conducted under the auspices of the Fire Protection Research
Foundation and will be guided by a Project Technical Panel consisting of technical experts in the
field.
The Panel will select the contractor, review periodic reports of progress and research
results, and review the final project reports.
REPORTING and DELIVERABLES:
8/31/2006

The project consultant will provide periodic reporting and communication on all project tasks to the
Project Technical Panel and will prepare the following deliverables: a detailed work plan, draft
reports upon completion of each task, and draft and final project reports. If directed, the contractor
will present the results of the study to the NFPA Technical Committee on Initiating Devices.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:
report.

The Research Foundation will retain rights to the project

PROJECT MILESTONES and Approximate SCHEDULE

Proposals Due
Selection of Contractor
Draft Report
Final Report

September 29, 2006

November 15, 2006
October 31, 2007
December 15, 2007

HOW TO RESPOND
Letter proposals (not to exceed six pages) shall be submitted electronically to Kathleen Almand,
Executive Director of the Foundation, at kalmand@nfpa.org no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT
September 29, 2006. Each proposal shall include a description of the following which will be
weighted equally in evaluation of proposals:
Prior relevant experience and personnel expertise
Scope and technical approach
Schedule and cost (detailed by task).

Note: This project will proceed only on the basis of receipt of a proposal deemed acceptable to the
Foundation and project sponsors.

DeepBeamCeiling Proposal (Phase 2)

8/31/2006