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SprinklerScene
Victoria B. Valentine, P.E., Editor

Volume XVIV No. 1 January/April 2010

NFPA 13 Seismic Coefficient Requirements


One of the biggest items in handling sprinkler systems when they are in a seismic area is the use of the proper horizontal force factor. The horizontal force in NFPA 13, 2010 Edition is noted as Fpw and is defined in Section 3.11.2. It has a simplified method of calculation for use in determining the forces for the sway braces that is Fpw = Cp Wp, where Cp is the seismic coefficient (defined in Section 3.11.1) and Wp is the weight of the system or section of the system specifically defined as 1.15 times the weight of water-filled pipe. This value is based on the Allowable Stress Design (ASD) or working stress design. The seismic coefficient (Cp) is found by a simple relationship to the 0.2-second spectral response acceleration, Ss, also called the mapped ground motion force values, laid out in Table 9.3.5.6.2. The maps are available from the building codes or geological survey information. In the United States, the US Geological Survey information is available online to the public. The table in NFPA 13 has made many worst case assumptions. They have been built in so that the process of determining the coefficient is straightforward for the user. This means that some scenarios could benefit from calculating the horizontal force from the building code equations and not using the simplified but worst case assumptions. In some parts of the world the Cp term has caused confusion due to the use of the same notation that holds different meaning in local code requirements. This is where Annex E is helpful. This is a new annex added for the 2010 Edition that provides the supporting information for the seismic requirements, especially the calculation of the horizontal force factor and the loading for the lateral sway braces. Figure E.3 exemplifies that Cp is the simplistic culmination of many other variables in the force equations typically found in building codes, insurance guidelines or other local codes. The force equation that is used for mechanical systems, such as fire sprinkler systems, is one that with the appropriate values for the variables in the equation could be applied to other components of the building and its structure. The letters that represent the variables may be different from one countrys requirements to the next. Therefore, it is important to understand the variables that have been rolled into the Cp term in NFPA 13 as well as the intent of the NFPA 13 Committee to apply the expected forces to the sprinkler system. The horizontal force needs to incorporate the short period spectral response acceleration expected along with items such as the importance factor for the system, the response factor for the
Published by the National Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc. for members of the International Fire Sprinkler Association 40 Jon Barrett Road Patterson, New York 12563 USA Telephone: + 011-845-878-4200 Fax: +011-845-878-4215 Website: www.sprinklerworld.org Information contained in this newsletter is derived from sources believed to be reliable. NFSA cannot guarantee accuracy of all information. 2010 NFSA, Inc. Cannot be reproduced without permission of the editor.

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component, the amplification factor for the component and the location height in the building. The short period spectral response acceleration incorporates the type of soil where a building is erected. The importance factor for sprinkler systems is always 1.5 because the system is a life safety system and is therefore expected to operate after an earthquake has occurred. The response factor and amplification factor for the system are based on the materials used for the construction of the system and the types of connections and fittings used to join the parts of the system together. Finally, there is a component that takes into account the location of the system relative to the height of the building. All of these items are rolled into the Cp value used in NFPA 13. Since the 2007 Edition of NFPA 13 the Committee has emphasized that the horizontal force used in the load calculations for seismic protection, specifically sway braces, should come from the local codes. Traditionally, a default value of 0.5 Wp was used for the horizontal force. However, this is now meant to be a value only used when no other information is available to the user about the seismic forces. In other words, local forces need to be applied but if none are available 0.5 Wp is a reasonable protection level. It is also important to note that there are alternatives, as mentioned above, to using the simplified method. This would involve the local building code, insurance company or authority having jurisdiction providing the appropriate values or appropriate methods for determining the horizontal forces expected. If the method used is in the actual strength design, as many building code calculations are, then a conversion must be made for the ASD that is used in NFPA 13. This is done by multiplying the value from the strength design by 0.7 in order to use it with NFPA 13 and the ASD method.

Announcing: IFSA Classes in Puebla, Mexico


The IFSA is pleased to announce that it will be returning to Puebla, Mexico to teach at the end of summer. Classes will be held for three days at the Holiday Inn Express Puebla, Blvd Hermano Serdan, Puebla, Mexico from 31 August to 2 September 2010. The topics for the three-day program are CPVC Piping Installation Requirements and Procedures, Commissioning and Acceptance Testing of Sprinkler Systems, Sprinkler Protection for Rack Storage, and Inspection, Testing and Maintenance. The classes are presented in English with simultaneous translation into Spanish. Information is also available on the IFSA website, www.sprinklerworld.org, under the tab Seminars. For questions or to register by email contact seminars@sprinklerworld.org.

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Mr. Robert Treiber instructing last years IFSA Mexico class, also in Puebla, Mexico.

World News
Fire Sprinkler Save in France
Local French press reports that a fire in a warehouse has been extinguished by the sprinkler system. The fire was reported at 14:55 on 14th March at the Trelleborg factory in Steinbach in the east of France. When the fire brigade arrived the fire was already out. The fire was caused by a short-circuit in a lathe in the heart of the factory and warehouse.

Imex4
The NFPA Mexico Fire Expo, co-located with Expo Seguridad, Facilities Mexico, and Mexico Safety in Mexico City, Mexico was held on 20-22 April 2010. This created an integrated event for the security, safety, fire and facilities divisions as well as an enormous show. Education sessions were given in the morning followed by the show and exhibitor presentations in the afternoon. The IFSA was present at the NFPA Mexico Fire Expo for its 3rd year.

8th International Fire Sprinkler Conference


A huge success, delegates attending the conference in Brussels 21-22 April 2010 heard the latest news about sprinkler-related legislative initiatives; future developments in standards; and water-based systems research. They also learned about new products and technologies from the exhibitors at the highly successful networking event. Some stayed to round off the conference in style with a gala dinner at the elegant Chteau Sainte-Anne. The conference was a great success and all are looking forward to the next one in Paris in 2012!

Upcoming Events
10-13 May 2010 7-10 June 2010 8-9 June 2010 IFSEC 2010 www.ifsec.co.uk NFPA Conference & Expo www.nfpa.org/conference 11th International Fire Prevention Symposium www.interschutz.de/60448 8th International Conference on Performance Based Codes & Fire Safety Design Methods www.sfpe.org 12th International Conference on Fire Science & Engineering (Interflam) IFSEC 2010 South Africa www.ifsecsa.com IFSA Classes Puebla, Mexico United Kingdom United States Germany

16-18 June 2010 5-7 July 2010 31 August 2 September 2010 31 August 2 September 2010

Sweden United Kingdom South Africa Mexico

Editors Note: If you have upcoming industry events, sprinkler saves, or industry news, please send it to valentine@sprinklerworld.org. Also, remember to visit the website www.sprinklerworld.org for industry news and updates on upcoming events.

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