Fire Sprinkler Earthquake Protection – Sway Bracing

Abstract Earthquake sway bracing for fire sprinklers will become normative in the EN12845 Annex Building structures are protected against earthquakes and so should the life safety system of fire sprinklers

Abstract Fire sprinkler protection provided thru: Joint flexibility Proper clearances Sway Bracing Sway bracing consists of: Lateral Longitudinal 4Way

Abstract Brace design is based on the amount of sprinkler pipe weight within a zone of influence (ZOI) for a given horizontal seismic load (“g” force) Requires calculations and submittals to AHJ’s showing brace meets design loads

Abstract Brace assembly strength is limited to the load capacity of the weakest component Requires 3rd party load testing & certification

Today’s Presentation Importance of bracing fire sprinklers Brace assembly components General rules for brace placement

Importance of Bracing Fire Sprinklers

FM Global - Understanding the Hazard “Lack of Earthquake Bracing on Sprinkler System”

10 Year Period (FM Global) 561 earthquakes worldwide $315 million (USD) in damages facilities $560,000 (USD) average loss 50% of average loss is due to sprinkler system failure

How Damage Occurs Building movement is different than the fire sprinkler pipe Unbraced fire sprinklers damage may occur by: Hitting walls, suspended ceilings or other building systems Fittings break due to twisting Couplings can separate or leak during excessive bending, rotation or movement

Additional Concerns Protecting against loss from fire or water leakage is a critical towards recovery from an earthquake Time for water leak discharge to fill a 14 ft x 14 ft (4.3m x 4.3m) room to depth of 1 foot (30cm) based on 50 psi (3.4 bar):

Ways to Avoid Sprinkler Damage Bracing Flexibility Clearance Other Considerations Brace suspended ceilings Weak brace and/or hanger attachments Anchoring of equipment, tanks & racks

Costs to Brace 3 – 4% if installed with the sprinkler system Retrofit costs vary widely from an estimated $100 - $500 USD per brace location

Importance of Sprinkler Bracing - Summary Critical after earthquake protection against: Water leaks Fires Decreases loss of: Property Function / use of facilities Increases life safety

Brace Assembly Components

Sway Brace Components Structure Attachment Brace Brace Clamp

Structural Attachments CSBUNIV – Universal Structural

Structural Attachments CSBBARJ – I-Beam Attachment

Structural Attachments CSBIB – Adjustable I-Beam Attachment

Structural Attachments CSBMA – Multi Attachment

Brace Clamps – Lateral Only CSBQIKCL – Quick Grip Jr CSBQG – Quick Grip

Brace Clamps – Lateral & Longitudinal CSBEZU and CSBSTU Universal Brace Clamp

General Rules For Brace Placement

Lateral Bracing

Lateral Bracing What: Where: Feed and cross mains (any size) Branch and other piping > 2 ½” (65mm) diameter Where: 40 ft o.c. (12m) maximum spacing On the last length of pipe at the end of a main Within 6 ft (1.8m) of the end of the pipe

Lateral Bracing

Lateral Bracing Can act as longitudinal brace if installed within 2 ft (0.6m) of piping braced longitudinally Note that Pipe A Diameter > Pipe B Diameter

Longitudinal Bracing

Longitudinal Bracing What: Where: Feed and cross mains (any size) Branches > 2 ½” (65mm) diameter NFPA 13  Not Required FM DS 2-8  Required if longer than 40 ft (12.2m) Where: 80 ft (24.2m) o.c. maximum spacing Within 40 ft (12.2m) of the end of the pipe or change in direction

Longitudinal Bracing

Longitudinal Bracing Can act as a lateral brace if installed within 2 ft (0.6m) of piping braced laterally

Riser Bracing Riser tops exceeding 3 ft (0.9m) in length Maximum Spacing = 25 ft (7.6m) o.c.

Thank You Any Questions??