Fire Sprinkler Earthquake Protection – Sway Bracing

1. Fire Sprinkler Earthquake Protection – Sway Bracing

2. 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

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

4. 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

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

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

7. Importance of Bracing Fire Sprinklers

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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):

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

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

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

15. Brace Assembly Components

16. Sway Brace Components Structure Attachment Brace Brace Clamp

17. Structural Attachments CSBUNIV – Universal Structural

18. Structural Attachments CSBBARJ – I-Beam Attachment

19. Structural Attachments CSBIB – Adjustable I-Beam Attachment

20. Structural Attachments CSBMA – Multi Attachment

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

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

23. General Rules For Brace Placement

24. Lateral Bracing

25. Lateral Bracing • What: • 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

26. Lateral Bracing

27. 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

28. Longitudinal Bracing

29. Longitudinal Bracing • What: • 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

30. Longitudinal Bracing

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

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

33. Thank You Any Questions??