Cabanas

[Mr. Inspector]

A-3 occupancy, type 1-B construction, sprinklered. New Indoor waterpark. Ceiling is about 60' high. They want to put cabanas around the pools inside the building. The membrane checks out ok with NFPA 701.

3102.3 Type of construction. Noncombustible membrane structures shall be classified as Type IIB construction. Noncombustible frame or cable-supported structures covered by an approved membrane in accordance with Section 3102.3.1 shall be classified as Type IIB construction. Heavy timber frame-supported structures covered by an approved membrane in accordance with Section 3102.3.1 shall be classified as Type IV construction. Other membrane structures shall be classified as Type V construction.

This code section considers it a type IIB construction. Can I allow them to put in the cabanas?

Would they need swinging doors and turning space for accessibility?

 

[FM William Burns]

From the fire side.......... they will need sprinkler protection under the Cabanas if it creates an obstruction of the sprinkler discharge pattern and development. Also verify corrosion resistant sprinkler heads etc.

 

[steveray]

They are fixtures or furnishings and only need to meet those requirements and other details as FM mentioned....they don't get a construction type....

1108.2 Assembly area seating.

Assembly areas with fixed seating shall comply with Sections 1108.2.1 through 1108.2.8.

You would certainly need some accessibility...tough to say without seeing it....

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Thanks, didn't think about the sprinklers. This could be a major problem if they need to be sprinkled inside of the cabanas. But if they are considered furnishings won't it be like installing a sprinkler under a large table?

 

[steveray]

Good question Rick....I am sure FM or one of those guys will pick that up....I can't think of an exact section in NFPA 13, I know there are obstruction criteria, but I don't know if there is a min/max # for distance off of the floor....Maybe if they get the cabanas with a "screen" type roof?

 

[mark handler]

Good question Rick....I am sure FM or one of those guys will pick that up....I can't think of an exact section in NFPA 13, I know there are obstruction criteria, but I don't know if there is a min/max # for distance off of the floor....Maybe if they get the cabanas with a "screen" type roof?

Or No "roof" on the cabanas; Just the side walls for privacy.

Like this "roof"

 

[cda]

Thanks, didn't think about the sprinklers. This could be a major problem if they need to be sprinkled inside of the cabanas. But if they are considered furnishings won't it be like installing a sprinkler under a large table?

No, over four feet thou shall sprinkle, just like kiosks in malls

 

[steveray]

NFPA 13 2002...Try 8.5.5.1 and 8.5.5.2....Vague and I could argue it either way....But ultimately the intent is the heat is supposed to reach the sprinkler and the sprinkler is supposed to reach the fire in "short order" and the applicant would have to prove it so...We put heads under garage doors that stay open for extended periods here, without more info, I don't know that this would be terribly different.....With the NFPA ratings of the cabanas, they must withstand a good bit of heat and what effect that would have on sprinkler timing would need to be addressed...

 

[mtlogcabin]

The heads are 60 ft in the air.

Not enough info for a decision

What size are they? How Many? What is the spacing between them? What are they used for?

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Waiting for plans, They only gave me the the info to show that it passes NFPA 701 so far.

 

[FM William Burns]

A.8.1.1 This standard contemplates full sprinkler protection for all areas including walk-in coolers, freezers, bank vaults, and similar areas. Other NFPA standards that mandate sprinkler installation might not require sprinklers in certain areas. Based upon experience and testing, sprinklers have been found to be effective and necessary at heights in excess of 50 ft (15.2 m).

The Cabanas are not treated by the standard as “furnishings” for the example related to “tables” and personally I don’t try to argue what the standard provides in its rationale of protection and schemes of protection since all these requirements are based in NFPA “standards” on empirical data and testing. As Mark mentions, if the tops were open there would be no obstruction to the discharge pattern from reaching the floor/density coverage area (for overhead sprinklers). Be sure to request data on the heads to verify droplet sizes are appropriate for those heights and spacing’s as MT references. When you have heads in tall spaces like atriums you’re not dealing with the typical smaller orifice standard sprinklers…….just sayin ;-)

 

[steveray]

The heads are 60 ft in the air.Not enough info for a decision

What size are they? How Many? What is the spacing between them? What are they used for?

I had a warehouse where the ESFR's were at 65' and they were only listed to 55' if I remember correctly....FM Global came out and said it would be OK....

 

[Mr. Inspector]

The cabanas are 12' x 12' and are closed on top.

2009 IBC & IFC 903.3.3 Obstructed locations. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed with due regard to obstructions that will delay activation or obstruct the water distribution pattern. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in or under covered kiosks, displays, booths, concession stands, or equipment that exceeds 4 feet (1219 mm) in width. Not less than a 3-foot (914 mm) clearance shall be maintained between automatic sprinklers and the top of piles of combustible fibers. [F]

Exception: Kitchen equipment under exhaust hoods protected with a fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Section 904.