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Omnimax Theatre

annoyitated

annoyitated

SAWHORSE
Joined
Oct 25, 2013
Messages
43
Location
Pittsburgh
We are currently renovating an Omnimax Theatre into a Large Screen Theatre and have a question concerning sprinkler protection.

The original theatre was required to meet 1990 BOCA which required all levels to be sprinklered in an A-1, with the exception of "auditorium areas". The existing Omnimax was not sprinklered.

We are now removing the perforated dome and putting in a flat perforated metal ceiling - matching the dome perforations to enable us to re-use much of the HVAC distribution system.

We are following 2009 IBC, Type IIA, A-3 Museum (building) and A-1 (theatre). The A-1 theatre does not exceed 300 occupants. It also does not appear to have a fire area greater than 12,000 feet although some of the fire barriers are existing walls and it has been difficult to determine if they would form the edge of the fire area. However, the fire area of the theatre could be considered to be located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge serving such occupancy since it has an exit level on the second floor and an entry level at the ground floor.

Our engineers are currently indicating upright sprinklers protecting the interstitial space above the perforated metal ceiling and concealed (drop down) heads in the perforated metal ceiling.

Do you feel you need both layers of protection would be required?
 
Not a boca person, that was an interesting code section

Are you asking under present building code is it required ??
That could be no, since no change of occupancy.???

Under NFPA 13, more than likely the answer is yes.

Under liability Yes
 
Not asking if sprinklers are required, I am pretty sure they are due to having a fire area on a level other than the level of exit discharge. What i am asking is whether we need both the up turned sprinklers above a perforated ceiling AND the sprinklers located in the perforated ceiling. Our fire protection engineer feels that the heads at the ceiling line could be deleted since the upper heads provide structure protection and water would make its way down to occupied areas through the ceiling but isn't quite sure the code official would see it that way. We were curious how this forum would see that issue.
 
The FPE is not sure

Do you have a cross section you can post or take a picture of.
And the ceiling panels



There is the egg crate open grid ceiling rule in NFPA 13, 8.15.4 but it has about three criterias to meet.


What is the above ceiling material ??? Combustible or non combustible??
 
8.15.13 in the 2010 NFPA 13.....70% open 1/4" holes min......with some other requirements so you will have to look at the actual section...
 
We found the same section and agree that given our panels only have 23% openness we will continue to provide both levels of protection. Thanks to everyone!
 
1990 BOCA
1002.1 Use Group A-1: throughout all Use Group A-1 fire areas, an automatic fire suppression system shall be provided as follows:
  1. Throughout the entire story or floor level where the A-1 Use Group is located;
  2. Throughout all stories and floor levels below the A-1 Use Group; and
  3. Throughout all intervening stories and floor levels between the A-1 Use Group and the level of exit discharge of exits that service the Use Group A-1 fire area, including the level of exit discharge.
Exception: Auditorium area.

I'm confused if the work is limited the A-1 "fire area"? If so then the sprinkler would still be exempt as the alteration to the ceiling does not increase the fire area.

In my opinion where it specifies that alterations meet new construction is intended for the applicable provisions for that work. This would be for materials and construction of the ceiling to meet the current code including any fire rating as applicable or fire protection if provided. The retrofit application would be for structural.

2009 IBC
3404.1 General. Except as provided by Section 3401.4 or this section, alterations to any building or structure shall comply with the requirements of the code for new construction. Alterations shall be such that the existing building or structure is no less complying with the provisions of this code than the existing building or structure was prior to the alteration.

3401.5 Alternative compliance. Work performed in accordance with the International Existing Building Code shall be deemed to comply with the provisions of this chapter.

2009 IEBC
WORK AREA. That portion of portions of a building consisting of all reconfigured spaces as indicated on the construction documents. Work area excludes of other portions of the building where incidental work entailed by the intended work must be performed and portions of the building where work not initially intended by the owner is specifically require by this code.

The term "reconfigured space" is key to understanding the definition of "work area", and is used on its own to establish one type of level 2 alteration in section 404 (2009 IEBC). The terms "reconfiguration of space" are not defined in the code but must be properly applied to accurately establish both work areas, and level 2 and 3 alterations.

The working definition recommended by Virginia is:

The floor area of a building where walls are proposed to be added, relocated, or removed.

Alterations that are not reconfiguration of space include:
  • Addition or elimination of any door or window (Level 2)
  • Reconfiguration, extension or removal of any system such as mechanical, electrical or fire protection system (Level 2)
  • installation of any additional equipment (Level 2)
  • removal or replacement of floor and ceiling finish materials (Level1)
  • addition of new floor and ceiling materials (Level 1)
Your jurisdiction may be different.
 
annoyitated said:
We found the same section and agree that given our panels only have 23% openness we will continue to provide both levels of protection. Thanks to everyone!
Click to expand...


What is the construction material above the ceiling????

Combustible

Non combustible
 
If ducts run above the ceiling and they are not rated then that could be further justification to sprinkler above the ceiling.
Also if the ceiling panels are plastic they could melt and drop on occupants (remember MGM?!)
 
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