JKJeremy
Member
I have an existing theater fully sprinkled with a large stage, in which the stage is being modified and is partially over a basement area. The modifications to the stage will include mainly building different levels, steps, platforms etc. onto the existing stage surface which is a combination of plywood and MDF sandwich layers on an aluminum grid support system. We intend to build the new levels/steps etc. using cold formed metal studs and joists with a similar plywood/MDF sandwich floor. The basement area under the stage is sprinkled and a small portion of the existing stage (not over the basement) is a concealed area over the main floor concrete slab approximately 3'-4" in height is currently sprinkled. My question is do concealed areas under stages require sprinklers if the rest of the building is fully sprinkled and you are using non-combustible supporting structure. The only mention that I see in the code (410.6) references not requiring sprinklers under stages that are less than 4' in height and are utilized for storage of tables and chairs if you provide 5/8 type x gyp. separating that area from all other areas. Where does it require sprinklers under stages in the first place and if it does not then this section would only seem to apply if the concealed space is being used for storage, which we are not doing with our modifications.