Automatic Sprinkler System Design
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Ali AimranAutomatic Sprinkler System Design
Uploaded by
Ali AimranAUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM DESIGN
the design standards are according to the LPC rules on automatic sprinkler system (BS 5306: Part 2);
Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) 1984; and the requirements of the Malaysian Fire Services and
Rescue Department.
There are six steps in the System Design Methodology
STEP ONE : BUILDING SURVEY
A thorough study on the building design is essential before establishing the correct concept for the
automatic sprinkler system. According to Uniform Building By Laws, Fifth and Tenth schedule -----
VIII- storage and general with single compartment volume exceed 1000 cubic meters, it is clearly
stated that basement car park area requires automatic sprinkler coverage. Further study to the
building layout shows that the sprinkler tank is to be located at the basement car park area. The
pump room is located next to the tank.
STEP TWO: HAZARD GROUP CLASSIFICATION
Basement car park area is classified as Ordinary Hazard Group 3 (OH3) as we refer to the Table 3 of
the BS 5306: Part 2. Based on the floor height requiring automatic sprinkler system, OH3 - 15 meters
has been selected according to table 22. The sprinkler tank design capacity is 135 cubic meters,
which can be referred to table 22. The suction pipe size can be referred to table 29.
STEP THREE: SPACE PLANNING
A few aspect needed to be taken into consideration for the water tank and pump room planning.
They are
(a) BS5306 part 1 requirement
(b) Requirement of Prevention Division of the local governing Fire Services and Rescue Department.
(c) Engineering Limitation
(d) Architecture Aesthetic View
STEP FOUR: SPRINKLER LAYOUT
Once the location and dimensions of the sprinkler tank and pump room have been determined, the
next steps is to determine the route of the piping mains and sprinkler array layout. There are no rigid
rules about how to determine the route of the sprinkler piping mains and the distribution pipe
works. The 'Rule of thumb' is to experiment with the designer's personal touch. However, keep the
pipe work as "simple arrayed" and requiring the shortest pipe lengths as possible. The target is to
provide the best economical design with full compliance to all governing codes, standards and by
laws.
Area of which can be for coverage per OH3 sprinkler point is 12 sq meters, as referred to in table 70.
Usually, gird lines of 3 meter by 4 meters are being used to determine the sprinkler layout. Each
interception of the grid line symbolizes a sprinkler layout. Once the sprinkler layouts for the floor are
done, the quantity of sprinkler points can be computed to determine the number of main
installation alarm valve required. The size of the installations, sections and zones can be referred to
Section 2, Clause 6.3.2 of the BS 5306:Part 2. After sprinkler points quantity computation has been
completed, we concluded that the car park requires two installation valve to achieve optimum
zoning and maintenance control based on the architectural design for the two basement
compartments.
STEP FIVE: SPRINKLER PIPE SIZING
Range of piping which are sized based on pre determined method can be referred to in ------- 58 of
the BS5306 : Part 2. The calculation of the distribution pipe shall begin from the highest point most
designed point in the system and worked "backward" towards the installation valve. Friction losses
on straight pipes and other fittings can be calculated with reference made to Clause 18.2.2 and Table
36 and 37.
STEP SIX: DRAWING PRODUCTION PRESENTATION
Upon completion of the above steps, the initial layout of the whole sprinkler system is in shape. This
initial layout shall be further developed by a draught-person in a set of preliminary drawings, which
show the sprinkler tank and pump room layout, installation valve location, riser mains, all range and
distribution pipe works and other information. As the drawings develop, minor amendments and
adjustments are expected to suit the building layout design. Technical discussions between all
parties including the draught-person, technical assistant, engineer, architect, client and relevant
authority officer are important to achieve the design intent of the sprinkler system. All relevant
comments shall be reflected in the Tender Drawing.
