Sprinkler Dead Load
Sprinkler Dead Load
(OP)
I have been using, for office type buildings, a uniform dead load of 4.0 PSF for sprinklers.
Lately, I think this is a conservative load. Does anyone agree of has more definite dead load value.
I contacted a fire protection engineer that my firm works with and he did not have an answer. He and I are working on a real project to compute actual pipe and water weights for a recent project. I will share what we come up with all.
Lately, I think this is a conservative load. Does anyone agree of has more definite dead load value.
I contacted a fire protection engineer that my firm works with and he did not have an answer. He and I are working on a real project to compute actual pipe and water weights for a recent project. I will share what we come up with all.
Regards,
Lutfi






RE: Sprinkler Dead Load
RE: Sprinkler Dead Load
I agree with you and I used 7 psf before. However, it does not make it right!
To complicate things, structural engineers evaluate these loads way in advance of the sprinklers being designed and laid out. May be this is the driving force to be conservative.
On the first calculation with the fire protection engineer, we came with 0.288 PSF!!!!!
Judgment should be used on project-by-project basis. However, we need to utilize valid loads while maintain safe conditions.
Regards,
Lutfi
RE: Sprinkler Dead Load
RE: Sprinkler Dead Load
Gravity design is different. Depending on the size of the feed and cross mains, actual calculated point load from hanger reaction may control the member design, especially if the member is a wood joist.
RE: Sprinkler Dead Load
The trunk lines do tend to be heavier so sometimes I treate them separate from the uniform psf.
RE: Sprinkler Dead Load
RE: Sprinkler Dead Load
UcfSE, It does sound small. However, this is real number and the result of doing actual take off on a completed project. I plan on calculating more.
It sounds like the load that I have been using is not all that far.
Regards,
Lutfi
RE: Sprinkler Dead Load
Dik