Surveying Existing High Deck Systems?
Surveying Existing High Deck Systems?
(OP)
I've been working in the industry for 8 years now, and still I have not found a good way to confirm pipe sizes on existing buildings in instances where say the deck is 30' up. Eyeballing it is not good enough and throwing a 100' tape over it and measuring is only a semi accurate method. Where I am able to get a ladder up to most I carry a digital caliper with me. Has anyone come up with a solution to figuring such things when survey an existing system where no plans are available?
Thank you,
Jon
Thank you,
Jon





RE: Surveying Existing High Deck Systems?
Climb the roof ladder to the top rung, then look at the pipe or pipe couplings.
Look for a mezzanine, but I am sure you do that.
Get the sprinkler contractors name of the riser that installed it. Not always there, but you can ask for a set of as builts. They will likely charge you.
RE: Surveying Existing High Deck Systems?
Not sure if the couplings have any markings ?
Start at the riser, pipe should not be any larger than that, than follow it as the size goes down ???
RE: Surveying Existing High Deck Systems?
Set one on each side of the pipe an measure between the pointers
Not a mathematician so not sure what say a six inch diameter would measure to
RE: Surveying Existing High Deck Systems?
Just kidding, but going from the known to the unknown is the way I do it. Pipe schedual systems are easier because you know what to expect if you have the chart with you. Sometimes you can see the fitting size if marked on the fitting. Short of getting close no real way to be 100% sure. Getting sprinkler plans, I have little luck most times the company is out of business or do not want to be bothered.
RE: Surveying Existing High Deck Systems?
RE: Surveying Existing High Deck Systems?
RE: Surveying Existing High Deck Systems?
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: Surveying Existing High Deck Systems?
Your best bet is to find a set of plans from the installing contractor or owner.
Actually your best bet is getting someone else to do it!
RE: Surveying Existing High Deck Systems?
http://www.bettymills.com/shop/product/view/Unger/...
Something like the above would work. It's pricey but it would cost about as much as renting a scissors lift for one day and you can move it around a building much more quickly.
RE: Surveying Existing High Deck Systems?