Fire protection system for an Auditorium

[ingsgarro]

Hello everyone.

I'm currently working on a fire protection system for a 30,000 ft2 music auditorium. According to our jurisdiction here in Costa Rica, a sprinkler system is required in all areas, including some classrooms and a lobby.

My question is: Is it mandatory to include a standpipe system (combined sprinkler-standpipe) or just the sprinkler system is enough to meet NFPA requirements?

Appreciate your help.

Regards

 

[stookeyfpe]

Standpipe design are generally dictated by the building code adopted in your jurisdiction. A Google search for Costa Rica Building Code found that the government is very engaged in building permitting so you need to check with the architect or engineer of record to determine the applicable standpipe provisions.

NFPA 14 allows a combination sprinkler and standpipe system. However, if the standpipe is not required, you're adding a lot of extra pipe that is probably not needed. In the US a 30 K square ft auditorium wouldn't require a standpipe. It would require automatic sprinkler protection and a fire alarm & detection system activated upon sprinkler water flow.