Smoke exhaust design in car park Buildings

[mirza057]

Guys,

For an above-ground 2 storey car parking building with acceptable natural ventilation as per NFPA 88A 2011 5.5.1,
is mechanical smoke exhaust system still required. Can we just trust the natural ventilation to exhaust
the smoke on its own?

 

[trashcanman]

Check the IMC. It calls for 0.75 cfm/sq.ft. exhaust for ENCLOSED parking garages. Is yours enclosed?

If attached to a building, I vote for exhausting it to keep fumes from entering the building.

What does the local authority say?

 

[mirza057]

Hi,

Mine is open, actually natural ventilation is acceptable if in compliance with NFPA 88A 5.5.1.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[junagco]

Yes - parking that is open to natural ventilation may not need mechanical ventilation provided the opening, say wall, is 50% open.
Please check ASHRAE 62.1-2007 Table 6-4 Minimum Exhaust Rates.

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