1. SPRINKLER PROTECTION IN ATRIUM SPACES, IS DELUGE AN OPTION?
Ing. J.C. (Johan) Hoogeweg
DGMR, Netherlands
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2. Introduction:
Objective: To give an insight in the daily practice of a fire engineer regarding High atrium spaces and sprinklers.
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3. The problem? (1) Architect: Users: Empty atrium / no fire load
Larger and higher (>40 m)
Users:
no limits in usage:
Seating area’s
(Car) exhibition
Service desks
Shops
Libraries
Stages
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4. The problem? (2) Dutch building code:
Fire compartiments (FC) max m2, 60 minutes rating between FC’s:
Atrium is > m2
Atrium is open with the surrounding floors (no walls/glass)
Atrium wall is glass (60 minutes rating around €/m2)
In the past a atrium without fire compartments was acceptable if:
Slow growing fire (max 25 m2 after 30 minutes)
Smoke and heat venting
However this is no longer generally accepted by the fire brigade
Option: Sprinkler to control the fire
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5. Sprinkler code limits Code Max hight remark EN 12845 12 meters
Discussion if this is acceptable (will K80 sprinklers control a fire?)
FM global
30 meters
Wet systems only
Limited ceiling slope
Lot of fire damage (fire and
smoke) due to late activation
Test reports are ‘secret’.
NFPA 13
15,3 meters
Discussion if this is acceptable
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6. Deluge Concept (1) Concept: 100% based on existing sprinkler
technology
Apply water over the total area of
the protected space
Density the same as sprinkler code
(depends on hazard)
System activated by fire detection
system
Sidewall sprinklers or sprinklers under
the ceiling
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7. Will it work (example case)?
Aspect
Real fire test
Deluge concept
Hazard
EN 12845: OH1
Density
5 mm/min
Design Area
72 m2
Total atrium (>72 m2)
Ceiling height
8 meters
31 meters
Activation
Sprinkler head
Fire detection system
First sprinkler / system activated
18:34 [min:sec]*
< 5 minutes
Fire size
Large
Smaller than sprinkler
Fire controle
YES
* source: VdS office OH1 fire test
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8. Activation ASD Activation by fire detection system
reliable detection (false detection 
water!)
Always ‘double knock’ system
Smoke detection and flame detection (all directions)
Fire size:
0.25 m2
Foam
Flame detection
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9. Safegards
It’s a complex systems, accidental activation of the system is possible! To prevent unwanted activation:
‘Double knock’ fire detection
Delay in activation of the system (manual override)
Sample:
Max. delay time [4:00]
Detection time flame detection
Detection time smoke detection [3:00]
Activation time sprinkler (calculated/fire test) [7:00]
time
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10. Sprinkler heads Sprinkler heads: (EC) sidewall sprinklers
(EC) pendent/upright sprinklers
Listed/approved for risk (VdS/LPC/UL/CE)
Glass bulb removed, after pressure test
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11. Design Area (1) Design area: Location 1: total atrium
Location 2: normal design area sprinkler (e.g. EN OH 72 m2)
Location 3:
Normal sprinklers + Deluge protection?
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12. Design Area - Zoned systems
Limit water demand en water
Damage
Fire in zone A:
A+B activated
Fire in zone B:
B+C+D activated
Advanced flame detection required (if possible)
Not possible in square or round atriums
More valves and piping required
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13. Water management In case of activation, water damage could be a issue:
Water in elevator shafts/server rooms/storage  € € € € € € €
Keep in mind:
Water drains
Barriers (2/3 cm is enough)
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14. Deluge cases Building Police Academy, Apeldoorn Curved ceiling
Outside FM 3-26 / FM 2-0 scope
Hirsch building, store
8 meter atrium
Architect: no sprinklers under glass roof
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Protection of restaurant seating area
Existing roof structure
Eneco HQ Rotterdam
Atrium height: 25 m
Pre FM 3-26 K360
Hilton Schiphol
Atrium height: 42m

15. Case 1: Hilton Amsterdam Airport (1)
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16. Case 1: Hilton Amsterdam Airport (2)
Ceiling height: 42 meters
676 m2 (26*26 meters)
‘no limits’
parking cars
exhibitions
stages
Seating area’s
Sprinkler code: NFPA 13
Ordinary hazard group 2
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17. Case 1: Hilton Amsterdam Airport (3)
Sprinkler design:
Sidewall sprinklers only
Design area sprinkler:
4,9 * 7,3 m
No coverage
in the centre of the atrium
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18. Case 1: Hilton Amsterdam Airport (4)
Solution: Sprinkler column

19. Case 1: Hilton Amsterdam Airport (5)
Design area atrium:
3 columns
24 sidewall sprinklers
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20. Case 1: Hilton Amsterdam Airport (6)
Design area -atrium:
24 sidewall sprinklers
291 l/min/sprinkler
Water demand:
24 sprinklers * 291 l/min * 60 minutes *1.2 (hydraulic imbalance) =
503 m3
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21. Case 2: Eneco World, Rotterdam
Position of flame detection
Ceiling level: m
Horeca area
Event area
Sprinkler heads:
Sidewall sprinklers
In the koffee corner
Position of sprinkler heads
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22. Conclusion
Is deluge THE solution: NO Will deluge control a fire: same a sprinkler (maybe better) Water damage: YES Fire and smoke damage: Small Is deluge A solution: in some cases?
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23. Questions, discussions? jho@dgmr.nl
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