1. Fire Sprinkler Earthquake Protection – Sway Bracing

2. Abstract
Earthquake sway bracing for fire sprinklers will become normative in the EN12845 Annex
Building structures are protected against earthquakes and so should the life safety system of fire sprinklers

3. Abstract Fire sprinkler protection provided thru:
Joint flexibility
Proper clearances
Sway Bracing
Sway bracing consists of:
Lateral
Longitudinal
4Way

4. Abstract
Brace design is based on the amount of sprinkler pipe weight within a zone of influence (ZOI) for a given horizontal seismic load (“g” force)
Requires calculations and submittals to AHJ’s showing brace meets design loads

5. Abstract
Brace assembly strength is limited to the load capacity of the weakest component
Requires 3rd party load testing & certification

6. Today’s Presentation Importance of bracing fire sprinklers
Brace assembly components
General rules for brace placement

7. Importance of Bracing
Fire Sprinklers

8. FM Global - Understanding the Hazard
“Lack of Earthquake Bracing on Sprinkler System”

9. 10 Year Period (FM Global)
561 earthquakes worldwide
$315 million (USD) in damages facilities
$560,000 (USD) average loss
50% of average loss is due to sprinkler system failure

10. How Damage Occurs
Building movement is different than the fire sprinkler pipe
Unbraced fire sprinklers damage may occur by:
Hitting walls, suspended ceilings or other building systems
Fittings break due to twisting
Couplings can separate or leak during excessive bending, rotation or movement

11. Additional Concerns
Protecting against loss from fire or water leakage is a critical towards recovery from an earthquake
Time for water leak discharge to fill a 14 ft x 14 ft (4.3m x 4.3m) room to depth of 1 foot (30cm) based on 50 psi (3.4 bar):

12. Ways to Avoid Sprinkler Damage
Bracing
Flexibility
Clearance
Other Considerations
Brace suspended ceilings
Weak brace and/or hanger attachments
Anchoring of equipment, tanks & racks

13. Costs to Brace 3 – 4% if installed with the sprinkler system
Retrofit costs vary widely from an estimated $100 - $500 USD per brace location

14. Importance of Sprinkler Bracing - Summary
Critical after earthquake protection against:
Water leaks
Fires
Decreases loss of:
Property
Function / use of facilities
Increases life safety

15. Brace Assembly Components

16. Sway Brace Components
Structure Attachment
Brace
Brace Clamp

17. Structural Attachments
CSBUNIV – Universal Structural

18. Structural Attachments
CSBBARJ – I-Beam Attachment

19. Structural Attachments
CSBIB – Adjustable I-Beam Attachment

20. Structural Attachments
CSBMA – Multi Attachment

21. Brace Clamps – Lateral Only
CSBQIKCL – Quick Grip Jr
CSBQG – Quick Grip

22. Brace Clamps – Lateral & Longitudinal
CSBEZU and CSBSTU Universal Brace Clamp

23. General Rules
For
Brace Placement

24. Lateral Bracing

25. Lateral Bracing What: Where: Feed and cross mains (any size)
Branch and other piping > 2 ½” (65mm) diameter
Where:
40 ft o.c. (12m) maximum spacing
On the last length of pipe at the end of a main
Within 6 ft (1.8m) of the end of the pipe

26. Lateral Bracing

27. Lateral Bracing
Can act as longitudinal brace if installed within 2 ft (0.6m) of piping braced longitudinally
Note that Pipe A Diameter > Pipe B Diameter

28. Longitudinal Bracing

29. Longitudinal Bracing What: Where: Feed and cross mains (any size)
Branches > 2 ½” (65mm) diameter
NFPA 13  Not Required
FM DS 2-8  Required if longer than 40 ft (12.2m)
Where:
80 ft (24.2m) o.c. maximum spacing
Within 40 ft (12.2m) of the end of the pipe or change in direction

30. Longitudinal Bracing

31. Longitudinal Bracing
Can act as a lateral brace if installed within 2 ft (0.6m) of piping braced laterally

32. Riser Bracing Riser tops exceeding 3 ft (0.9m) in length
Maximum Spacing = 25 ft (7.6m) o.c.

33. Thank You
Any Questions??