Window Sprinklers as an Alternative to Fire-Rated Glass
Specifying Window Sprinkler Systems
When writing specifications for projects that incorporate window sprinkler systems instead of fire-rated glass, there are obviously two areas to pay attention to. The first will be the glass and glazing portions of the specification to be sure the appropriate criteria are met for the glass and the framing system, including sealing requirements. For projects of any moderate size, it is likely that there will be different types of glass and framing systems used, so identifying each type and their location on the drawings (i.e., interior elevations, window schedules, etc.) will be important not only for demonstrating code compliance but also for the proper installation. Similarly, the specifications and details for the pony walls under the glazing needs to be incorporated into the appropriate architectural specification sections and identified on the drawings to clearly communicate the specifics of that construction as well.
Image courtesy of Johnson Controls
When specifying window sprinklers, they need to be clearly identified as distinct from other sprinkler heads since they will perform differently.
Turning to the window sprinklers, they would normally be specified as part of the CSI/Master Format Division 21 00 00 Fire Suppression and commonly under Section 21 13 13 Wet-Pipe Sprinkler Systems. Among the items to be sure are included is an indication that the specific application type (i.e., window sprinklers) are part of the overall sprinkler system scope of work. Under submittals, the ESR or equal code-compliance documentation must be provided from the manufacturer indicating its suitability for the project. In the products portion of the specification, all common sprinkler system components are typically identified so attention needs to be called to the unique window sprinkler head types, including model numbers if possible, tied to the ESR evaluation. As part of the installation or execution portion of the specification, the ESR likely requires that manufacturer recommendations and instructions be followed so that should be reiterated here.
In short, incorporating window sprinklers into a project doesn’t typically need any additional specification sections; rather, it requires paying attention to the details of some relevant selections already included in the project. By coordinating the architectural design and specifications with the sprinkler system design and specifications, a complete, code-compliant system can be produced.
Conclusion
Buildings of all types are being designed to include glass and glazing as the means to separate and define spaces. When that separation also requires an IBC-mandated fire-resistance rating, architects and other design professionals no longer need to feel constrained to limited choices in fire-rated glass. Instead, the use of window sprinklers in accordance with established and accepted standards and reviews are an option worth considering. They have demonstrated the ability to provide equivalent protection to a 2-hour-rated partition with acceptance by code officials and notable cost savings compared to fire-rated glass. Further, they are fairly straightforward to incorporate into building design and construction consistent with other building systems.
LABORATORY BUILDING PROJECT EXAMPLE: MIT.NANO BUILDING 12
Images courtesy of Wilson Architects
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Architect: Wilson Architects, Boston
About the Project (courtesy of MIT): The MIT.nano facility will combine the Institute’s nanotechnology, materials, and engineering systems research with the most advanced fabrication tools and materials processing capabilities. Under a single roof, MIT faculty and students will distinguish and manipulate materials at the atomic scale, create novel and innovative devices, and develop ways to implement those devices within larger systems.
Occupying the footprint of Building 12 just steps from the Infinite Corridor at the heart of the MIT campus, the 200,000-square-foot MIT.nano facility will support the activities of 2,000 MIT researchers. It will streamline delicate experimentation and prototyping by bringing together complex research activities that are currently distributed around campus. A world-class facility, it will modernize MIT’s research capacity and deepen the collaboration between disciplines, nurturing game-changing ingenuity and advancing the frontiers of innovation without boundaries for the betterment of humankind. Building construction proceeded through 2017 with occupancy commencing in 2018.
The program includes:
- Two floors of high-performance cleanrooms optimized for energy efficiency, safety, and future flexibility;
- Spaces for prototyping and packaging synthesis, imaging and microscopy, materials and thin film growth, and numerical design;
- The most environmentally quiet space on campus, a basement level optimized to meet the most stringent nanoscale imaging requirements for low-vibration and low electromagnetic interference (EMI);
- Meeting spaces for collaboration and conversation, as well as offices for research; and
- New undergraduate chemistry teaching laboratories to support the hands-on experimentation that is critical to training future leaders in science and engineering.
Architect’s Comments: Samir Srouji is principal at Wilson Architects, who designed the new facility using window sprinklers instead of fire-rated glass in a number of places. He comments, “The window sprinklers offer us a great solution to achieve the visibility through rated walls without the expense of rated glass assemblies. Visibility between the public spaces and the research/ teaching spaces was a key aspect of the architectural design in MIT.nano since seeing what is happening in the studios, cleanroom, and labs makes interdisciplinary buildings work best.”
ACADEMIC BUILDING PROJECT EXAMPLE: UNIVERSITY HALL
Images courtesy of Wilson Architects
Location: University of Massachusetts, Boston
Architect: Wilson Architects, Boston
About the Project (courtesy of UMass Boston): University Hall, previously called General Academic Building No. 1, serves a large cross-representation of students, faculty, and staff and supports the university’s growing student enrollment and course offerings. The four-story building provides nearly 2,000 seats in state-of-the-art general purpose classrooms as well as specialized space for three academic programs: art, chemistry, and performing arts. University Hall will also include two case method classrooms, the first on campus. In addition, there will be a multimedia studio classroom, four 150- to 200-seat discussion halls, and a 500-seat lecture hall.
The $131-million facility, sized at approximately 190,000 gross square feet, will also house faculty and staff offices, a café, a student lounge, and study spaces. All spaces will have state-of-the-art amenities, including instructional technology, furnishings, and building systems. The new facility will incorporate many sustainable design strategies and will qualify for LEED Silver certification. It will be a lively interdisciplinary instructional facility serving all UMass Boston students.
University of Massachusetts Building Authority (UMBA), the project’s major funding source, and project management firm Joslin Lessor Associates are managing the project. Boston-based Wilson Architects is the project designer, and Gilbane Construction Company serves as the construction manager. University Hall began a phased opening in January 2016. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on October 17, 2016.
Architect’s Comments: Samir Srouji, principal at Wilson Architects, also worked on this facility. The firm used window sprinklers instead of fire-rated glass in this large building, and Srouji notes, “Window sprinklers enabled us to achieve the design goal and maintain code required ratings. The code authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) accepted it as an equivalent alternative measure.”
Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, is a nationally known architect, sustainability consultant, technical writer, and continuing education presenter. www.pjaarch.com, www.linkedin.com/in/pjaarch
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Tyco is the brand under which Johnson Controls, a world leader in fire suppression, manufactures fire sprinklers and valves for a variety of applications, including commercial, residential, storage, and special applications. The Tyco brand is built on more than 150 years years in the fire-protection industry. For more information, such as reports, data sheets, and design guidelines, on any of the sprinklers that are manufactured by Tyco, please visit the website or contact your local Johnson Controls (Tyco) representative. www.tyco-fire.com |
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