To avoid the sprinkler systems from being damaged during an earthquake, the NFPA 13 code prescribes the use of seismic supports that resist the horizontal loads inflicted on the system. The 2018.e version of CYPEFIRE Sprinklers includes the introduction and check of seismic supports for the sprinkler system in accordance with the prescriptions of this code.
The NFPA 13 code classifies the seismic supports into 3 groups and can be introduced in CYPEFIRE Sprinklers from the “Support” menu of the toolbar:
- Lateral support
Prevents movement in the direction perpendicular to the pipe.
- Longitudinal support
Prevents movement in the direction parallel to the pipe.
- 4-way support
Prevents movement in the 4 directions.
Before introducing them, the main components of the seismic supports must be defined: fastenings, braces and anchors. Users can define, amongst other catalogues, the catalogues for fastenings, braces and anchors in the “General options” dialogue (“General options” menu of the toolbar). Standard catalogues, which are included in the program, can also be used and imported into projects to use directly or modify with user values.
- Fastening
This is the element that holds the pipe to the brace. To define it, users must simply complete the dimensions of this element for each fastening of the catalogue.
- Brace
This is the main element of the seismic support, consisting of a Schedule 40 pipe that has to resist the horizontal loads caused by the earthquake. To define it, users must introduce the length, diameter of the pipe and loads it can support at 30-44º, 45-59º and 60-90º.
- Anchor
The anchor is the part that keeps the support connected to the structure of the building. In this version of the program, the limits that have been applied are those of anchors to steel structures. In upcoming versions, anchors to timber or concrete structures will be added. To define them, the diameter of the anchorage bolt and load the anchor can resist for each type of assembly must be introduced.
For CYPEFIRE Sprinklers to be able to carry out the required checks on seismic supports, the field “Weight per unit length” has been added to the pipe catalogues of the sprinkler systems (General options > Pipes catalogues) and the seismic coefficient Cp must be defined (General options > General data).
Once all the aforementioned elements have been defined, users must introduce each support that is going to be used at its corresponding position and define its influence zone, i.e. all the pipe spans that are to be held by each seismic support.
With the data indicated above, CYPEFIRE Sprinklers will ensure all the necessary checks are complied with for each type of support. The program generates the report required by the NFPA 13 code.
