Republic of the Philippines

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Maragondon Campus
Maragondon, Cavite

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Design of Sprinkler System for Proposed Three-Storey

Commercial Building in Barangay Garita A, Maragondon,
Cavite

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in

MEEN 40033: Design of Building Piping System and Air-Conditioning Ductworks

Submitted by:

Baradillo, Angelo Paul S.

Bellote, Jersey Mae M.

Fabregas, Gilian Kence B.

Furaque, John John E.

Lizardo, Ahmed Bin Faisal P.

Macatula, Lei Matthew A.

Obanil, Zachary Cerejoe Earl N.

Policar, Earl Daniel M.

Quiniquini, Regielyn G.

Roxas, Marc Efren A.

Submitted to:

Engr. Joshua A. Sismaet

Subject Professor

BSME 3-1

June 2024
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

The design and implementation of a sprinkler system in a three-story commercial

building is a crucial aspect of fire safety and protection. In the case of the U-shaped, three-story

commercial situated in Barangay Garita A, the design of the sprinkler system must consider the

unique architectural features, occupancy type, and potential fire risks to ensure the safety of the

building's occupants and the surrounding community.

The sprinkler system is a vital component of the building's fire protection strategy, as it is

designed to detect and respond to fire outbreaks quickly, limiting the spread of flames and

minimizing the potential for loss of life and property (National Fire Protection Association, 2019).

The design of the sprinkler system must consider the building's layout, the materials used in

construction, the occupancy types, and the potential fire hazards present in the structure.

One of the key considerations in the design of the sprinkler system for the U-shaped,

three-story commercial building is the building's unique shape. The U-shape configuration can

present challenges in terms of water distribution and coverage, as the layout may create areas

that are difficult to reach with the sprinkler system (Ching & Winkel, 2018). Therefore, it is

imperative to conduct intensive analyzation of the building’s layout to ensure that the sprinkler

system can provide adequate coverage throughout the infrastructure.

Additionally, the design must consider the occupancy types within the building, as

different occupancies may have varying fire risk profiles and require different sprinkler system

configurations (National Fire Protection Association, 2019). For example, if the 3rd floor of the

proposed building will be mostly comprised of retail shops or offices then it will have different

risk profiles than those of other floors that are mostly dominated by other types of businesses;

thus, the fire sprinkler should match the fire risks and hazards that the occupants may present.

The design team must also consider the potential fire hazards present in the building,

such as the storage of flammable materials, the use of electrical equipment, and the presence

of ignition sources. These factors will influence the selection of the appropriate sprinkler heads,

the water supply requirements, and the overall system design (Ching & Winkel, 2018).

Lastly, the type of sprinkler heads to be used must be considered because different

sprinklers have different functions. These sprinkler heads must also be divided depending on
their sizes. The smaller ones should be controlled by one valve while valves for larger areas

should be attached to an irrigation controller (Walheim & Lance, 2021). In conclusion, the

design of the sprinkler system for the U-shaped, three-story commercial building in front of the

Maragondon Public Market is a critical aspect of the building's fire safety and protection. The

design must take into account the unique architectural features of the building, the occupancy

types, and the potential fire hazards present to ensure that the sprinkler system provides

effective and reliable fire protection for the building's occupants and the surrounding community.

Statement of the Research Objectives

The following objectives will be taken into consideration in designing the sprinkler

system:

Main Objective:

• To design an effective fire sprinkler system for the proposed 3-storey commercial

building.

Specific Objectives:

• To determine the required parameters for the fire sprinkler system such as

friction losses and total head loss

• To quantify the water consumption of the system

• To determine the required pump/s specification for the system

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The study will be limited to the 3-story commercial building and limit its coverage to

areas with fire hazards. The sprinkler will be limited in its availability as well as its function. The

sprinkler system will be restrained in aspects like regulatory compliance, fire protection code,

building size, and cost considerations.

 Conceptual Framework

PROCESS
INPUT
• Selection of the location for the
proposed building.
• Infrastructure information • Design and layout of the
such as floorplan, proposed three-storey
geographical location, OUTPUT
commercial building.
types of businesses, and • Assumption of the various Fire sprinkler design for
quantity of occupants. businesses that will occupy the the proposed 3-storey
• Review of Related said infrastructure. commercial building
Literature (building codes, • Data gathering about the
fire sprinkler system standards of fire sprinkler
standards, similar studies, systems, building codes, etc.
etc.).
• Preliminary design of the fire
• Formulas and concept sprinkler layout.
related to fire sprinkler
• Computation for various
systems.
parameters such as discharge
• Parameters of the rates, dynamic head losses,
proposed fire sprinkler friction losses, and required
system pump capacity.
• Finalization of the fire sprinkler
design.
• Implementation of the finalized
sprinkler design.

The conceptual framework utilizes the input-process-output diagram to show the process

of sprinkler system that will be implemented for a proposed 3-storey commercial building. This

method will have systematic approach on designing the sprinkler system.

Significance of the Study

Commercial structures encounter a variety of dangers, including fire outbreaks,

which pose significant risks to inhabitants, assets, and surroundings. Sprinkler systems

are now commonly installed to reduce these concerns. The purpose of this study is to

investigate the significance of using sprinkler systems in commercial buildings, focusing

on their function in improving safety, reducing property damage, and promoting

sustainability.

1. Improved Safety: Installing sprinkler systems in commercial buildings enhances

safety for occupants and emergency responders. These systems detect and

suppress fires, decreasing their spread and allowing occupants vital time for safe

evacuation. Research indicates that structures equipped with sprinkler systems

 experience significantly lower rates of fire-related injuries and fatalities

compared to those lacking such systems.

2. Decreased Property Damage: Another critical aspect of sprinkler systems is

their capacity to minimize property damage in fire incidents. Through quickly

extinguishing or containing fires, sprinkler systems help prevent the spread of

flames, smoke, and heat, thus limiting structural damage and preserving

valuable assets within commercial buildings.

3. Environmental Sustainability: In addition to immediate safety and property

protection benefits, sprinkler systems contribute to environmental sustainability

actions. Through efficiently managing fires with minimal water usage, these

systems aid in conserving water resources and lessening the environmental

impact of fire suppression activities. Furthermore, containing fires, sprinklers

can prevent the release of harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases, further

supporting ecological balance and air quality preservation.

4. Compliance with Regulations and Insurance Advantages: Implementing

sprinkler systems aligns with regulatory instructions and industry standards

aimed at ensuring occupant safety and property protection. Observing building

and fire codes that require sprinkler system installation not only reduces legal

liabilities but also enhances the reputation and credibility of building owners and

operators.

Definition of Terms

• Architectural Features - Architectural features pertain to the design elements

and characteristics of a building's structure, layout, and aesthetics. It might

include considerations such as ceiling height, building materials, layout

complexity, and spatial arrangement, which can impact the design and

installation of the sprinkler system.

• Commercial Building - A commercial building is a structure primarily used for

conducting business activities or providing services. Sprinkler systems are

 commonly installed in commercial buildings to protect occupants, assets, and

operations from fire hazards.

• Fire Hazards - Fire hazards are conditions or materials that increase the risk of

a fire occurring and spreading within a building or environment. These hazards

can include combustible materials, electrical faults, flammable liquids, cooking

equipment, and other factors. Sprinkler systems are installed to mitigate fire

hazards by providing rapid fire suppression capabilities.

• Fire Protection Code - Fire protection codes are regulations and standards

established by governmental authorities or industry organizations to ensure the

safety of buildings and occupants against fire hazards. These codes specify

requirements for fire prevention, detection, suppression, and evacuation

systems, including sprinkler systems. Compliance with fire protection codes is

typically mandatory for building owners and operators.

• Infrastructure - Infrastructure refers to the fundamental facilities and systems

necessary for the operation of a society, organization, or building. includes the

network of water supply pipes, pumps, valves, control panels, and other

components required to deliver water to sprinkler heads and effectively suppress

fires.

• Parameters - Parameters are specific conditions or criteria used to define the

behavior or functionality of a system. It includes temperature thresholds,

smoke detection sensitivity levels, water pressure requirements, coverage

area, and activation mechanisms. These parameters determine when and how

the sprinkler system operates to suppress fires.

• Sprinkler systems - A sprinkler system operates by releasing water or other

fire- extinguishing agents onto the affected area when triggered by heat,

smoke, or flames. They are designed to rapidly control or extinguish fires,

minimizing property damage and protecting lives.

 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES

Fire Risks in the Philippines

Climate change significantly influences the frequency and severity of natural disasters in

the Philippines, particularly through phenomena like El Niño, which induces prolonged droughts.

The 2018-2019 El Niño event, while not as severe as the 1997-1998 episode, disrupted rainfall

patterns and created conditions ripe for fire hazards. Drought reduces vegetation moisture,

increasing the likelihood of wildfires. During this period, regions across the Philippines

experienced a surge in grassland and forest fires, damaging property, agricultural lands, and

ecosystems (Cruz et al., 2019).

The Philippines is considered highly vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather

due to its geographic location and socio-economic conditions (Holden, 2019). Mitigating climate-

induced fire hazards requires comprehensive strategies such as enhanced monitoring and early

warning systems, community-based fire management, and sustainable forest management

practices. Implementing controlled burns, creating firebreaks, and involving local communities in

fire prevention efforts are critical. Additionally, developing and enforcing policies for sustainable

land use can reduce vulnerability. Strengthening these measures will enhance the Philippines'

resilience against future climate-induced fire risks.

Fire Causes in Commercial Buildings

The key factors contributing to fire incidents in commercial buildings. Among the

prominent causes identified are the use of substandard electrical materials, which increases the

likelihood of electrical faults and subsequent fires. Faulty electrical appliances also play a

significant role, as malfunctions in these devices can lead to ignition sources within the building.

Additionally, poor workmanship in electrical installations exacerbates the risk of fire outbreaks.

Gas leakages present another substantial hazard, with the potential to ignite and cause fires

within commercial premises. Improper smoking practices and the unauthorized disposal of lit

cigarettes or matches further contribute to the fire risk. Inadequate storage of combustible

materials and fuels, as well as the occurrence of lightning strikes. (Obasa, et,al, 2020).
 The presence of combustible materials like upholstery, spruce, carpet, and plastic, often

stored centrally, acts as significant fuel for fires. Secondly, ignition sources, including electrical

faults, overheating equipment, or deliberate arson, can trigger fires. Thirdly, the architectural

layout of large commercial buildings, with expansive inner spaces and central storage, facilitates

rapid fire spread. Additionally, inadequate fire prevention measures, such as malfunctioning

sprinkler systems, exacerbate fire risks. Human factors like negligence, improper equipment

use, or non-compliance with safety protocols also play a role. Faulty electrical and heating

systems pose additional hazards if not maintained. Lastly, improper disposal of smoking

materials can ignite fires, particularly where smoking is allowed. Addressing these factors

through effective fire prevention measures can enhance occupant safety in commercial

buildings. (Xin, et,al, 2016).

Several key factors including cooking, heating, and short circuit or electric problem are

the main reasons for fire accident to start leading to deaths, injuries, and economic loss (

Arowolo et. al., 2020 ). This means commercial infrastructure with food establishment such as

restaurant is vulnerable for the possibility to increase the risk of hazard into the area.

Fire Extinguisher Types

Abdullahi et al. (2013) defined various types of fire extinguishers and their applications.

The first one is the Class A fire extinguisher where it is employed for common flammables such

as wood, paper, fabric, and certain plastics. Its operation involves covering the fire with either

water or a dry substance. The second one is the Class B, where it is suitable for combustible

liquids like gasoline, grease, and oil. Third one is the Class C, where it operates on electrical

fires, including those caused by lightning or live wires, panels, and circuit breakers. Next up is

the Class A-B-C that is also known as dry powder extinguishers where they are appropriate for

Class A, B, and C fires encompassing solids, liquids, and gases. The A-B-C extinguisher serves

the purpose of extinguishing Class A, B, or C fires. It's the most adaptable among residential

options and is typically available at most home improvement retailers. Another type is the

Element fire extinguisher where it is a compact, portable fire extinguisher designed for easy

handheld use, suitable for storage in a vehicle or carrying as required. Primarily employed for

combating fires at the molecular level, its gas disrupts the combustion chain chemically,

efficiently putting out fires without causing any mess or depleting surrounding oxygen. And the
last type is the Class D and K, where they are commonly found in commercial environments.

Class D fire extinguishers are effective against flammable metals, while Class K fire

extinguishers are specifically designed for extinguishing oil fires in cooking appliances.

Fire Sprinkler Systems

According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (2022),

a fire sprinkler system is a mechanism that releases water to prevent a fire from spreading; the

sprinkler heads typically release water when the room temperature reaches approximately 165

degrees Fahrenheit (73.89 degrees Celsius).

Selecting the appropriate sprinkler system involves understanding the building's specific

fire risks and environmental conditions. Incorrect system selection can be costly and ineffective.

For instance, wet systems can cause pipe bursts in freezing conditions, while dry systems might

delay suppression in high-occupancy areas due to air release. Therefore, matching the sprinkler

system to the building’s needs, as outlined by NFPA 13, ensures effective fire suppression and

cost-efficiency (Ye, et al., 2016).

According to Dr. Arcadio et. al., 2023, the main reason for the effectiveness is to ensure

the readiness of the fire protection system must been taking a good care to ensure adequate

operation while also being reliable to be use once fire hazard occurs.

Types of Fire Sprinkler Systems

Water spray still remain relevant for fire sprinkler system of providing accurate

suppression of fire hazards and also provides economic and environmental advantages

(Abdulrahman et. al, 2021). Several key highlights are administered in this study such as spray

momentum, plume penetration, spray dispersion, and water flux distribution.

There are three main types of sprinkler systems that can be used for infrastructures,

these are wet pipe, dry pipe, pre-action, and deluge systems (Ziavras, 2021).

Wet pipe systems are installed on majority of infrastructures due to their reliability and

relatively low cost. It works by flooding the piping constantly with water, if the room temperature

rose up to a certain point, the glass bulb or fusible link that holds back the water will eventually

break thus causing the water to spill through the sprinkler heads; the sprinkler head then
disperses the water coming out from the pipe. However, this system is not effective for rooms

that have lower temperatures since it may cause freezing of water within the pipes.

Dry pipe systems on the other hand are not constantly filled with water. The difference is

that the piping contains pressurized air, if the glass bulb breaks due to high temperature, the air

escapes which will open the valve due to pressure drop that will allow the pressurized water to

flow throughout the sprinkler system; it is important to note that there will be a time lag between

the activation of the sprinkler heads and water flow. This system is commonly used to avoid

water freezing within the pipe due to low room temperatures.

Preaction systems are the most complicated fire sprinkler systems since they use a fire

detection device and sprinkler heads; the fire detection systems typically require lower

temperature to be triggered than sprinkler heads. There are three classifications which are non-

interlock, single interlock, and double interlock. Non-interlock systems trigger if the sprinkler

head breaks or if the fire detection system was activated. Single interlock only relies on the fire

detection system to activate the water flow; it is mostly applied to prevent accidental water

release that can damage delicate objects. Finally, double-interlock systems require the

activation of both detection system and sprinkler head to allow water flow.

Lastly, deluge systems work similarly as preaction systems as they also utilize detection

systems such as smoke detectors to allow water flow in the system, the difference is that deluge

systems use open sprinkler head which allows water to directly flow through the nozzles.

Fire Sprinkler Guidelines

The performance of automatic fire sprinkler systems can be affected by seismic events

as it could damage it. The study of Dhakal, [Link]. (2018) concluded that past seismic events

could lead to serious damage to the automatic fire sprinkler system of the building which is

dangerous if a fire has occurred. For the design and installation of the automatic fire sprinkler

systems, the standards of NZS 4541 and NFPA 13 are used. Furthermore, the performance of

riser and dropper pipes in an automatic fire sprinkler system during a seismic event must be

validated. The durability and longevity of the automatic fire sprinkler systems must be

considered in designing a building as unexpected events such as seismic events may occur.

The NFPA 20 " standard for the installation of stationary pump for fire protection" that

sets guideline for the pump size or design for the required water capacity of the area (NFPA,
2019). Several types of pumps are acknowledged by the NFPA 20 that are centrifugal pump

which is commonly used in fire protection, vertical turbine pump if source of water is from

reservoir or ponds, and positive displacement pump for specific require application. Additionally,

it covers various requirements such as power supply, compliance, and installation to meet the

standard when applying pumps into the sprinkler system. Usual types of centrifugal pump are

classified selected between 25 gallons per minute (gpm) to 5000 gpm with changes on the

diameter of the suction, discharge, and relief valve based on the water flow quantity.

The NFPA 14 "standard for the installation of the standpipe and hose system” gives the

information about the pipe size for the main pipe until the required for branch line (NFPA 14,

2019). Size of the standpipe varies depending on sprinkler system whether it was automatic or

part of a combined sprinkler system. In addition to that, there are several classes used in this

standard are Class 1 that has 2.5 inch of fire hose for firefighters, Class 2 with 1.5 inch for

occupants, and Class 3 with combination of both Class 1 and 2.

Sprinkler Heads

There are different classifications of sprinkler head intended to be use in different

purposes and response speed. Those are quick response early suppression (QRES), quick

response (QR), quick response extended coverage, and residential sprinkler. Fittings such as

tees, elbows, cross, and reducers are commonly used for the connection needs between to

pipes (Benbott et. al., 2022).

Pipe Valve Standards

According to the NFPA 13, several valves assembly are required for each floor to isolate

the water supply with ease and without interrupting the entire system of the building. Floor

control valve assembly has control valve that allows the water flow into particular floor, check

valve to allow water to move in only one direction, and main drain valve that drain the water in a

particular pipe in the floor while remaining pipes can be functional. In the NFPA 20, the fire

pump and jockey pump suggest having several valve equipped for better flow of the water while

minimizing the hazard occur with the pressure distributed by the water. Valves such as relief

valve that limits the pressure in the system. Others are suction isolation valve, discharge check

valve, and discharge isolation valve have been used in the pipe suction and discharge line of a
pump. Additionally, NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, requires Floor

control valve assembly (FCVA) at each individual floor level for buildings over two stories in

height. There are some exceptions to this. If the sprinklers on the top floor of a building are

supplied by piping on the floor below, an FCVA is not required.

Pipe Material Standards

According to NFPA 13 regulations, black steel pipe emerges as the preferred option for

fire sprinkler systems, despite its vulnerability to corrosion. NFPA 13 standards permit the use of

listed metallic pipe materials, including steel, for automatic sprinkler installations. Black steel's

inherent strength, durability, and exceptional heat resistance align with NFPA requirements,

ensuring reliable performance in various hazard levels and environmental conditions. While

corrosion poses a challenge, NFPA guidelines emphasize the importance of adherence to

manufacturer listing limitations and the implementation of effective maintenance practices to

mitigate risks. By complying with NFPA 13 standards and leveraging advancements in corrosion

management, black steel pipe remains the optimal choice for safeguarding life and property

against fire hazards.

Relevant Studies

Different fire risk factors as well as the reliability issues of it was identified by Kuldeep

Kumar et al. (2022). These fire risk factors identified are smoke control systems, means of

egress, firefighting systems, detection and alarm system, sprinkler system, electrical, storage

areas and basement, integrity of compartmentation, building facade, and management related

factors. Fire protection systems should be tested regularly to ensure that it will work during a

fire. On the other hand, it was also identified that the major causes of fire are electrical short

circuits, cooking areas, and ignition of flammable materials.

According to Sridarran et. al., 2020, the region of the Asia is known as second highest

region that has no compliance on fire safety causing fatality to the lives and infrastructure. It

also stated that early fire detection is an effective initial action for firefighting method that

includes relative humidity, temperature sampling, smoke analysis, etc.

A study about different piping layouts was conducted by Kshitiz Vishnoi (2017). A

software called SprinkCALC was used to determine its performance and suitable application.
They found out that branching pattern type requires high pressure and high pump capacity but a

low volume of water flowing through the pipes. On the other hand, they also found out that grid

pattern type requires less pressure than branching pattern type but higher than grid pattern with

loop type. Lastly, grid pattern with loop type requires low pressure and low pump capacity but a

high volume of water flowing through the pipes. Determining the appropriate layout of the piping

for the fire sprinkler system is important since different areas also have different conditions.

A study was conducted by Adekunle A. et al. (2020) to determine the factors that

contribute to fires in commercial buildings. The data is gathered from firefighting agencies from

years 2010-2019. The main contributors to fires in commercial buildings are cooking, heating,

electrical breakdowns, and carelessness. Unknown causes are also dominant, which comes in

second place.
 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

The procedure for the design of the sprinkler of the U-Shaped Third Floor Commercial

building will start from finding the location that will be selected for the design of the building until

computing the water tank capacity as well as the pumps required power to supply the water

onto the sprinkler heads.

1. GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

1.1 Location – The site of old Maragondon Public Market in Maragondon,

Cavite is an urban market area that covers approximately 3,500 square meters,

where it is concurrently a demolished area near the Maragondon Municipal Hall.

Figure 1: Location of Maragondon Old Public Market

1.2 Type of Building - The proposed infrastructure is a U-shaped, three-

story commercial building that can accommodate various businesses such as

food and beverage, and retail businesses.

 Figure 2a: 3d Perspective of the Proposed Building

Figure 2b: Front Isometric View of the Proposed Building

Figure 2c: Rear Isometric View of the Proposed Building

 Figure 3a: Ground Floor Plan of the Proposed Building

Figure 3b: Second Floor Plan of the Proposed Building

Figure 3c: Second Floor Plan of the Proposed Building

 1.3 Water Supply - The water supply system that will cater in the

proposed building will come from a water tank owned by the Maragondon Water

District that is located nearby the site.

1.4 Type of the Sprinkler System – A wet pipe system will be adapted as

the sprinkler system for the proposed three-storey infrastructure since the

businesses that will occupy the property will be mostly classified with ordinary

hazard fire profiles.

1.5 Basis of Design Standard – The researchers will use NFPA books as

reference, specifically NFPA 13 (for installation of sprinkler systems), NFPA 20

(for installation of stationary pumps), and NFPA 14 codes (for installation of

standpipes and hose systems guidelines).

2. DESIGN AND HYDRAULIC CALCULATIONS OF SPRINKLER AND PIPING

SYSTEM

2.1 Classification of Hazards - The building was composed of areas and rooms

that were aimed to satisfy the people especially on an expanding people in the

Maragondon area. This includes entertainment, transaction, and culmination

areas that will benefit the life of people while boosting the economics of the

municipality. Since the building is built with several types of businesses such as

restaurants, grocery store, arcade, etc., the building itself will be classified as

ORDINARY 1 as per NFPA 13 of identifying the types of hazards of the area.

2.1.1 Water Demand - The area/curve is set to conclude the water needs

for the sprinkler system of the commercial buildings. The graph shown how

much water demands (gpm) needs in different classifications of hazards based

on the density (gpm/ ft²) and area of the infrastructure(ft²).

 Figure 4. Sprinkler Density

Source: [Link]

FORMULA: where:

𝑄𝑑 = 𝐴 ∗ 𝜌𝑠 Qd = water demand

A = total area or room

ρs = sprinkler density

2.1.2 Branch lines - it delivers water to the sprinkler head. The following are

formulas for quantity of branch lines needed and the optimal spacing with reference to

other branch lines and wall.

• Number of branch lines required in a room

𝑊𝐹
𝑁𝐵 =
15 𝑓𝑡

• Spaces between branch lines

𝑊𝐹
𝑆𝐵 =
𝑁𝐵

• Space of the nearest branch line from the wall:

𝑊𝐹 − 𝑆𝐵
𝑆𝐵𝑊 =
2
where:

NB = no. of branch line per room

WF = floor width of the room

SB = distance between branch lines

SBW = distance of branch nearest to the wall

According to NFPA 13 guidelines, the allowed maximum spacing between

branch lines for light and ordinary hazard levels is 15 ft while extra hazard only allows 12

ft of spacing; additionally, the minimum distance would be 6ft. The maximum distance of

a branch line nearest to the wall shall be 7.5 ft.

2.1.3 Sprinkler heads - these are the mechanisms that discharge the

water from the branch line to mitigate a fire. The following are the relevant

formulas for the layout of the sprinkler heads within a room.

• Quantity of sprinkler heads along a branch line

𝐿𝐹 𝐴𝑅
𝑁𝑆𝐵 = 𝑜𝑟 𝑁𝑆𝑅 =
15 𝑓𝑡 130 𝑓𝑡 2

• Spaces between sprinkler heads along a

branch line

𝐿𝐹
𝑆𝑆 =
𝑁𝑆𝐵

• Spaces of the nearest sprinkler head from the wall

𝐿𝐹 −4∗𝑆𝑆
𝑆𝑆𝑊 =
2

• Area of coverage per sprinkler

𝐴𝑐 = 𝑆𝑆 ∗ 𝑆𝐵

• Area of coverage of sprinkler near corners

𝑆𝐵 𝑆𝑆
𝐴𝐶𝐶 = (𝑆𝐵𝑊 + ) (𝑆𝑆𝑊 + )
2 2
where:

NSR = no. of sprinkler heads in a room LF = length of floor area

NSB = no. of sprinkler heads along a branch line AR = area of the room

Ss = space between sprinkler heads AC = Area of coverage per sprinkler

SSW = space between the last sprinkler from the wall

ACC = Area of coverage of corner sprinklers

According to NFPA 13 standards, the minimum distance between the sprinklers

shall be 6 ft. Moreover, the maximum area of coverage per sprinkler must be 130 ft2

while the maximum distance of the sprinkler from the wall must be 7.5 ft.

2.1.4 Discharge Coefficient and Pressure of the Sprinkler Head - NFPA 13 stated

that the pressure must not be less than 7 psi for responsive water activation once fire

accident happens. If the pressure at a sprinkler head is below a bare minimum of 7 psi,

the water won’t be able to push out the sprinkler cap when the heat-sensitive bulb

breaks. Different types of sprinkler head have different discharge coefficient.

Figure 5. Sprinkler Discharge Characteristics Identification

Source: NFPA 13
 2.1.5 Flow rate of the Sprinkler Head - The discharge rate of sprinkler

head will be solved using the value of discharge coefficient and the pressure. It

will be multiplied with number of sprinkler heads in the building. The formula is:

𝑄𝑆 = 𝐾 ∗ √𝑃

where:

QS = flow rate of a sprinkler head

K = discharge coefficient

P = minimum pressure required for sprinkler head (7 psi)

2.1.6 Flow rate of the Fire Hose and Total Flow rate - The flow rate of

the fire hose was needed to identify for the summation of the flow rate of the

sprinkler system together with the flow rate of the sprinkler head.

The formula is:

𝑄𝑇 = 𝑄𝐹 + (𝑄𝑆 ∗ 𝑛)

where:

QS = flow rate of a sprinkler head n = no. of sprinkler heads

QT = total flow rate QF = flow rate of fire hose

2.1.7 Types of Pipes and Sprinkler Head - The pipes, valves and fittings (tees

and elbows) will be made from the same material. The sprinkler head that will be used

will be a pendent sprinkler head due to its wide dispersion of water and the piping will be

of black steel.
 Figure 6. Hazen-Williams C Values

Source: [Link]

systems/

2.2 Hydraulic Calculations

2.2.1 Pipe Sizes and Length - For the standpipe (main line ), the actual sizes that

consider is depending of the usage for the flow of the water in sprinkler system and fire

hose. Usual diameter of the standpipe ranges between 100-150 mm while the branch

line must not smaller than 65 mm. Additionally, for areas where the sprinkler head is

located, the pipe must be smaller. According to the NFPA 13, the diameter of pipe that

supply water to the sprinkler head must not exceed to less than 20 mm.

2.2.2 Velocity – Vishnoi (2017) stated that the maximum velocity of water flow for

any valve or flow monitoring system shall not exceed 6 m/s. On the other hand, a

maximum velocity of 10 m/s should be applied for any other point in the system for a

stabilized condition at points that will involve assumed maximum area of operation

(AMAO).

2.2.3 Flow rate of every pipe - every pipe size has different flow rates

provided. To compute the pipe flow rate, it is:

𝑚
𝑄𝑛 = 𝐴𝑝 ∗ 10
𝑠
where:

Qn = Flow rate of a pipe

Ap = Area of the pipe

2.2.4 Reynolds Number - Reynolds number is essential for the identification of

the water flow whether it was turbulent or laminar. Reynolds numbers can provide a data

for the friction factor.

𝑣∗𝐷
𝑅𝑒 =
𝜇𝑘

where:

Re = Reynolds number 𝑣 = Velocity

D = Pipe diameter 𝜇𝑘 = Kinematic viscosity

2.2.5 Friction Factor - Friction factor is parameters needs to compute the

formula of the Darcy-Weisbach equations. To find the friction factor, the formula

was:

64
𝑓=
𝑅𝑒
where:

f = Friction factor Re = Reynolds number

2.2.6 Head Losses in every Components The Head losses due to friction is

essential to provide to power that needs for the fire pump and jockey pump to supply the

water for each sprinkler head and fire hose. The following is the list of components that

need to compute its head losses.

• Head loss due to Pipe - The length of the pipes and diameter is

crucial to identify the head loss due to friction due to pipe.

• Head loss due to Valves - The valve on the sprinkler system divided

into four different types such as Pressure Gauge, Check Valve, Flow

Switch, Main Drain Valve, Relief Valve, Suction Valve, and

 Discharge Valve. These four will be computed its head losses.

• Head loss due to Reducer - The reducer provides a fitting between

different sizes of pipes and sprinkler head.

• Head loss due to Elbows/Tees - The tees and elbows is responsible

is responsible for changing the directions of the pipes.

For computation of friction head loss, the researchers will use the following

formulas:

• Darcy-Weisbach Equation - a fundamental formula used to calculate the

pressure or head loss due to friction in a pipe. It is given by:

𝑓 ∗ 𝐿 ∗ 𝑣2
ℎ𝑑𝑓 =
2∗𝑔∗𝐷

where:
hdf = Friction head loss on Darcy-Weisbach formula 𝑣 = Flow velocity
f = Darcy-Weisbach friction factor/coefficient g = Gravitational acceleration
L = Length of pipe D = Pipe diameter

• Hazen-Williams Formula – an empirical formula often used for water

flow in pipes and is simpler to use compared to the Darcy-Weisbach

equation, it is given by:

10.67 ∗ 𝐿 ∗ 𝑄1.85
ℎℎ𝑓 =
𝐶 1.85 ∗ 𝐷4.87
where:
hhf = friction head loss based on D = pipe diameter
Hazen-Williams formula C = Hazen-Williams roughness coefficient
L = total Dynamic Head Q = flow rate

Additionally, factors such as pressure head, velocity head, and static/elevation

head losses will be considered.

• Pressure head loss equation

𝑃 𝑃
ℎ𝑝 = 𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑝 =
𝜌𝑔 𝛾
 • Velocity head loss equation

𝑣2
ℎ𝑣 =
2𝑔

• Static head loss equation

ℎ𝑒 = ℎ𝑑 − ℎ𝑠

where:

hp = pressure head loss 𝜌 = density of water

hv = velocity head loss 𝑣 = velocity

P = pressure hd = discharge elevation/height

g = gravitational acceleration hs = suction elevation/height

𝛾 = specific Weight of water

2.2.7 Dynamic Head Losses - After solving the pressure head, head loss

due to friction, elevation, and velocity head, it will be used for the dynamic head

loss. To compute the dynamic head loss the formula is:

𝐻𝑇 = ℎ𝑝 + ℎ𝑓 + ℎ𝑣 + ℎ𝑒

where:

HT= total dynamic head loss hv = velocity head loss

hp = pressure head loss he = static/elevation head loss

hf = friction head loss

3. PUMP POWER REQUIREMENT AND TANK VOLUMETRIC CAPACITY

3.1 Power Requirement - After solving the dynamic head loss, the pump power

required will be solve using the equation using:

𝛾𝑄𝐻
𝑃=
𝜇𝑝

where:

Ppump = power requirement of the pump H = total dynamic head

Q = flow rate of sprinkler head and fire hose 𝜇𝑃 = pump efficiency

 The fire pump and jockey pump have different efficiency that results on different power

requirement for operation.

3.2 Volume Tank Capacity - The design of tank capacity is needed to

provide the adequate volume of water needs once a fire accident occurs in the

building. The formula was:

𝑉 =𝑄∗𝑛

where:

V = tank volume/water volume required

Q = flow rate of sprinkler head and fire hose

n = time of sprinkler activation (30 minutes)

The water activation or the time needs to activate the water on an

ordinary hazard 1 was 30 minutes.

Figure 7. Hose Steam Allowance and Water Supply

Source: NFPA 13

4. DIGITAL SIMULATION OF THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM

The activation and performance of the sprinkler system will be simulated by using

computer software such as AutoCAD Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and/or

Fusion 360.
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