Put Out the Design Fire Before It Starts
Automatic sprinkler systems installed in commercial, multifamily, and residential construction provide improved fire protections to the building, its contents, and its occupants. Trusses are often used in the roofs and floors of many of these buildings and the openness provided by the webs make trusses especially compatible with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, including sprinklers. There are three things that need to be provided to the truss manufacturer by the building owner, building designer, or general contractor prior to design:
- The construction documents prepared by the building designer should clearly indicate if an automatic sprinkler system will be installed and which standard will be followed for its design and installation.
- The construction documents prepared by the building designer should indicate the weight of the sprinkler system and how it needs to be distributed to the trusses.
- The construction documents prepared by the building designer should indicate whether the sprinkler system is to be supported from the top or bottom chord of the trusses as well as how it is to be attached to the trusses.
Providing this information up front will give the truss manufacturer a more accurate estimate of the overall load and special truss design considerations so that the process is easier and more accurate, ensuring sprinkler systems are adequately supported and properly installed to improve fire protections throughout the life of the structure.