C O M M I T T E E P E R S O N N E L

227 231C-1

Report of Committee on Rack Storage of Materials

A. E. Sheppard , Chairman, Faculty Mutual Research Corp., 1151 Boston-Providence Turnpike, Norwood, MA 02062

J e r o m e L. Huff, Secretary, Hartman Engineering, A Division of Hartman Metal Fabricators, Inc.,

66 School St., Victor, NY 14564 (Rep. Rack Manufacturers Product Section of The Material Handling Institute, Inc.)

J o h n J. A h e m , NFPA Committee on Elec- tronic Computer Systems

R. R. Barczak, Johnson & Higgins, Inc. J. S. Barr i t t , Factory Insurance Assn. E. B e r t r a m Berkley, Envelope Manufac-

turers Assn. Francis C. Evans, NFPA Sectional Com-

mittee on Detection Devices Rober t C. Everson, Marsh & McLennan,

Inc. Lee Hall , Controlled Mechanical Stera~e

Systems Product Section, The Material Handling Institute, Inc.

J o h n T. Higgins, Industrial Fire Protection Section

R. S. Johnson , Subcommittee on High Piled Storage, NFPA Committee on Gen- eral Storage

A. M. Lownsbury , American Warehouse- men's A ssn.

D. N. M e l d r u m , NFPA Committee on Foam Andrew J. Myer, Travelers Insurance Co.

C. Bart Nixon, National-American Whole- sale Grocers Assn.

W. Rober t Powers, NFPA Committee on General Storage

Rober t L. Retelle, American Insurance Assn.

E. J. Schlffhauer , Eastman Kodak Co. Ches ter W. Sch i rmer , Schirmer Engineer-

ing Corp. Wi l l i am Tes ta , National Automatic Sprin-

kler & Fire Control Association Wi l l iam A. Webb, Rolf Jensen & Associates,

Inc. H. V. W i l l i a m s ° n ' Fire Equipment Manu-

facturers Assn. J ack A. Wood, National Automatic Sprin-

kler & Fire Control Association George M. Woods, Jr . , American Mutual

Insurance Alliance Donald P. Yuellig, Fire Marshals Assn. of

North America

Alternates .

W. A. Aistedt , Controlled Mechanical Stor- age Systems Product Section, The Ma- terial Handling Institute, Inc. (Alternate to Lee Hall)

A r t h u r E. Cote, National Automatic Sprin- kler & Fire Control Association (Alternate to Jack A. Wood)

L. B. Donkle, Rack Manufacturers Product Section of The Material Handlin~ Insti- Inc. (Alternate to Jerome L. Huff)

M. O. Eng leha r t , Factory Mutual Research Corp. (Alternate to A. E. Sheppard)

Rober t J. Gray, Nat'l. Automatic Sprinkler & Fire Control Assn. (Alternate to William Testa)

G. M. Hldzick, American Mutual Insurance Alliance (Alternate to George M. Woods, Jr.)

Ernes t E. Miller, Faeter3~ Insurance Asso- ciation (Alternate to J. S. Barritt)

K e n n e t h A. Zuber, Fire Equipment Manu- facturers Assn. (Alternate to H. V. Wil- liamson)

This list represents the membership at the time thn Committee was balloted on the text of this edition. Eince ¢ha~ t~me, changes in the membership may hays occurred.

The report of the Committee on Rack Storage of Materials pro- l~oses adoption of amendments to the Standard for Rack Storage of Materials, NFPA No. 231C-1974.

The report has been submitted to letter ballot of the Committee, which consists of 25 voting members, of whom 24 have voted affrmatively. Mr. Schiffhauer has not returned a ballot.

228 2 3 1 C - 2 R E P O R T OF C O M M I T T E E ON R A C K S T O R A G E OF M A T E R I A L S

Proposed Revisions to the Standard for

Rack Storage of Materials

N F P A N o . 2 3 1 C ~ 1974

1. In 2-1.1.3, third line under "Paper Products," after "end," change the period to a comma and add "and regenerated cellulosics (cello- phane). ," to read:

PAPER PRODUCTS. Books, magazine, stationery; plastic coated paper food containers; newspapers; paper or cardboard games; tis- sue products; rolled paper on side or steel banded on end, and re- generated cellulosics (cellophane).

p

2. In 2-1.1.4, add reference at end of ]ourth line, ("See 1-1)," and under "Textiles" add a comma after "viscose."

3. In 3-2.1, second line, delete" "design curves in," to read:

t3-2.1 With sprinkler systems installed in accordance with Chapters 6 and 7, fire protection of roof steel is not necessary.

4. In 3-2.2, second line, delete "design curves in," and change "Chap- ters 5 and 6" to "Chapters 5, 6, and 7," to read:

~3-2.2 When ceiling sprinklers and sprinklers in racks are in- stalled in accordance with Chapters 5, 6, and 7, fire protection of steel building columns is not necessary.

5. Add an asterisk before 4-3. 7, delete "min imum or max imum" in the second line, delete the last sentence, and add "An average nominal 6 inch transverse flue space between loads or at rack uprights shall be maintained. Random variations in the width of the flue spaces or in their vertical alignment are permissible. (See Figure 4-3.1)," to read:

i*t4-3.1 In double row racks with height of storage up to and including 25 feet, and without solid shelves, no longitudinal 'flue space (back-to-back clearance) is necessary. An average nominal 6 inch transverse flue space between loads or at rack uprights shall be maintained. Random variations in the width of the flue spaces or in their vertical alignment are permissible. (See Fig. 4-3.1).

REVISIONS TO NFPA 231C

229 231C-3

6. In Fig. #--3. 7, delete "Minimum "from end and plan views, add "is necessary" after "space" in end view, to read "No Longitudinal Flue Space is Necessary," and add to title "with Back-to-Back Loads."

n r - OONVE.T'O.AL

POS$IBL'E TRANSVERSE FLUE SPAGES NO LONGITUDINAL

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . NO LONGITUDINAL

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

PLAN VIEW

Fig. 4-3.1 Typical Double Row Rack with Back-to-Back Loads.

7. Replace 4-3.2 with the JoUowing:

4-3.2 In double row raeks with height of storage over 25 feet, a minimum longitudinal flue space of approximately 6 inches shall be provided.

8. In 5-3.2, third line, change "Figs 6-11.1a" to "Figs. 6-12.1a," in the fourth line, change "6-13.1a" to "6-14.1a ~', and to the last sentence add "as amended for conditions in accordance with Chapter 6." to read:

5-3.2 Sprinkier spacing may exceed 100 square feet, but shall not exceed 130 square feet, in systems hydraulically designed in ac- cordance with the design curves shown in Figs. 6-12.1a through g and 6-14.1a through d for densities below 0.25 gpm per square foot. Densities shall not be less than those shown on the design curves as amended for conditions in accordance with Chapter 6.

230 231C-4 REPORT OF'COMMITTEE ON RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

9. Delete 5-4 and 5-zl. 1, and renumber the remainder of Chapter 5, accordingly, including corresponding numbers in Appendices A and B. Renumber B5-4.1 as B6-6.1 and provide dagger before 6-6.1.

10. Revise 5--9.1 (formerly 5--10.1) to read:

5-9.1 For combined inside and outside hose streams, at least 500 gallons per minute shall be provided in addition to the sprin- kler demand for Class I, I I , I I I , and IV commodities.

11. Delete Fig. A4-3.2, and delete the references "(See Fig. A4-3.2)" at the end of 5-13.2 (formerly 5-14.2), and delete "A4-3.2" in the third line of 4-3. 2.

12. In 6-3.1, in the second line after "sprinklers," add "or listed sprin- klers equipped with water shields shall be used" to read:

'[6-3.1 Water shields shall be provided directly ,above in-rack sprinklers or listed sprinklers equipped with water shields shall be used. when there is more than one level, if not shielded by hori- zontal barriers.

13. Add a new 6-8.1 to read:

6-4.1 The elevation of in-rack sprinkler deflectors with respect to storage is not a consideration in double rack storage up to and including 20 feet high.

14. Renumber 6-4.1 as 6-4.2 and revise to read:

6-4.2 In double row racks without solid shelves with height of storage over 20 feet, or in multiple row racks, or in double row racks with solid shelves and height of storage up to and including 25 feet, a minimum of six inch clear space shall be mainta ined be- tween the sprinkler deflectors and the top of a tier of storage.

15. Renumber 6-11, 6-11.1 and 6-11.2as 6-5, 6-5.1, and 6-5-2, re- spectively, and renumber the remainder of Chapter 6 accordingly, including figures.

16. In 6-8.1 (formerly 6-7.1) after "g" in first line add "and Figures 6-15.1a through 6-15.1d," to read:

*t6-8.1 Design curves in Figs. 6-12.1a through g and Figures 6-15.1a through 6-15.1d apply to nominal 20 foot height of storage.

17. Renumber.former 6--7.8 as 6-8.1.1.

REVISIONS TO NFPA 231C

231 231C-5

78. In 6-8.2 (formerly 6-7.2), in the fifth and sixth lines, delete "bu t to not less than 15 gpm per sprinkler."

19. Revise title for Fig. 6-8.2 (formerly Fig. 6-7.2) to read:

Fig. 6-8.2 Ceiling Spr inkler Densi ty Versus Storage Height.

20. Provide new Table 6-8.2 as follows:

Stge. Height

(ft) In.Rack Spklrs.

Over 12 Ft None

Up Thru 25 Ft

Minimum Acceptable

Over 12 Ft Up Thru20 Ft

Over 20 Ft Up Thru 25 Ft

More than Minimum but Not In Every Tier.

In Every Tier.

Minimum Acceptable

More than Minimum but Not in Every Tier.

In Each Tier.

Permitted AI3ply Ceiling Spklrs.

Fig, Density 6-7.2 Adjustments

Yes None

None

Reduce Density Yes 20% for Minimum

In-Rack Spklrs.

Reduce Density 40% for Minimum In-Rack Spklrs.

None

Reduce Density No 20% for Minimum

In-Rack Spklrs.

Reduce Density 40% for Minimum In-Rack Spklrs.

Table 6-8.2 Adjustment to Ceiling ,Sprinkler Density for Storage Height and In-Rack Sprinklers.

2/. In 6--8.4 (formerly 6--7.4), fifth line, delete "bu t to not less than 15 gpm per sprinkler."

22. In 6--8.5 (formerly 6--7.5), in the second and third lines, delete "one level of" and replace with "the minimum acceptable," and in the fourth and fifth lines, delete "bu t to not less than 15 gpm per sprinkler," to read:

6-8.5 For height of storage over 20 feet up to and including 25 feet protected with ceiling sprinklers and with more than the

/

232 231C-6 REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

minimum acceptable in-rack sprinklers, but not in every tier, den- sities given in design curves can be reduced 20 percent. Densities shall not be adjusted per Fig. 6-8.2.

23. In 6-8.6 (formerly 6-7.6),Jourth and fiJth lines, delete "but to not less than 15 gpm per sprinkler."

24. In 6-8.7 (formerly 6-7.7),fourth line, delete "but to not tess than 15 gpm per sprinkler."

25. Delete Fig. 6-7.9, and provide a new Fig. 6--8.8 asJollows:

6 0 0 0 I I /

I - q l " A I d 5 5 0 0 l

z ,/ I o_ ,~ t

5 0 0 0 f l I < J I r¢ ,,, I " / I

n" . 4 5 0 0 r l 1- i i i

, / I v. 1 z f I

E: 4 0 0 0 A 1 " I

J t 1

< / 1 uJ 3 5 0 0 n" ,~ I < r~ I Z # I 0 /

u) 3 0 0 0 / LU o #" -J ¢ < • z j ~, 2 5 0 0 E:: . , r O "

i .

2 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 5 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 5 0 0 4 0 0 0 4 5 0 0

R E D U C E D D E S I G N A R E A O F S P R I N K L E R O P E R A T I O N (SQ. FT . )

Fig. 6-8.8 Adjustment of Design Area of Sprinkler Operation for Clearance from Top of Storage to Cei l ing .

233 REVISIONS TO NFPA 231C 231C-7

26. In 6-8 .10 (formerly 6 -7 .10 , first and second lines, delete "or solid shelves four feet to eight feet deep (see Fig. A4-3.2) are used," to read:

6-8.10 Where solid flat bottom wood pallets are used, with height of storage up to and including 25 feet, the . . .

27. In 6-9.2 (formerly 6-8.2), th#d line, change "four" to "five."

28. Renumber 6--70 and 6-70.1 as 6-73 and 6-73.1, respectively, and lo- cate under "Par t B. Double and Single Row Racks."

28A. Editorially correct 6-13. 7 to read:

6-13.1. In double row racks without solid shelves, in-rack sprinklers shall be installed as indicated in Table 6-12.1.

29. Renumber 6-10.2 as 6-4.3, in the second line change "20" to "25," and delete the last sentence, to read:

6-4.3 In-rack sprinklers at one level only for storage up to and including 25 feet high in double row racks shall be located at

to ~ of the storage height.

30. Delete 6-70.3, 6-70.5, and 6-70.6.

37. Renumber 6-70.4 as 6-4.4, and in the second line, delete "in double row racks," to read:

6-4.4 In-rack sprinklers at two levels only for storage up to and including 25 feet high shall be located at ~/~ to ~ and ~ to ~/~ of the Storage height.

32. Add a dagger before 6-74.7 (formerly 6-73.1), and revise to read:

J{~-14.1 For encapsulated or nonencapsulated storage in multiple row racks no deeper than 16 feet with aisles no narrower than eight feet, in-rack sprinklers shall be installed as indicated in Table 6-14.1.

33. Revise 6-14.2 (formerly 6-13.2) to read: 6-14.2 For encapsulated or nonencapsulated storage in multiple

row .racks deeper than 16 feet, or with aisles less than eight feet wide, in-rack sprinklers shall be it/stalled as indicated in Table 6-14.2.

34. Revise reference "(See A6-11.1.)" at end of 6-75.1 (formerly 6-74.7), to read:

(See A6-5.1 and A6-12.1.)

234 2 3 1 C - 8 REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

35. Change identification of vertical ordinate from "Sprinkler Operating Area-Ft v' to read:

D E S I G N A R E A O F S P R I N K L E R O P E R A T I O N - - F t 2 on Figures 6-12.1a through 6-12.1g and on Figures 6-15.1a through 6-15.1d (formerly Figures 6-14. la through 6--14. ld).

36. In Table 6-12.1, under "Height" column, change "to" to "thru."

37. Revise Table 6-14-1 (formerly 6-13.1) to read as follows (seepage 9).

38. Revise Table 6-14.2 (formerly 6-13.2) to read as follows (see page I0).

39. In 7-,1.1, second line after "sprinklers," add "or listed sprinklers equipped with water shields shall be provided," to read:

7-4.1 Water shields shall be provided directly above in-rack sprinklers or listed sprinklers equipped with water shields shall be provided when there is more than one level if not shielded by hori- zontal barriers (see Appendix B6-3.1).

40. Renumber the "7-7" following 7-4.1 as "7-5," and revise to read:

7-5 In-Rack Sprinkler Location

41. At the end of 7-6.1 change reference from "(see Appendix B5-4.1) to "(see Appendix B6-7.1)."

d2. In Table 7-10.1, under the column "Commodity Class," change "II & III" to read "I, II, & I I I " , and change ' IV" to read "I, II, I!I, & IV." In the columns under "In-rack sprinklers," after "Face (4)" add "and (8)" to read: "Face (4) and (8)." (See page 11.)

43. In Footnote 5 for Table 7-10.1, change "maximum height" to "top," to read: 5Clearance is distance between top of storage and ceiling,

revise Footnote 7 to read:

~See A7-10.3, A7-11.1, and A7-12.1 for protection suggestions "when clearance is greater than 10 feet,

and add a new Footnote 8 to read:

8Face sprinklers are not mandatory for a Class I commodity consisting of noncombustible products on wood pallets (without combustible containers) except for arrays shown in Fig. 7-10.1g and Fig. 7-10.1j.

Table 6-14.1 Multlple-Row Racks. Rack Depth Up to 16 Ft., Aisles Wider Than 8 Ft., Storage Height Up To 25 Ft.

Height

I

Over 12 Ft II Up Thru 15 Ft II I

IV

I

Over 15 F t I I Up Thru 20 Ft III

IV

I

Over 20 Ft I1 Up Thru 25 Ft II I

tV

Ceiling Sprinkler Water Demand

Sprinklers With In-Reck Sprinklers Commodity Encap- Mandatory ] Apply Fig. ; Class sulated I In-Racks. Fig. No. Curves I 6-7,2 1"25x Density

No _ 6-14.1a No Yes 6-14.1a Yes

No No 6-14.1b No Yes ! 6-14.1 b Yes

A&B Yes No No 6-14.1c No Yes 1 Level ! 6-14.1c Yes No No 6-14.1d No Yes 1 Level 6-12.1d 1.50x Density N o _ ~6-14.1 a No 6-14.1 a Yes No 16"14'1a Yes 6-14.1a No 6-14.1b No 6-14.1b Yes 6-14.1b Yes 6-14.1b

A&B Yes No No 6-14.1c No 6-14.1c Yes 1 Level = 6-14.1c Yes No 6-14.1d No Yes 1 Level 6-12.1d 1.50x Density ! ~ No No 6-14.1a No 6-14.1a Yes 1 Level 6-14.1a Yes No 6-14.1b No Yes 6-14.1b Yes

1 Level ~ A~B No No 6-14.1c No Yes 6-14.1c Yes

6-14.1 d No No 2 Level I / Yes 6-12.1d . 1.60x Density

Without In-Rack Sprinklers Apply Fig.

Fig. No. Curves 6-7.2 1"25x Density 6-14.1a C&D No

Yes 6-14.1a C&D Yes 6-14.1b C&D No

Yes 6-14.1b C&D Yes 6-14.1c C&D Yes No

6-14old A&B No No

C&D / Yes No C&D 7 Yes C&D No

Yes C&D Yes C&D Yes No

C&D Yes No

/

J

O

t~ O0

t~

U,) tJl

Commodity Height Class

I

Over 12 Ft II Up Thru 15 Ft II I

IV

- I

Over 15 Ft II Up Thru 20 Ft II I

IV

I

Over 20 Ft II Up Thru 25 Ft I I I

IV

Table 6-14.2 Mult iple-Row Racks. Rack Depth Over 16 Ft. or Aisles Narrower Than 8 Ft. Storage Height Up to 25 Ft.

Cellln9 Sprinkler Water Demand Sprinklers With In-Rack Sprinklem

Encap- I Mandatory Apply Fig. su]ated In-Rad(s Fig. No, Curves 6-7.2 1.25xDensity

No 6-14.1a No Yes 6-14.1a Yes

No No 6-14.1b No Yes 6-14.1b A&B Yes Yes No 6-14.1c No Yes 1 Level '6-14.1c Yes No No 6=14.1d No 6-14.1d Yes 1 Level 6-12.1d C&D 1.50x Density No 6-14.1 a No Yes 6-14.1a Yes No 6-14.1 b No Yes 6-14 lb A&B Yes

1 Level Yes No 6-14.1 c No Yes 6-14.1 c Yes NO 6-14.1d No Yes 6-12.1d , C&D 1~50x Density No 6-14.1a No Yes 6:14.1 a" Yes No 6-14.1b No

1 Level Yes 6-14,1b A&B No Yes No 6-14,1c No Yes 6-14.1c Yes .I

6-14.1d No I / i

No 2 Levels - Yes 6-12.1d C&D 1.50x Density i

Without In.Reck 8pdn.k. !ers

Apply Fig. Fig. No. Curves = 6-7,2 1,2Bx Density 6-14.1 a C&D No

Yes 6-14.1a C&D Yes 6-14.1 b C&D No

Yes 6-14.1b C&D Yes 6-14.1c C&D Yes No

A-B No

X

X /

No

p.¢

£3 O

¢3

0~

o

o

o

ba ~ea

Table 7-10.1 Double-Row Racks Without Sofid Shelves, Storage Higher Than 25 Feet, Aisles Wider Than 4 Feet.

Commodity Class

I

I, II, & III

I, I1,111, & IV

I n-rack sprinklers -- approximate vertical spacing at tier nearest the vertical distance and maximum horizontal spacing (1} (2). Longitudinal Flue (3) Face (4) and (8) Vertical 20 ft. Horizontal 10 ft. under horizontal None 7-10,1a 30 f t . NO Barriers Vertical 20 ft. Vertical 20 ft. j Higher than Yes Horizontal 10 ft. Horizontal 10 ft, 7-10,1b , 25 f t . vei:t ical 10 ft. or at 15 ft. & 25 ft. None 7-10.1c 30 f t . Yes Horizontal 10 ft. Vertical 10 ft. Vertical 30 ft. 7-10.1dl Yes Horizontal 10 ft. Horizontal 10 ft. Vertical 20 ft, Vertical 20 ft, 7-10.1e Higher than Yes Horizontal 10 ft. Horizontal 5 ft. 25 f t . Vertical 25 ft . Vertical 25 ft. 7-10.1f No Horizontal 5 ft. Horizontal 5 ft. Horizontal barriers at 20 ft. Vertical Intervals-2 lines of sprinklers 7-10.1g Yes under barriers-maximum horizontal spacing 10 ft. staggered. Vertical 15 ft. Vertical 20 ft. 7-10.1h ; yes Horizontal 10 ft. Horizontal 10 ft. Vertical 20 ft. Vertical 20 ft. 7-10.11 I Higher than Horizontal 5 ft , Horizontal 5 ft, 26 f t . No Horizontal barriers at 15 ft. Vertical intervals-2 lines of sprinkler 7-10,1J Yes under barriers-maximum ' horizontal spacing 10 ft. staggered

Maximum Fig. Storage No, Height Stagger

Ceiling Ceiling Sprinkler Density I Sprinkler .gpm/sq. ft.) (6) Operating Clearance (5) Area Up to 10 f t . (7)

165 o 286 °

'- 2000 SCl. f t .

0.25 0.35

0.25 0.35

0.30 0.40

2000 sq. f t .

0.30 0.40

0.30 0.40

0.30 0.40

0.30 0.40

0.35

2000 sq. f t . 0.35

0.45

0.45

0.35 0.45

t~

",4

238 231C-12 R E P O R T OF C O M M I T T E E ON R A C K S T O R A G E OF M A T E R I A L S

44. In 7-72.2, delete "such" in the first line, and add "as described in 7-12.1" aJter "storage," to read:--

7-12.2. Where storage as described i n 7-12..1 is encapsulated, ceiling sprinkler density shall be 25 percent greater than" for non- encapsulated.

45. In Table 7-13..1 under the column "Commodity Class," revise " I I & II I" . t0 ' read "I , II, & I I I " and " I V " to read"I , II, III, & IV."

46. In title Jot Fig. 7-13.1b, second line, after "Class" add " I , " to read:

Fig. 7-13.1h In-Rack Spri~dder Arrangement - - Multlple-Row Racks, Class I, H, or III Commodity. Height of Storage over 25 F e e t . .

47. In title Jor Fig. 7-73./c,'first line, after "Class" add "I , II, III, & IV," to read:

Fig. 7-13.1c In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement, Class" I, IIi ~ IH, & IV Commodity, Mulitple-.R9w Racks. Height of Storage !over 25 Feet. ' ' " ". t

48. Delete 7-14.2 and 7-18.3. ..:

49. Revise Figures A4-1. Ib, A4-1..1c, and A4-1. ld as follows (see pages 13, 14, and 15). . " r

50. Add an asterisk -beJore 4-3. 7; and add a new A4-3.1, as]ollows:

A4-3.1 Nominal six inch' transverse flues should be prodded in mult~ple:'row racks.

51. Delete A5-14.1 'iand remove asterisk beJore 5-7.3. 7. (formeily 5-14.1).

52. Renumber A6- I0 .2 as A6-4.1, and revise to read:

A6-4.1 Where possible, it is preferable to locate in-rack sprin- lder deflectors at least six inches above pallet loads.

Remove asterisk .from 6-4.3 (formerly 6-10.2),-and-place an asterisk beJore 6-4.1.

R E V I S I O N S T O N F P A 231C

239 231C-13

L e g e n d

A - - L o a d D e p t h

B - - L o a d W i d t h

T - - T r a n v e r s e F l u e S p a c e

L - - L o n g i t u d i n a l F l u e S p a c e

E - - S t o r a g e H e i g h t

F - - C o m m o d i t y

G - - P a l l e t

H - - R a c k D e p t h

F i g . A 4 - 1 . 1 b . D o u b l e R o w R a c k s w i t h o u t S o l i d o r S l a t t e d S h e l v e s .

240 231C-14 REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

A/

A - - S h e l f D e p t h

B - - S h e l f H e i g h t

T - - T r a n s v e r s e F l u e S p a c e

L e g e n d

L - - L o f i g i t u d i n a l F lue Space

E - - S t o r a g e H e i g h t

F - - C o m m o d i t y

H - - R a c k D e p t h

• Fig. A4-1.1c. D o u b l e Row Racks w i t h Solid Shelves .

REVISIONS TO NFPA 231C

241 231C-15

/

/

A - - Shelf D e p t h

B - - Shelf He igh t

H - - Rack D e p t h

L e g e n d L - - Long i tud ina l Flue Space

E - - Storage He igh t

F - - Commodi ty

T - - T r a n s v e r s e Flue Space

Fig. A4-1.1d. Doub le Row Racks wi th Slatted Shelves

242 231C-16 REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

53. Add a new A6-4 .2 to read:

A6-4.2 Where possible, it is preferable to locate in-rack sprinklers away from rack uprights.

Place an asterisk before 6-4. 2.

54. In A 7-11.1, last line of second paragraph, change "Table 7-2.1 and Figs. 7-2.1a through j " to read:

Table 7-10.1 and Figs 7-10.1 a through j" ; and add a new paragraph at the end o[A7-11.1 , to read:

Horizontal barriers need not be provided above a Class I or Class II commodity with in-rack sprinkler arrays according to Fig. 7-10.1a and Fig. 7-10.1b, provided one line of in-rack sprin- klers is installed above the top tier of storage.

55. Change references "(See A7-10.1 and A7-12.1)" to "(See A7-11.1 and A7-13.1.)" at the end of the first paragraph of A7-12.1.

56. In the fi.fth lineof A7-13.1, change "Fig. 7-12.1a" to "Fig. 7-13.1a."

57. In A9-6,.fourth line of the last paragraph, change "are" to "were," and change "advisable" to "started," to read:

During the testing program, the installed automatic extinguish- ing system was capable of controlling the fire and reducing all temperatures to ambient within 30 minutes of ignition. Ventilation operations and mop-up were not started until this time period had been reached. The use of smoke removal equipment is im- portant.

Also, add a new paragraph to A9-6, as follows:

Smoke removal capability should be provided. Examples of smoke removal equipment include:

(a) Mechanical air handling systems

(b) Powered exhaust fans

(c) Roof mounted gravity vents

(d) Perimeter gravity vents.

Whichever system is selected, it should be designed for manual actuation by the fire department, thus allowing them to coordinate the smoke removal (ventilation) with their mop-up operations.

243 REVISIONS TO NFPA 2 3 1 C 231C-17

58. Add the following to B4-3. 7:

Tests 145 and 146 were conducted to investigate the influence of longitudinal and transverse flue dimensions in double row racks without solid shelves. Results were compared with Tests 65 and 66. Flue dimensions in Tests 65, 66, 145 and 146 were 6 inches, 6 inches, 3 inches and 12 inches respectively. All other conditions were the same.

In Tests 65 and 66, 45 and 48 sprinklers operate compared with 59 and 58 for Tests 145 and 146. Fire damage in Tests 145 and 146 was somewhat less than in Tests 65 and 66; 2,100 cubic feet and 1,800 cubie feet versus 2,300 cubic feet and 2,300 cubic feet of com- bustible material consumed.

Test results indicate narrow flue spaces on the order of 3 inches will allow reasonable passage of sprinkler water down through the racks.

Tests 96 and 107, on multiple row racks, had 6 inch transverse flue spaces. Water demand recommended in the standard is limited to those cases with nominal 6 inch transverse flues, in vertical alignment.

59. Place a dagger before 6-14.1 (formerly 6-13.1), and add a new B6-14.1, as foUows:

B6-14.1 Test 107, a multiple row rack test conducted with pallet loads but ted against each other, was 12 rows long. Each row was four boxes deep. With 0.45 density from ceiling sprinklers only, fire spread to a depth of 3 rows on both sides of ignition point. Fire damage, number of sprinklers open, and time rack steel temperature above 1000°F were considerabl3/ greater than in comparable double row rack Test 68. Temperatures at ceiling did not reach dangerous limits. Fire intensity at the ends of rows was sufficiently intense to conclude racks with deeper :rows would need additional protection.

60. Renumber B5-4. 7 as B6-5. 7, and place a dagger before 6-5. I.

67. Add the following to B5-73 .2 (formerly B5-Td.2):

Test 147 was conducted with ceiling sprinklers only. Density was 0.45 gpm per square foot with a sprinkler spacing of 100 square feet. A total of 47 sprinklers opened and 83 percent of the com- modity was consumed. The fire jumped both aisles and spread to both ends of the main and target racks. Test was considered unsuccessful.

244 231C-18 R E P O R T O F C O M M I T T E E O N R A C K S T O R A G E O F M A T E R I A L S

Test 148 was conducted with ceiling sprinklers and in-rack sprin- klers. In-rack sprinklers were provided at each level (top of first, second, and third tiers) and were located in the longitudinal flue. They were directly above each other and 24 feet on center or 22 feet on each side of the ignition flue. Ceiling sprinkler dis- charge density was 0.375 gpm per square foot. In-rack sprinkler discharge pressure was 30 psi. A total of 46 ceiling sprinklers and 3 in-rack sprinklers opened and 34 percent of the commodity was consumed. The fire consumed most of the material between the in- rack sprinklers and jumped both aisles.

6Z Retain the first paragraph oJ B6-12.2. Number the remaining para- graphs as a new B7-72. L provide a new title, and provide a dagger before 7-1Z1. New Title and B7-12.1 to read:

Chapter 7 Fire Protect ion - -

Storage Over 25 Feet in He ight

B7-12.1 The use of 165°F sprinklers at ceiling for storage higher than 25 feet results from fire test data. A test with 286°F sprinklers and 0.45 density resulted in fire damage in the two top tiers just within acceptable limts with three ceiling sprinklers operating. A test with 0.45 density and 165°F sprinklers gave a dramatic reduc- tion in fire damage with four ceiling sprinklers operating

The four 165°F ceiling sprinklers operated before the first of the three 286°F ceiling sprinklers. In both tests, two in-rack sprinklers at two levels operated at approximately the same time. The 286°F sprinklers were at all times fighting'a larger fire with less water than the 165°F ceiling sprinklers.

Tests 115 and 119 compare ceiling sprinkler' density of 0.30 gpm/ft. ~ with 0.45 gpm/ft. ~. Damage patterns coupled with the number of boxes damaged in the main rack suggest that the in- crease in density produces improved control, particularly in the area above the top tier of in-rack sprinklers.

Tests 119 and 122 compare 286°F with 165°F ceiling sprinkler temperature rating. A review of the number of boxes damaged and the fire spread patterns indicates that the use of 165°F ceiling sprin- klers on a rack configuration which incorporates in-rack sprinklers dramatically reduces the amount of fire spread. Considering that in-rack sprinklers in the over-25-foot series operated prior to ceiling sprinklers, it would seem that the installation of in-rack sprinklers converts what would normally be rapidly developing fire from the standpoint of ceiling sprinklers to a slower developing fire with lesser degree of heat release.

245 REVISIONS TO NFPA 231C 231C-19

In the 20 foot high test series, ceiling sprinklers operated before in-rack sprinklers. In the 30 foot high series, ceiling sprinklers operated after in-rack sprinklers. The 50 foot high test did not operate ceiling sprinklers. They, however, would be needed if fire occurred in upper levels.

These results indicate the effect of in-rack sprinklers on storages higher than 25 feet. From the ceiling operation standpoint, expected high-heat-release-rate fire was converted to a fire with a much lower heat release rate.

Since the fires developed slowly and opened, sprinklers at two levels in the racks, only a few ceiling sprinklers were needed to establish control. Thus sprinkler operating area is not varied with height for storage over 25 feet high, or for changes in sprinkler tem- perature rating or density.

All tests with sprinklers in racks were conducted using nominal ~ i n c h orifice size sprinklers of ordinary temperature.

246 2 3 1 C - 2 0 REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RACK STORAGE OF MATERIALS

63. Replace Fig. A4-1.7e with a new drawing as follows:

~ , t i ,I I ~ i ,L ,t, i I

!, !, I I ~ i / I I I J i ,I

t i t \ / , , , , , J, !,

• . 4 a I--

\ / ! ,! I I

J,t I ~,!

END VIEW AISLE VIE,,~.~._.~W

L e g e n d

A - - Load D e p t h B - - Load W i d t h

L - - L o n g i t u d i n a l Flue Space T - - T r a n s v e r s e Flue Space

Fig. A4-1. le . A u t o m a t i c Storage T y p e Rack.