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Framework to Incorporate Sprinkler System in Structural Fire Engineering

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Abstract

Sprinkler system can be very reliable and effective way to reduce fire risks in buildings if maintained properly. When the sprinkler system operates as designed, the temperatures affecting the load-bearing structures are often relatively low and the structural resistance is typically not compromised. Holistic Structural Fire Engineering (SFE) provides an opportunity to take active systems, like sprinklers, into account in the design. However, it is important to ensure that if the sprinkler system does not operate as designed, the consequences are still tolerable. Even though there are options to account sprinkler system in SFE, there is a lack of consistent guideline (at least in Finland). This can lead to totally different structural fire design and safety in similar buildings, depending on the interpretation and assumptions made. This paper presents a framework to take the effect of the sprinkler system consistently into account in SFE. The framework is based on Finland’s fire regulations and on experience of multiple projects. Two case-examples, where this framework has been applied are presented in the paper.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jensen Hughes, Tampere, Finland

    Mikko Salminen

  2. Tampere University, Tampere, Finland

    Mikko Malaska

  3. Markku Kauriala Ltd Fire Engineering and Fire Safety Design Consultants, Tampere, Finland

    Timo Jokinen & Risto Ranua

Authors
  1. Mikko Salminen
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  2. Mikko Malaska
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  3. Timo Jokinen
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  4. Risto Ranua
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Supervision by Mikko Salminen. Review of sprinkler system reliability statistics was carried out by Mikko Malaska. Case studies were carried out by Mikko Salminen, Timo Jokinen and Risto Ranua. All authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Mikko Salminen.

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Salminen, M., Malaska, M., Jokinen, T. et al. Framework to Incorporate Sprinkler System in Structural Fire Engineering. Fire Technol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10694-023-01503-7

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