Assessing the performance of fire sprinkler systems with fast-response heads in mechanically ventilated carparks using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling

摘要

As a part of their performance solution design, fire engineers often require that sprinkler systems in carparks have fast-response heads rather than standard-response heads. This is to resolve non-compliance issues such as extended travel distances and using jet fans in the carpark. Clause 5 of Specification E1.5 of the Building Code of Australia (BCA)1 states that “fast-response sprinklers may be installed only if they are suitable for the type of application proposed and it is demonstrated that the sprinkler system is designed to accommodate their use”. This paper will demonstrate how computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling can be used to assess the performance of fire sprinkler systems with fast-response heads in mechanically ventilated carparks. Fire engineers can use the methods and results in this paper to justify their design decisions, and fire brigades can also ask fire engineers to do similar assessments for their designs. Note: the paper does not assess carparks provided with car stackers, as they have special sprinkler protection requirements under AS 2118.1-2017.