In a modern distribution center, everything revolves around efficiency, flexibility, and safety. But what if the building’s height actually poses a fire safety risk? This was precisely the challenge facing one of Almacon’s clients. The distance between the roof and the stored goods was too big to comply with current sprinkler standards. This calls for a smart and innovative solution.
The project
The request came from a specialist in warehouse racking and automated storage systems. The end customer has built a distribution center that is flexibly leased to various users, each with their own type of storage.
With a building height of approximately twelve meters, there was a problem: a sprinkler system installed on the roof was too far from the goods. As a result, the building did not meet fire safety requirements. At the same time, there had to be sufficient floor space available for storing individual pallets.
The question was clear: how do you bring the sprinklers closer to the storage area without sacrificing flexibility and storage space?
Solution: a smart sprinkler floor
The solution was a specially designed, lowered structure: a sprinkler floor. This is a lightweight, non-trafficable floor structure to which the sprinkler system is attached.
The structure consists of:
- columns and a beam structure
- a corrugated steel sheet on top
- sprinkler pipes, attached to the underside of the floor
The design was based on a number of key principles:
- a lightweight construction
- large spans for maximum use of space
- an unscored version
- preserving as much floor space as possible
The result was a freestanding, unsupported canopy with large spans, ensuring that the space beneath the structure remains optimally utilized for storage and work activities.
Laws and regulations as a starting point
Legislation and regulations play a key role in the successful implementation of this solution. Fire safety requirements depend on regional regulations, the building’s use, and its total volume. A crucial factor here is the maximum distance between the sprinkler and the goods.
In a warehouse with an eight-meter ceiling height, sprinklers are typically installed at approximately 7.5 meters. By installing a sprinkler system, it is often possible to meet lower fire resistance requirements for the structure itself. This provides additional design flexibility.
Projectdetails
The project included multiple units within a single distribution center:
- 9 separate units
- total area of 45,000 m²
- a dedicated sprinkler floor structure per unit
The spans ranged from:
- 8 x 8 meter
- 8 x 12 meter
The design took the following into account:
- sufficient clearance beneath the structure
- the location of expansion joints (joints in a concrete floor that accommodate expansion and contraction)
- an unedited version
The following factors were taken into account when calculating the sprinkler floor:
- the weight of sprinkler pipes
- cable trays and lighting
Extra clearance has been intentionally provided to ensure that future installations can be accommodated without any issues.
The Power of Almacon
This project required more than just a structural solution. The key factors were an understanding of laws and regulations, flexibility in design, and speed of implementation. It is precisely in this synergy that Almacon makes a difference. By making smart choices within the technical and practical constraints, we create a solution that is both safe and efficient
What are your options?
Do you operate a high-bay distribution center and are you facing fire safety requirements? If so, a sprinkler floor may be the solution you’re looking for. Please contact one of our engineers so we can discuss your specific situation.
📞 Call 079-3610663
📧 Mail info@almacon.nl
“Almacon literally and figuratively lifts customers up to a higher level”
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