The Power of Twitter "Lists" for an Engineer like me!

I started experimenting with the new feature Twitter added not too long ago, "Lists"! At first it was not too clear how it would help. So I gave it a couple of days and watched how it was used. It became apparent after a while that the main feature of this new tool was reducing "noise" within the Twitter environment.

As your followers and people you follow increase in number, it becomes very hard to track what is going on and posts will be lost from the "noise" created by the many Tweeters. Typically, experienced users will use 3rd party Applications in addition to Twitter's web-based App. to keep up. For example: TweetDeck, HootSuite, Seesmic and many more. My latest App. of choice is TweetMiner.

With "Lists" added to Twitter's web-based  App., users, especially new ones to Twitter, would have no reason to use a 3rd party App. right away. With the introduction of the "ReTweet" feature by Twitter, it's becoming apparent that Twitter is very serious about keeping Tweeters on their web-based App. for most of the interactions.

Seasoned Twitterers will always use more than one application to track the action and utilize the many features that are possible. Not one App. can do it all. Not yet at least!

I use Twitter's web-based App. daily and the "lists" feature was a welcome addition that I started using. There are numerous ways to set up and follow Tweeterers using "lists" and the web has 100's of articles about the subject, so I won't be going into that part.

I will share with you one of the ways I am using "lists" and sharing with my followers. The one page (see link below) provides one example where more than one "list" that I started and keep updating; can be located on one page for ease of navigation and sharing with others.

Imad's Example for Using Twitter's Lists


Happy Tweeting!

The future of Plan Review (Plan Check)- eReview of Construction Documents

What does the future hold for review of construction drawings for conformance with the Building Codes and other rules and regulations? Is electronic plan review (eReview) the future?

The short answer is YES....with caveats!

What is eReview? eReview is a process where the reviewing authority accepts and reviews plan submittals electronically. The process application on a large scale remains in the infancy stage at this time and has limited applications. Some use it for small projects, such as single family residential and additions permit applications. In the future eReview will expand to more permit types (i.e. larger and more complex projects).

Electronic submission of plans is a generally accepted practice in the construction industry that saves customers hundreds of dollars in printing and storage costs and results in faster permit processing. The electronic documents can be transmitted from anywhere to the reviewing entity instantly. No shipping. No printing!

Reviewing entities will have to get up to speed with technology and get comfortable in making the transition to electronic review. As with any change, there will be bumps in the road. The public and politicians will be demanding acceptance of such methods of submittals in the near future (some already started doing so). With Green initiatives all around, eReview will make sense even more.

Out of the US's 40,000 state and local jurisdictions that adopt and/or enforce building codes and standards, fewer than 50 are doing electronic plan reviews.

Do I need any special software to participate in eReview?
Plans are usually submitted in a pdf format. Many CAD programs have the option of saving the drawing as a pdf file. With the plans being submitted in this format, the reviewers can add comments and notes without changing the underlying drawing.

To be able to read the review comments and notes, the end user will need Adobe reader. To view a .pdf file, you first must have Adobe Acrobat Reader (the free plug-in software distributed by Adobe which lets you view .pdf files) installed on your computer. You can get a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader by visiting Adobe's Web site at http://www.adobe.com/ and following the instructions.

There are other methods (hardware and software) for reviewing the documents electronically. Here are some examples: http://bit.ly/nYSA2

For anyone embarking on electronic plan review and for an in-depth analysis of best electronic practices in building regulations, plan submittal, plan review and tracking along with example case studies, I highly recommend reading "White Paper: Best Practices in Electronic Plan Submittal, Review, Tracking and Storage".

What are the submittal requirements?
Typically, there are specific submittal requirements regarding the electronic plans, naming of the pages, completing the required cover sheet, etc. Each reviewing authority has specific requirements that should be followed- so always check.

For additional information and examples regarding electronic plan review, this link from the Building Code Discussions Group (BCDG)- membership required- will provide you with more insight: http://bit.ly/xX537

I will be updating this post periodically, so stay tuned.

I always wondered how my followers would look like when stitched together? Well--see for yourself!

Imad's followers on Twitter- A mosiac of people from all over the world - see someone you know? (not the entire list is shown)!

California Architects needing Accessibility CEUs for License Renewal- online option!

If you are one of the 22,000+ licensed California architects looking at your options for fulfilling the “Accessibility and ADA” Continuing Education Hours (CEUs) mandated by SB 1608, the following online training resource maybe what you were looking for.

Do you dread sitting through 3 to 6 hours of training, trying to stay awake listening to instructors or watching a Power Point presentation, especially when it comes to technical subject matter like Accessibility and ADA regulations? There has to be another way to obtain the training and the needed CEUs! Well---THERE IS!


ADVANTAGES

• Train at your own pace, from anywhere. All is needed is an Internet connection.
• Online training material, customized for you, with specific reading assignments to maximize practical learning of Accessibility concepts and deciphering complex code topics and designs. 
• Low-cost online resource that you will have for one year with unlimited access to powerful, timely information and interaction with Accessibility/ADA experts. A resource that you need in your practice to stay competitive, informed and viable in the days to come. 
• Cutting-edge delivery and practical training (not simply reading code books, attending long-winded seminars or reviewing static and stale sketches) 
• Sophisticated monitoring of time spent on subject matter and quantifiable results achieved for your progress. 
• Unequalled technical support (email and phone) every step of the way during your training program. 
• For a change, a fun and interactive way to learn about accessibility codes along side the brightest and most provocotive minds in the business.

WHAT TO DO

• Register on the Building Code Discussions Group (BCDG) and choose the 1-YR “Individual” Premium Membership option. By registering on the BCDG and paying for the 1-YR membership, you will fulfill the cost of the training and no additional fees apply. Here is the link to the BCDG: http://bcodes.infopop.cc/eve
  
  After you register (obtain username and password), choose the “Individual” 1-YR “Premium Membership” option from this link: http://bcodes.infopop.cc/eve/premium
  
  Your 1-YR membership on the BCDG will provide you with unlimited use of this powerful Building Code Online Community for the entire year which includes access to all 24 Building Code Forums (not just Accessibility and ADA) and interaction with code experts from throughout the country with expertise in every discipline related to building codes, construction and design. Here is the link to the FAQ file for the BCDG to provide you with information about the BCDG features and benefits: http://www.naffainc.com/PDF-Files/BCDGFAQ.pdf
  
  
• After your registration is complete and processed, you will be provided with a PDF document titled " BCDG Links- Accessibility Training". The document is broken into subject areas dealing with background information and specific technical topics with links to the BCDG (internet connection is required). The links relate to Accessibility and ADA analyzed and critiqued in-depth for technical content and background information by the BCDG membership. The training is customized depending on the hours of CEUs desired.
  
  After you log on the BCDG and start reading the assigned Q&A’s, your progress will be monitored (links visited, time spent on each Q&A, etc). There is no need to post replies or quetsions to obtain credit (unless you want to off course). This is a more effective way of tracking progress compared to attending a seminar with no means of evaluating course material retention or understanding.
  
  
• Once you complete the assigned reading of the Q&A's in the report, kindly email me, imad@bcodes.com
  
  
• We will forward to you the information for the final step to wrap up the training session and provide you with CEUs documentation required by the Board of Architects as part of your license renewal.
  
  
• Note! If you are already an "Individual Premium Member" on the BCDG and have paid for the 1-YR membership, then all you have to do is go over the training material specified above depending on how many CEUs you need (please request by email). We will extend to you CEUs credit required after completion of the training sessions and confirmation. No additional fees apply!

Thank you and best wishes!

Imad

Ranked in the Top 100 in "Investment Real Estate Twitter Rankings" on Twitter. Now what?

Back in August, I discovered by accident that John Reeder, a Commercial Real Estate guy (you can follow him on Twitter, @JohnReeder), did an analysis of individuals on Twitter that commented on Real Estate, Construction, Land Development and related topics. He compiled stats and did some fancy analysis to come up with a list of the Top 100 on Twitter.

He called it "Investment Real Estate Twitter Rankings- Top 100". To my surprise, according to his analysis, I placed Number 2 on the list! Well, being the detailed engineer that I am, I dug deeper into what John did. My finding were revealing in the fact that he used statistical models, number of followers and how influential they are, among the criteria to determine the ratings. If you are the statistical kind and want to see how he did, here it is.

John's rankings hit a chord with many on Twitter, and my web sites and blog received a lot of exposure in the process. So you won't find me complaining any time soon.

The side effect was that the Rankings List contained some movers and shakers in Real Estate, Construction, Land Development and Law, especially individuals dealing with the up and coming Leed and Green topics.

By following the individuals on Twitter that are on the list; many of whom were new to me, you discover soon enough that these are the people, from across the country, that are providing up-to-date information and are in the trenches for many of the topics that are making the news. Many of them are the ones making the news!

By following some of the ranked members (realisticallly you need a program like TweetDeck or Seesmic or other filtering software to keep up and save your sanity) you are able to stay current , informed and educated on a myriad of topics that may be of interest to you such as Construction, Design, LEED and Green, Construction Law, Code Enforcement, Building Codes and the like.

So my post here is to let you know what is available to you, in case you didn't know, and point out some of the brightest and provocative minds on Twitter that are supplying current and valuable information daily.

John will likely have a follow up to his Top 100 Rankings, so be on the lookout for that. Many on the list already commented that they would like to see their names climb up the ladder when the new rankings are analyzed and I'm sure they are working hard at making this happen. It can be competitive by these quality individuals, so watch out!

Here is the list of Top 100 . A profile of some of the individuals that made the rankings can be followed from here. My profile is here.

I will be updating this post periodically- watch the list below for my active Top Performers on Twitter:

Individuals that I know you would want to follow:

• Architecture (General Design, Revit, BIM, IPD, etc.):
  @ThreeFourteen, @Revit3D, @CADRelations, @Npann, @NaplesArchitect, @ArchitectDerek, @hpdArchitecture, @CVAndevere, @RAEditor, @LaurenHunter_HW, @Lisa_S_47, @SuButcher, @ArchitectLeague, NextMoon, @ArchRecord, @CyberRegs, @Tnrkitect, @Sarasweeney, @Urbanverse, @MichaelAnshel
  
  
• Building Codes (Building, Fire, Accessibility/ADA, etc.):
  @Intlcodecouncil, @Tinafightsfire, @geoffwilkinson, @Gushina, @NFPA, @inspector911, @FirePrevention, @JillatLiveSafe, @usfire,@Nemofightsfire, @FireGeezer, @FireFleitz, @FireNews,@LMFireInspector, @FirelinkCom, @Safety012, @MarkFire, @FiremanRich, @FireMom, @FireCritic, @SPBFire, @JillatLiveSafe, @UnifiedFire, @CalFireNews, @Dorie93950, @FireWise, @FireInfoGal, @FirePrevention
  
  
• Builders, Engineering and Construction Related:
  @BigBuilder, @HousingGiants, @Lennar, @LennarFresno, @Akrenovations, @ConcreteThinker, @PCAEducation, @NationalLumber, @ReliableTruss, @Heatherwestpr, @LaurenBan, @ExaPath,  @Salfanodc, @WWPA, @BIASC, KTom17, @GeedraRob, @ExpertCivil, @Pella_News,@Sona217, @Dianadriscoll, @BuildIntel, @BuilderOnline
  
  
• Construction Law,  GREEN and LEED Legal:
  @Constructionlaw, @ShariShapiro, @ChrisScheatham, @StephenDP, @MatthewDevries, @DirtLawyer, @Vinzani, @VaConstruction
  
  
• Real Estate Related:
  @JohnReeder, @FineProperties, @Ines and the Top 100 list!
  
  
• BUILDER’s Twitter Directory for the Housing Industry (this is an extensive list by BUIILDER Magazine provided for reference only. Although some of the names mentioned appear on my list above, many do not and I have not personally evalauted). 

One last thing,

The "Building Code Specialist & Professional National Database" remains a powerful resource to search for experts anywhere is the US. If you have expertise, add your information today. If you are looking for someone in your area, search by state, discipline or any number of ways. Here it is.

IF you have comments and suggestions, kindly add them to this post. If you are active on Twitter and believe you qualify to be followed; and have expertise in a subject related to construction, building safety, design, Green or Leed, by all means, let me know. A link on Twitter will follow.

Changing Landscape: How Can Construction Professionals Keep Up?

Chris at the "Construction Law Musings" from Richmond, VA, asked me to do a construction-related article on his Guest Post Fridays.

The article was called: "Changing Landscape: How Can Construction Professionals Keep Up?"

I know you will enjoy reading it and many of you in the business will relate to what I talked about in the article. We received a lot encouraging feedback on Twitter and on Musings blog feedback page. Thank you for that.

Here is the link to the article: http://constructionlawva.com/changing-landscape-how-can-architects-designers-builders-and-code-officials-keep-up/

For more about Construction Musings: http://constructionlawva.com/about-2/

Enjoy!

Automatic Sprinkler Systems- Background, where required, types and cost!

History: To the best of our knowledge, the world’s first recognizable sprinkler system was installed in the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in the United Kingdom in 1812 by its architect Benjamen Wyatt.

From 1852 to 1885, perforated pipe systems were used in textile mills throughout New England as a means of fire protection. However, they were not automatic systems; they did not turn on by themselves. Inventors first began experimenting with automatic sprinklers around 1860. The first automatic sprinkler system was patented by Philip W. Pratt of Abington, MA, in 1872.

Henry S. Parmalee, an American from New Haven, Connecticut is considered the inventor of the first automatic sprinkler head. Parmalee improved upon the Pratt patent and created a better sprinkler system. In 1874, he installed his fire sprinkler system into the piano factory that he owned. Frederick Grinnell improved Parmalee's design and in 1881 patented the automatic sprinkler that bears his name. He continued to improve the device and in 1890 invented the glass disc sprinkler, essentially the same as that in use today. Since 1874, sprinklers have been in use in the United States in factory applications where fires at the turn of the century were often catastrophic in terms of both human and property losses.

Until the 1940s, sprinklers were installed almost exclusively for the protection of commercial buildings, whose owners were generally able to recoup their expenses with savings in insurance costs. Over the years, fire sprinklers have become mandatory safety equipment in some parts of North America, in certain occupancies, including, but not limited to newly constructed hospitals, schools, hotels and other public buildings, subject to the local building codes and enforcement.

Where Required: In general, the Building and Fire Codes (such as the IBC, IFC by ICC and others that are adopted) are the documents that would require installation of sprinklers in a building or structure, based on certain factors, such as; Occupancy Group, Height, Size of the Building/Fire Area and Occupant Load. The design and installation criteria of a sprinkler system must follow National Standards, such as NFPA's Pamphlet 13. Usually, the installation standards are referenced in the Building and Fire codes.

So, Building and Fire Codes require the installation of sprinklers, but the design criteria and installation guidelines follow national standards. The standards themselves do no require installation of sprinklers in buildings!

In the US, sprinklers are today required in all new high-rise and underground buildings generally 75 feet above or below fire department access, where the ability of firefighters to provide adequate hose streams to fires is limited. For example, Chapters 4 and 9 of the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) published by the ICC, the most widely used Building Code in the US, have provisions that require installation of sprinklers in certain occupancies and buildings.

In addition to the Building and Fire codes, sprinklers may be required by:

• Local Ordinances,
• Insurance companies to reduce potential property losses or business interruption.

If Building/Fire codes do not explicitly mandate the use of fire sprinklers, the code, such as the IBC, often makes it highly advantageous to install them as an optional system. Most US building codes allow for less expensive construction materials (i.e. lower Construction Type), larger floor area limitations, longer egress paths, and fewer requirements for fire rated construction in structures protected by fire sprinklers. Consequently, the total building cost is often less by installing a sprinkler system and savings money in the other aspects of the project, as compared to building a non-sprinklered structure.

A sprinkler activation will do less damage than a fire department hose stream, which provide approximately 250 US gallons/min. A typical sprinkler used for industrial manufacturing occupancies discharge about 20-40 gallons/min. However, a typical Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinkler at a pressure of 50 psi will discharge approximately 100 gallons per minute. In addition, a sprinkler will usually activate between one and four minutes, whereas the fire department typically takes at least five minutes to arrive at the fire site after receiving an alarm, and an additional ten minutes to set up equipment and apply hose streams to the fire. This additional time can result in a much larger fire, requiring much more water to achieve extinguishment.

Design Intent:
Sprinkler systems are intended to either control the fire or to suppress the fire. Control mode sprinklers are intended to control the heat release rate of the fire to prevent building structure collapse, and pre-wet the surrounding combustibles to prevent fire spread. The fire is not extinguished until the burning combustibles are exhausted or manual extinguishment is effected by firefighters. Suppression mode sprinklers (formerly known as Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinklers) are intended to result in a severe sudden reduction of the heat release rate of the fire, followed quickly by complete extinguishment, prior to manual intervention.

Sprinkler System Types:
Wet pipe systems-
Wet pipe sprinkler systems are installed more often than all other types of fire sprinkler systems. They also are the most reliable, because they are simple, with the only operating components being the automatic sprinklers and (commonly, but not always) the automatic alarm check valve. An automatic water supply provides water under pressure to the system piping. All of the piping is filled with water. Until sufficient heat is applied, causing one or more sprinklers to fuse (open), the automatic sprinklers prevent the water from being discharged.

Operation - When an automatic sprinkler is exposed to sufficient heat, the heat sensitive element (glass bulb or fusible link) releases, allowing water to flow from that sprinkler. Sprinklers are manufactured to react to a specific range of temperatures. Only sprinklers subjected to a temperature at or above their specific temperature rating will operate.

Dry pipe systems-
Dry pipe systems should only be used in spaces in which the ambient temperature may be cold enough to freeze the water in a wet pipe system, rendering the system inoperable. Dry pipe systems are most often used in unheated buildings, in parking garages, in outside canopies attached to heated buildings (in which a wet pipe system would be provided), or in refrigerated coolers. Dry pipe systems are the second most common sprinkler system type.

Water is not present in the piping until the system operates. The piping is pressurized with air, at a "maintenance" pressure which is low compared with the water supply pressure. To prevent the larger water supply pressure from forcing water into the piping, the design of the dry pipe valve (a specialized type of check valve) intentionally includes a larger valve clapper area exposed to the maintenance air pressure, as compared to the water pressure.

Operation - When one or more of the automatic sprinklers is exposed to sufficient heat, it opens, allowing the maintenance air to vent from that sprinkler. Each sprinkler operates individually. As the air pressure in the piping drops, the pressure differential across the dry pipe valve changes, allowing water to enter the piping system. Water flow from sprinklers needed to control the fire is delayed until the air is vented from the sprinklers. For this reason, dry pipe systems are usually not as effective as wet pipe systems in fire control during the initial stages of the fire.

Some view dry pipe sprinklers as advantageous for protection of collections and other water sensitive areas. This perceived benefit is due to a fear that a physically damaged wet pipe system will leak, while dry pipe systems will not. However, dry pipe systems will only provide a slight delay prior to water discharge while the air in the piping is released prior to the water filling the pipe.

Disadvantages of using dry pipe fire sprinkler systems include:

• Increased complexity - Dry pipe systems require additional control equipment and air pressure supply components which increases system complexity. This puts a premium on proper maintenance, as this increase in system complexity results in an inherently less reliable overall system (i.e., more single failure points) as compared to a wet pipe system.
• Higher installation and maintenance costs - The added complexity impacts the overall dry-pipe installation cost, and increases maintenance expenditure primarily due to added service labor costs.
• Lower design flexibility - Regulatory requirements limit the maximum permitted size (i.e., 750 gallons) of individual dry-pipe systems, unless additional components and design efforts are provided to limit the time from sprinkler activation to water discharge to under one minute. These limitations may increase the number of individual sprinkler systems (i.e., served from a single riser) that must be provided in the building, and impact the ability of an owner to make system additions.
• Increased fire response time - Because the piping is empty at the time the sprinkler operates, there is an inherent time delay in delivering water to the sprinklers which have operated while the water travels from the riser to the sprinkler, partially filling the piping in the process. A maximum of 60 seconds is allowed by regulatory requirements from the time a sprinkler opens until water is discharged onto the fire. This delay in fire suppression results in a larger fire prior to control, producing increased content damage.
• Increased corrosion potential - Following operation or testing, dry-pipe sprinkler system piping is drained, but residual water collects in piping low spots, and moisture is also retained in the atmosphere within the piping. This moisture, coupled with the oxygen available in the compressed air in the piping, increases pipe internal wall corrosion rates, possibly eventually leading to leaks. The internal pipe wall corrosion rate in wet pipe systems (in which the piping is constantly full of water) is much lower, reducing the amount of oxygen available for the corrosion process.

Deluge systems-
"Deluge" systems are systems that have open sprinklers, i.e. the heat sensing operating element is removed or specifically designed open sprinklers, so that all sprinklers connected to the water piping system are open. These systems are used for special hazards where rapid fire spread is a concern, as they provide a simultaneous application of water over the entire hazard. They are commonly seen as preventative measures to prevent egress of fire from an external source (eg hi-rise windows, warehouse bay entries, over openings in a fire-rated wall)

Water is not present in the piping until the system operates. Because the sprinkler orifices are open, the piping is at atmospheric pressure. To prevent the water supply pressure from forcing water into the piping, a deluge valve is used in the water supply connection, which is a mechanically latched valve. It is a non-resetting valve, and stays open once tripped.

Because the heat sensing elements present in the automatic sprinklers have been removed (resulting in open sprinklers), the deluge valve must be opened as signaled by a specialized fire alarm system. The type of fire alarm initiating device is selected mainly based on the hazard (e.g., smoke detectors, heat detectors, or optical flame detectors). The initiation device signals the fire alarm panel, which in turn signals the deluge valve to open. Activation can also be manual, depending on the system goals. Manual activation is usually via an electric or pneumatic fire alarm pull station, which signals the fire alarm panel, which in turn signals the deluge valve to open.

Operation - Activation of a fire alarm initiating device, or a manual pull station, signals the fire alarm panel, which in turn signals the deluge valve to open, allowing water to enter the piping system. Water flows from all sprinklers simultaneously.

Pre Action systems-
Pre-action sprinkler systems are specialized for use in locations where accidental activation is undesired, such as in museums with rare art works, manuscripts, or books; and Data Centers, for protection of computer equipment from accidental water discharge.

Pre-action systems are hybrids of wet, dry, and deluge systems, depending on the exact system goal. There are two main sub-types of pre-action systems: single interlock, and double interlock.
The operation of single interlock systems are similar to dry systems except that these systems require that a “preceding” fire detection event, typically the activation of a heat or smoke detector, takes place prior to the “action” of water introduction into the system’s piping by opening the pre-action valve, which is a mechanically latched valve (i.e., similar to a deluge valve). In this way, the system is essentially converted from a dry system into a wet system. The intent is to reduce the undesirable time delay of water delivery to sprinklers that is inherent in dry systems. Prior to fire detection, if the sprinkler operates, or the piping system develops a leak, loss of air pressure in the piping will activate a trouble alarm. In this case, the pre-action valve will not open due to loss of supervisory pressure, and water will not enter the piping.

The operation of double interlock systems are similar to deluge systems except that automatic sprinklers are used. These systems require that both a “preceding” fire detection event, typically the activation of a heat or smoke detector, and an automatic sprinkler operation take place prior to the “action” of water introduction into the system’s piping. Activation of either the fire detectors alone, or sprinklers alone, without the concurrent operation of the other, will not allow water to enter the piping. Because water does not enter the piping until a sprinkler operates, double interlock systems are considered as dry systems in terms of water delivery times, and similarly require a larger design area.

Foam-Water systems-
A foam water fire sprinkler system is a special application system, discharging a mixture of water and low expansion foam concentrate, resulting in a foam spray from the sprinkler. These systems are usually used with special hazards occupancies associated with high challenge fires, such as flammable liquids, and airport hangars. Operation is as described above, depending on the system type into which the foam is injected.

Water Spray systems-
"Water spray" systems are operationally identical to a deluge system, but the piping and discharge nozzle spray patterns are designed to protect a uniquely configured hazard, usually being three dimensional components or equipment (i.e., as opposed to a deluge system, which is designed to cover the horizontal floor area of a room).

Design Approaches:
Most sprinkler systems installed today are designed using an area and density approach.

• First the building use and building contents are analyzed to determine the level of fire hazard. Usually buildings are classified as Light Hazard, Ordinary Hazard Group I, Ordinary Hazard group II, Extra Hazard Group I, or Extra Hazard Group II. After determining the hazard classification, a design area and density can be determined by referencing tables in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, such as NFPA 13. The design area is a theoretical area of the building representing the worst case area where a fire could burn. The design density is a measurement of how much water per square foot of floor area should be applied to the design area. For example, in an office building classified as Light Hazard, a typical design area would be 1,500 square feet and the design density would be 0.1 gallons per minute per square foot (gpm/sf) or a minimum of 150 gallons per minute applied over the 1,500-square-foot design area. Another example would be a manufacturing facility classified as Ordinary Hazard Group II where a typical design area would be 1,500 square feet and the design density would be 0.2 gallons per minute per square foot or a minimum of 300 gallons per minute applied over the 1,500-square-foot design area.
  
• After the design area and density have been determined, calculations are performed to prove that the system can deliver the required amount of water over the required design area. These calculations account for all of the pressure that is lost or gained between the water supply source and the sprinklers that would operate in the design area. This includes pressure losses due to friction inside the piping and losses or gains due to elevational differences between the source and the discharging sprinklers. Sometimes momentum pressure from water velocity inside the piping is also calculated. Typically these calculations are performed using computer software but before the advent of computer systems these sometimes complicated calculations were performed by hand. This skill of calculating sprinkler systems by hand is still required training for a sprinkler system design Technologist who seeks senior level certification from engineering certification organizations such as the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).

Sprinkler systems in residential structures are becoming more common as the cost of such systems becomes more practical and the benefits become more obvious. Residential sprinkler systems usually fall under a residential classification separate from the commercial classifications mentioned above. A commercial sprinkler system is designed to protect the structure and the occupants from a fire. Most residential sprinkler systems (i.e. designed per NFPA 13D or NFPA 13R) are primarily designed to suppress a fire in such a way to allow for the safe escape of the building occupants. While these systems will often also protect the structure from major fire damage, this is a secondary consideration. In residential structures sprinklers are often omitted from closets, bathrooms, balconies, garages and attics because a fire in these areas would not usually impact the occupant's escape route.

Cost Considerations:
In 2006, the hardware costs of sprinkler systems was estimated to be from $2–$5 per square foot, depending on type and location. However, specialty systems may cost as much as $10/square foot. Systems can be installed during construction or retrofitted. Some communities have laws requiring residential sprinkler systems, where large municipal hydrant water supplies ("fire flows") are not available. Nationwide in the United States, One and Two-Family Dwellings generally do not require fire sprinkler systems (although this may be changing since the International Residential Code (IRC) will be requirring sprinklers starting in 2011).

Final Thoughts:
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fires in hotels with sprinklers averaged 78% less damage than fires in hotels without them (1983-1987). The NFPA says the average loss per fire in buildings with sprinklers was $2,300, compared to an average loss of $10,300 in unsprinklered buildings. NFPA adds that there is no record of a fatality in a fully sprinklered building outside the point of fire origin. However, in a purely economic comparison, this is not a complete picture; the total costs of fitting, and the costs arising from non-fire triggered release must be factored. Current stats may be obtained from NFPA's web site at www.NFPA.org

You may also want to read my article "A Guide to Sprinkler Systems" in BUILDINGS Magazine, October, 2009 issue.

There is also controversy brewing dealing with the IRC Code mandating sprinklers in dwellings starting in 2011. Timothy Hughes, Esq. has a good article on the subject: http://www.valanduseconstructionlaw.com/2009/10/articles/building-codes/the-great-sprinkler-debate/

NFPA states that it "has no record of a fire killing more than two people in a fully sprinklered building where a sprinkler system was properly operating, except in an explosion or flash fire or where industrial fire brigade members or employees were killed during fire suppression operations."

Answers to Technical Questions:

• For code-related questions that deal with the Building and Fire Codes, Fire Suppression Systems, including Automatic Sprinkler Systems; NFPA Standards and related topics; the Building Code Discussions Group (BCDG) is a powerful online community loaded with experts in related disciplines that are ready to assist you. Here is the link to the Q&A forum, where after joining, you can read previous discussions, research the database and post new questions: http://bcodes.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/frm/f/114093073
• Fire Sprinkler Facts, National Fire Sprinkler Association (additional educational articles dealing with automatic sprinklers): http://nfsa.org/info/sprinkinfo.html

References
^ SPRINKLER HISTORY Merit Sprinkler Company
^ The History of Sprinklers from Marcel Boschi.
^ Casey Cavanaugh Grant, PE The Birth of NFPA
^ NFPA 13 and NFPA.org

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Do the Building Codes Hamper Creativity? My take on it!

Today on Twitter, I read this message "Building Codes hamper creativity". It made me stop and think. Wow. Do they- all the time, some of the time?

Since I make my living studying the codes, interpreting them, explaining them, checking for them, designing software for them, training for them, providing online resources for them and yes; even blogging for them....I took it personally.

Who wants to be in the business of hampering creativity? Not I!

I love creativity, trying new design and alternates. I cherish exploring alternate means of accomplishing code-compliance along with keeping the creative engine of the designers going. I may be a different breed of a Building Code Consultant, but I actually think hard and long when codes and design come into conflict and they do that all the time on the projects I review!

The key is planning ahead and having open communication between the designer and the code enforcer. Designers must be familiar with the general code provisions and have their designs sensitive to those requirements. Code Officials and consultants must be open, available, transparent and helpful during the pre-permit stage to advise and assist the design team. Both parties must also keep up with the codes (they are updated all the times)- the Internet is making that easier every day! Parties must realize there are almost always more than one way to design and meet the intent of the codes. You can not be rigid in your approach or closed minded.

Keeping up with the codes for all players (architects, designers, builders and code officials) is also key. I wrote about this a while back. Here it is.

I think the creativity comes in when the design is done freely with the building codes in mind. Many times, the design just takes off, with no regard to the codes (life-safety, structural, accessibility and the like) and then we wonder why it ran into trouble with the adopted codes and blame it on the codes or the plan examiner/code officials. They are standing in the path of creativity!

The building codes serve a purpose. It's establishing minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, accessibility and more. Who can argue that the permise of the building codes is a bad thing?

Creativity can and should live in harmony with the building codes. The ones that achieve it together on both sides (designers and code officials/enforcers of the codes), will stand out and deserve the credit.

CASp, SB 1608 and SB 209 - 12 best online resources for information!

The California Certified Accessibility Specialist (CASp), SB 1608 and SB 209 (clean up language for SB 1608) can be confusing to understand and interpret. Code Enforcement Officials, Architects and Building Owners/Managers need better understanding of these regulations and laws before 2010.

Here are my favorite 12 links to help you with these two topics (not in any particular order):

1) Voluntary Certified Access Specialist Program (CASp) by DSA

http://www.dsa.dgs.ca.gov/Access/casp.htm

2) Senate Bill 1608 (SB 1608) as last amended, April 21, 2008

http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/07-08/bill/sen/sb_1601-1650/sb_1608_bill_20080421_amended_sen_v98.html

3) The SB 1608 Law Disability Access Continuing Education Requirement for California Architects – Frequently Asked Questions by AIACC
http://www.aiacc.org/site/docs/1608_FQ.pdf

4) SB 1608 Disability Access Law Reform: How Does It Help Business Owners? By CalChambers http://www.calchamber.com/Headlines/Pages/SB1608DisabilityAccessLawReformHowDoesItHelpBusinessOwners.aspx

5) Letter to the Editor: SB 1608, ADA Civil Litigation
http://cssrc.us/web/35/news.aspx?id=4176&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

6) SB 1608 (Corbett, Harman, Steinberg, Runner & Calderon; Smyth & Wolk) Fact Sheet, Izor Associates
http://www.izorarch.com/SB1608_files/SB_1608_FACT_SHEET.pdf

7) Reforms Help Businesses Avoid ADA Pitfalls, by HRCalifornia
https://www.calbizcentral.com/HRC/News/Articles/WhatsNew/Pages/NewLawHelpsBusinessesAvoidADAPitfalls.aspx

8) CASpInspections.com- Informational about CASp
http://www.caspinspections.com/

9) SENATE BILL 1608 (SB 1608)- Commentary by CALBO
http://www.calbo.org/documents/SB%201608%20-%20Overview.pdf

10) Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse- Commentary on New ADA Reform Law
http://www.occala.org/pdf/SB1608Information.pdf

11) CalCasp.com ,  CalCasp.org, WBC Blog, Wood Architects (CASp-related information and resources)
http://www.calcasp.com  and  http://www.calcasp.org and http://imadnaffa.blogspot.com/2009/09/california-architects-needing.html and http://www.woodarchitects.com/

12) Building Code Discussions Group (BCDG)- Q&A dealing with CASp ( no shortage of controversial discussions there)
http://bcodes.infopop.cc/eve/forums?a=search&reqWords=casp   and
http://bcodes.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/693093073/m/385101733

Finding design and building code experts and specialists!

I frequently receive calls and emails from architects, designers, builders and attorneys located throughout the US and some Internationally looking for individuals with specialized technical expertise. What they are looking for covers a wide spectrum of disciplines and specialties. They are also usually looking for individuals and/or companies that located close to their operations.

Here are some examples of specialties that are sought after:

• Fire Protection Engineers and Specialists (Fire Code, Fire Suppression Systems and NFPA Standards expertise)


• ADA/ADAAG (Designers and Plan Reviewers/Inspectors for Evaluations, Field Inspections, Title II and III projects)


• CASp-certified individuals (for California projects)


• Electrical Engineers (Electrical Substations Design and Review, Health Care Facilities)


• Health Care Facilities Designers, Architects, Plan Examiners and M-P-Engineers. OSHPD-3 experienced.


• Hazardous Occupancies Specialists (Design and Plan Review)


• Medical Gas Design Engineers and Plan Examiners/Inspectors
  
• Forensic Architects and Engineers (Expert Witnesses)

To address the above needs, I started the "National Contact Manager Database of Specialists and Professionals".

You can view the database in a number of ways such as: by profession, by company/jurisdiction, by state, city and other search criteria. The database is available to the public and your colleagues to browse and find out more about you and your expertise areas. You decide how much information you would like to share with others (but remember, the more you provide, the more valuable the information to others- especially where you are located and expertise information).

***Please check the accuracy and completeness of your information. Note! The administrator (yours truly) reserves the right to edit/delete/close the database records to the maintain quality and purpose of this valuable resource.

Comments? Please contact me at info@bcodes.com

So go ahead! Press "ADD NEW SPECIALIST" link above, complete the information and press SAVE. After you add your information, should you need to revise or update, kindly email me, imad@bcodes.com, and we will take care of it for you.

Note: Being listed on the database DOES NOT mean the individual is endorsed or his/her competency/qualifications were checked by NAFFA International, Inc. As a responsible end-user, it is YOUR responsibility to check the background and qualifications of the individuals listed via State Licensing Boards (Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Attorneys at Law), Better Business Bureau and consult with other professionals for their recommendations. The information contained in the database is offered “as is” without any guarantees.

If you have the qualifications and expertise in the building, fire, accessibility or specialized design disciplines and desire others to find you, please add your information in the database from this link: https://www.quickbase.com/db/7fzmwi9c?a=nwr

If you are looking for someone with specialized qualifications, use this link: https://www.quickbase.com/db/bbqnfkfu9

If you have any comments regarding this database, I welcome your feedback!

Regards,

Imad