U.S. patent application number 10/734356 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-01 for method and apparatus for designing and editing a distribution system for a building.
Invention is credited to Cox, Gene Michael, Hines, Charles L. III, Normann, Linda M..
Application Number | 20040128116 10/734356 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29716393 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040128116 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Normann, Linda M. ; et
al. |
July 1, 2004 |
Method and apparatus for designing and editing a distribution
system for a building
Abstract
A method and apparatus for designing and editing a distribution
system for a building is disclosed. Elements of such distribution
systems and requirements of relevant standard, are stored in a
computer's memory. Building parameters are entered into a computer
manually. The user identify the standard to be followed and the
element to be optimized. The system divides the building into
sections as appropriate to the user identified standard. The system
then computes layout needed to comply with the selected standard.
The layout is routed and sized to avoid building structural
members, yet the elements of the layout are optimized for size and
length. The apparatus prints out a hard copy of the design layout
which can include an elements listing needed to complete the
system. The design layout as well as the building parameters can be
edited. The, edited layout is checked for compliance with the
identified standard as well as avoidance of building
parameters.
Inventors: |
Normann, Linda M.; (Glendale
Heights, IL) ; Hines, Charles L. III; (Hinsdale,
IL) ; Cox, Gene Michael; (Columbus, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Olson & Hierl, Ltd.
36th Floor
20 N. Wacker Drive
Chicago
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
29716393 |
Appl. No.: |
10/734356 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10734356 |
Dec 12, 2003 |
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09661019 |
Sep 13, 2000 |
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6701288 |
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09661019 |
Sep 13, 2000 |
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09070612 |
Apr 30, 1998 |
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6131077 |
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09070612 |
Apr 30, 1998 |
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08714193 |
Sep 16, 1996 |
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5808905 |
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08714193 |
Sep 16, 1996 |
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08466361 |
Jun 6, 1995 |
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5557537 |
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08466361 |
Jun 6, 1995 |
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08261760 |
Jun 17, 1994 |
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08261760 |
Jun 17, 1994 |
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07876003 |
Apr 29, 1992 |
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07876003 |
Apr 29, 1992 |
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07551919 |
Jul 12, 1990 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
703/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 30/13 20200101;
G06F 30/18 20200101; G06F 2113/14 20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
703/001 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/50 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A computer readable storage medium containing computer
executable code which when executed causes a computer to design a
sprinkler system for a building or a portion of a building having
building elements, the sprinkler system having a plurality of
sprinkler system elements, wherein the computer designs the
sprinkler system by performing steps comprising: prompting a user
to provide information comprising a design area for the sprinkler
system and a requirement of a standard related to at least one
sprinkler system element; receiving from the user information
comprising the design area and the requirement of the standard
related to the at least one sprinkler system element; accessing
from a memory operational characteristics for at least one of the
sprinkler system elements; accessing from the memory the
requirement of the standard received from the user; designing a
layout for the sprinkler system within the design area, in a manner
mandated by the requirement of the standard, and to avoid
intersecting with the building elements; and displaying on a
computer display the layout for the fire extinguishing system.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
09/661,019, filed Sep. 13, 2000, which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 09/070,612, filed Apr. 30, 1998, and issued on
Oct. 10, 2000 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,077, which is a continuation
of application Ser. No. 08/714,193, filed Sep. 16, 1996, and issued
on Sep. 15, 1998 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,905, which is a
continuation of application Ser. No. 08/466,361, filed Jun. 6,
1995, and issued on Sep. 17, 1996 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,537, which
is a file wrapper continuation of application Ser. No. 08/261,760,
filed on Jun. 17, 1994, now abandoned, which is a file wrapper
continuation of application Ser. No. 07/876,003, filed Apr. 29,
1992, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 07/551,919, filed Jul. 12, 1990, now abandoned.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for
designing and editing a distribution system for a building and, in
particular, to an automated system for designing and editing the
distribution system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Distribution systems are found in every building. Such
distribution systems provide for the movement and channelling of
gases, liquids and electricity through a building. In any building,
there are one or more distribution systems including a sprinkler
system, duct work for heating, ventilation and air conditioning,
plumbing and electrical systems.
[0004] One major type of distribution system is a sprinkler system
for fire containment which is found in many buildings today. In
today's society, any building where people congregate to live, work
or play such as office buildings, factories, hotels, motels,
apartment buildings, condominiums or shopping malls likely will
include a sprinkler system to protect the public from a fire
catastrophe.
[0005] Governmental bodies have recognized the need to protect
against catastrophic fires by legislating standards for sprinkler
systems into their building codes. Also, insurance companies,
fearful of the potential liability of a catastrophic fire, have
often demanded sprinkler systems in buildings as a condition for
insurance coverage.
[0006] A building will have to comply with one or more standards
for any distribution system. First, any building will need to
comply with the standards set forth in relevant governmental codes.
Often, insurance companies will require compliance with standards
which may be tougher than the relevant governmental code. These
standards can be set by the industry itself such as the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines or the standards may
be set by an insurance company directly.
[0007] A design for a sprinkler system must take into account many
factors. The primary concern is ensuring adequate containment in
the event of a fire. Thus, the spacing as well as the available
water volume and water pressure at the sprinkler heads must be
considered. Consideration must be given to the occupancy use to be
made of a building. A chemical factory utilizing flammable solvents
will require a different sprinkler system than a shopping mall.
[0008] In addition, there are many engineering or architectural
constraints placed on sprinkler system design. For example, if
interconnected sprinkler lines do not lie in a horizontal plane,
drains must be inserted to allow water flow to prevent freezing.
This is particularly true in the case of a dry sprinkler system
which must not contain water except during actual use.
[0009] The sprinkler system must be designed with other building
elements and adjuncts in mind. Locations must be found to hang the
sprinkler system. Manually determining paths which avoid these
obstructions, where to support the sprinkler system, how to allow
each line to lie in a plane yet providing an adequate water supply
which meets all requirements is difficult, tedious and very time
consuming.
[0010] The concerns expressed above for a sprinkler system also
relate to heating, ventilation and air conditioning (hereafter
"HVAC"), plumbing and electrical systems. Standards also must be
complied with when designing these systems for a building. The
proper amount of light, ventilation and heat must be provided for
each area.
[0011] The problem is compounded when, as usual, the various
distribution system subcontractors must work out between themselves
where to position the electrical conduits, the HVAC duct work, the
plumbing piping and the sprinkler system. Generally, an architect
or a general contractor designs the building elements such as
beams, walls and joists. Left for the subcontractors is usually a
space near the top of the steel. Into this space must go the
various building adjuncts such as electrical conduit, overhead
lighting fixtures, HVAC duct work and sprinklers. It is left to the
subcontractors among themselves to specifically locate each such
adjunct system.
[0012] Still another concern is keeping the cost of the system
reasonable without sacrificing system performance. Designing a
system which utilizes material in the most cost efficient manner is
very difficult. For example, piping comes in standard lengths which
are then cut to size as needed. Two sometimes conflicting concerns
are (1) minimizing labor costs by minimizing the number of cuts and
(2) reducing the left-over scrap material. Balancing these concerns
is not a trivial exercise for an engineer.
[0013] In addition, the engineer must design a system which
provides adequate HVAC to all parts, of a building given the
varying conditions different portions of a building may encounter.
For example, the HVAC requirements for the sunless north side of a
building will differ from the full sun south side or the half day
sun of the east and west sides. As is apparent, designing a
distribution system manually is an onerous task. There is a need
for a system which automatically performs these tasks.
[0014] What is needed is a system which coordinates the layouts of
all the various distribution systems needed for a building. Such a
system should provide for efficient design of the system, not only
for its operation, but also its installation and cost.
[0015] The system should also provide hard copy or design for use
in constructing the designed system. This hard copy can be used by
people installing the electrical or sprinkler system at the
construction site. It would also be useful if the system would
provide a complete listing of the elements needed to install the
distribution system.
[0016] The present invention meets these desires.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The invention is a method and apparatus for designing and
editing a distribution system for a building. The distribution
system can be any system used in a building including plumbing,
electrical, sprinkling, ventilating and related systems or any
combination of such systems. Information about the distribution
system elements and various standard requirements is stored into a
memory of a computer. Information about the building elements and
adjuncts including location of walls and similar obstructions are
entered into a computer. These building elements and adjuncts are
then stored in the memory of the computer. The user can edit the
building elements and adjuncts as desired. The user also selects
the particular standard which is applicable to the building being
constructed. For example, this may be a particular standard for
lighting systems or a particular fire code used to design a
sprinkler system.
[0018] A computer program then divides the building into suitable
floors and then each floor into sections. Sections most often are
either bays which are defined by the location of the beams of the
building or individual rooms defined by the walls. This division
breaks the problem down into manageable proportions.
[0019] The computer program then computes the layout needed for the
distribution system based upon the selected standard. For example,
how much light or ventilation is needed in a particular room. The
layout is routed as economically as possible while avoiding the
building elements and adjuncts. In addition, the quantity and
location of hangers needed to support the distribution system as
well as other special fittings needed are calculated. These
computations are repeated for each section.
[0020] After the computations are complete, the program stores the
information in memory and then can print out hard copy of the
layout of the system. Also, an elements listing showing the number
of components can be printed. For example, this will list how many
and what type of light fixtures and wire are needed or, in the case
of a sprinkler system, how many and what types of sprinkler heads
and pipes are needed. Lastly, the most economical plan for cutting
elements (e.g. pipes) to size is devised and printed.
[0021] An editing capability is provided to allow the user to edit
either the layout or the building elements and adjuncts. In either
case, the layout is reconfigured to include the proposed changes if
still in compliance with the identified standard. Otherwise, error
messages are generated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] In the accompanying drawings, which form a portion of this
disclosure:
[0023] FIGS. 1 through 9 in combined form represent a flowchart of
the computer program used in generating the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a sprinkler system for combined
warehouse and office space designed by the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 11 represents the editing menu used in the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 12 represents the editing pipes submenu of the
preferred embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 13 represents the editing fittings submenu of the
preferred embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 14 represents the editing sprinklers submenu of the
preferred embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 15 represents the editing lines submenu of the
preferred embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 16 represents the editing mains submenu of the
preferred embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 17 represents the editing hangers submenu of the
preferred embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 18 represents the editing headers submenu of the
preferred embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 19 represents the editing structural elements (steel)
submenu of the preferred embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 20 represents the editing walls submenu of the
preferred embodiment; and
[0035] FIG. 21 represents the editing ceiling grid submenu of the
preferred embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] A computer system for use in the design of distribution
systems preferably consists of a CRT display and a keyboard-type
input operatively connected to a computer. The computer is
preferably operatively linked to a plotter, a printer and disk type
storage units. For ease of description, the example of a sprinkler
system is given, however, many of the same elements apply to other
distribution systems. A sprinkler system is generally the most
complicated and accordingly serves as a good example.
[0037] As described in detail later, elements of a distribution
system are first stored on the disk type storage units. For a
sprinkler system, the elements include information regarding all
standard sprinkler heads, piping, fittings, hangers, drains
including physical dimensions and fluid flow capacities.
[0038] Also stored on the disk type storage units are the
requirements of relevant standards. The requirements can include
the number, type, separation and water supply for sprinkler heads
demanded by a particular governmental body or an insurance
company.
[0039] A building designer or architect enters into the computer
data regarding the building elements and adjuncts of buildings. The
entry of the data may be accomplished though a number of methods.
Examples include directly through the keyboard, floppy disk or
modem. The building elements and adjuncts will include, among
others, the dimensions and locations of the water stub-in, beams,
columns, walls, ceilings, floors, girders, joists and electrical
equipment. The building designer or architect also selects a
standard to which the building must comply. Lastly, the designer
chooses the elements to be optimized when constructing a building.
For a sprinkler system, the designer generally will select either
lines or sprinkler heads for optimization. For purposes of
orientation, the lines will generally be parallel to the beams.
[0040] The computer program preferably treats each floor of a
multistory structure as a separate building. The computer program
provides two options for dividing the floors. In the first method,
each floor is divided into sections which are oriented horizontally
and are defined by the location of the beams. Generally, though not
always, this method is utilized for large, open floor plan
buildings such as warehouses. In the second option, the building is
divided into individual rooms as per the floor plan. This method is
generally used for office buildings and the like. Both methods may
be used in one structure. As seen in FIG. 10, one example of mixed
use is a warehouse wherein the main storage area may be divided by
the first method, but the office area may be done by the second
method. whatever the method, as hereinafter used, the term
"section" refers to bays as in option one or rooms as in option
two.
[0041] The computer program selects a section to begin its
analysis. The first step is the determination of the number and
location of the lines. The width of the selected section is divided
by a maximum distance between lines permitted in the user selected
standard.
[0042] The resulting number is rounded up to a next highest whole
number, this whole number being the number of lines for this
section. The number of lines is then also divided into the width of
the section. The result of this division is the minimum distance
between lines. Note that the minimum distance between lines may
equal the maximum distance between lines if the width of the
section divided by the maximum distance between lines is a whole
number.
[0043] The placement of a first line from the first lengthwise wall
is computed by dividing the minimum distance between lines by two.
The first line is then located parallel to the first lengthwise
wall at the placement distance.
[0044] The computer electronically checks the location by running
an obstruction analysis which compares the location of the first
line with the building elements and adjuncts input data to
determine if there is a conflict. If there is a conflict, the first
line will be relocated an incremental distance away from the first
lengthwise wall and the computer reruns the obstruction analysis.
The relocation-obstruction analysis cycle is repeated until either
the separation between the first line and the first lengthwise wall
exceeds one half the maximum distance between lines or an
obstruction free path is found.
[0045] Preferably, the incremental distance chosen initially is one
foot (30 cm.). If an obstruction free path is not found before
one-half the maximum distance is reached, the program repeats the
cycle using an incremental distance of one inch. If an obstruction:
free path is still not found, the computer notifies the user and
manual editing may be required to either relocate the elements of
the section, the line or adding more lines to allow complete
coverage.
[0046] If an obstruction free path is found, then the computer
moves on to locating a subsequent line. The placement distance for
subsequent lines is the minimum distance between lines. Any
subsequent line is also located parallel to the beams.
[0047] Again, the computer repeats the obstruction analysis for the
subsequent line. If a conflict is found, the subsequent line will
be relocated the incremental distance from the first or preceding
line until either the separation between the first or preceding
line exceeds the maximum distance between-lines or else no
obstruction is found.
[0048] Preferably, the incremental distance is initially one foot
(30 cm.) with a second pass at one inch (2.5 cm.) if no obstruction
free path is located on the first pass. Again, preferably the
designer will be notified if neither pass finds an obstruction free
path. The subsequent line locating procedure is repeated until the
total number of located lines equals the calculated number of lines
needed.
[0049] The next step is determining the number and location of
sprinkler heads needed to comply with the selected standard. The
length of the section is first multiplied by the minimum distance
between lines to yield the total area heads on a given line must
cover. From the selected standard, the computer finds the maximum
area a single head is to cover. The total area per line is divided
by this maximum area. The result is rounded up to the next whole
number which is the number of heads per line.
[0050] The minimum distance between heads is determined by
selecting the lessor of:
[0051] a) dividing the length of the section by the number of
heads;
[0052] b) dividing the maximum area a head is to cover by the
minimum distance between lines; and
[0053] c) the maximum distance between heads allowed under the
selected standard.
[0054] The placement distance from the first widthwise wall of a
first head is determined by dividing the minimum distance between
heads by two. The first head is positioned along the line at the
placement distance from the wall.
[0055] The computer electronically checks the location of the first
head by running an obstruction analysis. The analysis compares the
location of the first head with the location input of building
elements and adjuncts data to determine if a conflict exists. The
obstruction analysis checks not only the head itself, but the
projected spray from the head to ensure proper coverage.
[0056] If there is a conflict, the first head will be relocated at
an incremental distance further from the first widthwise wall. The
obstruction analysis is then rerun. The relocation-obstruction
analysis cycle is repeated until either an obstruction free area is
found or the separation between the first head and the first
lengthwise wall exceeds one half the maximum distance between
lines.
[0057] In this preferred embodiment, the incremental distance
chosen initially is one foot (30 cm.). If an obstruction-free path
is not found before the one half maximum distance is reached, the
program will repeat the cycle using a one inch incremental
distance. If an obstruction free path is still not found, the
computer notifies the user and manual editing will be required to
either relocate building elements and adjuncts or customize a head
location.
[0058] If an obstruction free path is found, then the computer
moves to locating a subsequent head. The procedure is the same as
detailed above except for using the minimum and maximum distances
between heads instead of one half the minimum and maximum distances
between heads. The cycle is repeated until the number of located
heads equals the number heads calculated for the line. If that is
the case, the computer then moves to a subsequent line and locates
the heads on the subsequent line. The cycles continue until all the
heads are located for a given section.
[0059] The preferred embodiment is as described above.
Alternatively, the computer can be programmed to calculate the
number and location of heads first and then connect the heads via
lines.
[0060] The computer program now determines the number of mains
needed in a section. Preferably, one main is used if the number of
heads per line is seven or less. Two mains are used if the number
of heads per lines is greater than seven.
[0061] The mains are oriented perpendicular to the lines and in the
same plane just below the beams. The main will overlap all the
lines preferably by at least six inches on either side.
[0062] If only one rain is used, the computer divides the number of
heads per line by two and truncates, the result to an integer. The
main is placed between the head corresponding to the integer value
and the head corresponding to the integer value plus one as counted
from the first head.
[0063] If two mains are used and there are eight or nine heads per
line, a first main is located between the first head and the first
widthwise wall. A second main is located between the seventh and
eighth heads as counted from the first head.
[0064] If two mains are used and there are ten or more heads per
line, the first main is located between the second and third heads
as counted from the first head. The second main is located between
the second to last and the third to last main as counted from the
first head.
[0065] The computer now searches through the stored sprinkler
elements to determine the proper fittings to connect the heads to
the lines and the lines to the mains. The mains are connected to
the water stub-in where the water enters the building. Hangers will
be added to support the pipes. An appropriate slope, preferably one
half inch in ten feet will be computed. This completes the
sprinkler system for the section.
[0066] The computer program stores the completed section into the
disk storage means. Another section is selected and the process
described above repeated until the sprinkler system layout for the
entire building is finished and stored.
[0067] A hydraulic analysis is performed on the entire system which
must be within the limits of the available water supply, including
the static pressure, the residual pressure and the residual flow.
The appropriate test for the selected standard is chosen. Various
factors including the density per area, rules of NFPA 13,
Hazan-Williams coefficient and the K factors for the heads to be
used in the tests. The largest head coverage area in the most
physically remote section is initially selected.
[0068] The computer begins a Newton-Raphson analysis which sets up
an N.times.M matrix wherein "N" equals the number of pipes with
differing flows or pressures and "M" equals the number of
parameters evaluated. Preferably, "M" equals fourteen. These
parameters include the pipe length, pipe diameter and "K" factors
for the heads or other outlets.
[0069] Using the Newton-Raphson matrix, the computer may
evaluate:
[0070] 1) Minimum water pressure needed for the system to function
per the selected standard;
[0071] 2) The flow at any given input pressure; or
[0072] 3) The flow at the given input pressure. As an alternative,
a Hardy Cross analysis may be performed. In either case, the
computer can supply the hydraulic data for any line, main or head
in the building. If any problems are detected, manual editing with
recalculation is possible. Preferably, at any step through this
computer, a user may manually edit lines, mains, heads or the
building elements and adjuncts of the building. For example, if an
obstruction analysis shows a beam blocking a pipe, then the program
will suggest an alternate path which avoids the beam.
[0073] Once the entire system is completed and checked, hard copy,
including blueprints, can be generated to supply the user. Also, a
full inventory of fittings, piping, hangers, heads and drains
needed is available. As an additional benefit, the computer will
optimize the cutting of standard 21, 24 or 25 foot piping lengths
or combinations thereof to minimize the time and scrap generated.
This alone can result in substantial savings.
[0074] Referring to FIGS. 1-9, an alternative embodiment is
described. This alternative embodiment is very similar to the
embodiment described above. However, there are differences which
will be pointed out as they occur.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 1, blocks 1 and 2, the user inputs data
which includes the steel, walls, joists, columns and beams. Also
included is the location of the water stub-in for this particular
building. Again, as used herein the term building includes the
individual floors of a multistory structure.
[0076] In block 3, the computer next determines which way the pipes
are run by determining the direction the beams run. As in the
previous embodiment, the lines will run parallel to the beams.
[0077] In block 4, the computer breaks the building into sections
by looking at the beams, walls and systems as appropriate. The term
"sections" as used herein includes both the bay sections which are
the open spaces between beams or rooms which are determined by the
location of walls. Again, these sections are determined by what use
is to be made of the structure.
[0078] In block 5, the computer determines which sections have not
had a sprinkler system installed with the program. It then selects
a section to electronically install the sprinkler system. In the
next block, the program determines the location of this particular
section within the entire structure.
[0079] In block 7, the computer will get data from the user
relating to the hazards which a particular section will encounter.
This entails a knowledge of the activities which will occur in a
particular section. The hazards within a section will determine the
maximum head and line spacing as determined by the building
standards the user selected.
[0080] In block 8, the computer will determine the number of lines
in the particular section by dividing the maximum distance between
the lines into the width of the section. The width of the section
is the direction perpendicular to the beams.
[0081] In block 9, the computer determines the distance between
lines for this particular section. The computer, in blocks 10 and
11, evaluates possible routes to avoid joists and other
obstructions. Block 10 does the evaluations to the nearest foot to
avoid these obstructions. If a clear path is not found in block 10,
then block 11 evaluates possible paths every inch to seek to avoid
the obstructions. If a clear path is not found, the computer simply
finds the minimum distance between lines without looking at any
possible obstructions or interference as shown in block 12. The
computer will give a message to the user that it is doing so.
[0082] Once a path is determined, the computer in block 13 will
find the number of heads to be placed on the line by looking at the
maximum spacing for heads, the distance between the lines and the
maximum area a head may cover.
[0083] In block 14, the user will input into the computer whether
or not the user is minimizing the number of heads or the number of
lines in this particular system. If the user is minimizing heads in
block 14, the computer will check in block 15 and see if adding an
additional line will result in fewer heads.
[0084] If adding a line does result in fewer heads, the computer
will add an additional line by determining that the number lines in
the section is now the original determination plus one and repeat
the cycle beginning with block 9. If the user is not minimizing
heads or if adding a line does not reduce the number of heads, the
computer will calculate the distance between the heads necessary
for each line as shown in block 17.
[0085] Turning now to FIG. 2, in block 18 the computer determines
the starting location of the first line. The method is as described
in the earlier embodiment. Once the location is found, in block 19
the computer then determines the starting location of the first
head on this line. Note that this contrasts with the earlier
described embodiment wherein all the line locations were found
before positioning any heads. The computer will store these
locations into its memory in block 20.
[0086] The computer will continue to add heads onto the line and
connect the heads to the pipe as noted in the cycle denoted by
blocks 20 through 24 until the number of heads calculated in block
13 are positioned.
[0087] The next determination, in block 25, is whether the number
of lines calculated in blocks 8 or 16 are located. If the answer is
no, then it will add in another line as described above in block 18
and the sequence picks up from there. If the number of lines is
complete, then the next step is to move on to determining the
location for the mains as noted in block 26. In blocks 27 and 28,
the computer determines the location and number of mains. The
number of mains is determined by looking at the number of heads on
a line as described in the earlier embodiment. It then determines
in block 29 where to position the main relative to the heads. The
computer finds a joist to support the mains in block 30.
Determining which joist to use involves checking that the main is
located on the proper side of the selected joist in block 31. If
the main is located on the wrong side of the joist, it may have to
be relocated as this can make connecting to the lines very
difficult.
[0088] It also makes sure in block 32 that the main will not
intersect a column. Of course, inserting a line through a column
which might involve some drilling could damage the structure of the
building. The computer adds in the main by storing the location and
size to the appropriate memory means in block 33.
[0089] Turning now to FIG. 3, block 34, the computer electronically
connects the mains to the lines via riser nipples. Riser nipples
are piping which is set at ninety degree angles and comes out of
the top side of the mains.
[0090] The program in block 35 adjusts the pipe wall type of lines
which involves determining the wall thickness of the pipe for the
lines. The computer lastly connects the mains and the riser to the
mains to the water stub-in which was input in block 1.
[0091] The next step in the procedure is to elevate the lines.
Prior discussion located the lines in a horizontal plane. This next
analysis locates the lines in a vertical plane.
[0092] There are three alternative methods of elevating the lines.
The first method is described in blocks 39-41 and located in the
mains in the joists. The elevation of the lines is determined by
looking at the elevation of the joists that the line passes through
and the deflector distance of the heads. With exposed construction,
the lines can then be moved to place the deflectors an appropriate
amount of distance from the structure such as four inches (10 cm).
As another alternative, the computer may locate the lines at a
constant elevation and in blocks 42 and 43.
[0093] In the third and last methods, the computer may elevate the
lines based on a center line. The center line is the distance from
the top of the steel. The line is moved to place the deflector four
inches (10 cm) from the top of the steel. This option is used in
open warehouse environments without a drop ceiling.
[0094] In block 47, the computer elevates the heads on the lines.
This is done by analyzing where the location of the deflector is
compared to the top of the steel. If the deflector is too close to
the top of the steel, the computer will change the head to a
pendant type which hangs beneath the lines as opposed to the normal
which is mounted above the line as shown in block 48.
Alternatively, if the deflector is too far from the top of the
steel, the computer will add sprigs to the head which mounts the
head even further above the line than would be normal as shown in
block 49.
[0095] The computer as shown in block 50 adjusts the riser nipples
to a ninety degree angle. In block 51, the computer pitches the
part of the lines which overhang the mains to up to one-half inch
in approximately ten feet. Turning now to FIG. 4, the computer's
next task in blocks 56-62 is to elevate the mains themselves.
First, the computer determines the elevation of the lowest
intersecting steel below the main. The computer checks the joists
and beam elevations input in block 1 and takes the lowest
elevation.
[0096] In block 58, the computer finds the largest diameter of the
pipe in the main and in block 59 simply elevates the main to two
inches below the lowest steel found. The computer in block 60 moves
the main to the new elevation. Again, the computer adjusts the
riser nipple to get a ninety degree angle. The computer then
adjusts the bulk elevation to match this main elevation.
[0097] In blocks 63-70 the computer performs a check of the system
as located. The computer checks the heads and checks that the heads
cover the areas they are designed to cover. These checks also
include reviewing deflector distances to the top of the steel to
see if it is located properly.
[0098] Next, the computer checks the distance to any walls in the
vicinity and makes sure the distance from the head is correct. The
computer checks the distance to nearby heads to be assured that the
heads properly cover. Finally, the computer checks the distance to
any nearby joists to be assured clearance is adequate. If a problem
is discovered, a message is always given to the user.
[0099] In FIG. 5, the systems checks continue in blocks 71 through
80. Now, the computer begins to look at the piping rather than the
heads. The first check is to see whether the piping lengths are
adequate. Then it begins to check whether the pipes avoid
obstructions. First, the computer evaluates whether the piping
intersects any beams, columns, joists or other obstructions found
in the building. The computer also checks to see if the pipes are
not intersecting with one another or impeded by any doors or walls
which have been installed.
[0100] In FIG. 6, in blocks 81-88, there is a second check of the
sprinklers to make sure that they are adequate. This check is very
similar to the one described in FIG. 4. The only addition is in
block 88 where the computer checks that the sprinkler head is not
located in a light fixture.
[0101] In FIG. 7, blocks 89 through 101, the computer evaluates the
hydraulics of the system to be assured that the computer designed
system will provide adequate coverage in the event of a fire. The
user selects which type of flow test it is going to be using. Those
two main analytical methods are the Hardy Cross and the
Newton-Raphson methods. These have been described in the earlier
embodiment.
[0102] Lastly, FIGS. 8 and 9, show where the computer will actually
print out and list all of the elements needed to complete the
job.
[0103] In blocks 102-119, the computer now runs a check on the
heads looking for unconnected piping or sprinklers. If it finds any
unconnected heads, a message is given to the user. This can occur
only if a user manually edited a system and ignored numerous
messages.
[0104] In blocks 104-107, the computer now checks the fittings to
be sure that the fittings will connect all pipes together. The
computer checks the piping types and, it also checks to makes sure
the number of pipes going into a particular fitting is adequate.
For example, in a tee-fitting, the computer will check to be
assured that three pipes are coming into a particular tee-fitting.
The computer checks that the wall thickness in a fitting matches to
the pipes and it also finally checks to make sure that the pipe
angles match. If any of these tests show a problem, a message is
given to the user.
[0105] The computer will check for drains in any trap pipes and
will add them if needed. The computer will check the length of the
pipes and the diameters of the pipes to be sure they are adequate
and that the piping matches. Finally, it will check the type and
number of hangers to be assured they are adequate to support the
system. If necessary, the hangers will be added. Once all of these
tests are done, the computer will list the job. It will first go on
and list the pipe in block 120 with instructions as to how to make
on the pipe fitting. In block 121, it will list the riser nipples
needed. In block 122, it will list the sprigs needed for the
system. It will list all the fittings and couplings necessary to
put the system together. It will list all the nuts and bolts. It
will list the heads and it will list the signs, bells and spare
heads necessary for the system. Lastly, the number of hangers will
be listed out.
[0106] The final step in block 130 is to draw the piping for the
entire system. This drawing consists of a blueprint or other layout
design to show all or selected elements for a stock list for a
particular system.
[0107] The major difference between the more detailed description
shown in FIGS. 1-9 and the earlier summary description is the
method in which the location. of heads and lines are computed in
the earlier system, the lines are located first and then the heads
are added on to that particular system. In the detailed description
described in FIGS. 1-9, a line is added followed by the heads for
that particular line and then a subsequent line is added followed
by the heads for that subsequent line and so on until all lines and
heads are cited. In still a third embodiment, not described, is to
locate all heads first and then connect these heads with lines. In
all of these cases, the mathematics is roughly similar and anyone
skilled in the art would be able to interchange such systems at
will.
[0108] FIG. 10 illustrates a combined warehouse and office space
having a sprinkler system designed by the present invention. The
building elements which must be avoided can be seen as the beams
126, the columns 127, the joists 128, and the outside walls 130.
The building adjuncts which must be avoided are structures such as
the lighting fixtures 131, the interior walls 132 the HVAC duct
work 133 and the warehouse lighting fixtures 134. The designed
sprinkler system begins at a water stub-in 135.
[0109] The water stub-in is connected via mains 136. The mains then
connect to the individual lines 137 which, in turn, connect to the
individual sprinklers 138.
[0110] The sprinkler system is relatively simple to design in the
large open spaces of a warehouse.
[0111] The computer essentially starts near wall 140 and locates a
line 137 as described above. The next line 137 is positioned at
twice the distance first line 137 is from the wall. The same
procedure of spacing is used to locate the sprinklers 138
positioned along each individual line 137. The lines are connected
to the mains at positions 141. The lines 137 feed directly from the
mains 136 which in turn feed directly from the water stub-in 135.
The major structural elements or adjuncts which the sprinkler must
avoid are the overhead lights 134, the joists 128 and the beams
126. However, these spaced in a predictable fashion and are
relatively easy to avoid.
[0112] Contrast this with the office space 142. The interior walls
132 make positioning the sprinkler system much more difficult.
There are other obstacles such as the HVAC system 133. This makes
the computations much more difficult. For example, each individual
closet space 143 will need its individual sprinkler and the
supporting lines and mains. Free standing walls 132 also cause
problems because they interrupt the straight lines and easy flow
found in the warehouse 139. The sprinklers need to be interrupted
and adjusted to fit into these particular areas. The present
invention does these adjustments automatically.
[0113] An editing system can be included with the program. The
editor will allow a user to alter the system as desired and will
perform the checks described to prevent inadvertent standards
violations. The user starts in the editing menu shown in FIG.
11.
[0114] The user may elect to edit portions of either the
distribution system (HVAC, Sprinkler System) or the structural
elements and adjuncts of the building. Changes in both areas are
common occurrences. For example, a user may be asked to amend the
distribution system by adding sprinklers in a certain room because
the building owner may desire protection in that room above and
beyond that called for in the relevant code.
[0115] Another common occurrence is the rearrangement of an office
layout when the tenants change. The rearrangement may require the
redesign of the sprinkler system as walls and rooms are moved,
added or deleted. The present invention allows a user to enter such
changes to the structural elements and then amend the sprinkler
system for code compliance quickly and efficiently.
[0116] In the preferred embodiment, the user selects the particular
item for which change is desired from the edit menu seen in FIG.
11. Each such item has a submenu as shown in FIGS. 12 through
21.
[0117] In general, the editing functions operate by first obtaining
the element in the distribution system to change as well as the
proposed change. Generally, this information is obtained from a
user through a keyboard, a mouse or other standard input devices.
The process then finds or determines the dimensional requirements
of the proposed change by reference to the first memory means.
[0118] Checks are then performed based upon the dimensional
requirements of the proposed change, the designed layout as well as
reference to the standards for the distribution system. The checks
can be obstructions analyses relating to building elements and
adjuncts as well as the other elements of the distribution system
itself, hydraulic analyses, or requirements analyses, such
determining that a given pipe can accommodate a proposed
fitting.
[0119] If the checks are satisfactory, the proposed change is made
and adjustments are made to accommodate the change. These
adjustments are typically made to hangers, pipe lengths and wall
types.
[0120] If, however, the checks indicate that the proposed change is
not satisfactory, the editing function will generate an error
message.
[0121] Once all the editing is complete, a hydraulics analysis as
described earlier is run to be certain the distribution system will
perform. If satisfactory, an elements listing and revised layout
are generated.
[0122] FIG. 12 shows the menu for editing the pipes. As shown the
preferred embodiment includes a multiplicity of choices for editing
pipes. Selecting any of these choices brings you into actual
operation of the program.
[0123] To add pipe 144, the user selects this option from the
editing pipes submenu. The user must select a fitting to add to the
pipe. To add this fitting to a pipe 145, a user must select where
on the pipe the fitting is to be positioned. A check is made on
this location to determine if the selected fitting can be added. If
the fitting is so close to another fitting such that no piping can
connect the two fittings, a message is generated and the subroutine
terminates. If the fitting can be added, it is. On the other hand,
if a new fitting is added at the location of an old fitting 146,
the old fitting is simply replaced.
[0124] A check is made to determine what direction that pipe can be
added to the selected fitting. For example, adding a T-shaped
fitting to the middle of a length of pipe restricts the possible
directions of an added pipe to a plane which is perpendicular to
the pipe at the proposed fitting.
[0125] The program gets the direction, length and pipe type and
diameter for the added piping. A new fitting is then located at the
end of the added pipe opposite the existing piping. A check is made
to determine if the added pipe and the new fitting will intersect
any of the structural elements and adjuncts or the elements of the
distribution system. If it does, the user can optionally terminate
the addition.
[0126] The fittings and the pipe therebetween are then added to the
distribution system as well as any hangers and adjustments to
fittings needed. The program can loop back and add pipe from the
new location if desired.
[0127] The wall type 147 and diameter 148 of a pipe can be changed
and all related changes are performed automatically. For example,
new fittings, hangers and cut lengths are determined. Such
automatic changes are also made when any element of the
distribution system is changed.
[0128] The length of a pipe can be changed 149 by selecting which
pipe to change and which fitting to move. The desired change can be
entered as either directly to the cut length of the pipe or as the
distance from a center of one fitting to the center of the second
fitting. The distance and direction of the proposed movement are
obtained from the user.
[0129] A check is automatically performed to see if the selected
fitting can be moved as desired. The checks are to be certain that
the fitting is not moving through another fitting and that other
pipes attached to the fitting are also movable. If the fitting
cannot be moved, the user is informed and the subroutine
terminates.
[0130] If the fitting can be moved, the hangers are deleted, the
fitting is moved, the pipe length is adjusted and the hangers added
back to the distribution system. The change is then complete.
[0131] Piping can be deleted 150. A pipe is selected and then the
hangers and the pipe itself are removed form the line and the
database. The pipe is disconnected from the appropriate fittings
which are then adjusted or deleted accordingly. If the pipe is the
last pipe for a given line, the line itself is also removed.
[0132] A pipe can be moved 151 if desired. The directions that the
pipe can be moved are determined and a specific direction and
distance are selected. A check is made to determine if relevant
fittings can be moved as described previously. If not, the user is
informed and the subroutine terminates.
[0133] If the pipe is movable, the hangers are deleted, the pipe is
disconnected from the fittings, the fittings are moved, the pipe is
moved, the fittings are reconnected and the hangers are added back
in.
[0134] Two pipes can be selected and joined together 152. If the
pipes are parallel, the X, Y location of either end of one of the
pipes must by located between the ends of the other pipe to join.
If not, a message is given and the subroutine terminates.
[0135] If the pipes do overlap, then the location to join the pipes
is determined. If the pipes are at differing elevations and if the
pipes we are joining are two mains, the one sloping pipe is used to
join. Otherwise, one Z-axis pipe and one level pipe are used to
join the two pipes.
[0136] If one sloping pipe is used, couplings are added to each
pipe, the pipe type and diameter are selected and the pipe is added
in between the couplings. If two pipes are used, couplings are
positioned on each pipe and at the location in which the two new
pipes will meet. The pipe diameter and types are related and the
pipes added between the couplings. In both the one pipe and two
pipe options, the fittings, hangers and cut lengths are adjusted
accordingly.
[0137] If the pipes are not parallel, they are perpendicular and a
check is made to see if they cross each other. The two ends of each
pipe are checked to determine if they fall on opposing sides of the
other pipe.
[0138] If the pipes do cross, fittings are added at the crossing
points on both pipes. If the fittings are abutting, fittings are
joined. If the fittings are not abutting, pipe is added
therebetween to join the fittings.
[0139] If the pipes do not cross, the pipes with the least slope is
extended until the pipes do cross. Then the procedure is as
discussed above for crossing pipes.
[0140] In all cases, a final adjustment is to the fittings, hangers
and pipe lengths before the subroutine ends.
[0141] A pipe can be selected for extension 153. A fitting and a
direction to extend are selected. A check is made to be certain
that pipe can be added to the selected direction. If a pipe already
extends from the fitting in that direction, another cannot be
added. Also, a proper fitting must exist to allow the desired
extension. If not, a message is given to the user and the
subroutine terminates.
[0142] The distance and final location at the extended pipe end is
determined. If the fitting is a cap, then the hangers are removed,
the cap is moved and the hangers are simply replaced. If the
fitting is not a cap, a fitting is positioned at the extended pipe
end, piping is added between the fittings, the fittings are
adjusted and hangers are added.
[0143] A pipe can be selected for disconnection 154 from a fitting.
A check is made to determine if one or two pipes are found at the
particular fitting. If only one, the pipe cannot be disconnected as
the fitting would be left with no piping. If two, a cap is added at
the same location as the fitting. The selected pipe is disconnected
from the old fitting and the cap in connected to the remaining
pipe. The old fitting is adjusted as needed as well as the length
of the remaining pipe.
[0144] A pipe can be offset around a beam 155. The pipe to be
offset is selected and the intersecting beam is formed. If no such
beam is found, the subroutine automatically terminates. The
location on the piping on either side of beam to be offset are
found.
[0145] Couplings are added at both such locations. The distance
that the pipe needs to be offset is also found. The line is then
moved between the couplings this distance. A plug is added to one
of the fittings and final adjustments are made to the fittings, the
cut length of the pipes and the hangars.
[0146] Detail boxes can be inserted or highlighted in the drawings
for various portions of the distribution system. Such portions can
include an anti-freeze loop 156, an auxiliary drain 157 and a fire
hose rack 158.
[0147] The anti-freeze loop and its detail box can be deleted 159.
The starting and ending fittings are first determined and all other
lines connected to the loop are deleted. The line for the loop is
determined and each pipe of the line is deleted until none remain.
The starting and ending fittings are then connected and the
standard adjustments to the fittings, the pipe length and the
hangars are made.
[0148] Of course, an anti-freeze loop can also be added 160 to the
system. The starting and ending locations for the loop are
obtained. A check is made to certain that enough room exists for
the loop. If not, the program terminates.
[0149] If there is enough room, couplings are added to both the
starting and the ending location. The pipe between the starting and
ending locations is deleted.
[0150] A location is found to position a control valve on the pipe
connected to the starting location. A coupling which is later
changed to a control valve is added. The hangers and the pipe
lengths are adjusted.
[0151] At the starting location fitting, a pipe is added two inches
(5.0 cm) up from the fitting and a globe valve is positioned on the
end of this pipe. A pipe is extended two inches (5.0 cm) from the
globe valve and a fill cup is positioned on the pipe.
[0152] At the starting location fitting, a pipe is added to extend
one foot (30.5 cm) down from that fitting. A weld tee is added to
the end of the one foot pipe. The fittings and cut lengths are
adjusted.
[0153] A nipple, a three-inch (7.5 cm) pipe, comes out of the weld
tee. A second globe valve is added at the nipple's end. A plug is
added to the globe valve and the nipple's cut length is
adjusted.
[0154] A pipe is added to be four feet (1.2 meters) down from the
weld tee. A second weld tee is added at the end of the four foot
pipe. Again, a nipple is added to the weld tee with a globe valve
and plug. The nipple length is adjusted.
[0155] The bottom of the loop is determined. A pipe is added for
the weld tee to this location. An elbow is added to the end of this
pipes and the pipe's length is adjusted. Also, a location is
determined for a check valve. Piping is added to this location from
the elbow and the check valve added to the end of the pipe.
[0156] Lastly, a location is determined to rise up to the ending
location. Again, pipe is added to the rise up location from the
check valve. An elbow is positioned at the end of the piping and
the standard adjustments made. A drain is positioned at the elbow.
The end location fitting and this elbow are connected with a pipe.
Again the standard adjustments are made.
[0157] A drain can be added 161 to the distribution system. If the
distribution system is a dry system which will trap more than five
gallons (19 liters) of water, a condensate valve will be added.
[0158] If the drain is to be added to a fitting, that fitting is
simply selected. If the drain is to be added to a pipe, a location
on the pipe must be selected and a coupling added to that location.
A direction to add the drain is obtained.
[0159] At the selected fitting, a one-foot (30.5 cm) pipe is added
in the chosen direction. A new fitting, a globe valve, is added to
the end of the one-foot (30.5 cm) pipe. The length is then adjusted
downward to three inches (7.5 cm).
[0160] If the system is a dry system with more than five gallons
(19 liters) of trapped water, a one-foot (30.5 cm) pipe, one inch
(2.5 cm) in diameter, is added to the globe valve. A coupling is
added to the end of this pipe and the length adjusted to three
inches (7.5 cm).
[0161] Another one-foot pipe (30.5 cm) with a two-inch (5.0 cm)
diameter is added to the screwed coupling. Again, a screwed
coupling is added to the end of the two-inch (5.0 cm) pipe and the
cut length is adjusted to one foot (30.5 cm). A one-inch (2.5 cm)
diameter pipe is added to the screwed coupling. A globe valve is
added to this pipe and the length of the pipe adjusted to three
inches (7.5 cm).
[0162] In all cases, a plug is added to the globe valve which is at
the end of the piping. A note is added to the drawing relating to
the added drain.
[0163] A drain can be deleted 162. The desired drain is selected
and a check is made to confirm that the-selected fitting is a globe
valve with a plug and that it is therefore a drain. If it is, the
drain.is changed to a sprinkler and then deleted.
[0164] The drain in the distribution system can be highlighted or
not highlighted 157. A check is made of each fitting in the
distribution system to determine if it is a drain and that it is
connected with pipe to the distribution system. If it is a drain,
it is highlighted or not highlighted as selected. The drains in the
distribution system are also counted.
[0165] A fire hose rack can be added 163 by selecting a location
which will then be adjusted to correspond to the nearest column. If
the building has more than one distribution system, pipe is
obtained to connect the location to the other systems. Otherwise,
the closest main is selected for connection.
[0166] The direction, the elevation of the fire hose rack and the
elevation at the top of the drop are obtained. A fitting is then
added at the top of the drop. A tee is added at the elevation for
the hose rack.
[0167] One inch (2.5 cm) pipes are added to both the drop fitting
and the tee. A pipe is also added to the tee in the direction of
the fire hose rack. A hose unit is added at the end of this pipe.
The cut length is also adjusted to three inches (7.5 cm).
[0168] A six-inch (15.25 cm) downward extending pipe and a cap for
the pipe are added from the tee. The top of the drop is then
connected via a pipe to the tee. The elements of this pipe, the
associated fittings, cut lengths and hangers are all adjusted. A
detail box can be added to the drawings if desired.
[0169] The direction of the fire hose rack can be changed by simply
selecting the new direction 164. The piping and the hose unit at
the old location are deleted while the new pipe and hose unit are
added. A similar adjustment can be made for the elevation of the
fire hose rack 165. However, a check is made to be certain that the
new elevation is not above the pipe at the top of the fire hose
rack.
[0170] The fire hose rack and its associated detail box, if any,
may be deleted 166 by simply by selecting it. The fire hose rack is
changed to a sprinkler and simply deleted.
[0171] A fire hose rack may be joined 167 to a distribution system.
The fire hose rack to be joined is first selected. If more than one
system is in the distribution system, a pipe in another system is
selected for joining, else a pipe in the current system is
selected. The location on the pipe to join is chosen and the two
pipes are joined.
[0172] Flushing connections are added 168 by selecting a fitting. A
check is made to be certain that the selected fitting has a cap and
is on a main. The cap is extended one-foot (30.5 cm) form the
fitting where the appropriate coupling is substituted for the cap.
A two-inch (5.0 cm) pipe is added from the coupling to the cap. The
cut length of this pipe is adjusted to six inches (15.25 cm).
[0173] The deletion of a flushing connection 169 is the reverse of
the above. In essence, the pipe and coupling are deleted while the
cap replaces the coupling. Of course, appropriate checks are made
to be certain that the desired deletion really is of a flushing
connection.
[0174] An inspector's test connection can be added 170 to the
distribution system. Again, either a fitting is or a location on a
pipe is selected. If a pipe, the appropriate fitting is added at
the chosen pipe location. A check is made to be certain a coupling
can be added at the selected location.
[0175] A wall, preferably an outside wall, is selected for the test
connection to extend through. A one-inch (2.5 cm) diameter pipe is
added from the fitting to wall. A location for a globe valve is
chosen and a one-inch (2.5 cm) pipe added from fitting to that
location. A globe valve is then added.
[0176] A location for an elbow at the end of a drop is chosen and a
pipe is added from the globe valve to that location. An elbow is
added to the end of the pipe.
[0177] A location for a smooth bore outlet is selected on the
outside of the selected wall and a pipe added from the elbow to
that location. The smooth bore outlet is added at the end of this
pipe. The pipe through the wall will be denoted as being
galvanized.
[0178] To delete the inspector's test connection 171, the smooth
bore outlet is found and deleted after being converted to a
sprinkler.
[0179] A mutual can be added 172 to the system. First, a pipe for
the mutual rust be selected as well as two fittings for the mutual.
One of the fittings must be an elbow with a drop. The location of
the other fitting is saved while the pipe is disconnected from the
fitting.
[0180] A new location is found for the pipe which determines the
distance to move each fitting on that pipe. The fittings are then
moved and a pipe is added to connect the moved pipe with the saved
fitting. The deletion of a mutual 173 is the reverse of the above
process.
[0181] A nipple end cap combination can be added 174 to an existing
fitting if steel is found nearby. The direction to add is found and
checks are made to determine (1) if the fitting type is appropriate
and (2) that no existing pipe prevents such an addition.
[0182] A location and distance are found to add the nipple and the
cap. A pipe is added from the fitting in the found direction and to
the found distance and a cap is added at that location. All
standard adjustments are performed. Again, the deletion of a nipple
and cap 175 is simply the reverse of the above procedure.
[0183] Standpipes can be added 176 to the distribution system. The
location of the standpipe is obtained as well as the number of
floors within the building. A floor, its elevation and the
elevation for a hose valve are obtained.
[0184] If a first floor standpipe is to be added, an elbow is
mounted at that location and elevation and a hose valve added to
the elbow. If other than the first floor, a tee is added at the
hose valve elevation and a pipe added from the tee to the previous
fitting (tee or elbow). A hose valve is added to each such tee. The
pipe length is adjusted and hangers added. This procedure is
repeated until the top floor is reached.
[0185] On the top floor, a pipe is added up from the tee and a weld
tee added to the top of this pipe. A pipe and a cap are added up
from the welded tee. Also, a pressure gauge is added to the welded
tee. All standard adjustments to fittings, pipe cut length,
diameter and wall tape end hangers are performed.
[0186] The deletion for the standpipe 177 is simple. The standpipe
line is selected and deleted in its entirety.
[0187] To move a standpipe 178, the distance and direction are
first obtained. Then each pipe and its associated fittings are
moved the chosen distance and direction until all such pipes have
been moved.
[0188] FIG. 13 shows the menu for editing the fittings. As shown
therein, it is seen that the preferred embodiment includes a
multiplicity of choices for editing fittings. A user simply selects
any of these choices as desired.
[0189] To add a coupling to a pipe 179, the pipe and the proposed
location on the pipe for the coupling are obtained 180. At that
point, the line the pipe is in is found as well as the fittings at
either and of the pipe. All the hangers for the pipe are then
deleted.
[0190] A new coupling is added at the chosen location. A pipe is
disconnected from one of the end fittings and extended to the added
coupling. A new pipe connects the other end fitting with the added
fitting. The hangers are replaced and adjustments are made to the
fittings and the length of the old and new pipes as needed.
Reversing the above procedure will delete a coupling 181.
[0191] Addition of a plug to a fitting 182 is simple. The fitting
is chosen as well as the plug's direction. The plug is added and
appropriate adjustments made. The reverse holds true for deleting a
plug 183.
[0192] A tee with a plug can be added to a pipe 184. The pipe is
selected as well as the location for the tee. The tee is added as
any fitting would be (see above) and a plug added to the tee.
[0193] A valve can be added to a pipe 185 by adding a fitting to
the pipe as described previously. The fitting is then changed to a
valve and adjustments made to the pipe wall and the length of the
pipe. The procedure for adding a union 186 is identical except the
fitting is changed to a union.
[0194] A fill cup can be added 187 to a cap or a coupling by
selecting the particular fitting and the direction to add. A globe
valve is added to the fitting. A two-inch (5.0 cm), long pipe is
added to the fitting in the selected direction. A fitting is added
to this pipe and a fill cup added to the fitting. A check is made
to be certain that the fill cup is added to the globe valve. To
delete a fill cup 188, the chosen fill cup is changed to a
sprinkler and the sprinkler is then deleted.
[0195] A wall hydrant can be added 189 to a selected fitting or a
main. An outside wall must be available which to add the wall
hydrant to or else the subroutine terminates. A direction is chosen
and is also checked to be certain that pipes can be added in that
direction.
[0196] A location inside the chosen wall is obtained for a drop and
for a control valve. A pipe is added from the chosen fitting to the
drop location. An elbow is added to the end of the pipes and
adjustments made to the fitting and the pipe length while hangers
are added.
[0197] Pipe is added from the elbow to the control valve location.
A control valve is added at that location and the pipe length is
adjusted. Another elbow is added to the control valve.
[0198] Pipe is added from the second elbow to the wall hydrant
location and a wall hydrant is added. A ball drip is added to the
lowest elbow elevation. The pipe lengths are adjusted
accordingly.
[0199] The wall hydrant is deleted 190 by determining the wall
hydrant to delete and finding the point on the main to stop. The
components are deleted one by one from the wall hydrant to the
main.
[0200] A fitting can be selected and changed 191 to a new type of
fitting. All pipes connected to the old fitting are adjusted to
accommodate the new fitting.
[0201] A fitting can be moved 192 by either obtaining the direction
and distance to move 193 or obtaining the fitting to move towards
194. If the second option, the distance and direction are
determined by the relative positions of the stationary fitting and
the fitting to be moved.
[0202] All hangers are deleted and the new location of fitting
determined. The fitting is moved along with any pipes in the
fitting. All pipe lengths in the fitting are adjusted and the
hangers are then replaced.
[0203] Two fittings can be chosen for merger or joining 195. If the
fittings are in the same location one is deleted. Pipes which
connected to the deleted fitting are then connected to the
remaining fitted and adjusted accordingly.
[0204] If the two fittings are separated, a pipe is added to join
them. The two fittings, the wall type and length of the pipe are
adjusted and hangers added.
[0205] FIG. 14 shows the menu for editing the sprinklers. As shown
therein, it is seen that the preferred embodiment includes a number
of such options. Selecting any such option bring forth the desired
subroutine.
[0206] This submenu includes a subroutine which allows the
automatic placement of sprinklers in an office 196. This feature is
useful when office space is redesigned to accommodate a tenant. The
new office room is first selected together with the hazard type of
the room. Information relating to the orientation and positioning
of the room's walls is thereby obtained.
[0207] If the room is not a simple-shape which are defined as
squares, rectangles or trapezoids, it is divided into a minimum
number of sections which are simple-shaped. If such an automatic
division is not possible, the division can be done manually. If the
room itself is simple-shaped, then it is also divided into
subsections. A simple-shaped section is selected to begin. The
subroutine will repeat until no such sections are found.
[0208] The program will place the sprinklers in the center of a
ceiling tile if available. The distances between extreme left and
extreme right and extreme front and extreme back points are
determined. These distances yield the area of the simple-shape
section.
[0209] The distances determined above, the section area and the
hazard type of the room are compared with the appropriate
regulations to determine the: number of lines needed in the
simple-shaped section, the distance between the lines, and the
distances between the sprinklers. The sprinklers are then
positioned to be free of building adjuncts. The locations and
distances are checked for compliance with regulations and adjusted
if needed.
[0210] A sprinkler can be added 197 to the distribution system by
three separate paths. First, a sprinkler can be added to fitting. A
check is then made to determine whether a sidewall, upright or
pendant sprinkler is appropriate. The selection is made from the
acceptable types and the selected types are installed.
[0211] If a sidewall sprinkler, a further check is made of the
possible directions to add and one possible direction is selected.
If a pendent sprinkler, a further check is made to see if a
suspended ceiling led to this choice. All fittings are adjusted as
needed.
[0212] A sprinkler can be added directly to a pipe. As is normally
the case, the location on the pipe is determined and a fitting
added thereto. The sprinkler's type and elevation are determined in
view of any suspended ceiling and the elevation of the pipe.
[0213] The sprinkler is then positioned of the desired location. A
check is made to determine if the sprinkler location matches the
pipe's location. If not, pipe is added and the standard adjustments
are made. If the locations are the same, no pipe is added and only
the fitting is adjusted.
[0214] A twist to these situations occurs when placing a sprinkler
under an overhead door. The overhead door is selected as well as a
location for a drop. A check is made to determine if another door
is within a certain distance which is dependent on the relevant
standards. If no such nearby door is found, the drop is six inches
(15.25 cm) from the door. If a second door is nearby, the drop is
placed midway between the two doors.
[0215] The closest pipe and the nearest point on this pipe to the
drop are determined. A coupling is added to the pipe at this
location. A first fitting is positioned at the X, Y location of the
drop but at the elevation of the coupling on the pipe. The coupling
and the first fitting are joined as described above in joining
fittings.
[0216] A second fitting is added eight inches (19.3 cm) below the
door. The first fitting is also corrected and adjusted with a pipe.
If two doors are involved, two more fittings are positioned six
inches (15.25 cm) from each door's edge and eight inches (19.3 cm)
under it. If only one door, a third fitting is added six inches
(15.25 cm) from the door edge and eight inches (19.3 cm) under
it.
[0217] The new fitting(s) situated under the doors is connected to
the second fitting with pipe. All the fittings are adjusted. A side
wall sprinkler then is added to any under-door fittings.
[0218] Sprinklers can be deleted 198 from the system. If pipes
exist solely to connect the sprinklers to the distribution system,
they can also be deleted if so desired.
[0219] An unconnected sprinkler may be connected to a pipe 199 or
an outlet 200. First, a check is made to determine if the sprinkler
is unconnected. If it is, it is then deleted from the distribution
system. A sprinkler of the same type, diameter and direction is
then added to either the pipe closest to the original location or
to an outlet which is altered to be a regular fitting.
[0220] To disconnect a sprinkler 201, a check is first made to be
certain the sprinkler is indeed connected. The fitting the
sprinkler is connected to is determined and the sprinkler is then
disconnected therefrom. The fittings are adjusted as needed.
Alternatively, the sprinkler can simply be changed to a plug.
[0221] A head guard can be added 202 to an existing sprinkler if
one is not present. Of course, a head guard can also be deleted 203
if the sprinkler already has one. A sprinkler's temperature range
204 and diameter 205 can also be altered.
[0222] A sprinkler's outlet size can be changed 206 to a different
valve if it is not connected to the line by a vertical pipe and is
connected by either a bushing or a standard fitting.
[0223] If the sprinkler is connected to the line by a bushing, a
check is made to determine if the new outlet size is the same as
the sprinkler's diameter. If it is, the bushing and the old
sprinkler are deleted and the new sprinkler substituted. If not,
the bushings diameter is simply altered to fit the new
sprinkler.
[0224] If the old sprinkler was connected to the line by a standard
fitting, than a bushing of the appropriate diameter must be used to
connect the new sprinkler.
[0225] A sprinkler's type can be changed 207 to a type different
than the original. If the old sprinkler was attached via a vertical
pipe, the location of the vertical pipe is obtained. If the new
type is a sidewall sprinkler, the direction of the sidewall is also
obtained.
[0226] If, however, the new type is not a sidewall but the old type
was, then the pipe direction must also be obtained. Depending on
the direction of the pipe, the sprinkler type is changed to either
a pendant or an upright. The vertical pipe is also deleted.
[0227] On the other hand, if neither the new type nor the old type
is sidewall, no other information is needed. The new location and
type are obtained and assigned for the sprinkler.
[0228] If the sprinkler is not connected by a bushing or a standard
fitting, then an error message is generated. If it is connected by
a standard fitting, and the new type is a sidewall, the new
location and type are obtained and assigned to the sprinkler.
[0229] If it is connected by a standard fitting and the new type is
sidewall, the sidewall's direction must be obtained. If that
direction is already occupied, another error message is generated.
If it is not occupied, then a new location and type are assigned to
the sprinkler.
[0230] A sprinkler can also be moved 208. If the sprinkler is
unconnected either the new position or a distance and direction are
given to move. The distance and direction are later converted to a
new position. The new position is the assigned to the
sprinkler.
[0231] If the sprinkler is to be moved is the X, Y plane, the
distance to move is obtained. The sprinkler, its fitting and all
other fittings between the old and the new position are moved.
[0232] If the sprinkler is to move in the Z-direction, the
sprinkler's type is obtained and it is determined whether a
vertical pipe on the sprinkler exists. If such a pipe is found, the
direction of the pipe is determined. If the direction to move the
sprinkler is the same as this direction, then the sprinkler is
simply moved. If it is not, then the length of the vertical pipe is
determined. If the distance to move is greater then this length, no
move is allowed. If it is not, the sprinkler is moved as
desired.
[0233] If no vertical pipe is found, then the sprinkler direction
must be the same as the proposed move direction or a move is not
permitted. If the directions are the same, any bushing is first
deleted. The sprinkler type is saved and the sprinkler is then
deleted and the fitting added to the location of the deleted
sprinkler. A cap is added to the new location and the fitting and
cap are connected. The fitting is adjusted and the sprinkler
substituted for the cap.
[0234] FIGS. 15 and 16 show the menus for editing the lines-and the
mains respectively. As shown therein, it is seen that the preferred
embodiment includes a number of options for editing the lines and
the mains in the system. Due to the similarities between lines and
mains, many of the functions performed in each submenu are the same
for both.
[0235] To add a line 209, the starting point and ending point for
the line are obtained. Fittings are situated at both points and a
pipe is added to connect the two fittings. This arrangement is a
line.
[0236] A review of all piping is made to find a main that crosses
the line. If no such main is found, the line can be completed but
it will be unconnected. If such a main is found, the line will be
connected to that main via a riser nipple which is adjusted
appropriately. The program cycles until all mains which cross the
line are found and connected with the line as described.
[0237] At this point, sprinklers can be added to the line if
desired. The distance between sprinklers is obtained and the first
sprinkler is positioned at the starting fitting. Subsequent
sprinklers are spaced the obtained sprinkler separation distance
until the end of the line is reached.
[0238] If the default for adding welds to the line is set, such
welds are now added. Once the welds are added, or if the default is
not set, the line is positioned at the proper elevation. A check is
performed to determine if the line is hitting anything. It if is, a
message to that effect is generated. Lastly, the hangers are added
to the distribution system.
[0239] To delete a line 210, the line is first selected. A pipe in
the line is found and deleted along with all the fittings on the
pipe. This process repeats until no further piping is found.
[0240] The diameter of a pipe can be changed 211 by the pipe
schedule 212 which is provided by the data base. A starting
fitting, a direction to change and the type of schedule to use are
selected. Beginning with the starting fitting, the pipe to be
changed is marked as well as the fitting on the end opposite the
starting fitting. If the second fitting is a sprinkler, it is
counted. This process cycles until all pipes are found.
[0241] The process returns to the starting position and finds the
current pipe diameter. The diameter is changed and the next pipe
found. This process repeats until all diameters are changed.
[0242] A line can be copied to another location 213. The copying
can be done to an empty space 214 or to replace an existing line
215. The existing line to be replaced is first deleted when the
location for the copied line is found. The differences to move are
calculated.
[0243] A pipe on the line to be copied is obtained as well as the
fittings at both ends of the pipe. A check is made to determine if
these fittings have already been copied. If not, the same types of
fittings are situated at the new location.
[0244] Piping is then positioned between the two new fittings and
adjustments made to the wall type and the cut length. The process
repeats until the entire line has been copied.
[0245] Once completely copied, the riser nipples and the hanger are
added. A check is made to be certain that the new line does not hit
anything. If it does, a message to that effect is generated. The
subroutine then terminates.
[0246] The overhang pitch of a line may be altered 216. The line
and the fitting to change are obtained. The corresponding fitting
on the main, the orientation and the amount to slope are then
found.
[0247] The process then gets the line to slope. The two fittings to
change are found and marked to the correct location for the chosen
slope. The process iterates until no further pipes are found. The
hangers and the pipe lengths are adjusted accordingly.
[0248] The sprinkler spacing on a line can be changed 217. The
line, the location of the first sprinkler and the new desired
spacing distance between sprinklers is obtained. A pipe on the line
is found as well as fittings on both ends. If either fitting is a
sprinkler, it is deleted. This process repeats until all sprinklers
or the like are deleted.
[0249] A sprinkler is then added at the starting location and
subsequent sprinklers are positioned on the line with the new
spacing until the end of the line is reached.
[0250] If no welds exist in a line, they may be added 218. The line
to add welds and the amount of welds allowed are obtained. Then,
the first fitting is found and a determination made whether the
fitting should be a weld fitting or not. If it is, it is changed to
a weld fitting. The next fitting is found and counted and the
process repeats until all the fittings are fully accounted for.
Deletion of welds 219 is essentially the same process except all
welded fittings which are found are now changed to non-welded
fittings.
[0251] A riser nipple can be moved 220. The particular riser nipple
to be moved is obtained as well as the fitting on top of it. The
pipe which goes into the top fitting is also found. A check is made
to be certain that this pipe is an armover, otherwise the
subroutine terminates.
[0252] A location on the main is found to which to move the riser
nipple. A coupling is added at this location. The armover pipe and
the riser nipple are then deleted. A riser nipple is then added
from the top fitting to the main fitting and the riser nipple
adjusted.
[0253] The editing of a fire hose rack to a line is identical to
the procedures as described previously in connection with a
pipe.
[0254] Turning now to some subroutines found only in the edit mains
submenu of FIG. 16, one can add a main across a number of lines
221. The first line and the last line are obtained which allows the
orientation of the mains to be found. The location on each line
where the main is to connect is checked to be certain that the main
can be added. The main must also follow either an X-axis or Y-axis
orientation only. If suitable locations are not found, the
subroutine terminates.
[0255] If suitable locations are found, fittings are added to the
first line and the last line. These fittings are connected with
pipe. Each line pipe is found and evaluated to determine if it
crosses the new main. If it does, the line is connected to the main
by a riser nipple where they cross. The process repeats itself
until no lines remain. At this point, the main is elevated and
hangars are added.
[0256] Alternatively, a main can be added in space 222. The
proposed starting location, ending location and orientation are
obtained. Fittings are added to both the starting and ending
locations. A pipe is added which connects the two fittings. Lastly,
the main is elevated and hangers added.
[0257] A main can be deleted 223 if desired. If the main has a
sloped overhang, the slope is first set to zero. The pipes which
make up the main along with corresponding fittings are deleted
until no such pipe remains.
[0258] Quite a number of the subroutines found in both the edit
line submenu of FIG. 15 and the edit main submenu of FIG. 16 are
equivalent.
[0259] For example, the wall type 224 (e.g. thickness and
composition) or the diameter of a line/main 211/215 can be changed
on all lines/mains 228, on one line/main 226 or on one part of a
line/main 227. The line/main to be changed is selected as well as
the new wall type or diameter. Each pipe in the line/main is
changed until all have been altered. If it is determined that the
cut length of any altered pipe is too small, the wall type or
diameter is changed back to the old type and a message to that
effect is generated.
[0260] The slope of a line/main 229 can be changed by selecting the
line/main, the fitting on the end of the line/main to move and the
orientation to move. The slope can be changed by either obtaining a
direction and amount to move or a direction, a slope and a fitting
to move. If the latter, checks are made to be assured that the
desired slope is greater than one inch (2.5 cm) in ten feet (3
meters). If less than that slope, the user is prompted to slope
only part of the line/main.
[0261] A check is performed to see if any fitting will be bent past
tolerance by the proposed slope. Also, a check is made to discover
any other pipes which are attached to the line/main (not counting
riser nipples). If either situation is found, the subroutine
terminates.
[0262] A line/main pipe and its respective fittings are then found.
The fittings are moved to the correct location for the desired
slope which also moves the pipe. Another line/main pipe is found
and its fittings moved and so on until all such pipes and fittings
have been moved. At that point, the pipe lengths and hangers are
adjusted. If this is a main, lastly the riser nipples are
adjusted.
[0263] A line/main can be moved 230 by selecting the pipes to move
and the direction and distance to move. A check is made to
determine if pipes connected to the line/main which are not in the
line/main can also be moved. If not, the subroutine terminates.
[0264] A pipe in the line/main and a fitting at one end are moved.
If other pipes are in fitting, these are also moved. The process
repeats until all pipes and fittings both in the line/main and
connected thereto are moved. The riser nipples and hanger are
finally adjusted. Lastly, a check is made to be certain that the
moved line/main is not hitting anything.
[0265] Couplings can be added to a line/main 231. A line/main is
selected as well as the fitting to start. The distance between
couplings, the direction to add the couplings and a location for
the new couplings are obtained. A pipe on the selected line/main is
found.
[0266] If the pipe has a location to add a coupling, that location
is found and the coupling added. The process cycles until all
desired couplings are found. Hangers are then adjusted.
[0267] To delete couplings 232, a search for all couplings on a
line/main is made. Any such couplings are deleted. Once complete,
the hangers are added.
[0268] Lines/mains are optionally labelled 233. The editing
function allows such labelling to be turned on and off as desired.
The on and off labeling routine continues pipe by pipe until
completed.
[0269] FIG. 17 shows the submenu for editing the hangers. This
portion of the editing menu is less complex than those depicted in
earlier submenus.
[0270] To change a hanger type 234, the hanger to be changed is
obtained as well as the desired hanger type. The new type is simply
substituted and a new rod length calculated.
[0271] Hangers may be deleted 235 either individually, by pipe, by
line or to the entire distribution system. To delete an individual
hanger, it is simply selected and deleted.
[0272] To delete all hangers, a cycle begins where each hanger is
found. The same cycle occurs with the process of deletion of
hangers on a pipe or a line with the additional search criteria
that a selected hanger must be on the pipe or line.
[0273] Hangers can be added 236 to a location to a pipe. If a
location, the pipe at this location is found as well as its
orientation and end points. A check is made to be certain no other
hangers are too close. If a hanger is too close, the subroutine
terminates.
[0274] Next, it is determined whether or not the hanger will be
mounted on, in preferred order, concrete, a joist or a beam, or
trapeze style from two steel parts. If none of the above are found,
the subroutine will also terminate. The rod length is calculated,
the hanger type determined and the hanger added.
[0275] Hangers are added to a pipe by first selecting the pipe. The
orientation and distance to the nearest steel is determined as well
as the distance to the feed main. The start and end fittings of the
selected pipe are found as well as the location on the pipe to
start.
[0276] The program determines whether the hanger will be mounted on
a joist, a beam or trapeze-style from two such pieces of steel. If
no mounting locations are found, the program terminates. Once a
suitable mount is found, rod lengths are calculated and the
position and type of hanger are added. A check is made to determine
if the location of the hanger is too far from the pipe ends. If so,
more hangers are added until the pipe is properly supported.
[0277] To change hanger type, the new type as well as the hanger to
change are determined. The change is simply made at that point.
[0278] In FIG. 18, the submenu for editing the headers is shown.
This submenu also includes options for editing certain auxiliary
portions of a distribution system. These auxiliaries include water
flow switches, bells, alarms and the fire department
connection.
[0279] Water flow switches can be added or deleted 237 as desired.
To delete, the water flow switch to delete is simply selected and
then automatically deleted. The total number of such switches is
reduced by one. The addition of a water flow switch is simply the
reverse except a check is also made to be certain a water flow
switch is not already positioned there.
[0280] Bells can be added, deleted or changed 238 as desired. To
add, it is necessary to determine whether the bell to be added is
inside, outside or both as well as the wall to mount it upon. The
bell is drawn and its location and number stored. Deletion is the
reverse process. To change, a bell is selected with the desired
change and it is simply made and stored.
[0281] A fire department connection can be added, deleted or
changed 239. If no such connection exists, it may be added if
desired. A wall is selected for the connection as well is a riser
to start building the connection. The riser elbow in replaced with
a tee. A check valve, an elbow, a pipe and finally the connection
itself are added in sequence.
[0282] To delete a connection is the reverse of adding. The process
starts with the connection and deletes pipes and fittings one by
one until the check valve is reached. It then goes one more
fitting. In addition, an inside and outside bells can now be
deleted if desired. Further, any detail box for the connection can
be deleted as well. After both deletion and changing of the
connection, a check is made to determine if a new connection should
be added.
[0283] Turning now to the headers themselves, the details of header
can be changed as desired 240. Included among these options are the
addition, deletion and change of headers.
[0284] A header can be added as a new component or to replace an
existing header. In replace an existing header, the line where the
riser is found is obtained. That line together with the water flow
switch, the pipe stands, dimension lines for the measurements the
building and components, and the bells are all deleted. Thus the
existing line is removed to allow for addition of its replacement.
of course, deletion is available even if a replacement is not
desired.
[0285] There are three options to build a header, (1)
automatically, (2) by recall of a stored header and (3) by custom
building. A header can be automatically built by obtaining the
location of the water stub-in, the default header diameter and the
header direction. A flange followed by a flanged tee are added to
the underground pipe. One end of the flanged tee will go to
domestic service. The other end will have a OS&Y valve.
[0286] As an option, a backflow preventor followed by a second
OS&Y valve can be installed. In either case, the last OS&Y
valve is followed by a secured flanged tee. One end of the second
flanged tee can include a fire department connection if
desired.
[0287] If more than one system exists in the building, an OS&Y
valve is added at the other end of the tee. Whichever system is
employed, a vertical pipe is now positioned on the previous
fitting. A weld cross is added to the vertical pipe.
[0288] An angled main drain is added to one side of the weld cross
with a gauge assembly on the other. A second vertical pipe with a
cap is added to the top of the cross. Bells and a flow switch are
the last additions to complete the header.
[0289] Once a header is built, it can be stored into memory. As
such, it can be easily recalled for use where another header is
desired.
[0290] A header can also be custom-built. The process is the same
as an automatic build up to adding the flange to the underground
pipe. After that point, the fittings submenu (FIG. 13) will come up
and a header can be custom-designed.
[0291] Once the header is completed by the installation of a cap or
a plug, or deciding that it is finished, the positions of the flow
switch, the pipe stands and the dimensions are obtained. These
items are added and the custom-built system is finished.
[0292] The header direction or location can be changed. For
example, the direction can be changed by obtaining the new
direction desired. The existing header is stored in memory and then
deleted. A water stub-in is then added at the header's location. A
loop is performed in which the direction of each fitting in the
stored header is changed to accommodate the new direction. The
stored header is then recalled.
[0293] The header can also be moved a distance and a direction.
Both the distance to move and the direction are obtained. A check
is made to be certain that the new location will not be outside the
building. If it is, the subroutine terminates. If not, the amount
is added to the X, Y coordinates of all end points of the header,
thus moving the entire header the desired direction and distance.
In essence, the same procedure is followed to move to a new
location.
[0294] In addition, the fittings and the pipes in the header can be
edited as discussed previously for pipes and fittings in general.
In addition, spools and pipe stands can be added or deleted. The
diameter of either the header or the underground pipe are also
editable.
[0295] The steel or structural elements of a building can also be
edited as shown in FIG. 19. The user would select the desired
option from the edit steel submenu as desired.
[0296] For example, a column can be added 241 on a wall, on a beam
or at any X, Y location. The X, Y location or the location on the
beam or the wall are obtained. The column angle, its depth and its
width are also gathered.
[0297] A check is made to be certain that no other columns would
contact a column at the desired location. If none is found, the
column is added.
[0298] To delete a column 242, it is simply selected and deleted.
To move a column 243, the desired column is selected along with a
direction and distance to move. The column is simply moved to the
new location.
[0299] The type, angle or size of a column may be changed 244 also.
The type (I-beam, rectangular or circular) and the angle is
obtained along with the desired column. The change in then
made.
[0300] To alter the size, the column is first selected. If it is a
circular column, the new diameter is obtained and the change is
made. If it is a non-circular column, the new column depth and
width are obtained. A check is made to be certain the new
dimensions are less than 8 feet (3.25 meters) and then the change
is made.
[0301] A beam can be added 245 as desired. The first and second end
points on either a column, a beam or a wall are selected. A check
is made to be certain the first and the second points are not in
the same beam, column or wall. An error message is generated to
that effect if they are.
[0302] The beam depth is obtained. A check is made to determine if
the beam is to the deck which automatically sets the height of the
beam. If it is not, then the beam height must be obtained.
[0303] A check is made to be certain that the new beam does not
cross other beams. If it does, an error message is generated. If it
does not, the beam is added and the two end points corrected for
the-wall, column or beam elevation.
[0304] A beam can be deleted 246 if desired. A check is made to
determine if joists on both sides will match up. If not, a warning
message is generated though the deletion can still occur.
[0305] The matched joists on both sides are connected together
while unconnected joists are deleted. All beams and joists which
are left overhanging columns (stumps) are extended or deleted as
needed. This process deletes the beam.
[0306] A beam can be changed 247 in a number of ways. For example,
the beam elevation, depth and width can be changed by simply
selecting the beam to change and the desired change. It is then
made and adjustments to the elevation of the line and main are
automatically made.
[0307] The bearing plate thickness of a beam can be changed as
described above except a check is made to be certain that the new
thickness is not greater than the joist depth. If it is, there will
be a joist in space not bearing on anything. The hangers are
adjusted and the line and main are elevated if needed. All beams or
one beam can be changed.
[0308] A beam's elevation may be changed if desired. This can be
done in a number of ways. For example, the end point elevation can
be changed by selecting the end point on a given beam.
Alternatively, a splice point may be added to a beam by selecting a
location for the splice point on the beam. If the desired splice
point is too close to the end point, the program will recycle to
ask for a new splice point.
[0309] In either the end point change or the addition of a
permitted splice point, there are four options for obtaining the
new elevation. First, the current top of steel number may be used.
Second, the beam on both sides of the splice may be found and the
desired change can be to line up with the found beam. Third, the
previous elevation can be used. Lastly, a new elevation may be
obtained.
[0310] After the new elevation is found, the room height is changed
if needed and the new splice point is added in.
[0311] A splice point can also be moved if desired. The splice
point to move is obtained as well as the distance and direction to
move. Again, a check is made to be certain that the new location is
not too close to the end of the beam. In addition, a second check
is made to be certain that new location is actually on the beam. If
both checks are satisfactory, the old splice point is deleted and
the new one added.
[0312] A splice point may simply be deleted by selection of the
point to eliminate. A check is made to be certain that the point to
delete is not intersecting a location on a perimeter bearing wall.
If it is, the splice cannot be deleted as a beam cannot go through
a perimeter bearing wall. If it is, then an error message is
generated and the a new location may be selected. Otherwise, the
splice point is simply deleted.
[0313] A beam or collinear beams can be moved 248. First, the
columns attached to the beam(s) are found. Any columns which also
attach to beams which are not being moved are retained. The
direction and distance to move are obtained. A check is made to be
certain that another beam is not already at the new location. A
second check is made to be certain that the new location for the
beam will not cross an existing beam. If either check is
affirmative, a message is generated and the subroutine
terminates.
[0314] The beam to be moved is then deleted. Columns are then
either added or moved if attached to the moving beam. A check is
made to determine if the new location will hit any pipe. If so, a
warning message is generated though the process can still proceed.
The beam is added at the new location and the steel is
adjusted.
[0315] A joist may be replaced with a beam 249. The joist to
replace is obtained. The closest beam to the joist is then found.
The joist is deleted while a beam is added to the location that the
joist occupied. The hangers are then adjusted accordingly.
[0316] A joist can be added to the deck 250. A point to add a joist
to is selected. Two joists on either side of the point are then
found. A check is made to be certain that two joists have been
found. If not, the end points of the new joist must be obtained. If
two joists are found, then the same starting and ending location as
these two joists will be used for the added joist.
[0317] The joist depth is obtained. Checks are made to be certain
that the new joist is not too close to another joist or that the
new joist does not cross another joist. If either event is found,
then an error message is generated and the subroutine terminates.
The panel width and offset are then obtained and a new joist is
added.
[0318] A joist can be added below the deck 251. A first and a
second point are obtained on beams along with the joist depth.
Three checks are made to determine that the first and the second
point are on two separate beams, that the two beams are oriented in
the same manner and that the new joist will not hit any walls. If
all of these conditions hold, the new joist is added. If any one
does not hold, an error message is generated and the program will
hunt for a second point that does meet the proper criteria.
[0319] A joist can be moved 252. The joist is selected and the
direction and distance to move are obtained. A check is made that
the new location for the joist will not hit any walls. If it does,
the process will obtain a new distance to move. If it does not hit
a wall, then the joist is moved to the new location. The joist's
elevation at the new location is determined and the hangers
adjusted if needed.
[0320] Joist panels, depths, off set or spacing may be changed 253.
To change the depth, the joist to change is selected and the new
depth obtained. A check is made to compare the bearing plate
thickness to the new joist depth to be certain that this depth is
not less than that thickness. If it were, then there would be a
joist in space not bearing on anything. If the new depth passes
that check, the depth is changed to the new value, the lines
elevated if needed and the hangers adjusted accordingly.
[0321] The joist offset is changed by selecting the joist to change
and obtaining the new offset. A check is made to be certain that
the offset is not greater than the length of the joist. If it were,
there would be no panels for the joist and this is impossible. If
it passes this check, the desired direction is obtained and the
offset assigned. The lines are elevated and the hangers are
adjusted if needed.
[0322] The joist panel change is done in several different ways.
The number of "A" or "V" webbing can be altered. The joist to
change is selected and the new number obtained. A check is made to
be certain that the number of panels times the length of each panel
does not exceed the total length of the joist. If it does not, the
new number is assigned to the selected joist.
[0323] A vertical bar can be added or deleted to the "A" or the "V"
webbing. The joist to add to or delete from is selected and the
addition or the deletion is made. Center "A" or "V" webbing can be
selected for all joists also.
[0324] The panel width can be changed. The new panel width is
obtained and the new panel width is assigned to the joist(s).
[0325] The joist spacing can be changed. An area to change is
selected and all joists entirely within this area are found. All of
the found joists are then deleted from the distribution system. The
beams and walls closest to the system are found along with the
distance form one end of the area. The new spacing between joists
is obtained as well and the joist depth. The new joists are added
to the area. The elevations for these new joists are assigned based
on the elevation of the beams and walls which were found
previously.
[0326] The steel can be rotated 90 degrees 254 if desired. A bay
section is selected for rotation. All the joists in that bay
section are then deleted. If no other joists are found on beams in
the bay section, the beams are also deleted. A check is made to
determine if beams exist in the location that is needed to rotate
the steel. This location is at both ends of the rotated
orientation. If no beams are found, such beams are added in.
[0327] The spacing, depth, panel width and offset of joists are
obtained and the chosen joists added in the rotated orientation.
Hangers are then added to pipes in the bay section.
[0328] The top of steel may be changed 255 by obtaining the highest
and lowest points of all beams and joists which reach the deck. A
check is made to be certain that the elevation (z-location) of all
the steel in the building is the same. If it is, the building is
level and the new top of steel value can simply be obtained. If
not, then the amount to raise or lower the deck elevation must be
obtained. If we are raising the top of the steel, then the deck
elevation is changed as well as the pipe elevations.
[0329] If, however, we are lowering the top of steel, then a series
of checks must be performed to be certain that (1) the new top of
steel is above the lowest part of the building, (2) the steel at
the new location does not hit any walls below the deck, (3) the new
elevation is above the ceilings and (4) the new elevation for the
steel does not hit any steel below the deck. All of the above
conditions must be met before the new elevation of top of steel is
allowed.
[0330] A joist may be deleted 256 by simply selecting the joist and
deleting it from the distribution system. Any hangers that need
adjustment are corrected.
[0331] In FIG. 20, the edit walls submenu is shown. As with all
previous submenus, the user simply selects the desired option and
the process proceeds.
[0332] A wall can be added 257 to the building. A first point is
obtained on an existing wall to start the new wall from. A second
point for the other end of the new wall is obtained and an attempt
is made to line up the new wall with an existing wall either in a
perpendicular or a parallel orientation. A check is made to be
certain that the new wall will not overlap an existing wall and
that the attempt to line up has been successful. If either
condition fails, an error message is generated and the program
looks for a new second point.
[0333] If this is the first wall added, then the room number is
found for the new wall. Then, the closest wall and the distance to
it in the direction of the new wall is found. A check is made to
determine if this new wall is too far away. If it is, the wall
thickness is obtained and the second wall is used as the first
point for the next new wall.
[0334] If the distance is not too far, then the new wall is
connected to the found existing wall. The wall thickness is
obtained and a check is made to determine if the added walls are
inside any room. If they are, then a new inside room is added to
the database. If they are not, then a new outside room is added to
the database.
[0335] Walls can be moved 258 within the building by three
differing procedures.
[0336] First, a corner can be slid. The corner and the wall to
slide are obtained. Available walls to slide along are found and
one of such walls is selected. The direction to move and the
distance to move are obtained. This distance must be greater than
the wall thickness. If the distance is greater, then the wall is
slid along the selected available wall the chosen distance and
direction.
[0337] Second, a part of a wall may be moved. A first and a second
point on the wall are selected. A check is made to be certain that
there is enough room between the two points to add a wall. A
direction and a distance to move are obtained and another check
made to be certain that the distance is adequate to allow a new
wall to be added without hitting existing walls. The wall part is
then moved if it passes this check.
[0338] Third, a wall segment consisting of either a whole wall or a
part of a wall can be moved. If a whole wall, that wall is simply
selected. If part of a wall, the particular segment is selected. In
either case, the distance and direction to move are then chosen.
Another check is made to be certain that the distance to move is
large enough. If it is, then the move is made.
[0339] A new inside room may also be added. The height of the new
walls is obtained. Walls which form a closed area starting from the
last added wall and continuing counter-clockwise until the starting
point is reached again are found. This process is repeated from the
same point but in the clockwise direction also. The smaller of the
two rooms thus obtained is deleted and the larger retained.
[0340] Those walls which are in the new room but no longer belong
to their original room are deleted from the original room's
database. The ceiling grid information from the original room is
copied to the new room. The room number of those components which
are in the new room are changed to the new room's number. Any head
which is not in any room (such as one which is on the edge of a new
wall) is deleted. The ends of all mains are adjusted
accordingly.
[0341] A new outside room may be added. The counter-clockwise
rotation from the starting point as described for the inside room
is also performed here. The height of the newly added walls above
the deck are assigned as well as the default hazard for the new
room. The walls thickness and locations can be changed if desired.
After such changes, the steel is put in as well as the pipes for
the room.
[0342] The walls can be changed 259 in a variety of ways. The
thickness of a wall is changed by obtaining the wall segment of the
whole wall to change. The new wall thickness is obtained and a
check is made to be certain that the new wall thickness will not
cause the wall to hit anything. If the wall is an outside wall, the
thickness is changed by maintaining the outside surface of the wall
while thickening the inside surface. If the wall is an inside wall,
the center location is maintained while both surfaces are
moved.
[0343] A wall height can be changed by selecting a wall segment, a
whole wall or a corner. If a wall segment or a whole wall, the new
height is obtained and assigned to the desired area. If a corner,
the corner height is first changed. Then any bearing wall which are
at the corner are found and joists and beams on the bearing walls
must also be adjusted.
[0344] A wall can be split by selecting the point where the split
is desired. Beams are found which are at the same orientation as
the wall and which lie on the wall. The beams are split at this
point (see process described above) as well as the walls.
[0345] A corner can also be changed by moving its location or by
altering its radius. To move the corner, the desired corner is
selected. If this is a round corner (radius does not equal zero) it
is changed into a square corner for the move. The distance and the
direction for the move are selected and a check made to be certain
that the new location is not too close to another corner such that
the walls of the respective corners will hit each other.
[0346] A further check is made to be certain that the walls that
will be moved do not hit another wall. The new position is assigned
to the chosen corner and heads which would be either outside the
building or on the edge of a wall are deleted. The ends of the
mains are adjusted as well as the steel.
[0347] The radius of a corner can also be adjusted. The corner to
change and the new radius are selected. Checks are made to
determine that (1) there are only two walls on the corner, (2) the
angle between the two walls must be 90 degrees and (3) the radius
must be greater than the wall thickness or zero and less than the
shortest length of either wall.
[0348] The overhead doors on a round corner are deleted and the new
radius is assigned to the corner. The steel is adjusted and any
heads now outside the building or on the wall edge are deleted. The
ceiling grid is also corrected.
[0349] A wall can be selected for deletion 260. A check is made to
see if the rooms on both sides of the wall are the same. If they
are the same, then a check is made to determine if a joist is
supported by the wall. If so, then there must be a beam at that
location to support the joist. If no beam is located there, then
such a beam must be added at the wall's location to support the
joist. Columns will be added if needed to support the beam.
[0350] A further check is made to see if the wall is an outside
wall. If it is, then the other walls in the room must be changed to
reflect their new status as outside walls after this wall is
deleted.
[0351] The room to delete is found and its components are deleted,
the ceiling grid erased, the overhead doors erased, the wall
deleted from the database and the rooms joined. If this is an
outside wall, then heads which are now outside are deleted, the
ends of mains and the steel adjusted.
[0352] The ceiling grid submenu is shown in FIG. 21. As is standard
procedure, the option desired is selected and the subroutine which
performs the option executes.
[0353] To change the ceiling grid 261 in a room 262, the room is
selected in which the change is to occur. Then, the ceiling grid in
the room can be changed by (1) adding a ceiling grid, (2) changing
a ceiling grid line, (3) deleting a ceiling grid or (4) moving a
ceiling grid.
[0354] To add a ceiling grid in a room, the ceiling panel size and
the ceiling grid angle are obtained. Also, the far left, far right,
far back and far forward points in the room's ceiling grid line
coordinate system are obtained. The starting and ending grid line
locations are obtained with respect to the ceiling grid coordinate
system. These locations are then translated into the coordinate
system for the building. The database is then updated including the
other rooms.
[0355] A ceiling grid may be deleted by simply assigning zero to
the variables about the ceiling grid line in the selected room. The
database is then updated.
[0356] A ceiling grid can also be moved by obtaining the direction
and distance to move. The default value for the panel widths is
checked to be certain that it is larger than the distance the grid
is to be moved. Otherwise, a new distance and direction must be
entered before the grid can be moved.
[0357] A ceiling grid line may be changed by (1) changing the panel
size, (2) changing the ceiling grid angle and (3) adding, deleting,
moving or shifting a single grid line.
[0358] The panel size may be changed by obtaining the new panel
size, deleting the old panels and adding a new grid which utilizes
the new panel size. The process for altering the ceiling grid angle
is essentially the same.
[0359] To add a single grid line, the location to add the line is
obtained. A check is made to be certain that the new grid line will
not be too close to an old line or lines. If it is, a new location
must be entered to proceed. If the line is not too close, then the
new line is added and the database updated.
[0360] A single grid line may be deleted by simply selecting it.
The line is deleted and the database updated.
[0361] A single grid line may be moved by obtaining the direction
and distance to move. A check is made to be certain that the new
position will not interfere with existing grid lines as was done
for adding a single grid line. If the location is acceptable, the
move is made and the database updated.
[0362] A set of ceiling grid lines may be shifted in a process
which is virtually identical to the process for moving a single
grid line. The process is a little more complicated since one must
check a number of lines instead of one. In addition, the lights and
duct openings inside the moving set of grid lines must also be
moved.
[0363] The height of a ceiling can also be changed 263. The room to
change is first selected. The old height is saved while the new
height is obtained. Checks are made to be certain that this new
height is (1) not above the height of the walls in the room and (2)
the height is not above the lowest elevation of the steel in the
room.
[0364] If the new height passes the two criteria cited above, the
ceiling height for the room is changed. All sprinklers which were
below the old ceiling height are moved to a new position which is
six inches (15.25 cm) below the new height.
[0365] A ceiling may be added 264 to a room without one. The
ceiling height is obtained and checked as described in the
subroutine for changing the height of a ceiling. If it passes those
criteria, the height is assigned to the room. The subroutine will
allow the user to enter a ceiling grid at this point if
desired.
[0366] A check is made to determine if the room has sprinklers in
it already. If it does, these sprinklers can be changed to pendants
six inches (15.25 cm) below the new ceiling if desired. Also, the
hazard type for the room can be changed if needed.
[0367] A ceiling in a room can also be deleted 265. The room to
delete is chosen and the ceiling height is saved. All the variables
relating to the ceiling are set to zero. A check is made to
determine first if there were any sprinklers in the room. If so,
then a comparison is made to see if any of these sprinklers were
lower than the saved height of the ceiling. If any of the
sprinklers were lower than that height, then they are repositioned
six inches (15.25 cm) under the roof.
[0368] A ceiling grid may be matched to the ceiling grid in another
room. The room to match as well as the paradigm room are selected.
The ceiling grid in the room to match is deleted along with the
lights and duct openings. The ceiling grid information from the
paradigm room is used in the now empty match room and a ceiling
grid is added.
[0369] An entire distribution system may also be matched to an
existing system in a multi-system building. The paradigm system is
selected as well as the current system to be changed. The paradigm
is substituted (and drawn if desired) for the current system. The
appropriated editing functions as previously described are
available for use to customize sections of the system is
needed.
[0370] The hazards in a room or a section may be changed as
desired. In both cases, the room or section is obtained along with
the desired new hazard. The old hazard is deleted and the new one
substituted.
[0371] Information can be obtained from the system at any time by
simply selecting the type of item to get information on. The item
is found and highlighted by the computer and the information is
displayed.
[0372] Information may also be calculated for certain items. For
example, the clearance information relating to a given pipe and any
other element can be obtained by selecting the pipe and the
element. The distance between the pipe and the element is
calculated by allowing for the outside diameter of the pipe and the
outside dimensions of the element. If the distance is negative, the
pipe and the element are contacting each other and a warning
message is generated. If the distance is very far, the clearance is
irrelevant and will not even be displayed. Otherwise, that
clearance is shown.
[0373] The above distances can be calculated for any two items in
the database. A dimension line will be drawn between such chosen
items and the distance is displayed.
[0374] The volume of piping which is located past a certain fitting
is calculated in an alternative fashion. Each pipe past the
selected fitting is found and its volume calculated and added to a
running total. When the iterations find no further pipe past the
fitting, the total volume is converted to gallons and displayed.
Essentially, the same alternative process is used to calculate the
total volume in a given line.
[0375] The sprinkler coverage on a given line can be checked. The
line is selected and the sprinklers on the line are found one by
one. The coverage of the found sprinklers if obtained and compared
to the required coverage to determine if it is adequate. If it is
not, that particular sprinkler is highlighted in red.
[0376] Next, the deflector distance is obtained. If this deflector
distance is the largest or the smallest found, the respective
distance is saved. Otherwise, the iteration continues to the next
sprinkler until no sprinklers remain. The largest and smallest
deflector distances are displayed along with warning messages
relating to any sprinklers found with inadequate coverage.
[0377] A sprinkler or pipe count can be obtained from the database.
Again, an iterative process cycles through each sprinkler or pipe
which is found in the system. The sprinkler is performed by type,
temperature range, size and style. The pipe count is performed by
length, diameter and wall type. Once all the sprinklers or pipes
have been accounted for, the total number of each category as well
as the total number in the system is displayed.
[0378] If desired, sprinklers or pipes of a given kind can be
highlighted. Again, an iterative process goes through each
sprinkler or pipe in the system. All those of the desired kind are
found, highlighted and counted.
[0379] The pipe interference on a given line may by checked. Each
pipe in the line is separately checked to see if it is hitting any
structural elements or elements of the distribution system. If it
is, such elements are highlighted and a warning message is
displayed.
[0380] The high and low point on the beams can be calculated in an
iterative process. Each beam in the system is found and its
elevation at splice points and each end point are found. If the
highest or the lowest elevation of all the beams found, such
numbers are saved. Once all the beams have been tested, the high
and low points are highlighted.
[0381] Lastly, head spacing information can be obtained from the
database. The area width across the lines and the area length in
the direction of the lines is obtained. The area dimensions are
displayed along with the maximum sprinkler spacing and coverage
area for the hazard type in the area.
[0382] Optionally, the maximum spacing and coverage areas can be
changed at this point. If such a change is made, then the method
described above for calculating the sprinklers needed is performed
and information displayed. Again, optionally, the number of lines,
distance between lines, number of sprinklers or distance between
sprinklers can then be edited if desired.
[0383] The foregoing is illustrative of the principles of the
invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will
readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to
limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown
and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and
equivalents may be resorted to while still falling within the scope
of the invention.
* * * * *