What is the minimum design density?

A warehouse has palletized storage of empty wood crates on wood pallets to a height of 11 ft (3.4

m).

What is the minimum design density?
A . 0.15 gpm/ft2 (6.1 mm/min)
B . 0.20 gpm/ft2 (8.1 mm/min)
C . 0.23 gpm/ft2 (9.2 mm/min)
D . 0.25 gpm/ft2 (10.2 mm/min)

View Answer

Answer: B

Explanation:

The minimum design density for protecting palletized storage of empty wood crates on wood pallets up to a certain height is determined by considering the combustibility of the materials and the configuration of the storage. A design density of 0.20 gpm/ft² is often recommended for such light hazard commodities to provide adequate water distribution over the fire area.

Reference: NFPA 13 guidelines for calculating design densities based on the type of commodity, storage arrangement, and height of storage.