An underground fire reservoir, as a crucial fire protection facility, is widely used in the fire protection systems of various buildings and industrial sites. Its primary function is to store an adequate supply of firefighting water, ensuring that the fire protection system can respond promptly and effectively in the event of a fire. Due to its underground location, the underground fire reservoir offers better space utilization and concealment compared to traditional above-ground reservoirs, but it also poses higher requirements for construction and maintenance. This article will discuss the construction standards and maintenance points for underground fire reservoirs.
One: Construction Standards for Underground Fire Reservoirs
Design Specifications and Standards Requirements
The construction of underground fire reservoirs must comply with national and local fire design codes, building regulations, and industry standards. In China, relevant standards include the "Code for Fire Prevention in Building Design" (GB50016) and the "Technical Code for Fire Water Supply and Hydrant System" (GB50974), which clearly specify requirements for the reservoir's capacity, location, structure, and drainage system, among other aspects.
Capacity Requirements: The capacity of the reservoir must be determined based on the fire protection design requirements of the building. The calculation of capacity typically considers factors such as the total floor area, building height, fire rating, etc., to ensure an adequate water supply in the event of a fire. Generally, the capacity of an underground fire reservoir should meet the needs of the entire building's fire hydrant system, automatic sprinkler fire extinguishing system, and other requirements.
Location Requirements: The underground fire reservoir should be placed in an appropriate location to ensure the water source is not easily contaminated or damaged. Typically, it should be situated in areas such as underground parking garages, outdoor green spaces, etc., to avoid any leakage or damage from the building itself affecting the reservoir. The location should also consider the distance to fire pump rooms, fire hydrants, and other facilities for effective water source allocation.
Structural Requirements: The pool must possess excellent structural strength and pressure resistance. The underground firewater reservoir's body structure must meet the requirements of withstanding soil pressure, earthquakes, and other external forces. The pool walls and floor should be constructed with high-strength concrete materials to ensure minimal leakage. The pool design should also incorporate anti-corrosion treatments to prevent material corrosion over long-term use.
Subsurface Drainage and Waterproofing Design: As the buried fire reservoir is located underground, waterproofing design is crucial. The pool body must be equipped with a waterproofing layer to prevent groundwater from渗入 and affecting water quality. Additionally, a drainage system should be installed at the bottom of the pool to ensure effective drainage during maintenance or water source renewal.
Construction Requirements
During construction, operations must be strictly adhered to the design drawings and construction standards to ensure the quality and safety of the pool.
Soil and Foundation Treatment: Soil testing is required prior to construction to ensure the foundation has adequate load-bearing capacity and necessary treatment is conducted. If the soil is loose and soft, strengthening the foundation's load-bearing capacity is essential to prevent deformation or leakage of the pool due to soil settlement.
Reinforced Concrete Structure: Submerged fire reservoirs commonly utilize reinforced concrete structures. During construction, it is crucial to ensure that the quantity and specifications of the steel bars meet the design requirements, while the concrete mix ratio and pouring quality should meet standards to guarantee the strength and durability of the reservoir.
Waterproofing and Corrosion Prevention: During construction, it is crucial to ensure adequate waterproofing for the pool walls, bottom, and joints, often requiring the use of waterproof coatings or specialized materials. Corrosion prevention treatments must also be applied to both the interior and exterior of the pool to avoid structural damage from long-term water storage.
Subsurface Fire Reservoir
Maintaining Subsurface Firewater Pools
The buried fire reservoir, as an integral part of the fire protection system, directly impacts the effective supply of fire-fighting water sources during emergencies. Here are some key maintenance points:
Regular inspections of the pool's structure and waterproofing.
During operation, the underground firewater reservoir should be regularly inspected for the integrity of the structure and waterproofing performance. The inspection should include checking for cracks or leaks in the pool walls, as well as any standing water on the pool bottom. If leaks or cracks are detected in the reservoir, they should be repaired promptly to avoid affecting the water storage capacity.
Moreover, the maintenance of the waterproofing layer is also crucial. Over time, the waterproofing layer may be damaged due to aging or external factors (such as earthquakes, changes in soil pressure), so regular inspections and maintenance of the waterproofing layer are necessary. Repainting or replacement may be required if needed.
Maintain clean water quality in the pond
The water quality in the fire pond must be maintained clean to prevent impurities from affecting the use of fire-fighting water. Regular testing of the pond's water quality is essential to ensure it remains unpolluted. Additionally, the bottom of the pond should be kept clean, and sediment such as mud and debris should be promptly removed from within the pond.
In the absence of regular water usage in a pool, it is advisable to circulate the pool water periodically to prevent issues such as corrosion and algae growth due to the water being stationary. For fire ponds with more enclosed water sources, regular water replacement can effectively maintain water cleanliness.
Inspect the drainage system for proper flow.
The drainage system of the pool must be kept clear. Regularly inspect the drainage outlets and pipes for obstructions. If any blockages are found, they should be cleared promptly to ensure the normal operation of the pool's drainage system and prevent excessive water accumulation within the pool, which could affect its proper usage.
Inspection of Pool and Fire Equipment Interconnection
Subsurface fire reservoirs are typically equipped with an interlock system with fire pumps and hydrants, etc. Regularly checking the interlock between the reservoir and these devices is crucial. Ensuring that the water supply from the reservoir can be promptly delivered to all fire-fighting equipment during a fire is essential to guarantee the normal operation of the fire suppression system.
Regular inspections and tests of the pool are conducted.
In compliance with relevant fire safety regulations and standards, buried fire reservoirs should be regularly inspected and tested. This includes checks on water level, storage capacity, water supply pressure, and temperature. Any abnormalities found should be addressed promptly to ensure the stable operation of the reservoir during emergencies.
Summary
An underground fire reservoir is an indispensable part of the fire protection system, with its construction standards and maintenance management being crucial. Correct construction standards and methods ensure the reservoir has adequate capacity, strength, and waterproofing capabilities, providing a reliable guarantee for firefighting. At the same time, regular inspections and maintenance keep the water quality and structural stability of the reservoir, ensuring timely water supply during emergencies. Therefore, during the construction and use process, it is essential to pay attention to relevant standards and conduct reasonable design, construction, and maintenance to ensure the fire reservoir can function effectively in critical moments.
