Case Study #1 - Large Facility Fire System
Large Facility Fire System
Monmouth Medical Center
Long Branch, New Jersey

In March 2001, Associated Consulting Engineers was contacted by Monmouth Medical Center in Long branch, New Jersey. Our challenge to service this large, approximately one thousand bed hospital facility was to analyze and study the existing fire alarm system.  They were reporting problems of malfunctions as well as system failures.  By our investigation, we concluded that the zoning areas of the building were not properly equipped with the necessary alarms. Our answer was clear that a new fire alarm system needed to be designed and installed.  Our engineers immediately went to work on designing the new system as well as producing proper engineering drawings, systematic diagrams and specifications. 

Although many obstacles have arisen during the installation of the fire alarm system ACE was able to meet the demands for such a large establishment by providing the safest fire protection system available. While installing the new fire system, we required that the existing system be maintained in service.  As part of this installation, or any installation, we supervise the construction and functionally test all fire alarm equipment and wiring to ensure that all equipment is working properly. Our close relationship with contractors and manufacturers give us an extra boost to make sure that the project runs smoothly and efficiently.

The project is scheduled for completion in late 2006 and after approximately five years in construction the estimated three million dollar project will be completed on time and under budget projections.  At ACE we guarantee the most cost effective engineering with honest recommendations.

Most consulting firms don’t have the skills or capabilities to complete such large scale projects, but we at ACE have the years of experience and unique knowledge to design the safest and most efficient fire protection systems available.  Our firm specializes in fire protection design and large scale projects. However, we can also satisfy demands for smaller sized proposals. Our excellent relations with the fire department, the hospital, the contractors, and the engineers have made this project a complete success.

Case Study #2 - Sprinkler Project
Matrix Development Group
Dayton, New Jersey
Wholesale Food Supplier- Large Warehouse

This unique and challenging sprinkler project is located in Dayton, NJ.  Associated Consulting Engineers was contacted by the property managers of this large commercial freezer warehouse facility to evaluate the existing sprinkler systems and recommend improvements to these systems.   Considering the conditions of the warehouse being 20 degrees below freezing, our specialists were able to conquer and complete the project successfully by designing and choosing the appropriate systems and construction methods. 

Our investigation process began as we evaluated the current dry sprinkler systems that were installed.  The existing layout of the five dry pipe sprinkler systems was modeled and analyzed by our engineers and we concluded that the design was inadequate and would not perform safely in a fire event.  We discovered leaking pipefittings and excessive cycling of the system air compressors, which caused partial freeze-up problems.  After reviewing our findings with the client, our engineers developed a sophisticated design layout that would satisfy the requirements for such a large establishment.  With 160,000 square feet, our plan guaranteed maximum protection, and intelligent design to deliver the safest environment for the warehouse.

We recognized the need for an extensive sprinkler system changes and recommended converting the existing systems into double interlock preaction systems.  This system would detect when an actual fire occurs and only then allow fire protection water to enter the freezing sprinkler piping.  It also detects any malfunctions or unplanned breakages within the system.  By using this type of design, we at ACE realized that maintenance was an important factor in keeping the system running efficiently and correctly.  The plan also called for installation of all new fire sensors throughout the building and the installation of a completely new underground fire main and diesel fire pump system.  The overall fire protection and reliability was increased with this design.

The system was constructed and installed at a rapid pace allowing the entire project time to total to just 9 months.  Since this was an operating warehouse, it was critical that the existing fire protection systems remain in service during the installation.  The design required the contractors to complete all of the new exterior and interior work and new preaction system valve houses to be completed first.  All existing grooved pipe fitting  gaskets were replaced. After all this work was done, each system was connected to the new system and disconnected from the old system.  The down time for each system was limited to eight hours thereby greatly reducing the fire exposure to the building.  The final testing was completed successfully ensuring a safe and working system.  ACE was able to deliver a quick action plan, appropriate system designs, as well as proper construction all within a small time frame needed to satisfy such a unique facility.