How does FCM determine Annular Space when placing markers and object files?
Annular space within a firestop system is the minimum to maximum separation allowed between penetrating elements and between penetrating elements and the periphery of the opening in the wall/floor assembly. FCM utilizes clash detection to find where penetrating elements and wall/floor assemblies are existing within the same virtual space, which means there is no annular space present. If there was a defined annular space then FCM would not be able to detect the penetrating element as there would not be a clash present.
When placing firestop system markers and object files, FCM instead utilizes an "Optimal Annular Space" associated within the referenced firestop system, when creating annular space in your model. The Optimal Annular Space was determined by our fire protection engineers evaluating each listing, its corresponding configuration, and firestop products used to recommend an annular space value that would be compliant with the requirements of the listing. Additionally, the Optimal Annular Space is NOT the maximum annular space of the listing but instead a balance between installability and material usage. For example, most "Caulk Only" listing will have an Optimal Annular Space of nominal 1/2".
When placing firestop system markers and object files, FCM instead utilizes an "Optimal Annular Space" associated within the referenced firestop system, when creating annular space in your model. The Optimal Annular Space was determined by our fire protection engineers evaluating each listing, its corresponding configuration, and firestop products used to recommend an annular space value that would be compliant with the requirements of the listing. Additionally, the Optimal Annular Space is NOT the maximum annular space of the listing but instead a balance between installability and material usage. For example, most "Caulk Only" listing will have an Optimal Annular Space of nominal 1/2".