The pipe supplying the standpipe system is sized by which method?

The size of the pipe supplying the standpipe system is determined using hydraulics to ensure that the system can meet the required flow rates and pressure necessary for effective firefighting operations. Hydraulic calculations take into account factors such as the length and diameter of pipes, elevation changes, and the demand for water at various points in the system. This method allows for a highly customized design tailored to the specific needs of the building and its fire protection requirements.

By using hydraulic calculations, designers can confirm that the standpipe system will deliver adequate water supply to all necessary locations, especially in taller structures where pressure loss occurs due to friction in the piping. The fact that this method is based on actual demand and operational requirements distinguishes it from other options that do not take into account variations in building design or fire protection strategies.

The other methods listed, including pipe scheduling or specifications that set minimum sizes for standpipe systems in certain height ranges, provide more general guidelines but do not offer the detailed analysis that is essential to ensure proper function of the standpipe system in real-world firefighting scenarios. Thus, hydraulic methods are the most effective and appropriate way to size the pipe supplying the standpipe system.