MIL-HDBK-1191
pods shall be stacked from floor to floor so that plumbing and
electrical risers can be efficiently and economically accommodated.
19.4.1.1
Utility Pod. The utility pod contains air handling unit(s)
and associated risers, fans, pumps, etc.; electrical and communications
equipment and associated risers; and other main equipment and risers
serving the Systems Module. Fresh air and exhaust openings are
generally part of the utility pod enclosure. Access to the utility pod
is from adjacent stairs. The utility pod is defined by the floor and
the underside of the floor or roof structure above.
19.4.1.2
Distribution Zone. The distribution zone accommodates the
main horizontal utility distribution systems of a Systems Module and
provides convenient access to these systems by means of a suspended
walk-on deck. Utility distribution systems enter and leave the utility
pod through the distribution zone. The distribution zone consists of
horizontal layers of space, or sub-zones, individually dedicated to
specific utility distribution equipment (pipes, ducts, raceways,
conduit, cable trays, etc.). This equipment is run in distribution
channels within the sub-zones. Structural suspension members for the
walk-on deck should be placed to define the distribution channels.
Except for gravity piping services, most systems in the distribution
zone down feed to the connection zone below. Access aisles are
provided on the walk-on deck for maintenance access to equipment and at
the perimeter of the walk-on deck. These shall provide sufficient
clearance, exclusive of major structural members, for a worker to
stand. Access aisles should have clearly marked dust-free walking
surfaces. Any fireproofing of structural members crossing the access
aisles should be covered or otherwise protected. Access to the
distribution zone shall be from adjacent stairs and also, in multistory
buildings, from key-operated service elevators designed to stop at the
walk-on deck levels. No access to the distribution zone shall be
permitted through access panels from the connection zone. The
distribution zone is defined by the walk-on deck and the underside of
the floor or roof structure above.
19.4.1.3
Connection Zone. The connection zone is the layer of space
between the underside of the walk-on deck of the distribution zone and
the architectural ceiling of the occupied zone below. The connection
zone accommodates the horizontal distribution of utilities to
individual rooms. It shall be deep enough to accommodate recessed
lighting fixtures and air diffusers and their supports. Access to the
connection zone shall be from the occupied zone usually through the
architectural ceiling.
19.4.1.4
Occupied Zone. The occupied zone is the zone of functional
activity in a Systems Module. The occupied zone is defined by the
floor and the architectural ceiling above.
19.4.2
Systems Module General Considerations.
19.4.2.1
Design Exceptions. Certain spaces within a building may
not lend themselves practicably or economically to the use of walk-on
decks. Examples are sloped floor areas; high ceiling rooms such as
operating rooms, auditoriums, warehouses and atriums; and MRI suites
where equipment weight or unusual structural requirements may be
applicable. These exceptions should be established early in the design
19-3
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