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We have a full range of computer models for modelling fire growth and smoke movement in buildings. These models include NIST FDS Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), PyroSIM, CFAST, FPETool, ASKFRS, ASKHPM, ASMET and CCFM.
We have also developed a range of our own fire and smoke modelling programs.
Shopping Centre Smoke Control
CFD was used in a project involving the covering over of an existing open shopping centre. Due to structural limitations, one of the proposals included a smoke reservoir which significantly exceeded the dimensions recommended by the code (1000sqm, and 60m in length). CFD modelling was used as a validation study, which showed that the smoke control system would maintain a smoke clear layer to the design height, and would achieve a level of performance comparable to an equivalent code compliant smoke reservoir. The design has been approved as a result of the CFD analysis.
Residential Smoke Control
St Pancras Chambers, London, is a listed building adjacent to St Pancras Mainline Station. As part of the proposed refurbishment as a luxury hotel and apartments, strict code compliance would have required cross-corridor fire doors at 30m intervals and fire rated screens to the stairs. Because of the scale and length of the corridors this would have had a significant adverse impact on the historic interiors of the building. A fire engineered solution was developed which considered the unique features of the building as well as active fire safety systems. This allowed two stairs to remain open to the corridors on two floors and the omission of the majority of the cross corridor fire doors. CFD modelling of smoke movement in the corridors and open stairs was used to demonstrate that the proposed solution achieved a comparable level of safety to a code approach.
We aim to provide the Client with the best service.
We recognise that at the early stages of a project, we need to respond quickly and develop ideas that will be a positive contribution.
We believe we must always add value to a project.
Our core expertise is in finding creative fire engineering solutions for large, complex buildings.
Conventional Fire Safety Approach
Fire legislation has often been developed as a response to fire disasters. Regulations and codes have evolved over many years, based on historical experience of how buildings react to fire and consensus based decisions of committees. This traditional approach however, is not the best way of providing for fire safety when complex buildings do not easily comply with the codes.
Fire Engineering Approach to Buildings
A fire engineering approach that takes a holistic overview to fire safety can provide an alternative approach to strict code compliance. In some large and complex buildings, a fire engineered approach may be the only way to provide a satisfactory standard of fire safety.
The last few decades have seen considerable advances in the understanding of fire and smoke movement and the effects of fire on buildings. This research, combined with the technological advances in 'active systems' and the construction of highly complex buildings required a new approach to fire safety resulting in the fire engineering approach. A successful fire engineering approach requires the application of scientific principles to engineering problems.
The fire engineering approach requires assessment of fire development and the effects of the building geometry on smoke movement. Calculations can be done to estimate the time it takes for hazardous conditions to occur. The time it takes for these conditions to occur can then be compared to an estimate of the time needed for the occupants to reach a place of safety. This requires knowledge of the events that occur between the ignition of fire and the evacuation of people from the building.
Computer-modelling packages can often be used to assist in determining hazardous conditions. Assessments of these conditions often require calculations of the following:
• Fire heat release rates.
• Flame height.
• Smoke entrainment.
• Time to and fire size at flashover.
• Compartment smoke filling times.
• Sprinkler & detector response times.
This can be compared with analysis of the time required for occupants to reach a place of safety.
To accurately assess the time required for evacuation of occupants, the complete evacuation period must be modelled. This depends on variables such as the activities of occupants, their early knowledge of the need to evacuate, active management, familiarity with surroundings, mobility, type of fire alarm systems etc.
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