Performance-Based Fire Engineering

PERFORMANCEBASED FIRE ENGINEERING

Flexibility.

Improved aesthetics.

Safety.

Cost savings.

That’s the value of pairing performance-based principles with fire engineering.

Prescriptive, code-based fire-protection design has limitations – it doesn’t account for project specifics. Instead, its focus is usually on preventing local failure of individual members without considering how these failures affect the overall structure.

With performance-based fire engineering (PBFE), we can answer questions that matter to building owners and operators: Can everyone get out the building safely? Is the structure safe to re-occupy after a fire?

Can we reduce or eliminate fireproofing where its impact is minimal? And what are the trade-offs if we use a different design to achieve the same fire-protection goal?

WHAT WE DO We evaluate fire risk and develop practical, performance-based solutions to fire-related engineering problems. Our designs increase the resilience and safety of buildings – and their occupants. And adding fireproofing only where and how it’s actually needed lowers costs.

We also merge cutting-edge data-gathering technology with advanced analytics to investigate the cause, origin and effects of fires.

HERE’S HOW Our experts in fire science and physical modeling analyze fire dynamics, heat transfer, smoke propagation, structural behavior and human response to fire to understand risks.

This scientific approach helps us craft better fire-protection strategies.

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PBFE

We have tools others don’t − and the ingenuity to craft creative solutions to your challenges.

The Shed, New York, NY

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PBFE FOR NEW BUILDINGS We use physics-based models of fire scenarios and their effects on structural and non-structural building elements to predict risks and outcomes.

The result? Our designs perform as well – or better – than code-based systems, but at a lower cost. And our approach offers more flexibility to meet safety requirements without compromising aesthetic or functional goals.

SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): Accurately models fire dynamics and predicts flame propagation, smoke propagation, and thermal loads on the structure.

Finite Element Analysis (FEA): Accurately models stresses and changes to material properties in complex structures and predicts structural response at high temperatures.

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FIRE INVESTIGATION We apply fire science to enhance our forensics and repair services. First we use sophisticated tools to identify the extent of structural and non-structural damage. Then we apply our expertise in CFD and advanced FEA to develop precise recreations of events and failures.

Physical testing, laser scanning, drone image capture and photogrammetry, data processing and structural monitoring aid our investigations.

HUMAN BEHAVIOR & EVACUATION STRATEGIES Using advanced simulation tools, we realistically model human behavior in response to fire events. This method helps us better quantify risk to human life and design the most effective mitigation measures.

Egress Modeling: Simulates human movement to predict evacuation times and identify system vulnerabilities.

These models use a realistic representation of the occupants of a building, floor layouts, fire protection measures and fire scenarios.

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REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES With PBFE, we can quantify the right amount of fire protection in the right places to achieve required safety levels.

The Shed, New York, New York We simulated fire loads and resulting temperatures on the steel structure and ran finite-element analysis on its massive bogies (6-foot-tall wheel assemblies) to predict their performance. Why? To prove they could safely support design loads without unsightly codemandated fireproofing. With this evidence, the NYC Department of Building approved the project, which opened to the public in 2019.

Direct benefit:

Significant cost savings.

Kravis Center for Performing Arts Expansion, West Palm Beach, Florida Realistic fire modeling coupled with thermal and structural analysis showed that 40-foot-tall columns in the new lobby didn’t need fireproofing on their top halves. Construction on the lobby was completed in 2019.

Direct benefit:

50% reduction in fireproofing expenses.

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C o u r tesy Leo A D a ly

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REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES

Pittsburgh International Airport Terminal Modernization Program We used PBFE to show that filling the tree-shaped, hollow steel columns that support the terminal roof with concrete provided as much fire protection as code-mandated – but unsightly – intumescent paint.

Direct benefit:

Significant cost savings.

Confidential Office Building By pairing our agent-based egress modeling with simulations of smoke and heat from fire, we studied evacuation options and identified safety improvements.

Direct benefit:

Increased fire safety during evacuations.

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13 C o ur te sy G e n sl e r an d Al l e gh e ny C o unt y Ai r p or t Aut hor i t y

We apply scientific and engineering principles to solve the world’s challenges – starting with yours. Whether we’re focusing on the design, construction and performance of buildings or expanding into new disciplines, we never limit ourselves, applying our expertise to all types of projects across a range of industries.

1949 FOUNDED

135+

COUNTRIES WORKED IN

50 + OFFICES

Ali Ashrafi leads Thornton Tomasetti’s fire engineering research and PBFE services.

Reach Ali at aashrafi@thorntontomasetti.com

From practical tasks to creative asks, we have your solution.

We are a team of inventive problem solvers who understand that collaboration leads to better results. When faced with any challenge, we look at the big picture and work to nail the details while fulfilling your broader goals.

Offices Worldwide 40 Wall Street New York, NY 10005-1304 T +1.212.367.3087

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