Fire and Smoke-Control Engineering for Complex Buildings
Fire and life-safety systems must be developed as one coordinated strategy across architecture, structure, HVAC, electrical, public health and controls. Applicable legislation, authority requirements and project-specific standards should be confirmed at the start.
Coordinate active and passive measures
Sprinklers, hydrants, standpipes, pumps, tanks, alarms and emergency power interact with compartments, shafts, doors, escape routes and fire-resistance requirements. Smoke-control design also depends on leakage assumptions, make-up air, fan duties, controls logic and commissioning criteria.
Keep calculations and cause-and-effect aligned
Hydraulic calculations, system schematics, equipment schedules and cause-and-effect information must remain consistent as the architectural design changes. BIM reviews can identify access, ceiling congestion, damper locations and builder’s-work requirements before site installation.