Smoke Control + Modeling
Our innovative fire, egress, and smoke modeling tools elevate fire protection designs. We provide expert analysis in smoke control, tunnel ventilation, and advanced fire modeling using industry-leading software like CONTAM, BRISK, Fire Dynamics Simulator, Fluent, and OpenFoam.
State-of-the Art Modeling Enables Innovative Solutions
Codes and Standards require fire safety features based on a one-size fits all approach. While traditional compliance may be acceptable for many structures, it can limit design flexibility for many complex and state-of-the-art projects. Our engineers draw on advanced fire modeling techniques for alternative or performance-based designs as well as forensic applications to help achieve the desired vision and solve complex fire safety challenges.
Air + Smoke Movement Control
Whether it's an airport terminal, mall, building containing an atrium, convention center, rail station or high-rise building; air movement and smoke control systems are critical to overall building design. We use modeling tools to analyze the complex system of air flows and multiple control sequences involving stair pressurization, elevator pressurization, atrium exhaust, zoned smoke control and HVAC systems. Depending on the scope and complexity of the project, we employ a variety of models including CONTAM, BRISK, Fire Dynamics Simulator, Fluent and OpenFoam.
Tunnel Ventilation Analysis
Tunnels are a complex interconnected network that require a holistic approach to ambient air control and smoke control design. We use 1-D network models (such as Subway Environment Simulator) to evaluate the network performance for tunnel ambient temperatures and smoke movement. We provide deep expertise in operational procedures, control system integration and various system failures. We provide robust, simplified solutions to solve the most complex tunnel ventilation challenges.
Dispersion Modeling
To help you understand how your project may impact the environment, dispersion modeling can evaluate hazard potential—including smoke from a ventilation shaft, combustible gas leak or flame stack plume. With our modeling capabilities, we can help you assess those hazards and minimize the probability of re-occurrence.
Blast Modeling
When an asset may be exposed to threats involving a blast wave or explosion, it’s important to know the potential extent of the damage and how those risks can be mitigated. With our modeling and testing capabilities, we provide guidance on the potential risks and mitigation methods through protective design. We use a variety of models (PHAST and FLACS) to determine how a blast would impact a structure and offer technical expertise to inform measures (design or operational) to mitigate the risks.
Heat Transfer Modelling
Heat transfer modeling provides information about the thermal exposure conditions of objects of fluids. With this information we can determine the adequacy of fire barriers, required thickness of fire protection schemes, inform performance-based structural fire engineering assessments, and evaluate material degradation of the structure or utilities.
Smoke Control + Fire Safety
When it comes to fires, it's not just the flames you have to worry about—it's the smoke that often poses the biggest danger. In fact, more fire-related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation than burns. Sometimes, smoke can overcome people so quickly that they can't even make it to an exit. Smoke control systems have been required in buildings for decades. As these are life-safety systems, they need to be properly designed, commissioned and maintained.
Recently, some jurisdictions have introduced policies or improved enforcement of ITM for smoke control systems. The adoption of NFPA 4, which mandates integrative testing for new and existing buildings, has further increased awareness of the need for regular testing.
RELATED INSIGHTS + RESOURCES
Articles
Fire & Life Safety Systems: Comply with NFPA 4 Standard for Integrated Testing?
Jensen Hughes' Dave LeBlanc discusses the importance of integrated testing for fire protection and life safety systems and how to stay compliant with the NFPA 4 Standard.
Blogs + Whitepapers
Blogs + Whitepapers
MEET OUR EXPERTS
MS, Fire Protection Engineering, BS, Civil Engineering, PE: CA, MN, TN, Design-Build Professional®, Project Manager Professional (PMP)
PhD, Mechanical Engineering, BS, Mechanical Engineering, Member, Member, Member
PhD, Mechanical Engineering, MS, Mechanical Engineering, BS, Mechanical Engineering, Member
