SERVICES
Strategic Fire Engineering
Every building needs a fire strategy. It is the process of examining how all of the elements that need to be considered will work together — the structure, the services, the façade, the occupants and the fire defences. It is also about managing the fire safety approvals process.
The elements that we would typically consider in drawing up a fire strategy are:
- Evacuation
- Internal and external fire spread
- Smoke management
- Fire detection and alarms
- Automatic extinguishing systems
- Fire fighting — internally and site wide
- Structure
The process of reviewing each of these elements is done in a number of ways, with computer modelling playing a key role. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are used to model the action of fire in a building, the smoke and heat it produces and the effects of different fire-fighting options.
We use STEPS software to model evacuation strategies. It is capable of simulating evacuation scenarios in all types of buildings and combines people’s behaviour during a fire with a particular building type and layout. It produces real-time 3D simulations that can help identify natural bottlenecks and preferred exits and provides timings for different emergency scenarios.
We also use finite element analysis software to determine the behaviour of structural elements with varying fire loads. This is a key tool for checking that we have the protection we need in the areas we need it and that we are not needlessly protecting other parts of the building.
Strategic fire engineering on projects
There are usually five stages to our strategic fire engineering work. The earlier we get involved in a project the better this works, as it enables a more efficient and confident design process.
We define the fire safety goals, which comprise a combination of life safety goals – which are required to satisfy legislation – and client / operational / insurance goals, which are required for the efficient operation of the building.
We assess the design and develop an outline strategic fire engineering report, identifying risks (where the design is non-compliant with the prescriptive standards) and opportunities for improved value.
We present the design team with recommendations, work with them to agree the best way forward and provide a matrix for assessing the risks and realising the value for the different options offered.
We then negotiate this with the building control officials and with the fire brigade.
We stay with the project throughout construction to ensure the strategy remains appropriate and is implemented correctly, and to provide on-going specification and construction advice.
FORTH VALLEY
Larbet, Scotland
The new hospital will have approximately 860 inpatient and day beds and will replace existing hospitals at Stirling and Falkirk. It will have the full range of acute hospital services including accident and emergency, trauma and orthopaedics, general medicine and general surgery, vascular surgery, ENT, urology and ophthalmology, obstetrics ...
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STOBHILL ACAD
Glasgow, UK
The new Ambulatory Care and Diagnostic centre at Stobhill will be one of Scotland’s largest hospitals; encompassing four floors and covering an area of 30,000m². Patients will experience well-equipped treatment areas and consulting rooms, state-of-the-art theatres and modern, airy waiting areas. It is estimated that in one year alone, the ...
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BROOMFIELD HOSPITAL
BROOMFIELD HOSPITAL
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THE ROYAL ALEXANDRA
Brighton, UK
The Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital is one of only seven dedicated paediatric hospitals in the UK. It is an 8 storey hospital designed to maximise space on a very tight site. A key component of the design is the central atrium, which binds all levels; delivering natural light and acting as a social hub. The objective of the ...
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JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY
Liverpool, UK
Scheduled to open when Liverpool is appointed European Capital of Culture 2008, the Design Academy will provide facilities for a wide range of programs including architecture, fine arts, textiles, graphics and printing. The Academy is designed for energy efficiency, with renewable technologies accounting for 10% of annual energy demand.
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FERENSWAY
Hull, UK
An integral part of the urban regeneration masterplan for Hull, the St Stephen’s development is conveniently located next door to the recently completed transport interchange giving easy and convenient access via train, coach or bus.
The main building, designed by Holder Mathias Architects features a signature waveform glass roof above ...
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