Country
Country
Regulations limit the freedom in the design and use of buildings with regard to fire safety. These regulations are based on rules and agreements suitable for the most common situations, but they often fall short in special cases. Examples include sprinklered buildings, atriums, underground spaces, and high-rise buildings.
A specific assessment can lead to a solution that is at least equally safe, better, and more cost-effective in such situations. This assessment maps out the potential consequences of a fire, taking into account:
For this type of assessment, a methodology has been developed: Fire Safety Engineering (FSE). FSE is a design approach that considers all aspects of fire safety in an integrated manner. This means that not only the architectural and technical aspects are considered, but also the likelihood of fire occurrence, the influence of policy-related factors, human behavior, and emergency response are viewed as an interconnected whole. The consequences for people and the environment, as well as economic damage, can also be assessed.
FSE is rapidly evolving but has not yet been incorporated into regulations. However, guidelines for applying this design method are laid down in various ISO standards (including ISO 23932:2009, Fire safety engineering – General principles). For structural design based on FSE, a first step toward formalization has already been taken with the introduction of the so-called “natural fire concept” in Eurocode 1 and the corresponding National Annex NEN-EN 1991-1-2/NB.
FSE requires in-depth knowledge of the physical aspects involved in a fire, the response of structures to fire phenomena, and human behavior. The engineers at Peutz add creativity and communication skills to this. After all, even the most technically sound solutions must be workable for users and regulatory authorities.
FSE may be too elaborate for everyday situations. However, it is extremely suitable for special cases that cannot be adequately addressed by existing regulations.
