Design & Installation Analysis

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Analysis of the Fire and Life Safety Design

The concept of fire and life safety is the source of disputes.  In fact, issues in the initial design affect the construction of the building.  Then, the same issues can become more apparent and problematic during operation, and maintenance of those systems.  Hence, a correct design analysis at the beginning is crucial. if issues are not discovered and rectified early, there can be challenges at many  in the life of the building possibly leading to disaster.

To avoid challenges such as these, it is beneficial review your fire and life safety requirements at every stage of the design process.  Yet, it is the most neglected  and can be overlooked by the design team.  It’s important to fully appreciate the value of having your Fire and Life Safety designs reviewed throughout the process.

 

Building and Fire Codes Analysis

Building Code Analysis must be correct.  This is the analysis documenting relevant and applicable Code, Standards, and explicit other requirements.  This is assembled into a reference document that will be used by many who are involved with the construction, operation, and maintenance of the building. The Building Code Analysis is usually produced by the Architect of Record (AOR).  If, for example, a building Type of Construction is declared by the AOR as Type IIB, then those involved with design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the building would take that information to create their respective Basis of Design.  If the Building Code Analysis is incorrect, it may greatly affect key factors in the fire and life safety design of the building.

Installation Challenges

Installation challenges are generally due to incomplete design, incorrect design, or deviation from Building Code and/or design requirements.  At time, the only sensible solution to non-compliance issue is to seek a qualified engineering analysis or consult with a Fire and Life Safety expert.  Ideally, construction activities are paused sufficiently until issues are analyzed and resolved.  However, the urgency to stay on a construction schedule can lead to disaster if proper attention is not given to the design changes and design corrections.

Whether the issues stem from design, operation, or maintenance, it is critical to review and verify the design accuracy and compliance with Codes.  Once the design is verified as being code-compliant, then attention must be paid to the sequence of installation and methods used in the installation itself.

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When either known issues of design, operation, or maintenance, it is critical to review and verify the design accuracy and compliance with Codes.  Once the design is verified as being Code-compliant, then attention must be paid to the sequence of installation and methods used in the installation itself.

Building Code Analysis

Building and Fire Code Analysis is generally the source of construction challenges.  Code Analysis is, for the most part, mandatory requirement for certain building occupancies.  However, it is important to note that there are many key decisions made by designers who may not be qualified as Fire and Life Safety experts..

Coordination of Trades

Even though it is common sense to have coordination of different disciplines is the realm of the AOR responsibility.  At time, it is assigned to someone removed from the design process so the coordination reviews are simply “going through the motion”.

Basis of Design

Similarly to the Architectural Building Code Analysis, other disciplines are required to document the intent and peculiarities of each individual design.  Basis of Design are also to be coordinated with the Code Analysis..

Benefit of Service

During the design process, several seemingly small matters could potentially become serious issues.  A competent fire and life safety professional (licensed FPE) is important for deciphering the Building Code maze.  You benefit from WWFSE team expertise in analyzing optimal decisions made early in the design process.

Some key benefits are outlined below:

  • Review appropriateness of the Code Analysis
  • Highlight fire and life safety requirements
  • Assure passive fire and life safety requirements are met
  • Assure designs are Building is and Fire Codes compliant

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