Smoke Control Systems, Fire Modeling + Tunnel Design
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.
