Results from a cost-effective, decision-making model for building fire safety and protection

Abstract

Presented in this paper are results obtained from the application of a cost-effective, decision-making system model that is used to appraise the level of fire safety and protection in office buildings. The effects of fire spread are calculated using two performance parameters; namely the fire-cost expectation and the expected risk to life. Designs in conformity with building code requirements and alternative building designs were considered. Following consideration of various risk assessment procedures, it was decided to adopt a decision criterion which identifies alternative designs that are equivalent (in terms of expected risk to life) to code-specified designs, and which achieve such performance at a lower fire-cost expectation. On the basis of the decision criterion described herein, alternative designs were identified that are shown to be more cost-effective than designs in conformity with building codes. For the selected alternative designs, it was found that whilst both the fire-cost expectation and the capital cost of building construction are significantly lower, a similar level of life safety is maintained for occupants, compared with designs in conformity with building code requirements. The system model can be used as a basis both to make immediate changes to current building code provisions, and for the introduction of a performance-based approach to design. In addition, the model can be used to identify those areas of research which have a major impact on the provision of cost-effective fire safety and protection provisions in buildings, and which accordingly are deserving of further investigation.