8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
1/31
An Overview of Building Fire and
Smoke Control Systems Design and Commissioning
presented to
Arkansas ASHRAE ASHRAE Chapter 62
by
Steve Williams, P.E. | Brian Olsen, P.E.
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
2/31
Introduction - General
Over 35 years of design experienceSupport staff of 350
Local Office
Wide variety of project types
#1 Retail firm in U.S.
(based on number of projects and square footageRetail Construction Magazine-2006)
Specialty division of Henderson Engineers, Inc.Staff of 30 fire protection professionals
Nationwide exposure
Significant fire alarm, suppression and
code consulting experience
HEI - Lowell
HEIKansas City
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
3/31
IntroductionPresentation Overview
Overview of Smoke Control
Engineered Smoke Control Systems
Stairwell Pressurization
Atrium Smoke Evacuation Lobbies
Malls
Health Care
Anesthetizing Locations
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
4/31
IntroductionWhat is Smoke Control
Passive vs. Active
Passive Smoke Resistant Construction
Smoke Barriers20 minute rated openings
Active
Pressurization Systems
High-rise of old
Healthcare
Atrium Smoke Exhaust
Exhaust
Makeup Air
Stair Towers
Exhaust
Makeup Air
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
5/31
IntroductionWhy Smoke Control
Inhalation injury from smoke and the noxious
products of combustion in fires may account
for as many as 75% of fire-related deaths in
the U.S.
Key concept - minimize vertical smoke
migration. Passive smoke control is known
for poor maintenance. Unsealed
penetrations, terminations, etc. Basic concept of Smoke Control is to allow
occupants to reach a protected means of
egress
Fire Department Operations Tool (arguable
purpose but fire departments will use it this
wayfire fighters control panel)
Architectural Design Flexibility
Atlanta Marriot 47 Story
Fire Example
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
6/31
IntroductionSmoke Development
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
7/31
Part 1 CodesApplicable Codes/Guidelines
2003 International Building Code (IBC), Section 909
NFPA 101Life Safety Code
NFPA 92ARecommended Practice for Smoke Control
Systems
NFPA 92BGuide for Smoke Management in Malls,
Atria, and Large Areas
ASHRAE 1999 HVAC Applications, Chapter 51
ASHRAE Principals of Smoke Management Handbook
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Building Inspector
Fire Marshall-State and Local
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
8/31
Part 1 CodesWhere Required
Atriums (IBC 404.4)
Enclosed Malls meeting Atrium definition (IBC 402.9)
High-rise
Windowless BuildingsPrisons (IBC 408.8)
Smoke Protected Seating (IBC 1024.6.2.1)
Healthcare
Stair Towers (IBC 1019.1.8)
75 ft above fire department access
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
9/31
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
10/31
Part 1 CodesSmoke Control Methods
IBC 909 does not specify a specific type of smoke control
system. Options include: Pressurization
.05-inches water gauge across smoke barriers
Airflow
Air Curtain Exhaust
Atriums
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
11/31
Part 1 CodesExhaust Method
Prescriptive Design
5 MW Steady State Heat Release 20 Minute Duration
Performance Design
Rational Analysis2006 IBC
Times 1.5 X Egress Time
Fire based on fuel load
4.6 MW 260 Seconds
1 MW at 7 Minutes
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
12/31
Part 1 CodesExhaust Method
Prescriptive Design
5 MW Steady State Heat Release (IBC 909.9) Rather large for some scenarios
20 Minute Duration (IBC 909.4.6)
20 minute smoke barrier opening protection
Tenability (IBC 909.8.1) 10-feet smoke interface 2003 IBC
6-feet smoke interface 2006 IBC
Exhaust Capacity
Axisymmetric Plume (IBC 909.8.2)
Balcony Spill Plume (IBC 909.8.3)
In calculations air density must be adjusted for elevation and smoke
temperature. SeeASHRAE Principals of Smoke Management
Handbook
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
13/31
Part I CodesExhaust Method Air Movement
Exhaust
Stratification Stack Effect
Plugholling
Makeup Air
Natural or Mechanical
85% total exhaust is rule of thumb
200 fpm maximum velocity towards fire
Distortion of smoke plume
Introduce Below Smoke Layer
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
14/31
Part 1 CodesEquipment Criteria
UL Listings
Fans Smoke Dampers
Fire Alarm Control Panel
BAS
Fire Fighters Smoke Control Panel Fire Command Center?
Equipment Temperature Ratings
IBC 909.10.1
Initiation as required by Rational Analysis
Sprinklers
Manual Pull Stations
Properly Zoned Sprinkler Waterflow Detection
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
15/31
Part 2 DesignSmoke Control Design Team
Specialty Engineered System
Multidiscipline Effort Architect
MEF
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
16/31
Part 2 DesignArchitectural Component
Smoke Control Objective
Aesthetics Automatic Door Hardware
Owner/Team
Communication
Alternatives
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
17/31
Part 2 DesignMechanical Engineering Component
Makeup Air Configuration
Exhaust Air Configuration
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
18/31
Part 2 DesignMechanical Engineering Component
Fan Specification (IBC 909.10.5)
1.5 X Belts Required for Design Duty Minimum 2 Belts
Fan Temperature Ratings
Duct Specifications (IBC 909.10.2)
Withstand fire pressures and temperatures
Field Tested to 1.5 X maximum design pressure
Smoke Damper Approach
Omit where air path is instrumental to system operation
Fire Damper Approach
Higher Temperature Heat Links
BAS
Positive Indication of Fan Status
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
19/31
Part 2 DesignElectrical Engineering Component
Primary Power
Secondary Power Dedicated Fire Resistant ATS/Secondary Power Room
60 Second Transfer Time (IBC 909.11)
15 minute duration UPS for volatile memory BAS
(IBC 909.11.1).
2
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
20/31
Part 2 DesignFire Protection
Engineering Component
Design Approach/Rational Analysis
Design Fire Stack Effect/Hot Air Stratification
Temperature/Wind Effect
HVAC System Considerations
Plugholling Duration of Operation (Egress Calculations)
P 2 D i Fi P i
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
21/31
Automatic Sprinkler System
Zone Coordination Fire Alarm and Detection System
Firefighters Smoke Control Panel
Special Inspections
Part 2 DesignFire Protection
Engineering Component
P 2 D i A h i H i
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
22/31
Part 2 DesignAuthority Having
Jurisdiction Component
Interpretations
Design Approval Acceptance Criteria
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
23/31
Part 3 CommissioningGeneral
Why Commission
Prove System Functionality Develop Benchmark for Future Testing
Commissioning Concerns
Outside Normal Services
Educate Architects/Contractors/Owners Early
Commissioning Team
Owner
Engineers
AHJ
Air Balance and Test Group
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
24/31
Part 3 CommissioningPreparation
Construction Completion/PartialOccupancy
Inspection
Component Level Testing
Functionality Test
Pre-test
Test System as a Whole
Final Acceptance Test
Presence of AHJ
Smoke Test if Required
Early AHJ coordination can avoids
this
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
25/31
Part 3 CommissioningSmoke Testing
Subjective - Smoke testing is extremely subjective although
it will be required in many jurisdictions. NFPA 92Adiscusses smoke testing in detail. NFPA 92A (2002)
Section A.5.3.3.6. speaks to the limited value of smoke
testing.
Hot/Cold Smoke Testing
Limitations
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
26/31
Part 3 CommissioningSmoke Testing (cont)
Smoke Bombs
Superior Smoke Smoke Volume
Discharge Time
Smoke Generators
Theatrical Units
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
27/31
Part 3 CommissioningAir Balance Test Reports
Air Balance Contractor
Clear Scope Exhaust Fans
Makeup Air Fans
Makeup Air Inlets
Capability to Adjust Equipment
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
28/31
Part 3 CommissioningInitiation
Fire Alarm
Smoke Detection Manual Alarms
Waterflow
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
29/31
Part 3 CommissioningInitiation (cont.)
Fire Fighters Smoke Control Panel
Status Indication Control
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
30/31
Part 3 CommissioningSecondary Power
Fans
Controls Reboot
8/12/2019 Firedynamics Ashrae Nw Ar
31/31
Questions?
Thank you.
Top Related