TABLE OF CONTENTS The performance-based approach to fire safety relies heavily on the (proper) application of computer fire (effects) models. This "heavy reliance" is important because the designer (i.e., fire model user) must demonstrate to the regulator's satisfaction that the proposed performance based design will indeed solve the fire problem which is expected to challenge the proposed facility. The regulator is well within the bounds of his/her charge to question the veracity of the computer fire model's predicted results. Thus, a valid question the regulator may ask is whether the computer fire model was used and applied correctly. If the computer fire model user cannot demonstrate that the chosen fire model was used within its limitations, that the assumptions made are reasonable, and that the predicted results adequately bound the "real" answer, then the regulator can either not accept the design without prejudice, or request that additional analysis be performed to address the doubts raised.
There are many resources and references available to the users of computer fire models: input parameter values (e.g., References [1], [2], and [3]), case studies (e.g., References [4] and [5]) and numerous documents and articles regarding the applicability, validity, and verification of computer fire models (e.g., References [6], [7], [8], and [9]). However, there is little guidance available to the practicing fire protection engineer or regulators on the actual use of computer fire models, as applied to...
