TABLE OF CONTENTS Computer Fire Modeling, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Fire Dynamics Simulator and Sprinkler Activation
Vetorri of the National Institute of Standards and Technology performed a number of replicate full-scale, compartment fire test in a space measuring 9.2m by 5.6 m, with a 2.4 m smooth ceiling and heat release rates following slow, medium and fast fire growth rates. Temperature, velocity and sprinkler activation predictions developed with Computational Fluid Dynamics model Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) were compared with data from Vetorri's fire experiments, using theoretical and actual fire heat releases rates and adjusting various fire parameters. When disregarding a single statistical outlier, FDS predicted the sprinkler activation times within twenty percent of those measured within experiment. The process also illustrated the fundamental importance of the fire description, particularly during the early stages of the fire development.
The trend towards the development and implementation of performance-based building codes and standards continues to provide unique opportunities for the Fire Engineering community. Documents have recently become available to provide guidance for unique designs, such as the 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code [01], which includes a performance-based option; the Final Draft of the International Code Council Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities [02]; and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers Guide to Performance-Based Fire Protection Analysis...
