Unlimited area building - performance based design question

[pyrguy]

OK, this is cross-posted in Commercial Building Codes, Commercial Fire Codes and Architects & Engineers to get the widest coverage and best answers.

I am looking at a building of non-separated mixed uses (M, B, A-3) approximately 900 X 1800 feet, one story with a mezzanine, Type 1A construction and 2012 IBC.

The designers are proposing a performance based design since the building does not meet prescriptive code.

I need a consultant to help with the parameters for the performance based design to show that all of the occupants of the building can exit before the structure becomes untenable.

Looking for suggestions of firms you would look to for help. Post questions to this thread or email me.

Thanks

 

[cda]

http://bldguse.com/Welcome.html

only one I know or do the big guys

http://www.telgian.com/careers/fire-protection-consultant-i/

http://www.rjainc.com/services_solutions/fire_protection_design

http://www.aonfpe.com/about-us/about_us/Welcome.aspx

 

[RLGA]

Obviously height and area is not an issue, so what is it that prevent the building from complying with the prescriptive requirements of the code? Travel distance?

I suggest Rolf Jensen Associates. I believe they can model the egress system.

 

[steveray]

I posted on the other thread...I was wondering what wouldn't meet code also....And I was going to suggest contacting Ron^^^^....I wasn't sure if that was one of his services offered...

 

[RLGA]

Steveray, thanks for the consideration, but I've never done a performance-based analysis using egress modeling software. The only performance analysis I have done is for a theater where the building official allowed me to use NFPA 130, even though it was developed for mass transit facilities (by the way, using NFPA 130 was their suggestion...not mine).

I posted some time ago asking if anyone had a project that used the ICC Performance Code. To date, no one has indicated that they had. Performance-based design is used frequently internationally, but is nearly nonexistent here in the United States. Therefore, those companies that perform a lot of international work are your best resources.

 

[steveray]

No problem!....My world just isn't that big....I just don't see how a computer program can get better than the base math and physics of egress already built into the code.....Maybe someday I will get a chance to look at the performance code...I thought the one we use performed already and has been fairly well proven...

 

[pyrguy]

Yes travel distance and occupant numbers are the issues here.

Sent from my SCH-I925 using Tapatalk

 

[FM William Burns]

Hughes & Associates

RJA

Code Consultants Inc. (CCI)

 

[steveray]

That's right....RJA did some computer modeling for a smoke control system on a 3 story school atrium project I was involved in.....never did get to see it work...