PERFORMANCE-BASED DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FIRST EDITION OF THE NFPA BUILDING CODE

摘要

Emerging engineering tools such as design guides, calculation methodologies, and computer models are becoming more widely available and are encouraging the greater application of performance-based design for fire safety. However, current fire safety regulations do not effectively accommodate or support the application of these tools. Specific elements that link the performance-based design process with the fire safety regulations are lacking. Additionally, the traditional approach for developing prescriptive requirements for fire protection is not conducive to the application of performance-based design approaches. Over the past several years, certain National Fire Protection Association (hereinafter referred to as NFPA) technical committees have been working to provide more information within their documents about the elements necessary to implement performance-based design. By providing a sufficient level of detail about fire safety goals and objectives, fire challenges, and other components of the design process, the level of safety provided by the regulation becomes more clearly defined and the greater application of performance-based design is embraced.