While many of the difficulties in implementing UBC Section 905 may be attributed to the information or lack thereof contained in this individual code section, many of the obstacles face in its implementation have direct implications toward the overall implementation of performance-based codes. The experience with implementing UBC Section 905 in San Francisco demonstrates that providing education and orientation to Authorities Having Jurisdiction with regard to basic concepts and design methods contained in the code is an important aspect of the performance-based code process. Providing proper education and orientation to AHJ's will help to assure their buy-in to the process and enable consistent review of performance-based designs in a timely manner. Because of the magnitude of the training effort required, a gradual phasing in of performance based code elements may be warranted so as not to overwhelm AHJ's with new concepts, analysis methods, and design tools. It must be recognized that smaller jurisdictions may not have equal capabilities as larger jurisdictions. Larger jurisdictions may employ trained fire protection engineers familiar with the latest design concepts. Smaller jurisdictions may not have this advantage, thus making the process more difficult. The design community must remember that AHJ's whether they're part of a large or small organization do not process the volume of projects a design firm does. Experience and knowledge are gained through repetition, working on numerous projects. Design firms not only have the latest technological tools at their disposal, they can create design teams within the office to address code issues raised during the design, a luxury most AHJ's do not have. AHJ's in many cases, while they may have received training in performance based codes, have limited opportunity to use this information for review.
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