Date
6-2025
Degree Name
MS in Fire Protection Engineering
College
College of Engineering
Advisor
Frederick Mowrer and Christopher Pascual
Abstract
This project presents a comprehensive fire protection analysis for an underground light rail transit (LRT) station that also serves as a civil defense shelter. The station comprises two underground levels with a total area of 4,500 square meters and is designed to accommodate up to 1,470 passengers during peak hours.
Design Approach: The project adopts a hybrid approach combining prescriptive and performance-based design in accordance with NFPA 130 standards. This methodology ensures compliance with baseline requirements while enabling optimization for the facility's unique dual function as both a transportation hub and civil defense shelter.
Key Fire Protection Systems: The station is equipped with comprehensive fire protection systems including Edwards EST4 detection system with 183 smoke detectors, automatic sprinkler system with 26,500-gallon water reservoir, FM200 gas suppression in technical areas, and integrated smoke control systems. The prescriptive analysis confirms evacuation times of 2:39 minutes from platform and 5:10 minutes to point of safety, meeting NFPA 130 requirements.
Performance-Based Analysis Results: CFD modeling using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) was conducted for a 1 MW platform fire scenario. Results demonstrate Available Safe Egress Time (ASET) of greater than 1000 seconds, maintaining visibility above 10 meters, temperatures below 60°C, and CO concentrations well below critical thresholds. Pathfinder evacuation modeling shows Required Safe Egress Time (RSET) of 331-402 seconds, and 830 seconds in the worst-case scenario, confirming ASET > RSET with adequate safety margins.
Key Findings: 1) All fire protection systems meet or exceed NFPA 130 requirements, 2) ASET > RSET confirmed with significant safety margins (1000+ vs 331-402 seconds), 3) Smoke control systems effectively prevent spread to concourse level, and 4) Structural integrity maintained under all fire scenarios with appropriate protection measures.
Conclusions: The proposed fire protection design successfully balances safety requirements with operational efficiency and architectural flexibility. The station achieves compliance with all applicable codes while serving its dual function as transportation hub and civil defiance shelter. The performance-based analysis validates the effectiveness of the proposed systems, demonstrating adequate safety margins for passenger evacuation under fire conditions. Implementation of the recommended protection measures will ensure safe operations while maintaining cost-effectiveness and design flexibility.
https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/fpe_rpt/195
Final Presentation