Date
3-2015
Degree Name
MS in Fire Protection Engineering
College
College of Engineering
Advisor
Frederick Mowrer and Christopher Pascual
Abstract
The Life Safety and Fire Protection systems in Cal Poly’s Center for Science and Mathematics (CSM) were analyzed and evaluated in this project, according to the requirements of the applicable codes and pertinent standards. The evaluation was conducted through a prescriptive-based approach, in conjunction with a performance-based approach. On one hand, the prescriptive-based approach considered the analysis of the Structural Fire Protection and Means of Egress in the building and the existing Fire Detection/Alarm and Fire Suppression Systems. On the other hand, the performance-based approach included an Egress Analysis, which assessed the Required Safe Egress Time (RSET) and the Available Safe Egress Time (ASET) for the occupants to evacuate the building’s atrium safely in the event of a fire. The Egress Analysis was performed using hand calculations and the PATHFINDER computer software, along with data collected from previous studies. The tenability conditions within the building’s atrium were evaluated for different fire scenarios and smoke management alternatives, using the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) software. Finally, some recommendations were appended to improve the performance of the fire safety systems, based upon the outcomes and conclusions obtained in this report.
https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/fpe_rpt/36
Final Presentation
DOI
10.15368/fperpt.2015.1