Fire Modeling Tools for Fse: Are They Good Enough?

Performance-based building codes presume the existence of models which can predict neces sary fire scenarios. The author examines today's state-of-the-art zone fire models and finds that many crucial aspects of fire physics and chemistry are not included in these models. Six specific limitations are discussed. These limitations are commonly overcome in fire reconstruction and litigation when large-scale tests are commissioned. Since such testing will normally not be affordable for the design process, it is essential that the gaps be filled. The gaps are seen to be partly due to funding limitations within the research organizations. Thus, it is suggested that cooperative research may be the best strategy.

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