To fully capitalize on the benefits of passive fire protection design, it’s essential to involve firestop engineers early in the BIM (Building Information Modeling) design process. This crucial phase transforms a performance model into a production model. It requires the collaboration of various stakeholders, including architects, structural engineers, and system engineers, to define and develop the performance model. Subcontractors then take over to finalize the production model.
In this article, we delve into the critical role that firestop engineers—particularly those with an Orange Button BIM license—play in enhancing fire safety. We explore how their early involvement adds significant value. This ensures a seamless transition from performance to production models and benefits all stakeholders involved.
Performance Model and Data Analysis
When developing a performance model, it’s vital for architects, structural engineers, and system engineers to define and detail the performance requirements a building must meet. Integrating fire rating into the design is essential. This includes ensuring the load-bearing capacity of structural walls and floors and specifying the fire resistance period for architectural and structural elements.
Firestop engineers with an Orange Button license can significantly enhance this process. By conducting data analysis on the various performance models, they can identify and inform stakeholders about any missing information related to the fire resistance period for structural and architectural elements. This ensures that all fire safety requirements are addressed in the design.
Performance Model and Fire Resistance Period Design
If data analysis reveals that the performance requirement for the fire resistance period has not been incorporated into the architectural and structural model, a firestop engineer can address this by using a separate aspect model to integrate the fire rating into these elements. This ensures that the fire resistance performance requirement is added to the performance model.
Conducting a data analysis based on the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) design by the system engineer is less relevant at this stage of the design process, as many changes are likely to occur during the further development of the MEP design.
Production Model and Data Analysis
In the development of a production model, performance requirements are transformed into a detailed plan where various construction products and components are coordinated by different subcontractors. At the beginning of this phase, firestop engineers with an Orange Button BIM license can be involved to conduct data analysis on the Architectural, Structural and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) models.
The analysis of MEP models checks whether the installations have been developed to the point where essential information is included, such as the product name for each type of installation, type of insulation, and type of fire damper. It also examines whether the dimensions of installations and the thickness of insulation are accurately represented in the MEP models. This data analysis can be performed as soon as the MEP specialist begins working on the MEP design.
Early analysis using Orange Button BIM software helps identify missing information in the MEP design at an early stage. This proactive approach contributes to improving the MEP design’s development by the responsible parties, ensuring a more accurate and efficient production model.
Production Model en Firestop Design
In the development of the production model, it’s essential to include firestop engineering to uphold fire safety standards during construction. Firestop engineers holding an Orange Button BIM License can use automated methods to recommend suitable firestop systems. They can also detail apertures and the construction of flexible walls and MEP support systems.
When the apertures for structural walls and floors are already determined, they are considered in selecting an approved firestop system. This approach ensures that fire safety measures are effectively incorporated into the production model. It aligns with stringent safety requirements throughout the construction process.
Conclusion
Integrating firestop design early in the design process is crucial to ensure the quality and safety of buildings. Initially, the focus is on conducting data analyses during the development of both performance and production models. Once accurate information is incorporated into the production model by modeling teams, firestop engineers with an Orange Button BIM license can use automation to recommend passive fire protection systems within BIM.
This proactive approach guarantees that fire safety measures are seamlessly integrated from the beginning. It supports comprehensive building safety throughout the design and construction phases.
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