Aerospace & Defense
Performance-Based Design
Operational constraints and existing conditions often create challenges when implementing prescriptive fire and explosion protection requirements in applicable codes and standards. Retrofitting existing buildings can be particularly challenging, if even viable.
FRA has extensive experience implementing performance-based designs for various commercial and industrial facilities. Our interactive approach identifies stakeholders, establishes performance goals and objectives, and utilizes state-of-the-art engineering methods and computational models to develop innovative designs. Our engineers have demonstrated success in taking performance-based design projects from concept to completion, and approval by authorities having jurisdiction, including fire code officials and insurers.
Risk Assessment
Risk assessment involves the evaluation of the likelihood and impact associated with the realization of a hazard(s). When evaluated against risk tolerance, risk assessment provides a powerful tool for identifying priorities, developing optimized risk management strategies, and ensuring that acceptable risk is achieved.
FRA has a wealth of experience in risk assessment, including the application of qualitative, semi-quantitative, and quantitative methods. We work with our clients to understand their needs and develop an approach that achieves stakeholder goals and meets applicable regulatory requirements.
Special Hazard Systems
Special hazard fire suppression systems protect a diverse range of unique hazards and challenges that cannot be suitably protected by a conventional automatic sprinkler system. Special hazard fire protection systems include a wide array of fire suppression systems, fire detection systems, and control systems that are unique to specific facilities and processes. The design objectives of a special hazard fire suppression are tailored to the individual client and hazard through a comprehensive approach that considers the protection of assets, preservation of life safety, continuity of business processes, and protection of the environment.
Various legislative bodies have been examining or have begun phasing out of PFAS-containing firefighting foam products due to environmental, health, and safety considerations. Although various PFAS-free foam products are available, it is important to understand that they are not a drop-in replacement. An engineering evaluation must be conducted due to the difference in firefighting and hydraulic performance of PFAS-free firefighting foam products.
Firewater System Design Services
Site Water Supply Reliability
Establishing a reliable water source is crucial in the creation of a functional firewater system. FRA has extensive experience in analyzing municipal water supplies, ponds/rivers, or dedicated firewater storage tanks for firewater usage. Our knowledge of national codes and industry requirements helps us to understand the importance of considering jurisdictional requirements for the hazards and the requirements of emergency response personnel and operations when determining the viability of a water supply. Our engineers are equipped with a variety of hydraulic software tools such as HydraCalc and Pipenet that allow us to determine the adequacy of the water supply based on the bounding fireflow condition. These hydraulic analyses allow us to determine the applications that necessitate the use of a fire pump. We are versed in engaging in collaboration efforts with fire pump vendors to specify the size and type of fire pump suitable for the site.
Site Water Supply Reliability
Establishing a reliable water source is crucial in the creation of a functional firewater system. FRA has extensive experience in analyzing municipal water supplies, ponds/rivers, or dedicated firewater storage tanks for firewater usage. Our knowledge of national codes and industry requirements helps us to understand the importance of considering jurisdictional requirements for the hazards and the requirements of emergency response personnel and operations when determining the viability of a water supply. Our engineers are equipped with a variety of hydraulic software tools such as HydraCalc and Pipenet that allow us to determine the adequacy of the water supply based on the bounding fireflow condition. These hydraulic analyses allow us to determine the applications that necessitate the use of a fire pump. We are versed in engaging in collaboration efforts with fire pump vendors to specify the size and type of fire pump suitable for the site.
Alternative Materials and Methods Requests (AMMR)
Model building and fire codes allow the use of AMMRs and
Variances to demonstrate that an alternative design approach meets or exceeds the prescriptive code requirements.
FRA employs advanced techniques and knowledge of code requirements to assist our clients with developing unique and innovative solutions that meet the expectations of the project and can be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Development and acceptance of AMMRs and Fire Variances oftentimes require discussions with the AHJ. FRA has extensive experience negotiating with AHJs and gaining approval of AMMRs and Fire Variances.
Fire Protection and Life Safety Narrative Reports
Some jurisdictions require the development and submission of a fire protection and life safety narrative report. Whether one is required or not, a narrative report can serve as an invaluable tool for building owners, developers, and architects as a single document that describes the design rationale of fire protection systems and how they interface and interact to provide the required level of life safety for building occupants, emergency response personnel, and property protection.
FRA has extensive experience providing building and fire code consulting services, design of all types of detection and suppression systems, as well as detailed fire modeling. This experience enables us to develop concise and detailed narrative reports.