Preliminary Views on Implementing Engineering Performance Essay Example

the Building Safety Inspection Scheme (IBIS) to ensure structural stability, external finishes, and fire safety in existing buildings. Additionally, the SARA government is open to feedback from professionals and local academics before implementing any new codes or regulations.

Many cases, such as the Karaoke Establishments Bill [6], were rejected by the Legislative Council because the SARA government could not prove the usefulness of the codes. Government officials are improving their skills by participating in Continued Professional Development (COP) programs, including Master's degree programs, with strong support from their departments. The Buildings Department (BAD) is an excellent example of sending their staff to attend beneficial COP programs. This is a step in the right direction for becoming a world-class city with a politically stable, open, clean, and responsible government!

It is clear that fire codes [e.g. 9-12] need to be regularly updated to keep up with the construction industry's advancements. For instance, implementing "green building" techniques that increase glazing area to allow for more daylight and natural ventilation can create fire safety concerns [1]. Building performance should consider safety, security, and environmental protection as a whole. With this in mind, the government departments responsible for fire safety frequently update local fire codes [9-12].

Essentially, passive building design (PAD) is handled by the BAD [9-11], while active fire protection systems are managed by the Fire Services Department (FSP). These codes have a prescriptive nature.

The text suggests that the use of engineering-based fire safety design, such as the Engineering Approach (EAI) and Engineering Performance-Based Fire Codes (EPIC), should be considered when there are difficulties in following prescriptive codes. However, it also acknowledges that there are problems associated with

EPIC and that updating prescriptive codes may be easier. A consultant was appointed to study the implementation of EPIC, but the three-year duration and lack of in-depth research support are seen as limitations. Before deciding between prescriptive codes or EPIC, thorough long-term investigation works should be conducted. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has been studying EPIC since 1995 and has established a journal reporting on its development, challenges, scientific principles, engineering judgments, and practical examples.

When EPIC is implemented correctly by trained fire safety engineering experts, such as those with PhD degrees and Chartered Engineer status, various benefits can be achieved, as documented in the literature [13-34]. These include improved fire safety measures compared to older versions of prescriptive codes, covering both passive and active fire safety measures [18]. Additionally, regulations that require ineffective or potentially harmful systems can be identified and updated.

For instance, the mandatory installation of sprinklers in high headroom atriums and escape staircases serves as evident examples. This is akin to setting a speed limit of 50 km per hour in downtown areas where most drivers do not pay attention. Drivers adhering to the speed limit may face difficulties, while higher flexibility in selecting fire safety provisions that meet the specific requirements of a building is achievable. Furthermore, scientific analysis and engineering judgment can effectively demonstrate the safety of fire safety provisions.

However, there are valid reasons [38] for retaining prescriptive codes and actively developing them. These include easier implementation for regulatory authorities, as well-trained officers enforce the codes. Moreover, these codes have been developed over many years, resulting in professionals being familiar with their requirements, which facilitates

compliance.

EPIC distinguishes between 'goals' and 'objectives'. However, for buildings with unique geometry or uses like karaoke establishments that are not covered by existing codes, determining fire safety requirements may pose challenges. The same issues may arise when applying EPIC to these buildings if there is insufficient research to support the methods or if fire safety objectives need to be revised based on reported accidents. This paper presents a preliminary discussion on implementing EPIC, aiming to assist government officers in evaluating proposed works and providing guidance for Hong Kong.

Background: Hong Kong has four primary prescriptive fire codes - Means of Escape (MOE) Code, Fire Resisting Construction (FRR) Code, Means of Access for Fire Fighting and Rescue (MOA) Code, and Fire Services Installation (IFS) Code. The first three codes pertain to passive fire safety design and are managed by BAD. However, these codes may lack detailed explanations or appendices, leading to a misconception that they were established arbitrarily. This viewpoint is not entirely accurate.Most of the codes used in Hong Kong originated from practices in the U.K. due to its historical connection as a former British colony. These codes, including British Standards, U.K. practices, and design guides, are based on thorough investigations conducted by government officers, scientists, building professionals, and manufacturers. There is extensive literature available explaining the underlying principles behind these codes, and it is beneficial to review this background information to fully understand their establishment.

The fourth code [12], which is regulated by the Fire Services Department (FSP), is already "performance-based." It includes limited design data such as a space volume of 28,000 mm and an upper limit on fire load density of 1,135 MGM-2.

The selection of these figures is based on specific reasons, which will be discussed between officers and engineers involved in the project. The FSP welcomes criticism and seeks advice from academics. Additionally, FSP officers are eager to attend COP programs and pursue education up to a Master's degree level.

It is important to note that codes developed at different times may have different requirements. It would not be fair to demand all existing buildings to upgrade their fire safety provisions by complying with all requirements specified in the new codes. Certain aspects, such as the Passive Automatic Fire Protection (PAD), cannot be easily changed. For example, extending the corridor width from 1.05 m to 1.2 m in karaoke establishments [5,6] would require significant modifications. Even the installation of Internal Fire Service (IFS) systems cannot be done at any time desired by occupants.There is a need for an engineering approach in alternative fire safety design for buildings that face difficulties in following new fire codes. This approach is accepted for both PAD and IFS. The Consultancy Project on EPIC titled "Consultancy Study on Fire Engineering Approach and Fire Safety in Buildings" aims to conduct a detailed study on fire safety and fire engineering approach in buildings. It also aims to produce relevant codes of practice and a handbook for local building professionals. The project will review all standards, codes, legislations, and testing materials related to fire safety. The project includes both new and existing buildings. Completing all these tasks within 36 months raises interesting questions. Can a design handbook be prepared and proven applicable in Hong Kong within this timeframe? The technical contents of the codes are

expected to be complex, as shown in the review of EPIC practices overseas. Meetings and seminars for explanations and debates might take several years. It is possible that the project scope was too optimistic.

It should be noted that a study has been conducted by a team of experts in the UK. A technical report has been published, with a draft guide currently under review [20,28]. Overseas approaches to fire safety engineering and performance-based fire protection have been carefully considered. EPIC has been implemented in some countries. The BBS ASSIST 13387:1999 Fire Safety Engineering [28] and the ESP. Engineering Guide to Performance-Based Fire Protection Analysis and Design of Buildings 2000 [32] from the Society of Fire Protection Engineers in the USA are used as references to demonstrate the complexity for local professionals. The design process includes a qualitative design review (CARD), quantitative analysis of design, and assessment against criteria. CARD is the key element [40], involving a review of architectural design, setting objectives and scope of study, identifying fire hazards, creating trial designs, determining fire scenarios, establishing acceptance criteria, and selecting a method of analysis. The outputs of CARD, such as agreed fire safety objectives, are used for quantitative analysis. This involves conducting a time-based quantified analysis using the appropriate subsystems, requiring knowledge of fire dynamics [e.g. 41].

In this technical report [28], the evaluation of fire safety design of buildings is divided into five subsystems: SSI, ASS (Initiation and development of fire and generation of effluents), ASS (Movement of fire effluents), ASS (Structural response and fire spread beyond the enclosure of origin), ASS (Detection, activation and suppression), and ASS (Life safety: occupant behavior, location and

condition).
Scientific knowledge and practical engineering judgments must be used when dealing with SSI to ASS. If necessary, full-scale burning tests should be conducted to verify designs or extract key empirical data. New architectural features should be carefully studied, especially if they have not been considered before. For instance, the relationship between the atrium smoke filling time TTS and its time constant can vary significantly when considering or not considering the traveling time of the smoke front to the roof [42,43]. Mathematical fire models [44-48] will undoubtedly play a vital role in this evaluation.The ESP approach in the U.S.A. for building design and construction process consists of feasibility studies, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, design documentation, construction and installation, commissioning, certificate of occupancy, change in use and refurbishment. The steps in the performance-based analysis and conceptual design procedure for fire protection in this approach involve defining project goals, identifying goals, defining stakeholder and design objectives, developing performance criteria, developing design fire scenarios, developing trial designs, evaluating trial designs, testing whether selected design meets performance criteria, developing a fire protection engineering design brief, selecting the final design, preparing design documentation including specifications, drawings, and operations and maintenance manual. Additionally, this approach highlights the importance of mathematical fire models as a key element. However, it should be noted that these models are not equivalent to EPIC as mentioned by Sheppard and Mecca. Polyp has been conducting studies on EPIC for over 6 years with the aim to provide quality teaching supported by research to serve society and the country.

The Research Centre for Fire Engineering is the backbone of EPIC, specifically the thematic fire models [44-48] (although

not equivalent to EPIC as noted by Sheppard and Mecca [49]). These models have been studied for 20 years and have produced over 20 PhD graduates. Both fire field models and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) applications [e.g. 48], as well as fire zone models [e.g. 47], have been extensively studied. The Research Centre for Fire Engineering now focuses on research and consultancy project on advanced fire science and engineering.

Preliminary studies have shown that the following factors need to be considered: the development of reasonable fire codes supported by experimental studies should be a long-term project. Three years will not be sufficient for a detailed review of the physical basis of the current MOE code [9], the fire safety objectives, its limitations, and areas for improvement. EPIC should not be seen as a means to bypass code requirements or reduce fire safety costs.

An example of this is not providing adequate fire resistance to structural members. It is difficult to convince people that structural steel with glass structures can be installed without fire protective coating, especially if there are associated compensation issues.

The proper implementation of EPIC may be more costly due to achieving a higher level of safety. The entire design process should be conducted scientifically, providing an opportunity to apply advanced fire science to practical engineering. Japan carries out engineering design for fire safety effectively by utilizing engineering experience, physical experiments (both full-size and scale modeling), and numerical simulation since the early sass. Full-scale burning tests have been performed for certain projects, including the use of timber as building materials for apartments [e.g. 50]. Taiwan conducts high-level scientific inspections of fire service installation designs

based on fire safety engineering for shopping malls and airports [51]. In Hong Kong, both building features and occupant characteristics differ significantly from other regions. The building features in Hong Kong can be summarized as follows: structural elements are non-combustible, either concrete with steel reinforcement or steel framework with fire protection. However, timber products were commonly used as partition walls before 1996 when fire-rated gypsum plaster roads were not as popular. Glazing is extensively used in commercial buildings and the FRR codes [10] should be revised to thoroughly consider the fire resistance requirements in light of new research results such as interaction with water-based systems.

The behavior of glazing under typhoon conditions should be monitored, as there have been instances in which glass was peeled away in previous typhoons. Adequate evacuation routes should be provided for buildings constructed after 1972. It is important to have good provision for the Installation of Fire Safety (IFS) systems in new buildings. It is necessary to tightly control the use and storage of combustible materials by ensuring that the fire load density is less than 1,135 MGM-2. Additionally, the characteristics of the occupants, particularly their sense of social responsibility, may vary.

Overseas citizens may complain when they observe fire extinguishers not placed correctly or inadequate ventilation in an underground carpark. Local citizens seldom file complaints, and there may be instances where security guards in certain factories lock emergency exits with chains. Hence, it is crucial to meticulously develop performance requirements, design objectives, acceptance criteria, and assessment methodology tailored for local use. Without clear guidance on performance-based design specific to the local context, significant time and effort from professionals would

be required.

It is important to note that cost-effectiveness applies not only to the benefit it provides developers in terms of building design but also to saving time for architects, fire engineers, developers, and government officers, benefiting the public and taxpayers. However, achieving this goal necessitates thorough research.

The text describes the importance of assessing fire safety objectives and acceptance criteria according to the International Code Council (ICC). It emphasizes the need for documenting, designing, and addressing specific fire safety concerns. The text also mentions the use of mathematical fire models, as well as physical tests and measurements. However, there are ongoing discussions regarding the utilization of fire models.If the results predicted are not scientifically verified, such as through a full-scale burning test [35,53], the process would seem like a 'curve-fitting exercise'. Due to the complexity of intermediate chemistry in burning materials and difficulties in modeling turbulence and thermal radiation in a fire, most mathematical fire models take the heat release rate as the input parameter. It is important to conduct full-scale burning tests to establish a heat release rate database for local materials and consumable products. Zone models [e.g. 7] can be used to understand the fire environment with a specific design fire, but caution must be exercised for tall buildings and buildings with large floor areas. Immediate concerns to consider include the time it takes for a smoke layer to develop in large buildings, the traveling time of a smoke front up a tall building, and the assessment of ventilation opening conditions. Fire field models or the application of CUFF [e.g. 48] are only suitable for studying smoke movement at present. Additional problems encountered

include assigning free boundaries by extending the computing domains outside the building. Although commercial CUFF packages are user-friendly, it is important to have a good understanding of the theories behind COP.Experts with DOD training in CUFF simulations are required to study fire-induced air flow. It is important to note that CUFF is a rapidly developing subject. Different approaches, such as Reynolds Averaging the Navies-Stokes equation or Large-eddy simulations, have been debated in describing turbulent effects. The use of local codes has been criticized for having outdated data, which is why EPIC needs to be used. Fire codes, including EPIC, need to be frequently updated to align with living standards, building features, and the sense of social responsibility of citizens. Implementing EPIC is not just a scientific problem but also a social problem involving government officers, developers, building professionals, and citizens. EPIC should not only be focused on new projects but also on improving fire safety provisions for existing buildings. However, implementing EPIC locally requires comprehensive research and full-scale burning tests. It is not sufficient to simply follow overseas fire codes; citizens' responsibility and safety awareness must be considered. While overseas practices can serve as a reference, direct applications may not be appropriate.