Fire Protection & Life Safety Systems Design

The Client’s fire protection goals and operational needs are paramount. Designs are prepared in accordance with the applicable codes and nationally recognized standards used by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction and/or insurance underwriter. In many cases, our engineering staff develops a specialized performance-based design focused on specific protection criteria for life safety, property protection, mission continuity or historic preservation. These design goals and solutions are discussed with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) well before Construction Documents are submitted for permit. This helps to eliminate any “surprises” that can occur when drawings are submitted for permit. Once preliminary approval has been obtained from the AHJ, the solution(s) are implemented and included within the Construction Documents. Our staff does not simply create great-looking designs on paper. In implementing a cohesive design philosophy, our engineers make certain that fire protection systems maintain the integrity of both functional and aesthetic design elements. KKI has embraced Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology and includes it in the design process for fire protection systems. Additionally, KKI’s list of Clients includes Contractors that specialize in the installation of fire protection and life safety systems. Those Clients require a very high level of detail, as the drawings produced are shop drawing level designs. Therefore, KKI’s Engineers are well versed in the design practices employed by Contractors’ in-house designers to produce cost effective solutions. This expertise has allowed KKI to develop a new method for the integration of engineered design and Contractor shop drawings. This process allows KKI to maintain control of the design as the Engineer of Record. This prevents the Contractor from removing elements of the design during shop drawing creation in order to maintain the integrity of the bid process. KKI’s design expertise includes the following types of systems:
  • Fire sprinkler systems
  • Fire detection and alarm systems
  • Mass notification systems
  • Special hazard fire suppression systems
  • Smoke management/control systems
  • Egress/life safety systems
  • Hood suppression systems
  • Foam suppression systems

Performance Based Design

Construction may be required that is so different or innovative, that it falls outside of the scope of a prescriptive building code. Even if prescriptive code requirements for a given condition are available, it may be desirable for architectural or economic reasons, to seek an alternative design solution. Therefore, alternative means and methods must be developed to demonstrate the appropriate level of life safety as well as compliance with the intent of the code. More advanced methods of code compliance through specialized analysis are often referred to as performance-based design (PBD). The precise details and methodology on how the general performance goals of the building code will be met are determined by the responsible engineering professional, in accordance with the approval of the building code official and potentially a peer review. This process usually involves a more detailed modeling analysis and computational design of the fire resistance and protection system than is directly covered by the codes and standards adopted by most Jurisdictions. The PBD option consists of a set of defined performance goals and objectives, along with related criteria for an expected fire event. In some cases, the performance-based design includes an evaluation of design alternatives against a set of expected real (natural) fire scenarios, not standard fires. Additionally, it usually involves more elaborate analyses and/or modeling to quantitatively engineer the entire protection system for overall reliability during the given design scenarios. This would conceivably include the performance of fire sprinklers, alarms and detection devices, egress, and fire barriers to provide a more accurate overall assessment of building fire safety. A corresponding set of features, systems and design solutions would be developed with sufficient documentation to demonstrate to the building code official, or designated peer reviewer, that the goals and objectives of the building code are satisfied.

Life Safety System Commissioning & Inspection

Inspection and commissioning services provide objective assurance to building owners that fire safety systems have been installed in the prescribed manner and are operating within set performance guidelines. We perform fire safety system verification, functional performance testing, and ensure conformance with the intended design of each system. We observe and coordinate system testing and document results. Expertise is provided to verify the correction of deficiencies found during the commissioning/inspection process. We monitor the resolution of any deficiencies for conformance with design intent and prevailing industry standards. Clear communication and planning are essential within a commissioning team to ensure that all parties understand the expectations regarding design, installation and final acceptance testing. This is especially true in buildings that have access limitations to some or all areas. When expectations are properly communicated, inspection and commissioning activities can be properly planned. This results in a much higher chance of the project being completed on time, on schedule and on budget. Commissioning/inspection services are provided for fire alarm systems, fire stop system installation, fire wall construction, mass notification systems, smoke control systems, fire sprinkler systems (including dry, preaction and deluge systems), special hazards fire suppression systems, kitchen hood suppression systems, fire damper systems and elevator protection systems.

Code Consulting

KKI is dedicated to the cause of life safety and property protection through conventional and creative engineering solutions. KKI’s code consulting services focus on providing compliance with the intent of the applicable codes or design criteria, while addressing aesthetic, functional, and cost-effectiveness issues. Traditional code compliance intends to provide a level of safety. When necessary, through performance-based analysis, we can demonstrate achievement of this baseline level of safety while incorporating the desired design features. Our services cross the entire scope of building and fire code consultation. Typical Code Consulting Services include:
  • Fire and Life Safety Analysis and Program Development – Our personnel survey and evaluate fire and life safety conditions for new designs or existing properties. We prepare prioritized recommendations to integrate requirements with a minimal impact on designs or operations. We also perform inspection, testing and evaluation of existing life safety systems.
  • Code Equivalency Development – Our staff formulates and documents technically credible solutions to achieve code equivalency related to fire and life safety through an engineered alternative.
  • Owner/Design Team Liaison with Authority Having Jurisdiction (Fire Marshal) – KKI’s dedication to the cause of life safety and property protection allows us to view problems and design challenges from the viewpoint of the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). This enables KKI to act as a liaison between the AHJ and the design team or Owner. KKI is well versed in maintaining an open dialogue with local AHJ’s to negotiate code equivalencies and performance based designs.
  • Plan and Construction Document Review, Quality Assurance and Quality Control – Our engineers review design plans, construction documents and engineering analyses (including fire modeling or egress modeling results) to assure a coordinated agreement with fire protection and life safety concepts, industry standards and the intent of building code requirements. Services have included peer reviews as an independent third party or as a member of the design team.