Case study review of performance-based design in fire protection engineering

When developing and engineering buildings in the United States, using performance-based design (PBD) varies widely in both application and acceptance, particularly in the field of fire protection. While formal definitions differ between countries and organizations based on application, PBD can be broadly defined as using engineering judgments to achieve set objectives with the intent to protect life and property rather than following strictly prescriptive requirements in model building codes. The use of PBD to engineer all aspects of fire protection within a building is not commonplace within the United States, even throughout the world, and is a rarity with few exceptions. The overall extent of how PBD is used on a global scale is not clear. Additionally, a full performance-based design project – one that separates itself from prescriptive codes to the greatest extent possible – appears to be unheard of within the United States, making the process appear daunting and unfamiliar. Our research examined literature reviews and compared them to several case studies about the extent and process of using PBD both in the United States and globally. Our results found that PBD is becoming used more often, especially where prescriptive designs do not address special features or hazards of a building. A well-defined process exists for using a PBD, which must be followed to have the highest probability of success. It was concluded from the research that a complete PBD design can be achieved, provided that some cultural and organizational norms will need to change to facilitate this practice in the United States.