Performance-based design: A grounded theory of the role of fire protection engineers in California

Novel or unique construction may employ performance-based design, a process that results in an equivalent level of safety when compared to a prescriptive-based design. Development of performance-based design involves numerous professionals, including fire protection engineers. Authorities having jurisdiction are required to review and, as appropriate, approve these designs. An authority having jurisdiction responsible for reviewing performance-based design may be at a disadvantage when a fire protection engineer is not involved in the review process; However, the relative level of this disadvantage is not understood. Likewise, the overall approval rate of performance-based design by authorities having jurisdiction is not known. This research proposal seeks to better understand both approval and utilization of fire protection engineers in the performance-based design review process. The research question, “How does the utilization of a fire protection engineer by the authority having jurisdiction in the review process change the acceptance of, approval of, and confidence in performance-based designs?” is examined using an inductive grounded theory approach. Local authorities having jurisdiction in California were selected as participants in semi-structured interviews. This involves a purposive sampling technique, with focus on municipalities of all size. Jurisdictions other than cities, counties, and special districts that provide fire protection services were excluded. Content analysis following grounded theory was conducted on transcripts of 23 interviews. Coding included the use of Atlas.ti and resulted in 104 concepts, 21 categories, and five themes. The themes are internal features, external features, training, design process, and trust. Ten recommendations based on the themes were developed. Implementation of recommendations will increase the effectiveness of authorities having jurisdiction in reviewing and approving performance-based designs. This will increase the level of safety provided to the community and decrease the overall risk.