Commercial Fire Engineering

Commercial fire engineering refers to the application of engineering principles and practices to address fire safety concerns in commercial buildings.

This involves designing, implementing, and maintaining fire safety strategies and systems to prevent, detect, and mitigate fires within commercial structures, such as office buildings, shopping centres, hotels, and industrial facilities.

Our fire engineers assess potential fire hazards, develop fire strategies, and document the necessary design standards of all the most relevant systems such as fire detection, alarm systems, fire suppression (like sprinklers or specialised extinguishing systems) and smoke management to assist the relevant designer to the applicable standard. They will also produce evacuation strategies tailored to the specific needs and layout of the commercial space.

They work in compliance with building codes, regulations, and industry standards to ensure the safety of occupants and minimise property damage in the event of a fire. Additionally, they might conduct risk assessments, provide consultancy services, and collaborate with architects, builders, and regulatory authorities to create safe and efficient fire protection solutions for commercial structures.

Complex Commercial Projects

Commercial fire engineering applied to complex designs involves addressing fire safety concerns in intricate or non-traditional structures. These could include high-rise buildings, mixed-use developments, large-scale industrial facilities, or structures with unique architectural features that present challenges for conventional fire safety measures.

In such complex designs, our fire engineers will:

Perform Detailed Risk Assessments

Assess the specific fire risks associated with the design, considering factors like occupancy, layout, materials used, and potential fire sources.

Customise Fre Safety Solutions:

Develop tailored fire strategies and systems that are appropriate for the unique characteristics of the structure. This might involve innovative approaches to fire detection, suppression, evacuation, and smoke ventilation systems.

Utilise Advanced Technology

Incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as computer simulations, advanced CFD modelling, and performance-based design techniques to optimise fire safety measures in complex designs.

Consider Evacuation Procedures

Design efficient and safe evacuation procedures considering the complexity and size of the building, potentially using phased evacuation strategies or refuge areas for occupants.

Comply with Regulations and Standards

Ensure that the fire safety measures align with local building codes, regulations, and industry standards while considering any specific requirements for complex structures.

Collaborate with Various Experts

Work closely with architects, structural engineers, builders, and other stakeholders throughout the design and construction process to integrate fire safety measures seamlessly into the overall structure.

Plan for Maintenance and Testing

Develop plans for regular maintenance, testing, and inspection of fire safety systems to ensure their effectiveness and compliance over time.

Managing fire safety in complex designs often demands a multidisciplinary approach, creative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of fire behaviour, building materials, and the interactions between various building systems. It requires a balance between compliance with regulations and innovative solutions that ensure the safety of occupants and property.

Restless Planet, Dubai

FDS Consult UK provided fire design consultancy to one of the most ambitious visitor attractions ever built.

The $300 million Restless Planet development in the City of Arabia, Dubai, aims to transport visitors back in time 100 million years with a unique mix of educational exhibits, exhilarating rides, and animatronics dinosaurs.

The 11-acre park has been built to accommodate up to 10,000 visitors per day and includes numerous potentially hazardous attractions, including an indoor volcano and fireworks, so it was essential that provision for visitor safety was just as cutting edge as the visitor experience itself.

The size, location and nature of the scheme all presented exceptional challenges in terms of fire safety so, thanks to the company’s innovative approach and expertise in designing effective evacuation strategies, FDS Consult was brought on board to advise on Restless Planet’s fire design.