Role of Fire Field Models as a Design Tool for Performance- Based Fire-code Implementation

The worldwide movement from prescription-based to performance-based fire codes is unmistakable and irreversible. In the implementation of such performance-based fire codes, both basic and innovative engineering design tools are needed to analyze potential fire scenarios for relative fire hazards and risk assessment. Among such innovative design tools are fire models, particularly the fire field models, which will continuously see increased application in fire-safety design of buildings. The current-generation fire field models is assessed regarding their engineering capabilities as well as their shortcomings, and the needed steps to improve them are identified so that they can be applied to performance-based fire-safety design with some confidence. The critical role of the fire field models in the implementation of performance-based fire codes is delineated along with the needs to train fire-safety professionals in the proper use of fire field models as an integral part of the fire-safety engineering educational programs.