A fire design estimation tool is offering a
new calculated solution to the issues of fire engineering safety.
The
software in the new Firetex Design Estimator 2.0 from Sherwin-Williams offers
the capability of providing calculations for coatings thicknesses of all
shapes, sizes and combinations of apertures within cellular beams.
It
meets the very latest Steel Construction Institute (SCI) guidance documents as
well as the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) Yellow Book
Edition 5.
Offering
efficient handling of unfilled voids with trapezoidal profiled metal decking
systems, project sharing and designs to both British Standard as well as the
emerging Eurocodes, the software is independently tested and fully verified
under the Exova Certifire scheme.
The
estimation and design tool also provides support where a limiting temperature
has been specified, removing any assumptions from all parties.
Ongoing
updates, guidance and support on all legislative and industry changes are also
made available through a new dedicated web download site to ensure the user is
always up to date with current codes.
Bob Glendenning, manager for fire
engineering for Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings said: “We are
well aware of the challenges facing estimators and structural engineers on some
of the major projects around and we believe this software helps to eliminate
any personal interpretations or assumptions.
“Many of the buildings
currently being designed present difficulties further down the line in terms of
fire protection design and this software supports the industry in keeping pace
with advances in design and materials.”
The
estimation and design tool provides support where a limiting temperature has
been specified, but where this is not the case the software handles that for
the user.
For
peace of mind the software is further verified by the University of Manchester
for cellular and fire engineered beams, and embraces Building Information
Modelling (BIM) with an integrated tool allowing 3D modelling data to be
directly linked.
Under the current Regulatory
Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, those responsible for commercial buildings
including the employer, owner, or any other person who has control of any part
of the premises, must carry out a detailed fire risk assessment identifying the
risks and hazards in the premises.
The responsible person usually has to call in
a fire engineer or qualified person to assess the risk and make calculations
about fire engineering design depending on the type of building and the risk.
For more information contact: http://www.freshfield.com
