Engineered Solutions For Fire Safety
Our core expertise is in finding creative but achievable fire-engineered solutions for all types of buildings, structures and projects while minimising unnecessary costs and constraints on designers. Our detailed knowledge of fire science and comprehensive understanding of regulatory framework enables us to offer fire safety engineering services at the cutting edge of technology and innovation. Fire safety engineering is a powerful tool to achieve project outcomes that could not be possible under the Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions of the building code. You can depend on our team to consistently identify practical, original solutions that add value to your project.
Performance Solutions
We consult closely with key stakeholders during the fire engineering process to develop fire-engineered performance solutions essential to achieving BCA/NCC compliance. Working in accordance with the International Fire Engineering Guidelines (IFEG) while also addressing departures from the NCC Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) provisions, we review and identify design opportunities then prepare reports containing appropriate solutions.
Strategy + Master Planning
Our highly-skilled fire engineers assist in the development of building fire safety strategies and undertake master planning with the latest performance solutions. We optimise improvements over the asset’s life cycle, helping clients strategically plan compliance and enhance building performance. Utilising the latest thinking on fire strategy along with our advanced technical expertise, we ensure project solutions are thoroughly considered from all perspectives and that clients receive the best possible solutions for their building.
Fire Order Resolution
When a building does not meet fire safety requirements and is deemed unsafe, a fire safety order is issued with a time set to rectify the defined issues. Employing a qualified fire protection company to address council fire orders helps ensure that all work is covered by insurance and all aspects of the order are completed. We will guide you through the process, contact the issuing authority to fully understand the context and work on a resolution strategy while also implementing the remedial measures required to achieve compliance, tailored to your circumstances.
Fire + Smoke Modelling
Advanced computer modelling allows us to understand the challenges and find the best solutions for managing your building performance in the event of a fire. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for fire and smoke modelling, we test the safety level and validate fire prevention systems. This includes evaluating smoke control system performance in corridors and stairways as well as sprinkler system specifications and positioning.
Fire Safety Upgrades
Our fire engineering work makes fire safety upgrades for existing buildings feasible. Rather than simply following prescriptive provisions, we keep an open mind and employ creative approaches to find optimal outcomes. To correctly determine what is required, we conduct a thorough fire safety audit and provide a report outlining the areas needing improvement. The fire safety upgrade involves updating various fire safety elements, such as improving the fire rating of building segments, installing specific alarms, smoke detection, sprinklers and emergency lighting, or revising evacuation plans.
Evacuation Modelling
Buildings must allow people to move freely and evacuate rapidly when there is an emergency. We use 3D computer models and real-time visualisations to demonstrate how the built environment works when a high volume of people are present and predict potential issues. Our simulations replicate the exact circumstances, whether it is an office building, railway station, airport or sports stadium. Our fire engineers use evacuation modelling to test and validate building configurations, evaluate alternative options and work out design solutions to achieve safe and efficient evacuation.
Design - Fire Safety
Our fire safety design approach allows more freedom for architects to incorporate design aesthetics and functionality while providing developers with greater opportunities to unlock project value. We design facilities and buildings for fire and life safety from first principals rather than using a blanket application of prescriptive requirements. Our fire engineering team has advanced fire engineering qualifications and is certified across all states and territories of Australia. We also have substantial project experience around the world with the ability to call on our international colleagues.
Infrastructure + Tunnel Modelling
Train stations, underground systems and road tunnels do not fit neatly into compliance regulations. Drawing on our substantial experience providing fire and life safety design services for major infrastructure projects, we can help you stay compliant with relevant Australian standards, guide you through the maze of design constraints and respond to project specific needs, all while helping you achieve high levels of public safety.
Expert Witness
We provide expert witness support for fire safety cases, including expert testimony, litigation support and scientific analysis. Our experience covers malicious intent, construction defect and fire protection systems. Our fire engineering experts provide significant technical expertise and robust science-based analysis to support your claim, along with extensive knowledge of building code and Australian regulations.
Product Development
Using our extensive expertise in fire safety engineering, we guide manufacturers through the regulatory framework and help them undertake the testing and reporting required to demonstrate compliance in new building products. This includes reporting for Codemark Certificates issued by other accredited bodies.
Cladding + Façade Evaluation
Our fire safety experts will help you identify and address non-compliant external cladding and facades as well as outline the requirements for rectification works. To determine compliance with NCC government and council requirements, we will inspect the cladding on-site, review the product documentation and, if needed, manage the sample testing process. Where cladding is found to be non-compliant, we will advise on options to help you achieve safety compliance and recommend appropriate replacement materials. We can also help resolve claims on non-complaint cladding by preparing litigation compliant reports regarding ACP installed on existing buildings.