Fire Modeling & Performance-Based Design
Sometimes the prescriptive code does not fit the building. DGA Consulting provides fire modeling and performance-based design across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, building the engineering case that gets unconventional designs approved.
What’s included
What fire modeling and performance-based design includes
DGA Consulting provides fire modeling and performance-based design services across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. When an atrium is too tall for standard smoke exhaust rules, an egress path cannot meet travel distance, or a unique hazard has no standard protection scheme, the firm’s engineers demonstrate safety by a different, equally valid path.
CFD fire modeling
Computational fluid dynamics simulation of fire growth, smoke movement, and tenability.
Egress modeling
Simulation of occupant movement and evacuation timing compared against available safe egress time.
Performance-based design briefs
Written documentation of design goals, methods, and acceptance criteria for AHJ review.
Equivalency support
Modeling-backed analysis for alternative materials, methods, and design approaches.
Peer review of modeling
Independent review of another engineer’s fire or egress model.
When it applies
When fire modeling and performance-based design applies
When you need it
- Projects with unique geometries, such as atria or large open spaces, where prescriptive rules are overly conservative or inapplicable.
- Historic buildings where prescriptive compliance would destroy character-defining features.
- Egress challenges where additional exits are structurally impractical.
- Innovative designs pursuing approaches the code has not yet caught up with.
Process
The modeling process
01
Define
Project goals, constraints, and performance objectives, agreed with the AHJ where possible.
02
Model
Fire and egress simulations built on documented inputs and assumptions.
03
Document
Design brief with every assumption stated and every conclusion tied to acceptance criteria.
04
Defend
AHJ presentation support through approval.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Will the AHJ accept a performance-based approach?
Most codes explicitly permit performance-based approaches. Success depends on early reviewer engagement and rigorous documentation, both of which the firm handles.
What software does the firm use?
Industry-standard CFD and egress modeling tools. The specific platform matters less than documented inputs, validated methods, and clear acceptance criteria.
Is modeling expensive compared to prescriptive design?
The analysis costs more than a prescriptive submittal. On projects where prescriptive compliance means major architectural compromise or is not achievable at all, modeling is the path that gets the building built.
Which states are you licensed in?
The firm’s engineers are licensed fire protection engineers in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Related services
Related services
Smoke Control System Design & Testing
Smoke control design, analysis, and acceptance testing.
High-Piled Storage Fire Protection Consulting
Fire protection design for high-piled storage and warehouse occupancies.
Commissioning & Integrated System Testing
Third-party commissioning and integrated testing of fire protection systems.
For fire modeling and performance-based design services, contact DGA Consulting. The firm responds within one business day.