Dec 9 2015
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.
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.
Bob Glendenning - Manager for Fire Engineering, Sherwin-Williams
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.