Vulcan Solutions launches fire safety software VulcanLite
Vulcan Solutions, a fire engineering research firm set up by The University of Sheffield in collaboration with Buro Happold, has launched VulcanLite, a tailor-made version of its general fire safety software Vulcan. VulcanLite takes sophisticated, structural fire engineering analysis software out of the hands of the specialists and into the wider marketplace.
Traditionally, finite element analysis software packages required for structural fire engineering have been cumbersome and required experienced, trained users to operate them. VulcanLite, however, has been developed specifically for the construction industry and allows engineers to construct three-dimensional fire engineering models in a matter of minutes. This reduces run-times to practical levels and allows analysis of BS476 Standard Fire and Eurocode parametric fires (real fires).
Analysis of potential fire development in a building allows for greater structural integrity to be built into a building where necessary. This helps extend the time a structure could stand in the event of a fire as well as informing the overall fire safety strategy for the building. Buro Happold has been offering consulting services on this since 1995, when its Fire Engineering Design and Risk Assessment group was formed as part of the practice’s commitment to support safety throughout all aspects of the built environment.
The software, which predicts the fire performance of composite steel-framed structures, has been extensively validated against fire tests, including full-scale trials conducted at the Building Research Establishment’s Cardington laboratory.
The benefits of the software are:
· It can predict the real performance of structures in fire, which enables engineers to design for fire conditions with confidence in the level of safety that is being achieved
· The software enables more cost-effective solutions to be generated by providing fire protection where it is needed but removing it where it is unnecessary
· It can be used in conjunction with the BRE Design Method (FBE 5), but offers greater flexibility in the number of structural arrangements that can be analysed
· It includes a graphical user interface that simplifies input and allows clear interpretation of the results.
Neal Butterworth, associate director and fire engineer with Buro Happold’s Specialist Consulting group said: “This software has the ability to revolutionise fire engineering. By making advice on such a specialist service more broadly available to industry, more buildings can have the very best standards of fire protection for less cost.”
ENDS
Background information for editors:
Press office and practice information at www.burohappold.com
For general enquiries about the products and services offered by Vulcan Solutions contact: info@vulcan-solutions.com
Buro Happold
Buro Happold is a multi-disciplinary international practice of consulting engineers established in 1976 offering civil and structural engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, quantity surveying, building services and environmental engineering, health and safety management, infrastructure and traffic engineering, ground engineering, façade engineering, fire engineering, computational fluid dynamics analysis, disability design consultancy, project management, urban design and a range of specialist CAD services.
Vulcan Solutions
Vulcan Solutions was formed by Sheffield University Enterprises, the University’s technology transfer company, following research, part-funded by Buro Happold, into the effect of fire on steel framed buildings. As well as the software, Vulcan Solutions will offer training in its use as well as consulting services. The Vulcan software project has been running for more than fifteen years, supported by Buro Happold and the University’s Department of Civil and Structural Engineering and School of Architecture.
Buro Happold contact
Ruth Hobbs
Telephone +44 (0)113 204 2201
Fax +44 (0)870 787 4144
Email ruth.hobbs@burohappold.com
