Buro Happold’s advanced simulation and analysis methods encompass the full range of techniques required to develop a successful fire safety strategy. As part of our specialist Fire Engineering Design and Risk Assessment (FEDRA) group, the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) team are able to model fire development and smoke movement within the building, analysing the internal thermal dynamics as well as the effects of the external environment, such as gusting wind.

In order to ‘manage’ the consequences of a fire it’s essential that the nature of the fire, how it spreads and the movement of smoke within the building are understood.
Our numerical modelling involves carrying out a fire-induced response analysis using 3D finite element software. Zone modelling and complex CFD simulations show the risk levels in different parts of the building, enabling us to assess the fire performance of materials and structures.

Our fire safety strategies are based on careful analysis of fire growth and smoke distribution, with occupant evacuation simulations predicting crowd behaviour in different areas of the building. Because we are involved at an early stage in the planning process, our recommendations on crowd safety measures, smoke control features or means of escape for disabled people are incorporated into the fire engineering design. After construction we continue to input into fire safety management – all part of Buro Happold’s commitment to support safety throughout the built environment.