Project Description:
Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is undergoing a major expansion to improve passenger movement, amenities, and overall terminal operations. A performance-based design approach was developed to address fire and life safety concerns within the new Concourse A/B Connector. The strategy focuses on modeling a representative luggage fire scenario, assessing smoke movement and occupant egress, and implementing fire protection measures to enhance occupant safety. Key design features include the use of fire-rated barriers, designated safe zones, and coordinated occupant notification systems to maintain safe evacuation conditions and minimize risk during a fire event. A performance-based analysis was conducted, including CFD modeling using PyroSim and egress modeling using Pathfinder.