Project Description:
This project presents a performance-based fire protection design analysis for the University of Maryland (UMD) Hillel New Center for Jewish Life Located in College Park, Maryland. The study evaluates performance-based alternatives to prescriptive code requirements, focusing on the two-story communicating space and selected life safety and security features. Two design fire scenarios are used to evaluate the proposed design changes, including the removal of the second-floor terrace exit stair, the use of 15-second delayed egress doors to address security concerns while maintaining life safety, and changes to the communicating space design. Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), PyroSim, and Pathfinder are used to assess tenability conditions and occupant egress performance. The analysis compares Available Safe Egress Time (ASET) and Required Safe Egress Time (RSET) to ensure that occupant can evacuate safely before conditions become untenable. The objective is to demonstrate that the proposed design provides an equivalent or improved level of life safety and property protection compared to code-compliant designs.
