Exterior Facade Fires - Can They Happen Here?

AIA CREDIT: Yes

ABSTRACT:

This presentation will focus on exterior wall systems and facades. We will discuss the code requirements and major fire test standards assocaited with exterior wall systems in the 2015 edition of the International Building Code (IBC). Attendees will gain an understanding with an overview of the code requirements and quirks in the code for exterior wall systems.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Describe where NFPA 285 testing is mandated in the IBC. Provide some history regarding the test.
2. Differentiate alternate test methods for exterior walls based on building height.
3. Describe why "Fire Separation Distances (FSD)" are important to exterior wall fire performance.
4. Discuss why automatic fire sprinklers may not be the best answer to exterior wall trade-offs.

PRESENTER BIO:

Mr. Karl Houser is a Senior Fire Protection Engineer with Intertek. Karl brings over 16 years of experience as a fire protection engineering consultants with over 30 years of fire protection experience. In addition to consulting, he has also specified, designed, and reviewed various fire protections systems. His work includes residential, commercial and industrial buildings and processes including hospitals, sports arenas/stadiums, laboratories, flammable liquid storage buildings, historic structures, museums, high-rise buildings, educational institutions, anechoic chambers, and multi-family dwellings. He has consultant on accessibility issues and force protections/occupant evacuations. 

Karl has performed inspections and fire safety/life safety assessments on hundreds of buildings and industrial processes. He has provided expert witness and litigations services on several projects.

RSVP:

For BEC Chicago members, an RSVP invite will be sent out approximately 7 to 10 days in advance of event. For non-BEC Chicago members interested in attending, you may contact Jeff Diqui at jdiqui@stocorp.com to request an invite. The inviation will include a link to an RSVP.