Performance-based Analysis
Performance-based design differs from prescriptive design in that designers can use alternative solutions as long as they meet the stated goal of the performance-based code. The goal of a performance-based code is usually very broad and differs from prescriptive codes which spell out exactly what steps should be taken to reach the final objective. Compared to traditional prescriptive building codes, performance-based design can be tailored to meet the fire protection and life safety needs of a particular unique building. Thus, as projects become more and more diverse and deviate from traditional designs, performance-based designs are becoming more popular.
Performance-based designs have been widely used in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom for some time, but are only recently gaining popularity in the United States because of the code restrictions mandated by local and federal governments.
Regulation agencies are, however, beginning to add performance-based options into their codes. For example, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has added performance-based sections to their following codes:
NFPA 1 (Uniform Fire Code)
NFPA 13 (Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems)
NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm Code)
NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code)
NFPA 5000 (Building Construction and Safety Code)
NFPA 5000 (Building Construction and Safety Code)
The International Code Council (ICC) also addresses performance-based design in their following codes:
International Performance Code
International Building Code
International Fire Code
As members of organizations such as the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), International Code Council (ICC), and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), our engineers understand the goals of both prescriptive and performance-based design, along with the pros and cons of each. Our team will provide your project with the appropriate solutions and enhancements to prescriptive-based codes to meet your project goals.