Developing rational, performance-based fire safety requirements in model building codes

The technical and philosophical basis for performance‐based assessment of building fire performance is reviewed. A strategy for the evolution of a performance code is described. Current efforts toward the development of performance codes in the USA and Japan are reviewed. Recommendations for critical steps necessary to advance the development and acceptance of performance codes are presented. The table of contents of the Japanese risk methodology for assessing ‘Article 38 equivalencies’ is included in an appendix.