Performance-Based Fire Safety Engineering: an Introduction of Basic Concepts

The topics of performance-based fire safety engineering* and performance-based building codes are the focus of significant discussion, research, and development worldwide. Although the two topics are highly related, they are indeed separate concepts that can each stand alone. This paper discusses the elements of performance-based fire safety engineering and outlines a basic application of methodology. Special attention is given to identifying specific client objectives that can be quantified in engineering terms as the basis for design.