Performance Based Design Document

Performance based design documents include applications that by code require, a computational fluid dynamics and/or fire modelling analysis to be performed in order to analyze a potential fire scenario.

Such analyses may be utilized to predict the ability of a structure or building and its components to withstand the effects of a nearby fire, modeling the fluid motion of the smoke and hot gases.

Performance based design is also used to analyze and predict the ability of people to safely evacuate an area. Appropriate methods of conducting such analyses includes the use of a nationally recognized and validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) fire modelling program or an equivalent calculation methodology.

Performance based design documents include, but are not limited to, the following types of analyses:

• Fire exposure analyses of cantilevered buildings in accordance with Section 705.12 of the 2014 NYC Building Code and Buildings Bulletin 2017-014.
• Tenability analyses of train overbuilds in accordance with NFPA 130, relevant design guidelines, and other governing documents.

Note: for Fire engineering analyses of a cantilevered building as per Section 705.12 of the 2014 NYC Building Code and Buildings Bulletin 2017-014, the following documents and information should also be submitted in addition to the required documentation in the checklist below:

• An approved and stamped (by the NYC Department of Buildings) CCD1 and ZRD1 form for the cantilever or proposed construction that states that a submission must be made to FDNY for Rooftop Access compliance in accordance with Section 504.4 of the 2014 NYC Fire Code. FDNY will not review the submitted application without this document.
• All Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) and Smokeview (SMV) input and output files for the conducted simulation, if used to conduct the simulation. a. Any spikes in temperature or heat flux that exceed the failure criteria specified by the analysis must be adequately explained.
• A Peer Review, signed and stamped by a New York State Registered Design Professional (P.E. or R.A.), of the simulation as required by Buildings Bulletin 2017-014.
• A description of all fire and life safety systems for both the proposed and existing building where the fire was simulated.
• A description of the construction types and occupancies of both the proposed and existing buildings.
• A description of the cantilevered portion(s) of the cantilevered building. Also indicate how far out the cantilever(s) extends, and what floor(s) the cantilevered portion(s) start on.
• A detailed rooftop plan of the existing building where the fire was simulated. Any mechanical equipment, skylights, bulkheads, etc. must be indicated in this plan.
• Any other information and documentation requested or required by Buildings Bulletin 2017-014 or Section 705.12 of the 2014 NYC Building Code.