Performance-Based Codes: Economics, Documentation, and Design.
Performance-Based Codes: Economics, Documentation, and
Design.
(11890 K)
Averill, J. D.
NIST GCR 98-752; 203 p. July 1998.
Sponsor:
National Institute of Standards and Technology,
Gaithersburg, MD
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
Order number: PB98-157081
Keywords:
performance based codes; economic factors; high rise
buildings; office buildings; building design;
architects; architecture; evacuation; water supply;
sprinklers; scenarios; occupants
Abstract:
The advent of performance-based codes in the United
States underscores the need for a thorough, systematic
approach to the documentation and accomplishment of a
performance-based design. This project has three
objectives: economic analysis of performance-based
codes from a social view point, documentation of a
performance-based design, and an example application of
the ICC Performance-Based Code to high-rise office
builidng. Economic issues explored include the
externalities, insurance, and liabilities associated
with performance-based codes. Documentation of a
performance-based design includes delineation of the
scope and goals with agreement between the designer,
architect, building owner, and authority having
jurisdiction, examination of the relevant code statutes,
development of appropriate fire scenarios which meet the
requirements of the performance matrices, thorough
documentation of all design tool and calculation
assumptions and limitatiions, and a clear demonstration
of satisfactory accomplishment of stated goals and
objectives. Finally, performance-based design
alternatives to a prescriptively-designed 40 story
office building were developed. There were three major
design alternatives. The first design feature was the
evacuation of occupants using elevators. The second
alternative was the use of the assured fire safety
system, which combined emerging technologies in fire
detection, alarm, and suppression. The final design
alternative was the routing of the domestic water supply
through the sprinkler riser in order increase the
reliability of the sprinkler system and save design,
material, and installation costs associated with the
domestic water supply risers. Finally, this project
analyzed the specific life-cycle economic impact of the
design alternatives when compared to the prescriptive
design.
