Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) and Smokeview (SMV) – Bringing Fire Analysis to Life

Posted on Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

In the last 15 years, scientists and engineers have developed two powerful tools for fire modeling and visualizing the complex phenomenon that is fire: Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) and Smokeview (SMV). Together, they can help answer questions, such as: would a resident or occupant have sufficient time to escape from a building in the event...read the full article

Collaborating with Fire Protection Contractors via the iPad

Posted on Wednesday, February 13th, 2013

When we inspect a new construction site for fire alarms and sprinklers, we are a tool in the fire protection contractor’s arsenal. Our comments help insure the fire alarm and sprinkler contractors produce a fire safe, code compliant, quality product. However, sometimes general contractors who are unfamiliar with the process can find our comments challenging....read the full article

Using iPad’s Bluebeam App for Fire Protection Inspections

Posted on Wednesday, February 6th, 2013

The iPad can be an incredibly useful tool for fire inspections and fire testing, but it requires some customization first. Through experimentation, collaboration, and experience with the iPad, we have unlocked more of the device’s potential. For fire alarm and sprinkler walkthroughs, Numbers and Bluebeam have proven to be a great combination for some of...read the full article

Touting the iPad for Fire Alarm and Fire Suppression Testing and Inspections – Part 2

Posted on Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

We rolled out iPads to key staff-members in 2012, and Jim Tuten received one of them. Jim opted to use the mobile device for his on-premise fire alarm and fire suppression inspections. The mobile device saves time and facilitates coordination with architects and designers. Saving Paper and Labor In the last two years, we’ve been...read the full article

Touting the iPad for Fire Alarm and Fire Suppression Testing and Inspections – Part I

Posted on Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013

About one year ago, Jeff Harrington made a conscious decision to apply new information technology to fire protection engineering. That decision has transformed, and continues to transform, our processes in ways we weren’t even expecting. Take one of our Senior Fire Protection Technicians, Jim Tuten, for example. Jim conducts fire alarm and fire suppression inspection and...read the full article