FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS TO UPGRADING EXISTING BUILDINGS

Alterations to existing buildings represent around half the volume of construction activity in Canada. Yet, the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) does not include a practical means for achieving acceptable fire and life safety in existing structures. The current mechanism in the NBCC is to use Alternative Solutions to demonstrate an equivalent or higher level of performance to the Acceptable Solutions in the Code. Existing buildings do not readily align with new construction which has led to an inconsistent, largely prescriptive approach across Canada. Many Fire Protection Engineers recognize that a holistic approach allows for more creativity in dealing with numerous existing conditions and can result in significant reductions in construction costs and permit processing times. The presentations will provide background, challenges, and possible solutions to the current disconnects in building regulations, in part contributing to the cost of affordable housing. The final presentation will include case studies and examples of projects on historic and heritage buildings in Old Montreal, illustrating complexities with existing conditions.

PRESENTERS

BOB HEIKKILA, MBA, P.Eng. CP, FEC: Director with Jensen Hughes

JOHN IVISON, P.Eng.(ret.) CP FSFPE: Principal John Ivison Associates

PASCAL CARON, Ing. PMSFPE: Past President and current board member of SFPE Saint-Laurent Chapter

For more information from SFPE-NCR

Registration required to receive meeting link.