Precast concrete provides significantly enhanced passive fire protection due to its inherent inorganic composition and resistance to the effects of fire. Containment by compartmentalizing the design with a precast concrete structural system limits damage and may allow occupants more time to evacuate the premises. PCI recently published its updated fire manual including an International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) report that allows its use as an alternate to code provisions. This presentation will provide an overview of fire safety design using the updated manual.

Fire safety codes have changed over the years. The International Building Code now allows for buildings to be built to substantially bigger areas and heights with Type V construction (i.e. light wood framing) where an approved sprinkler system is provided. This shift toward active fire protection systems places a primary emphasis on the life safety component for buildings, and decreases emphasis on containment and passive fire-resistant construction for property protection and safety to fire service. The net result is less resilient construction. Buildings, especially light frame, relying solely on code-approved sprinklers for protection leave themselves vulnerable to damage from fires where the sprinkler systems fails to control the fire. Precast concrete provides significantly enhanced passive fire protection due to its inherent inorganic composition and resistance to the effects of fire. Containment by compartmentalizing the design with a precast concrete structural system limits damage and may allow occupants more time to evacuate the premises. PCI recently published its updated fire manual including an International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) report that allows its use as an alternate to code provisions. This presentation will provide an overview of fire safety design using the updated manual.