The gold standard for complying Performance Requirements is based on a Quantitative Probabilistic Risk Assessment (QPRA) method. This case study demonstrates the application of this approach to performance based design of a six-storey commercial building with an open stair interconnecting four storeys. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) based and zone fire as well as evacuation simulations are used to quantify consequences whilst detailed event trees underpinned by statistical data and analysis are utilised to calculate corresponding probabilities. Results are combined in a trade-off analysis tool which calculates the Expected Risk to Life (ERL) based on the trial design features included in each design option. The approach was used to determine a preferred design that achieves an acceptably low ERL and compliance with the Performance Requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA). The benchmark ERL was set as 1.36 deaths/1000 fires or a probability of death from a fire of 1.36 x 10-3 based on local statistical data. To obtain an optimum fire safety design (Alternative Solution) a layered approach was adopted in which fire safety systems were added until the risk to occupants in the building due to a fire is the same or less than the benchmark ERL. Eventually three sets of trial design were considered and in all cases the calculated ERL were roughly 22% lower than the benchmark. Eventually the trial design with the least number of fire safety systems were recommended as the Alternative Solution. The trade-off analysis shows the sprinklers and wallwetting sprinklers in the office area resulted in a 20-fold difference in the building wide ERL, each. Schematic Design Fire Specification Event Tree Development Preliminary Risk Assessment and Scenario Generation Data Collection/Analysis Collect and analyse relevant data Determine credible fire scenarios (causes, locations, etc.) Conduct preliminary, qualitative risk analysis Complete risk ranking and short list design fire scenarios Identify all possible statuses of fire safety subsystems Construct event tree and generate possible outcomes Calculate probabilities using relevant data
Conventional (diesel-electric) submarines can provide improved stealth compared to nuclear submarines once submerged. This is because nuclear submarines are generally larger and are required to operate their nuclear reactors at all times, unlike diesel-electric submarines which are generally smaller and can run exclusively on batteries when submerged which generally requires fewer moving parts. These characteristics normally result in a smaller acoustic, thermal and magnetic signature which afford diesel-electric submarines greater stealth when submerged. However, the current underwater range and endurance is limited by the energy storage or generation for submerged operation. The application of emerging energy storage technology seeks to address this limitation and provide significant tactical and operational advantages to the conventional submarine operator. From a fire safety perspective, the potential addition of technologies such as rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems and increasingly sophisticated electronic equipment dramatically changes the risk space in an already challenging and unforgiving underwater environment. This study reviews the functions, failure modes and maturity of emerging technologies that have serious submarine fire safety implications. A semi-quantitative assessment of the fire risk associated with potential large future conventional submarine design options for batteries and AIP is provided. This assessment concludes that lithium-ion batteries pose the greatest challenge with regard to integration into conventional submarines without compromising reliability or safety.
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