Transport Terminal Projects
Transport terminals — such as airports and railway stations — present unusual and complex safety problems. The fires at Dusseldorf airport terminal and Kings Cross station remind us of the catastrophic outcomes of fires in transport terminals.
Modern transport terminals incorporate a variety of different building uses. For example, they normally include an office complex, crowded assembly areas, retail space and restaurants. At any given time they are likely to contain large numbers of people who are unfamiliar with the layout, emergency procedures and, often, the local language. Of course, trains, buses, planes, refuelling systems and other special hazards exist.
Stephen Grubits & Associates provides unique solutions that address each risk within the framework of an integrated safety system. Such solutions are based on sound scientific and engineering techniques and are designed from first principles to provide appropriate, site-specific fire safety in the most cost-effective manner.
Performance-based approach
With a focus on life safety and outcomes in case of fire, regulations need not limit the range of safety strategies you can adopt. The benefits of this approach include:
- extension of travel distances to exits
- elimination or significant reduction of compartmentalisation
- customised design of efficient smoke-hazard management systems for different areas
- reduction of fire resistance levels
- increased architectural freedom.
How we work
Starting from a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of life safety, we identify all likely scenarios and prioritise them in terms of risk.
After analysing the worst-case scenarios in detail to assess their impact on tenability of smoke, structural performance and overall safety, we recommend the fire-safety systems you need to manage those scenarios.
We then develop innovative design and/or management solutions whose outcomes can be demonstrated to meet or exceed the performance requirements of regulations.
Client benefits
Stephen Grubits & Associates streamlines transport terminal design while improving safety outcomes.
Typically, our clients enjoy cost savings through rationalised smoke control requirements, increased travel distances, reduced exit capacity, and a reduced need for active fire-safety systems.
For example, in one of our recently completed railway station projects, we achieved adequate smoke control measures without expensive and unsightly mechanical exhaust systems, and demonstrated that sprinkler systems were unnecessary for emergency management on the passenger and concourse levels, where their effectiveness is questionable.
Through appropriate analysis and the application of advanced predictive computer models, we develop groundbreaking, optimal solutions for each project.
And, with our multidisciplinary team of professionals on board, you know that the design and implementation of the solutions we recommend will be effectively managed, leaving you free to focus on all those other critical design and construction details that need your expert attention.