Fire Modelling Special Interest Group

Chairman
Neal Butterworth BEng, MPhil, CEng MIFireE

Neal graduated from the University of Sheffield with a structural engineering degree. On graduation, Neal worked for 18 months as a Research Assistant at the University where he gained an MPhil in structural fire engineering. It was this study that initiated Neal's interest in fire engineering and where he gained his first experience in fire modelling. In 1998, Neal joined Buro Happold where his experience in fire engineering has developed and broadened. However, Neal has always retained a technical focus and he now an Associate Director at Arup, where he is the technical leader for the UK, Middle East and Africa fire engineering teams. Neal recognises the benefits and value that can be delivered through modelling, but he is also passionate about ensuring that any modelling is appropriately applied by suitably qualified people and that quality is ensured throughout the process. It was with this strive for modelling excellence in mind that Neal gladly volunteered to chair the Special Interest Group in Fire Modelling, where he hopes to promote this message via the IFE.

Overview of the Group

The special interest group for fire modeling is in its very early stages of development.

The objectives of the group are to:

1. Promote (responsible) use of technology;

2. Promote a consistent, high standard of quality control; and

3. Provide guidance on the use of modeling in fire engineering.

The scope of the group includes:

  • fire modeling - fire development, growth and extinction;
  • evacuation - time to detection, time to alarm, pre-movement time and travel time;
  • smoke - smoke movement and smoke control;
  • heat transfer - transfer of heat from fire into its surroundings or the structure;
  • structural response - the individual member and global structural response at elevated temperature; and
  • fire service response - time to arrive at a fire, the impact of fire fighting operations and the physiological response in fire fighters.

Initially, the group plans to produce some single page guidance notes on the modeling process and the key thought process. The notes will be aimed a fire modelers, but also the controlling authorities and will have the objective of promoting quality in the modeling process.

Steering Panel

James Bertwistle, BSc (Hons), MSc, AIFireE WSP Fire Engineering

David Bostelmann MEng(Hons) AIFireE Tenos

Allan Jowsey MEng PhD AIFireE Arup

Dr Gary Walker MIMechE, CEng, FEANI (Class 1) Buro Happold

Corresponding Member:

Prof James Milke P.E. PhD University of Maryland

If you would like to register your interest in this group and receive updates please e-mail info@ife.org.uk

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