According to Telgian Engineering & Consulting Regional Practice Leader James Antell, “Tall buildings have always relied on a combination of passive building elements and active fire detection, alarm/notification and suppression systems to control fire and its effects. What has changed are the ways in which we use these passive and active elements, and the intended results of these fire safety strategies.” Antell explored this topic in detail in the recently published article “The Evolution of Fire Safety in Supertall Buildings” in Structure magazine.
The evolution of fire safety in supertall buildings is the result of both advances in structural and fire safety technology, as well as new safety and security threats that make the integrity of the building structure and the ability to evacuate occupants in a timely manner of the utmost priority. Antell’s article explores the relationship between structural engineering practices for tall buildings and how these practices have influenced fire safety strategies for passive and active protection systems in tall buildings over the last 50 years.
A Regional Practice Leader for Telgian Engineering & Consulting, Antell has over 35 years of fire engineering experience, acting as an advisor to design teams and building owners regarding compliance with local and international fire safety codes and standards. His experience includes development of fire protection design strategies using both code and performance-based approaches, as well as other special studies related to specific code compliance issues. He has negotiated acceptance of alternative fire protection approaches with regulatory officials throughout the world.
Antell’s specific areas of concentration include high-rise buildings, public assembly facilities and healthcare. As a recognized expert in high-rise fire safety design, his global high-rise fire engineering experience includes many of the world’s tallest structures including projects in the U.S., Asia and the Middle East. In addition, he has lectured worldwide on high-rise fire safety and published numerous articles on the subject.
His global experience also includes numerous large public assembly venues including arenas, stadiums, exhibition halls and significant project experience with buildings that house Cultural Resources such as museums, libraries, historic properties, opera houses and theaters.
Click here to Read The Evolution of Fire Safety in Supertall Buildings article in its entirety.
Telgian Engineering & Consulting (TEC) is a full-service global engineering and risk mitigation consulting firm specializing in complex, multi-discipline public and private sector projects. TEC provides professional services related to the protection of people, property, information and organizational mission against preventable losses such as strategic/enterprise risk management, fire protection engineering, security, environmental health and safety, emergency management and operations continuity consulting, and construction administration services.
Since 1985, Telgian has worked hand-in-hand with clients such as architects, engineers, owners, developers, risk and facility management firms, construction teams and government agencies. TEC’s professionals are dedicated to delivering value through effective protection solutions that meet today’s risk challenges. And, in addition to a uniquely global perspective, the company also offers in-depth knowledge of local, state and federal compliance requirements.
For teaming opportunities or information regarding engineering and risk mitigation solutions with Telgian Engineering & Consulting, please contact TEC@telgian.com. or give us a call at 1.302.300.1400.
Media Interviews:
Susan McNeill
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