PASSIVE BUILDING SYSTEMS

In this series, we talk about ways to limit the effects of heat and smoke through passive building methods. We cover Construction Types, selection of building materials, explore the limits on how we construct different types of buildings through allowable building heights and areas, and talk on building separation. We then explore material selection for finished surfaces inside the building, how we accomplish fire resistive structure, how we compartmentalize spaces, and protect rated assemblies, all in the context of preparing for the Fire Protection P.E. Exam.

1. Understand Construction Types and building limitations such as allowable number of stories, height, and building area.
2. Be introduced to building structural fire-resistance requirements, and be capable of identifying methods for structural fire resistance.
3. Understand compartmentation, the different types of fire and smoke-resistive assemblies, and how we protect those assemblies.

PE109 - 2025 - 1.5 HOURS

TOPICS IN THIS KNOWLEDGE AREA

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

Steven Barrett, PE

Fire Protection Engineer IV at SmithGroup / Fire Protection Engineer | Chicago, Illinois, USA
Steven Barrett is a licensed professional engineer in the discipline of fire protection with over 14 years of design experience in the practice of fire protection, fire alarm, building code, and life safety in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry. Mr. Barrett is the Fire Protection Discipline Leader for the SmithGroup Midwest Region (including Madison, Milwaukee, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Chicago – the office where he is based). Mr. Barrett is also an adjunct professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, Illinois where he teaches Plumbing and Fire Protection Design in the Civil and Architectural Engineering Department to bachelor’s and master’s students.