Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS)

The three recognized approaches to structural frame and barrier design for fire resistance include standard fire resistance testing, analytical calculations, and analytical structural methods based on real fire exposure characteristics. Standard fire resistance testing involves subjecting materials and assemblies to controlled fire conditions to determine their performance and resistance to fire. Analytical calculations allow engineers to predict how structures will behave during a fire using various fire scenarios, material properties, and design methodologies. The analytical structural methods based on real fire exposure characteristics take into account the actual behavior and performance of materials under specific fire conditions, leading to a more accurate assessment of fire resistance.

Visual inspections, while important for assessing the overall condition and integrity of a structure, do not directly contribute to the design process related to fire resistance. Inspections may identify visible damage or deterioration, but they do not involve the systematic and technical analysis required for ensuring fire-resistance performance in design practices.