FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT METHOD UNDER THE TECHNICAL BUILDING CODE.

Abstract

The high complexity of measuring and comparing the risk el of performance based design allowed by the Spanish Building Code (CTE) and the lack of Spanish legislation on the matter makes a fire risk evaluation tool highly useful guiding the projectist and the control authority over the feasibility of these complicated projects. A Fire Risk Evaluation Method within the frame of the Spanish Building Code (MEREDICTE) has been developed trying to balance input sources, simplicity and clearness in its use. The number of parameters implied guarantees sound, exhaustive and reliable outputs. MEREDICTE is made of 73 parameters: 31 calculate potential risk and 42 obtain protection level. In an orientative way, MEREDICTE’s parameters triple those of the most referred and extended evaluation method: the Gretener Method. The article shows the MEREDICTE technique and foundations, the methodology used in its investigation and development, its most significant innovation and its possible applications. Regarding the protection level, its formulation and application are referred to the Windsor building of Madrid comparing the results obtained on the building as it was when it was devastated by the fire of February 2005 and whether it fulfilled the Spanish building code conditions.