As a technical engineering company, all Tenos engineers are degree qualified and are members of the Institution of Fire Engineers. We have experience in all aspects of advanced fire engineering techniques in order to minimise the impact of fire safety on architectural aspirations and project budgets.

COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical methods and algorithms to solve and analyse problems that involve fluid flows. Tenos use high speed computers to perform the calculations required to simulate the movement of smoke, heat and toxic gases within the boundaries of complex building spaces.

Tenos only utilise CFD packages that have been validated using data from large scale fire tests so that we can be confident in the results.

The use of CFD modelling can assist in designing atrium smoke control systems and to evaluate complex and open plan spaces to establish the safety of extended travel distances and open balconies.

HEAT RADIATION ANALYSIS

The control of fire spread between adjacent buildings is an essential requirement of  the Building Regulations, and Tenos have developed the TenRAD 3D graphical software suite that enables fire temperatures to be calculated and complex facades to be analysed. This will often enable the restrictions on unprotected areas (windows) to be reduced significantly.

TenRAD has proved invaluable in maximising allowable window areas for buildings located close to the boundary or where atria connect multiple levels. It has also proven to be an essential tool for evaluating the potential for fire spread from timber framed buildings under construction.

EVACUATION MODELLING

Evacuation modelling can be a valuable tool when evaluating the movement of large numbers of people in complex buildings or where there are merging flows.

Tenos use Evacuation Modelling software to evaluate evacuation times and optimise layouts to achieve the most efficient design. Common uses of evacuation modelling include stadia, passenger terminals, large shopping centres and warehouses.

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

The structural performance of buildings in fire has traditionally been based on prescriptive guidance. However, analytical techniques can be used to rationalise structural design and reduce fire protection costs.

Tenos employ a range of computer-based calculation and modelling techniques to assist structural engineers in optimising their designs. Drawing on their extensive project experience, our skilled engineers ensure that the most appropriate technique is selected for each structural form, balancing the cost of any assessment against the savings that can be realised.

Tenos can undertake fire severity calculations, analyse the thermal response and assess the structural performance to determine whether fire protection is required, and if so, how this can most effectively be achieved.