ERNEST A. ODHIAMBO, Ph.D, MSFPE, MCIBS

The Thermo-Fluids High Performance Computing (HPC) Lab at the University of Nairobi specializes in performance based computational simulation of smoke control and evacuation systems, an approach which is generally known to be more cost effective compared with the prescriptive based methods. We however also undertake fire safety design in compliance with these prescriptive based approaches contained in codes/standards for regulatory bodies such as NFPA and IBC for smoke management systems. This we do in instances where the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requires strict adherence to these codes. In certain unique instances, such as in the case of atria, which present complex and non conventional architecture that are divergent from standard fire codes, we are fire modeling engineering experts who will provide solutions that are performance based through computational modelling of fire events. Our aim is to ensure that acceptable tenability levels for evacuation are achieved (i.e 60 deg. C for temperature, 10 m visibility and 500 ppm CO concentration and radiation of 2.5 kW per sq.m).. The fire safety modelling gives insight into the fire protectiveness and evacuation preparedness of buildings. We pay particular attention to problems like plugholing, which compromise the efficiency of smoke control systems. We also produce Fire Safety Strategic (FSS) reports that are aligned with prevailing standards / codes (NFPA 101, ADB or BS 9999).

As experienced Mechanical Research Engineers, we will also do the fan sizing for the ventilation systems to ensure smoke levels are above 6' from the highest floor and that there is sufficient make-up air without introducing plugholing into the system. Additionally we ensure that intermediate stratification does not occur, so as to make efficient the fire (smoke) detection and suppression (sprinklers) systems. We will also provide simulation results for fire-driven flows of buildings that are still at the design stage in order to ensure the building's optimal performance in case of a fire event. Our research engineers will model your basement car park smoke ventilation systems, whilst ensuring appropriate choice of jet and extraction fans. To complete the assessment of fire safety preparedness of your building, we will also provide computational modelling of crowd control during fire events. Our Fire Safety and Protection Design Components for all classes of fire (A, B, C, D and K) include:

- Inert Gas (Clean Agent) Extinguishing System Design and Installation (eg IG541 based on BS EN 15004-1: 2019 TC or NFPA 2001) - useful for data centres
- Sprinkler System Design and Installation (based on BS EN 12845, NFPA 13 / 25) - useful for Fixed Water Based Systems
- Foam Fire Protection (based on BS EN 13565-2 or NFPA 11) - useful for hazardous or fuel-like environment.

By way of this introduction we wish to bid for any consultancy opportunity that may be available on a contractual basis, in your esteemed organisation. Given Fire CFD Simulation is a computational task which can be done remotely, we welcome jobs from Europe (Spain, Germany, Portugal, France), UK (London, Sheffield, Manchester), US (New York, Washington DC, Florida) and even South Africa (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town) and the Middle East in UAE (Dubai), Qatar (Doha), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) amongst others including Australia and even regionally from Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia. We can give a firm assurance that owing to our use of high performance computing clusters, we will deliver quality work within the agreed timelines.