Pitfalls and Challenges to Avoid in NFPA 285 Engineering Judgements

Engineering Analysis is a necessary tool to provide the fire protection and safety of our buildings. The exponential number of wall assembly combinations and detailing of enclosure assemblies in the built environment prevents the opportunity to confirm fire performance through direct testing. This is especially true with the required investment of time, effort, and cost of for larger scale tests such as NFPA 285. Qualified Fire Engineering teams in partnership with third-party labs and the product manufacturers offer the opportunity to extend successful test results beyond the tested specimen through a Letter of Engineering Analysis. This presentation will discuss the opportunity, challenges and limitations present when considering acceptance of test data extended to support substitution or modification to an assembly.

Learning Objectives:

1.  Identify appropriate content within engineering analysis reports pertaining to exterior walls.
2.  Understand the different types of engineering analysis reports.
3. Gain an understanding of the engineering analysis process and considerations when reviewing fire test data for extension.
4. Identify the relevant code path that allows for engineering analyses.

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 Keith Nelson, NCARB, AIA, CDT, BCxP, Commercial Application Leader and Fire Performance SME, Dupont

Keith P. Nelson joined DuPont in January 2023 with over 20 years of industry experience leading building enclosure consulting for design and construction projects across the US and internationally. He is a licensed Architect in multiple states and joined DuPont with strong experiences in building science, building enclosure forensics, enclosure commissioning, field performance testing, and is an industry leader in NFPA 285 compliance education. Keith leads and participates in multiple standard development organizations, including ICC 1125, ASHRAE 90.1, ASTM E06, and ASTM E05 and was elected to the ABAA Board of Directors in June 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

Dan Martin, PE, CFEI, CVFI, Lead Fire Protection Engineer, Jensen Hughes

Dan Martin is a Fire Protection Engineering working in the RDT&E group conducting live fire research for a variety of clients ranging from government institutions to the private sector, and in the fire forensics group as a fire investigator. Additionally, he analyzes and inspects building construction deficiencies that relate to the IBC fire rating of various assemblies and constructions. He’s also part of a team of engineers that provide guidance, design recommendations, and write engineering judgment letters for exterior cladding systems compliance in accordance with NFPA 285. He is actively engaged in the ICC code development process representing clients and the FPE industry in the development of the International Building Code.