FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
BIM and laser scanning meet a critical need for accurate, data-driven solutions that enable the integration of fire safety systems at every stage of a building’s lifecycle, says Ryan Donoghue, Head of Digital Engineering at AJ Digital
The Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017 prompted sweeping changes to fire safety, culminating in the UK’s Building Safety Act 2022 and updated Fire Safety Regulations that impose stricter compliance standards, including rigorous assessments, detailed documentation and proactive risk management.
Technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM) and laser scanning providing detailed 3D models and real-world scans can help in the design, test and implementation of robust fire safety systems. Whether assessing cladding materials for combustibility, modelling evacuation routes or retrofitting older buildings to meet updated safety requirements, they help create safer environments and ensure compliance.
BIM BENEFITS
BIM offers an advanced, collaborative approach to designing and managing construction projects. By providing a 3D digital representation of a building, BIM embeds fire safety measures directly into the design from the earliest stages.
It allows for example, for the integration of crucial fire safety features – such as sprinkler systems, fire-resistant materials, smoke detectors and evacuation routes – into the virtual model. This ensures that safety measures are planned in harmony with other building components, reducing potential conflicts and costly changes during construction.
BIM can model how fire, heat and smoke will behave in a building, providing invaluable insights into potential risks and the efficacy of proposed safety systems. This predictive capability enables the optimisation of evacuation routes and where to position fire suppression systems.
BIM also includes tools that reference fire safety regulations and codes, allowing for continuous validation of compliance throughout the design and construction process. This reduces the risk of oversights that could lead to penalties or dangerous design flaws.
LASER SCANNING
Laser scanning, a process that uses advanced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology captures highly accurate, real-world data of a building’s structure, generating a digital twin that reflects every detail of the physical environment.
The technology is particularly helpful when retrofitting fire safety systems into existing structures, especially older or heritage buildings. Laser scanning can provide a comprehensive 3D map of the structure, revealing spaces where systems like sprinklers or fire barriers can be installed without compromising the building’s integrity.
By capturing the layout of a building down to the millimetre, laser scanning helps safety consultants identify fire hazards, such as bottlenecks in evacuation routes or areas with insufficient fireproofing. Laser-scanned data can also be directly imported into BIM models, creating a unified resource for planning, analysis and communication. This ensures that any adjustments made during retrofitting are reflected in the updated digital model, preserving accuracy for future maintenance or renovations.
The integration of BIM and laser scanning technologies enables more accurate fire risk assessments. By combining the predictive capabilities of BIM with the real-world accuracy of laser scanning, various fire scenarios, including the spread of flames and smoke can be tested to help identify weak points.
With highly detailed models, safety measures can be designed to the specific building layout. Both technologies facilitate better communication between architects, engineers, contractors and safety officials, ensuring that fire safety considerations are addressed collaboratively and comprehensively.
FM FIRE SAFETY
Fire safety does not end with construction – it requires constant vigilance through regular inspections and maintenance. BIM and laser scanning provide critical tools for this phase as well.
The digital twin created through laser scanning and BIM serves as a living document that records the location and condition of all fire safety systems. Facilities managers can refer to this model to plan inspections, track wear and tear and schedule replacements or upgrades. Automated systems tied to the BIM model can also alert FMs to required maintenance tasks, such as replacing fire extinguishers or inspecting fire doors, reducing the risk of overlooked issues.
For older and historic buildings, implementing modern fire safety measures presents unique challenges. Preserving architectural integrity while meeting stringent fire safety standards requires careful planning and innovative approaches.
In such cases, laser scanning captures the existing layout of heritage structures without the need for invasive or destructive surveying techniques. This ensures that historical features remain untouched during the planning phase. Using BIM, fire safety features can be modelled and tested for their impact on the building’s aesthetics and functionality before physical installation.
SUSTAINABILITY AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS
As well as improving safety, BIM and laser scanning contribute to more sustainable and cost-effective building practices. By accurately planning the integration of fire safety systems, these tools reduce material waste and minimise the need for costly retrofits. Maintenance schedules based on precise data prevent unnecessary inspections or replacements, optimising resource use. Regular updates to the digital model also ensure that fire safety measures remain effective throughout the building’s lifecycle.
Incorporating BIM and laser scanning into construction projects represents a significant leap forward in fire safety. These technologies provide unparalleled accuracy, predictive capabilities and collaborative opportunities, making buildings safer for occupants and easier to maintain over time.
