Smoke Management
in High-Rise
Buildings
Pressurization and Smoke Evacuation
Presenter:
Francis S. Guevara, PME, RMP, ACPE
Design Manager,
Mechanical Building Services
Guevara & Partners, Inc.
Image from: NFPA 92: Standard for Smoke Control Systems
Presentation Outline
▪ Declaration of State Policy
▪ Codes and Reference Standards
▪ Definition of Terms
▪ Section 10.2.7.3 Smoke Control System
▪ Section 10.2.20.3 Smoke Control
(from Division 20 High Rise Buildings)
▪ Stairs - Smoke-proof Enclosures
▪ Summary
▪ Q&A Image from: NFPA 92: Standard for Smoke Control Systems
Declaration of State Policy
“It is the policy of the State to ensure public safety, promote
economic development through the prevention and
suppression of all kinds of destructive fires, and promote
the professionalization of the fire service as a profession.”
Codes and Reference Standards
▪ Republic Act 9514 Fire Code of the Philippines, 2019
Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (2019-
RIRR)
▪ NFPA 92: Standard for Smoke Control Systems
▪ NFPA 204: Smoke and Heat Venting
▪ Philippine Mechanical Code
Definition of Terms
▪ Smoke Management
▪ High Rise Buildings
▪ Pressurization Systems
▪ Smoke Exhaust System
Image from High Rise Building Definition from RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Image from: NFPA 92: Standard for Smoke Control Systems
Section 10.2.7.3 Smoke Control System
A. Smoke control systems shall be provided in the following:
▪ All high-rise buildings;
▪ Pressurization of smoke refuge area;
▪ Every atrium covered malls of over two (2) levels and every atrium of other
occupancies of over three (3) levels by means of a smoke exhaust / extraction.
Otherwise, at least a natural smoke vent suitable for covered area of atrium;
▪ Underground structures and windowless facilities. In addition, every windowless
storey or basement shall have at least a Smoke Venting Facility in accordance with
this Section. In cases where windowless storey or basement is in the high-rise or
building with smoke refuge area or atrium, it shall also comply with the provisions of
paras 1, 2 and 3 above;
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Section 10.2.7.3 Smoke Control System
▪ All means of egress serving a smoke-protected assembly seating area shall have
smoke-actuated ventilation facilities or natural ventilation designed to maintain the
level of smoke of not less than one thousand eight hundred thirty millimeters (1,830
mm) above the floor of the means of egress.;
▪ All movie houses (projection booth / stage & enclosed platform);
▪ All other buildings and structures with at least one thousand one hundred fifteen
square meters (1,115 sqm) single floor area.
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Atrium Smoke Control
Atrium Smoke Exhaust with Steady Fire
Atrium Smoke Control
Atrium Smoke Exhaust with
Steady Smoke Layer Height
Underground and Windowless
Building Smoke Control
Carpark Ventilation
Image from https://www.novenco-building.com/solutions/car-park-system-description/
Image: Society of Fire Protection Engineers
Underground and Windowless
Building Smoke Control
Underground Floor Ventilation
Image: Society of Fire Protection Engineers
http://www.hkengineer.org.hk/issue/vol48-feb2020/cover_story/
Section 10.2.7.3 Smoke Control System
B. The design, installation, operation and on-going periodic testing of smoke control
systems to the above-mentioned areas of building/structure/facility shall be in
accordance with the latest edition of the latest edition of PMEC and NFPA 92, NFPA
204, Standard for Smoke and Heat Venting.
C. Documentation Required.
▪ Detailed design plans, report, and specifications signed and sealed by a PME shall
be generated and approved by C/MFM having jurisdiction before issuance of FSEC
or Installation Clearance; and
▪ Operations and maintenance manual requirement before issuance of FSIC for
Certificate of Occupancy/Business Permit, signed and sealed by the PME.
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Codes and Reference Standards
▪ Republic Act 9514 Fire Code of the Philippines, 2019
Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (2019-
RIRR)
▪ NFPA 92: Standard for Smoke Control Systems
▪ NFPA 204: Smoke and Heat Venting
▪ Philippine Mechanical Code
Section 10.2.7.3 Smoke Control System
D. The detailed design, plans, report, specifications shall provide documents with the following
elements, if applicable:
▪ System purpose ▪ Fan and duct specifications
▪ System design objectives ▪ Damper specifications
▪ Design approach ▪ Detailed inlet or exhaust inlets site information
▪ Design assumptions (building height, ambient conditions, reliance ▪ Detailed method of activation
on other fire protection systems, leakage, etc.)
▪ Smoke control system operation logic
▪ Location of smoke zone(s)
▪ System commissioning procedures
▪ Design pressure differences
▪ Smoke control systems engineering analysis
▪ Building use limitations that arise out of the system design
▪ Location of manual operating control of smoke control
▪ Design calculations systems or Firefighters’ Smoke-Control Station (FSCS)
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
▪ Details and location of control of the Smoke Control Systems
in a Fire Command Center.
Section 10.2.7.3 Smoke Control System
E. Newly installed smoke-control systems shall be inspected by the C/MFM having
jurisdiction and its acceptance testing shall be performed by a third party in
accordance with the criteria established in the approved system design documents,
and operations and maintenance manual.
F. The operations and maintenance manual shall provide the requirements to ensure
the proper operation of the system over the life of the building. The building
administrator/owner shall be responsible for all system testing and shall maintain
records of all periodic testing and maintenance in accordance with the operations and
maintenance manual which shall include the following:
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Section 10.2.7.3 Smoke Control System
▪ The procedure used in the initial commissioning of the system, as well as the
measured performance of the system at the time of commissioning;
▪ The testing and inspection requirements for the system and system components
and the required frequency of testing;
▪ The critical design assumptions used in the design and limitations on the building
and its use that arise out of the design assumptions and limitations;
▪ The purpose of the smoke control system;
▪ Operational testing of the smoke-control systems shall be in accordance with NFPA
92, and shall include all equipment related to the system including, but not limited to,
initiating devices, fans, dampers, controls, doors, and windows;
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Section 10.2.7.3 Smoke Control System
▪ An approved written schedule for such operational tests shall be established with the
periodic inspection of the C/MFM having jurisdiction;
▪ Test records shall be maintained in the premises and must indicate the date of such
testing, the qualified service personnel, and any corrective measures needed or taken;
▪ All smoke-control systems and devices shall be maintained in a reliable operating
condition and shall be replaced or repaired where defective;
▪ The C/MFM having jurisdiction shall be notified when any smoke-control system is out of
service for more than four (4) hours in a twenty-four hour (24-hr) period and again upon
restoration of service of such systems; and
▪ The C/MFM having jurisdiction shall require the building to be evacuated or an approved
fire watch to be provided for all portions left unprotected by the fire protection/smoke.
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Section 10.2.20.3 Smoke Control
(from Division 20 High Rise Buildings)
High rise buildings shall be designed in such a manner that the levels of smoke
concentration in protected spaces can be maintained within values tolerable by
occupants. The protected spaces shall include stairwells, at least one (1) elevator shaft,
and floor spaces readily accessible to all occupants and large enough to accommodate
them.
Smoke control systems in accordance with Section 10.2.7.3 of this RIRR shall be
provided in the cited protected spaces for safe evacuation of all occupants and safety of
the responding fire fighters and rescuers during the conduct of their operations.
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Stairs – Smoke-proof Enclosures
Performance Design
An appropriate design method shall be used to provide a system that meets the definition of
smoke proof enclosure. The smoke proof enclosure shall be permitted to be created by
using natural ventilation, by using mechanical ventilation incorporating a vestibule, or by
pressurizing the stair enclosure.
▪ Natural Ventilation;
▪ Mechanical Ventilation;
▪ Stair Pressurization.
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Stairs – Smoke-proof Enclosures
Natural Ventilation
Smoke proof enclosures using natural ventilation shall comply with para 3 hereofand the
following:
a. Where access to the stair is by means of an open exterior balcony, the door assembly to
the stair shall have a one and a half hour (1.5-hr) fire resistance rating and shall be self-
closing or automatic-closing by actuation of a smoke detector. Openings adjacent to the
exterior balcony specified in the preceding paragraph shall be protected
b. Every vestibule shall have a net area of not less than one and a half square meters (1.5
m2) of opening in an exterior wall facing an exterior court, yard, or public space not less than
six meters (6 m) in width.
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Stairs – Smoke-proof Enclosures
Natural Ventilation
c. Every vestibule shall have a
minimum dimension of not less
than the required width of the
corridor leading to it and a
dimension of not less than one and
eighty-three hundredths meters
(1.83 m) in the direction of travel.
https://www.northernarchitecture.us/national-buildings/smokeproof-
enclosures.html019
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Stairs – Smoke-proof Enclosures
Mechanical Ventilation
Smoke proof enclosures using mechanical ventilation shall comply with para 3 hereof and
the following requirements:
a. Vestibules shall have a dimension of not less than one and twelve hundredths meters
(1.12 m) in width and not less than one and eighty-three hundredths meters (1.83 m) in
direction of travel.
b. The vestibule shall be provided with not less than one air change per minute, and the
exhaust shall be one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the supply. Supply air shall enter and
exhaust air shall discharge from the vestibule through separate tightly constructed ducts
used only for such purposes. Supply air shall enter the vestibule within one hundred fifty
millimeters (150 mm) of the floor level.
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Stairs – Smoke-proof Enclosures
The top of the exhaust register shall be located not more than one thousand one hundred
fifty millimeters (1,150 mm) below the top of the trap and shall be entirely within the smoke
trap area. Doors, when in the open position, shall not obstruct duct openings. Controlling
dampers shall be permitted in duct openings if needed to meet the design requirements.
c. To serve as a smoke and heat trap and to provide an upward-moving air column, the
vestibule ceiling shall be not less than five and one tenth meters (5.1 m) higher than the door
opening into the vestibule. The height shall be permitted to be decreased where justified by
engineering design and field testing.
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Stairs – Smoke-proof Enclosures
d. The stair shall be provided with a
damper relief opening at the top and
supplied mechanically with sufficient air
to discharge at least seventy and eight
tenths cubic meters per minute (70.8
m3/min) through the relief opening
while maintaining a positive pressure of
not less than twenty-five Newton per
square meter (25 N/m2) in the stair,
relative to the vestibule with all doors
closed.
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
https://idighardware.com/2010/06/smoke-smokeproof-enclosure/9
Stairs – Smoke-proof Enclosures
Stair Pressurization
a. Smoke proof enclosures using stair pressurization shall use an approved
engineered system with a design pressure difference across the barrier of not less
than twelve and a half Newton per square meters (12.5 N/m2) in sprinklered buildings,
or twenty-five (25 N/m2) in non-sprinklered buildings and shall be capable of
maintaining these pressure differences under likely conditions of stack effect or wind.
The pressure difference across doors shall not exceed that which allows the door to
begin to be opened by a force of one hundred thirty-three Newtons (133 N) in
accordance with Section 10.2.5.3 of this RIRR.
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Stairs – Smoke-proof Enclosures
Stair Pressurization
Activation of Mechanical Ventilation and Pressurized Stair Systems
a. For both mechanical ventilation and pressurized stair enclosure systems, the activation of
the systems shall be initiated by a smoke detector installed in an approved location within
three meters (3 m) of the entrance to the smoke proof enclosure.
b. The required mechanical system shall operate upon the activation of the smoke detectors
specified in para “a” above and by manual controls accessible to the fire department. The
required system also shall be initiated by the following, if provided:
▪ 1) Water flow signal from a complete automatic sprinkler system; or
▪ 2) General evacuation alarm signal.
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Stairs – Smoke-proof Enclosures
Stair Pressurization
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Stairs – Smoke-proof Enclosures
Stair Pressurization Calculations
NFPA 92 – Standard for Smoke Control Systems
ASHRAE Handbook Smoke Control Engineering
ASHRAE Principles of Smoke Management
Elevator Shaft Pressurization
Shaft Pressurization
Image from Image from https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/An-analysis-of-the-
https://dlscrib.com/download/smoke-control-icb-
https://www.pottersignal.com/resources/conference/presentation influence-of-piston-effect-on-
handout_59f9d05ce2b6f5f2218c74a7_pdf Klote/e49c9fb6400067a0634bd8a3e0d482337f07ddf6
s/smoke-control.pdf
Elevator Shaft Pressurization
Shaft Pressurization Calculations
NFPA 92 – Standard for Smoke Control Systems
ASHRAE Handbook Smoke Control Engineering
ASHRAE Principles of Smoke Management
Smoke Extraction System
Smoke Extraction System for Corridor
Ventilation
Image from https://blog.belimo.com/blog/blog/bid/76403/a-method-of-damper-control-for-
corridor-ventilation-and-smoke-extraction
Image from: NFPA 92: Standard for Smoke Control Systems
Smoke Extraction System
Smoke Extraction
“In corridors there are jurisdictions and
individual projects where corridor damper and
fan systems are required to clear the corridor
of smoke and prevent spread to adjacent
floors. Since ventilation is also required, the
two functions must be coordinated. This can
be achieved with dedicated or common (non-
dedicated) equipment. Either a “sandwich” or
“building” pressurization type of approach is
usually used. See Figure 2.”
A Method of Damper Control for Corridor Ventilation and Smoke Extraction
Written by: Larry Felker, Mechanical Engineer and member of ICC (International Code Council), NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), and a life member of ASHRAE
(American Society of Heating, Refrigeration Air Conditioning Engineers).
Smoke Extraction System
Sandwich Pressurization System
“In a sandwich pressurization system –
a) The corridors on the fire floor are negative
with the fan pulling smoke out of the floor.
(Supply closed, return or exhaust open fully.)
b) The floors above and below the fire floor
are pressurized more than other floors.
(Supply fully open, exhaust off or closed.)
c) The corridors on other floors of the building
operate normally. (Typically partially open
supplies and exhausts.)”
A Method of Damper Control for Corridor Ventilation and Smoke Extraction
Written by: Larry Felker, Mechanical Engineer and member of ICC (International Code Council), NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), and a life member of ASHRAE
(American Society of Heating, Refrigeration Air Conditioning Engineers).
Smoke Extraction System
Building Pressurization System
In a building pressurization system approach –
a) The corridors on the fire floor are negative
with the fan pulling smoke out of the floor.
b) All other floors operate normally. They are
under a positive pressure with ventilation air.
Since the fire floor is very negative, the
difference in pressure is large enough to
prevent smoke spread to the non-fire floors.
A Method of Damper Control for Corridor Ventilation and Smoke Extraction
Written by: Larry Felker, Mechanical Engineer and member of ICC (International Code Council), NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), and a life member of ASHRAE
(American Society of Heating, Refrigeration Air Conditioning Engineers).
Smoke Extraction System
“Figure 2, shows the overall concept of a
non-dedicated system – the ducts move
ventilation air under normal circumstances
and are used for smoke control only in an
emergency. However, variations are
common in corridor systems as there are a
number of ways to achieve the goals.
Among the possible methods are:”
A Method of Damper Control for Corridor Ventilation and Smoke Extraction
Written by: Larry Felker, Mechanical Engineer and member of ICC (International Code Council), NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), and a life member of ASHRAE
(American Society of Heating, Refrigeration Air Conditioning Engineers).
Smoke Extraction System
“a) Two rooftop fans (supply and exhaust) and separate ducts to the corridors.”
A Method of Damper Control for Corridor Ventilation and Smoke Extraction
Written by: Larry Felker, Mechanical Engineer and member of ICC (International Code Council), NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), and a life member of ASHRAE
(American Society of Heating, Refrigeration Air Conditioning Engineers).
Smoke Extraction System
“b) One reversible fan that delivers ventilation air in
normal operation and exhausts air during an event.
In this case there are other provisions for make-up
air, reliefs or local exhausts. Various factors
influence the approach that is best. All pressures –
positive or negative – due to stack effect; lobbies,
elevators, or natural ventilation, or attached rooms
and spaces are considered.
c) If there is sufficient make-up air elsewhere, an
exhaust fan alone may be used to move air out of
the corridor. No supply fan.”
A Method of Damper Control for Corridor Ventilation and Smoke Extraction
Written by: Larry Felker, Mechanical Engineer and member of ICC (International Code Council), NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), and a life member of ASHRAE
(American Society of Heating, Refrigeration Air Conditioning Engineers).
Smoke Extraction System
Smoke Extract Calculations
NFPA 92 – Standard for Smoke Control Systems
ASHRAE Handbook Smoke Control Engineering
ASHRAE Principles of Smoke Management
Chapter 2: Fire Safety in Buildings, Structures,
and Facilities
Types of Occupancies:
▪ Division 8: Places of Assembly;
▪ Division 9: Educational Occupancies;
▪ Division 10: Day Care Centers;
▪ Division 11: Healthcare Facilities;
▪ Division 12: Residential Board and Care;
▪ Division 13: Detention and Correctional Facilities;
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Chapter 2: Fire Safety in Buildings, Structures,
and Facilities
Types of Occupancies:
▪ Division 14: Residential Occupancies;
▪ Division 15: Mercantile Occupancies;
▪ Division 16: Business Occupancies;
▪ Division 17: Industrial Occupancies;
▪ Division 18: Storage Occupancies;
▪ Division 19: Special Occupancies;
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Chapter 2: Fire Safety in Buildings, Structures,
and Facilities
Types of Occupancies:
▪ Division 20: High-Rise Buildings;
▪ Division 21: Operating Features.
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Summary
Smoke control systems shall be provided in the following:
▪ All high-rise buildings;
▪ Pressurization of smoke refuge area;
▪ Every atrium covered malls of over two (2) levels and every atrium of other
occupancies of over three (3) levels by means of a smoke exhaust / extraction.
Otherwise, at least a natural smoke vent suitable for covered area of atrium;
▪ Underground structures and windowless facilities. In addition, every windowless
storey or basement shall have at least a Smoke Venting Facility in accordance with
this Section. In cases where windowless storey or basement is in the high-rise or
building with smoke refuge area or atrium, it shall also comply with the provisions of
paras 1, 2 and 3 above;
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Summary
▪ All means of egress serving a smoke-protected assembly seating area shall have
smoke-actuated ventilation facilities or natural ventilation designed to maintain the
level of smoke of not less than one thousand eight hundred thirty millimeters (1,830
mm) above the floor of the means of egress.;
▪ All movie houses (projection booth / stage & enclosed platform);
▪ All other buildings and structures with at least one thousand one hundred fifteen
square meters (1,115 sqm) single floor area.
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Summary
High rise buildings shall be designed in such a manner that the levels of smoke
concentration in protected spaces can be maintained within values tolerable by
occupants. The protected spaces shall include stairwells, at least one (1) elevator shaft,
and floor spaces readily accessible to all occupants and large enough to accommodate
them.
Smoke control systems in accordance with Section 10.2.7.3 of this RIRR shall be
provided in the cited protected spaces for safe evacuation of all occupants and safety of
the responding fire fighters and rescuers during the conduct of their operations.
Reference: RA 9514 RIRR 2019
Codes and Reference Standards
▪ Republic Act 9514 Fire Code of the Philippines, 2019
Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (2019-
RIRR)
▪ NFPA 92: Standard for Smoke Control Systems
▪ NFPA 204: Smoke and Heat Venting
▪ Philippine Mechanical Code
Smoke Control References
NFPA 92 – Standard for Smoke Control Systems
ASHRAE Handbook Smoke Control Engineering
ASHRAE Principles of Smoke Management
Thank you!
Francis S. Guevara, PME, RMP, ACPE
Design Manager,
Mechanical Building Services
Guevara & Partners, Inc.
Engr. Francis Guevara
[email protected]francisg.ph
www.gpiengineers.com
FrancisG.PHL
