When is CFD needed for smoke control design?

CFD is typically needed when a smoke control strategy cannot be justified with simple guidance-based calculations alone, or when the project has atypical geometry, extended travel distances, mixed-use spaces, basement areas, complex shafts, or performance-based fire engineering requirements. It is used to test how the proposed system is likely to behave in practice before the design is fixed.

Can CFD help with Building Control approval?

Yes. CFD can provide quantified evidence showing how a proposed smoke control strategy performs against project criteria and UK guidance. On its own it does not guarantee approval, but when the assumptions, scenarios, results, and limitations are clearly reported it can form a strong technical basis for review by Building Control, fire engineers, and the wider design team.

What does a smoke control CFD study include?

A typical smoke control CFD study includes model setup from project information, agreed fire scenarios, analysis of smoke movement and tenability conditions, review of system performance, and a report explaining the assumptions, results, and design implications. Where needed, it can also compare options so the team can move toward a more buildable and robust strategy.

Why use NIST FDS for smoke control analysis?

NIST Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) is widely used in fire engineering because it is well established, technically credible, and suited to modelling smoke movement, heat transfer, and ventilation behaviour. For smoke control projects, it provides a consistent basis for testing design options and generating evidence that can be clearly communicated to clients, consultants, and approving authorities.

How long does a smoke control CFD project take?

Timescales depend on the size of the building, the number of scenarios, and how complete the design information is at the outset. Straightforward studies may take around one to two weeks, while more complex projects can take longer, especially if the analysis is being used to compare options or support an evolving approval strategy.

Independent Smoke Control CFD Consultant

Smoke Control CFD
Consultant.

Independent NIST FDS analysis, buildable design advice, and approval-focused support for smoke ventilation projects across the UK.

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Experience

Technical Expertise Meets Real-World Experience

With over 27 years in engineering and 8 years focused on smoke control, I support smoke ventilation projects from early-stage NIST FDS analysis through design development, regulatory approval, and final delivery.

That means I understand the commercial and technical pressures: budget, buildability, coordination, and what Building Control needs to see. I use NIST FDS because it is a proven tool, but the real value is turning the analysis into practical advice and approval-ready reporting.

Fully Insured

£1M Professional Indemnity insurance. Your project is protected.

Regulatory Expert

Deep knowledge of UK regulations: ADB, BS 9999, BS 9991, BS 7346.

Collaborative

I work with your architects, MEP, and fire engineers, not against them.

Project Signal

CFD Dashboard for a Mechanical Smoke Extract Design

A real-time view into the CFD assessment for a new office block smoke extract strategy, pairing the simulation with real-time design signals from the model output.

Office Block Development

Mechanical smoke extract CFD assessment

Trend Tracking

System response aligned to playback

Temperature 20.0 C

Extract Fan dP 0.0 Pa

Damper Mass Flow 0.000 kg/s

Damper Volumetric Flow 0.000 m3/s

Damper dP 0.0 Pa

Heat Release Rate 0.0 kW

Services

What I Do

Independent NIST FDS analysis and design support from early-stage options through to buildable, review-ready smoke ventilation strategies.

CFD Simulation & Analysis

Independent NIST FDS analysis to test smoke movement, temperatures, and visibility across credible fire scenarios, with clear outputs that support confident design decisions.

Fire dynamics modeling with FDS
Smoke layer height & visibility analysis
Temperature mapping & tenability
3D animations & visualizations

Design Development

I use the CFD findings to turn performance targets into buildable smoke control strategies, advising on vent sizing, extract rates, fan locations, and coordination with the wider design team.

System performance optimization
Vent sizing & placement strategy
Mechanical vs Natural ventilation assessment
Architecture design integration

Regulatory Approval

I produce approval-focused reporting that maps the simulation results back to UK life safety criteria, giving design teams and Building Control a clear basis for review.

Detailed technical reporting
ASET vs RSET timeline analysis
Building Control negotiation
Compliance mapping

Focused Service Page

Need the full service scope, deliverables, and review context?

The dedicated service page explains when CFD is needed, what the study includes, how options are assessed, and what reporting for review looks like.

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Process

How It Works

A direct process from initial brief to buildable, approval-ready smoke control design.

01Send Me Your Brief

Email me your building drawings, proposed fire scenarios, and deadline. I'll review and respond within 24 hours with a scoped proposal including deliverables and fee estimate.

02QDR: Qualitative Design Review

Before running simulations, I prepare a Qualitative Design Review documenting the proposed approach, fire scenarios, acceptance criteria, and modeling methodology. This gets reviewed and approved by building control or the fire authority before I proceed.

03I Build & Run the Models

With the QDR approved, I create the geometry, set up fire scenarios, and run the simulations. You'll get draft visualizations mid-way through for feedback, no surprises at the end.

04You Get Professional Reports

Full report with analysis, visualizations, and recommendations formatted for building control submission. Plus model files if needed for third-party review.

05Support Through Approval

If building control or fire authorities have queries, I respond directly. Design changes? I'll re-run simulations as needed. You're not left hanging.

Contact

Let's Talk About Your Project

Response within 24 hours.

Send me a brief outline: building type, drawings (PDFs or DWGs), fire scenarios you're considering, and your timeline.

I'll review it and get back to you within 24 hours with a clear proposal covering scope, deliverables, timeline, and cost.

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