Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modelling
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What is Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Performance‑Based Modelling of Smoke, Heat and Evacuation
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) uses advanced simulation to predict smoke, heat and toxic gas movement during a fire, within the exact 3D geometry of your building. It’s typically required when designs deviate from prescriptive guidance, or where complex spaces need quantified tenability evidence for evacuation and firefighting.
This process is commonly used to assess whether escape routes remain clear and suitable for safe evacuation at various stages during a fire in the building.
Typical applications include atria, high‑rise residential corridors, stair pressurisation checks, covered car parks and validation of mechanical smoke control systems. Our studies consider visibility, temperature and toxicity thresholds along escape routes, and can be integrated with ASET/RSET context where appropriate.
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Why Partner with Kiwa Fire Safety Compliance
Trusted CFD from Recognised Fire Engineers
Proven Fire Engineering Expertise:
Our specialist Fire Safety Engineering team brings deep experience in smoke movement, fire dynamics, ventilation optimisation and scenario design, ensuring your CFD modelling is technically robust and aligned to project realities.Standards‑Aligned Methodology:
We structure our CFD analysis around BS 7974 principles and the BS EN 12101 smoke and heat control suite, ensuring that every model aligns with recognised fire engineering frameworks and industry expectations.Regulator‑Recognised Reporting:
Our clear, evidence‑based CFD reports support Building Control and BSR reviews, helping reviewers quickly understand your design intent and the performance‑based justification behind it.Transparent, Evidence‑Led Process:
Through Qualitative Design Review (QDR), explicit assumptions and sensitivity checks, we provide full transparency - giving stakeholders confidence in the validity and defensibility of the modelling outputs.Advanced System Performance Insight:
We assess complex ventilation systems, pressurisation strategies and smoke clearance performance under realistic fire conditions, giving you actionable insight matched to the unique geometry and risk profile of your project.How We Deliver Robust, Regulator‑Ready Modelling
Information Gathering:
Qualitative Design Review (QDR):
CFD Model Build & Simulation:
CFD Feedback Loop:
CFD Reporting:
Business Benefits
How CFD Adds Value to Your Fire Strategy
Unlock performance‑based design flexibility:
Strengthen evacuation safety outcomes:
Optimise smoke control system performance:
Reduce costly redesign and approval delays:
Supporting Decision‑Makers Across the Built Environment
• Developers and contractors
• Architects and design teams
• Principal Designers and Principal Contractors
• Building owners and managers
• Housing associations and local authorities
• Insurers, legal and investment teams
Standards & Regulations We Work To
At Kiwa Fire Safety Compliance, we base our CFD modelling on recognised fire engineering frameworks and smoke control standards to ensure every assessment is technically robust, compliant and ready for regulatory review.
BS 7974:
BS EN 12101 multi‑part suite:
Smoke Control Association guidance
Approved Document B and contemporary UK guidance
Elegance, Restored: Fire Safety Strategy at The Randolph Hotel
Preserving the past, protecting the future
Safety in Motion: Fire Risk Solutions for UK Logistics Hub
Cleared for Safety: Fire Strategy That Keeps Gatwick Moving
Engineering the Exception: Smarter Fire Safety
Balancing Safety and Sensitivity in Healthcare
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is CFD in fire engineering and why is it used?
A: Computational Fluid Dynamics simulates how smoke, heat and toxic gases move during a fire. It provides quantified, performance‑based evidence that helps validate design decisions, support fire strategies and demonstrate life‑safety conditions before construction.
Q. When is CFD typically required on a project?
A: CFD is used when designs depart from prescriptive codes (such as extended travel distances, non‑standard smoke shafts or complex atria), or when Building Control or the BSR request performance evidence to justify a fire‑engineered approach.
Q. What information do you need from us to begin a CFD study?
A: We need up‑to‑date architectural and MEP drawings, final or near‑final ventilation layouts, fire strategy intent, and any known constraints. Clear inputs reduce iteration time and improve modelling accuracy.
Q. How does CFD help with Building Control or BSR approvals?
A: CFD provides transparent, quantitative evidence — such as visibility, temperature and tenability criteria — showing how the proposed solution meets functional requirements. Clear outputs streamline regulator engagement and reduce late‑stage design queries.
Q. How reliable are CFD results and are they accepted by reviewers?
A: When scoped through a Qualitative Design Review (QDR), using validated methods and documented assumptions, CFD is widely recognised by Building Control, the BSR and third‑party reviewers as credible performance evidence.
Q. What do we receive at the end of a CFD assessment, and how does it affect cost or programme?
A: You receive a clear, structured report including scenario setup, tenability outputs, and visualisations. This informs design development and provides regulator‑ready justification, helping prevent programme delays caused by redesign or insufficient evidence.
Q. Which software or modelling tools do you use for CFD?
A: Industry‑validated toolsets such as FDS (with Smokeview or equivalent visualisation interfaces) are used, supported by extensive verification and validation documentation.
Q. Can CFD assess the performance of smoke control, pressurisation or car park ventilation systems?
A: Yes. CFD can quantify extraction rates and smoke spread in real‑world conditions, supporting designs aligned with BS EN 12101 system requirements.
Q. Does CFD modelling include evacuation (ASET/RSET) analysis?
A: Where required, CFD can provide smoke and thermal conditions that inform ASET/RSET comparisons for evacuation modelling, supporting robust life‑safety assessments and strategy development.
Q. How many scenarios are usually required in a CFD study?
A: Scenario numbers depend on building complexity, key risk locations and acceptance criteria established during the QDR. We help define a proportionate, defensible scenario set for regulatory review.
Optimise Your Design with Proven CFD Insight
From smoke control to evacuation modelling, our CFD analysis gives your project the clarity it needs to refine designs, reduce risk and streamline decision‑making.
