Specialist CFD support for Smoke Control Contractors, Fire Engineers and MEP Consultants.
Flexible, expert modeling services that integrate seamlessly with your design team to deliver compliant solutions.
Let's Talk About Your ProjectWith over 25 years in engineering and 8 years specializing in smoke control, I've worked on smoke ventilation systems from initial CFD analysis through to construction documentation, regulatory approval, and final commissioning.
That means I understand the practical constraints: budget, buildability, systems integration, and what building control actually wants to see. I use NIST Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) because it's proven and defensible, but more importantly, I know how to explain the results in a way that gets your project approved.
£1M Professional Indemnity insurance. Your project is protected.
Deep knowledge of UK regulations: ADB, BS 9999, BS 9991, BS 7346.
I work with your architects, MEP, and fire engineers, not against them.
From initial design through to building control approval, I handle the complete smoke control CFD analysis process.
I model your building using NIST FDS to predict smoke movement, temperatures, and visibility. You get detailed simulations for multiple fire scenarios with clear visualizations that show exactly what's happening.
CFD results are only useful if they lead to a buildable design. I work with your team to translate simulation findings into practical ventilation solutions that fit your architecture, budget, and timeline.
I prepare reports formatted specifically for building control and fire authorities. Clear language, transparent assumptions, and professional presentation designed for streamlined approval.
A selection of recent smoke control CFD analysis projects.
This project involved a detailed CFD assessment of a compact enclosed car park to verify both smoke‑clearance and daily pollution‑control performance. Using a combination of induction‑fan jet modelling, refined meshing around key flow regions, and tracer‑gas decay analysis, the study evaluated air‑change rates, airflow distribution, and the potential for stagnant zones under multiple operating modes.
This project involved a detailed CFD assessment comparing a mechanical smoke ventilation system with a benchmark BRE natural smoke shaft configuration. The study evaluated temperature, smoke movement, and visibility during both means‑of‑escape and firefighting phases, demonstrating that both systems effectively prevented smoke ingress into protected vertical routes and maintained acceptable thermal conditions.
This project involved a detailed computational fluid dynamics assessment to evaluate the performance of a mechanical ventilation system within an enclosed basement car park. The analysis examined airflow patterns, pollutant dilution, and smoke‑clearance capability under multiple operating modes, using tracer‑gas decay methods and high‑resolution meshing to capture critical behaviour.
This project involved a comprehensive fire engineering assessment using Computational Fluid Dynamics to evaluate an enhanced natural ventilation strategy for a long residential corridor. A structured Qualitative Design Review defined the objectives, scenarios, and acceptance criteria before modelling commenced.
This project involved developing a robust smoke‑ventilation strategy for a multi‑storey residential building using advanced CFD modelling. A structured qualitative design review defined objectives, scenarios and acceptance criteria before simulation. The analysis assessed mechanical smoke‑control performance across multiple cores, focusing on maintaining tenable conditions during evacuation and firefighting.
This project involved a comprehensive CFD assessment to evaluate smoke movement, temperature, and visibility conditions under a series of representative fire scenarios within a large industrial‑type facility. Using FDS via PyroSim, the analysis examined both means‑of‑escape and firefighting phases, assessing tenability across corridors, lobbies, and stair enclosures.
This project involved a detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics assessment of a basement smoke‑clearance system serving a series of enclosed ancillary spaces. A full 3D model was developed to evaluate airflow patterns, grille performance, and overall ventilation effectiveness using tracer‑gas decay and stagnancy analysis.
This project involved a comprehensive CFD assessment of a basement smoke‑clearance strategy, developed to verify that the proposed ventilation system achieved uniform and effective air change performance. The study combined a qualitative design review with detailed simulation work, including airflow modelling, tracer‑gas decay analysis, and a conservative fire‑driven scenario to evaluate duct temperature exposure.
This project involved a comparative CFD study assessing the performance of a mechanical smoke‑control system against a recognised natural‑ventilation benchmark. The analysis modelled a realistic, unsprinklered office fire using a conservative heat‑release profile and explored smoke movement, temperature, and visibility across both means‑of‑escape and firefighting phases.
This project comprised a detailed CFD assessment of the hotel’s smoke‑control strategy across a complex, multi‑compartment arrangement. The study evaluated smoke spread, temperature profiles, visibility and airflow behaviour under multiple design‑fire scenarios, using FDS with locally refined meshing around the fire source and mechanical extract points. The results highlighted how the extract system shaped plume dynamics, influenced evacuation tenability and affected smoke and temperature conditions within the corridors.
A straightforward process from initial brief to approved design.
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.
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.
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.
Full report with analysis, visualizations, and recommendations formatted for building control submission. Plus model files if needed for third-party review.
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.
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.
Rob Cull
Smoke Control CFD Specialist
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