AI for Fire-Rated Assemblies

Fire-rated assembly design is one of the most error-prone areas of building design because the requirements are strict, the tested assemblies are specific, and the field conditions rarely match the laboratory test setup exactly. AI helps by maintaining a database of tested assemblies and matching project requirements to appropriate designs.

The matching process involves more than looking up an STC or fire-resistance rating in a table. A 2-hour rated wall assembly specified for a particular location must also satisfy structural requirements (can it span between floors?), acoustical requirements (does it meet the STC rating for the adjacency?), and constructability requirements (is it feasible given the available space?). AI evaluates all of these criteria simultaneously.

Penetration and joint protection is where most field problems occur. Every pipe, duct, cable tray, and conduit that passes through a rated assembly requires a tested firestop system. AI identifies penetrations from the coordinated model, matches each one to an appropriate firestop system based on the penetrating item size and the assembly type, and generates a firestop schedule that the contractor can use for installation and inspection.