Computer fire modeling has become an integral part of fire protection engineering and building design. Fire protection engineers now regularly apply computer fire models in support of building design, but a high degree of training, education, and experience is necessary to correctly apply fire models. Common mistakes such as improper selection of model input parameters or boundary conditions, failure to recognize inherent fire model limitations, and application of fire models outside of their realm of validation can lead to under-designed buildings and expose building designers to construction defects litigation. In a worst-case scenario, injury or death could result from a fire in a building that was improperly designed using computer fire modeling tools.

For these reasons, it is critical to hire highly educated and experienced fire modelers. Reax Engineering Inc.'s fire modeling lead is Dr. Chrisopher Lautenberger. A licensed Fire Protection Engineer, Dr. Lautenberger holds an MS in Fire Protection Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley. Over the last 10 years, Dr Lautenberger has accumulated more than 5,000 hours of experience developing, validating, and applying computer fire models, making him one of the most experienced fire modelers in the industry.

For inquiries related to fire modeling, please contact Chris Lautenberger.

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