Presenter: Alberto Alvarez and Brian Meacham

A new risk-informed performance-based fire protection (PBFPD) process centered around the evaluation of the overall performance of systems characterized by building types and their occupants has been proposed. A central theme is the need to appropriately link data, tools, and methods in characterizing risk and developing appropriate mitigation. This session introduces a web-based platform, called the Vulcan Initiative, where engineers, researchers, and authorities collaborate, share experiences, and learn from one another, in order to enhance the benefits of the PBFPD approach. Outcomes of the collaboration will ultimately result in PBFPD guidelines and standards for specific types of systems, as well as enhanced knowledge for participants. This session includes interactive dialogue with the audience attendees on both the new PBFPD process and the web-based platform.