J. Patrick Banse, P.E., Senior Mechanical Engineer, Smith, Seckman and Reid, Houston.

Fire and Smoke Dampering According to the International Building Code

Fire dampers, smoke dampers, smoke detectors, shaft enclosures, smoke barriers and fire-rated partitions, smoke compartmentation, ducted systems and transfer openings. There are a lot of different devices to consider in designing smoke and fire dampering systems. But while it may appear overwhelming and confusing, all these various types of equipment come down to one thing: life-safety protecti...