Keywords
Performance-Based Design
Prescriptive Approach
Buildings
SHIELD-Col
Colombia
How to Cite
Abstract
Human safety is a fundamental principle for protecting life in buildings. However, in Colombia, building fire and life safety design is still primarily based on the prescriptive approach established by current regulations, whereas Performance-Based Design (PBD) has seen limited adoption in professional practice. This study aimed to diagnose the current state of professionals' knowledge, application, perception, perceived barriers, and willingness regarding PBD, and to develop a conceptual framework to support its progressive implementation in Colombian buildings. A descriptive quantitative study was conducted based on a review of scientific literature, an analysis of national and international regulations, and the administration of the ENSHIELD-Col survey to 35 professionals involved in building design, construction, supervision, and technical inspection. The results revealed intermediate levels of knowledge (3.29/5) and application (3.53/5), together with a high perception of implementation barriers (4.16/5) and a very high willingness to adopt PBD (4.29/5). The most significant barriers identified were the lack of specialized training, the absence of national technical guidelines, and limitations associated with regulatory review processes. In addition, a SHIELD Maturity Index of 3.58/5 indicated an intermediate level of readiness for the implementation of Performance-Based Design within the Colombian construction sector. The main contribution of this research is the development of the SHIELD-Col conceptual model, structured into four complementary levels (SHIELD-Evidence, SHIELD-Maturity, SHIELD-Screening, and SHIELD-Performance), integrating empirical evidence, maturity assessment, early project screening, and performance-based methodologies to support a gradual transition from prescriptive design toward performance-oriented strategies without replacing the current Colombian regulatory framework.
References
Gernay, T. (2024). Performance-based design for structures in fire: Advances, challenges, and perspectives. Fire Safety Journal, 142, 104036. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.firesaf.2023.104036
International Organization for Standardization. (2018). ISO 23932-1:2018. Fire safety engineering—General principles—Part 1: General. https://www.iso.org/standard/63933.html
Meacham, B. J. (2014). Fire safety engineering at a crossroad. Case Studies in Fire Safety, 1, 8–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csfs.2013.11.001
Meacham, B. J., & Custer, R. L. P. (1995). Performance-based fire safety engineering: An introduction of basic concepts. Journal of Fire Protection Engineering, 7(2), 35–53. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/104239159500700201
Ministerio de Ambiente, Vivienda y Desarrollo Territorial. (2010a). Reglamento Colombiano de Construcción Sismo Resistente NSR-10. Título J. Requisitos de protección contra incendios en edificaciones.
Ministerio de Ambiente, Vivienda y Desarrollo Territorial. (2010b). Reglamento Colombiano de Construcción Sismo Resistente NSR-10. Título K. Requisitos complementarios.
Society of Fire Protection Engineers. (2007). SFPE engineering guide to performance-based fire protection (2nd ed.).
Spinardi, G. (2016). Fire safety regulation: Prescription, performance, and professionalism. Fire Safety Journal, 80, 83–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.firesaf.2015.11.012
Gernay, T. (2024). Performance-based design for structures in fire: Advances, challenges, and perspectives. Fire Safety Journal, 142, 104036. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.firesaf.2023.104036
International Organization for Standardization. (2018). ISO 23932-1:2018. Fire safety engineering—General principles—Part 1: General. https://www.iso.org/standard/63933.html
Meacham, B. J. (2014). Fire safety engineering at a crossroad. Case Studies in Fire Safety, 1, 8–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csfs.2013.11.001
Meacham, B. J., & Custer, R. L. P. (1995). Performance-based fire safety engineering: An introduction of basic concepts. Journal of Fire Protection Engineering, 7(2), 35–53. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/104239159500700201
Ministerio de Ambiente, Vivienda y Desarrollo Territorial. (2010a). Reglamento Colombiano de Construcción Sismo Resistente NSR-10. Título J. Requisitos de protección contra incendios en edificaciones.
Ministerio de Ambiente, Vivienda y Desarrollo Territorial. (2010b). Reglamento Colombiano de Construcción Sismo Resistente NSR-10. Título K. Requisitos complementarios.
Society of Fire Protection Engineers. (2007). SFPE engineering guide to performance-based fire protection (2nd ed.).
Spinardi, G. (2016). Fire safety regulation: Prescription, performance, and professionalism. Fire Safety Journal, 80, 83–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.firesaf.2015.11.012
Gernay, T. (2024). Performance-based design for structures in fire: Advances, challenges, and perspectives. Fire Safety Journal, 142, 104036.
Meacham, B. J. (2014). Fire safety engineering at a crossroad. Case Studies in Fire Safety, 1, 8–12.
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