Fire Protection Design Course Overview
What Will You Learn?
The Fire Protection Design course provides students with an in-depth understanding of designing, modeling, and documenting fire protection systems using Autodesk Revit. This course covers critical fire suppression design aspects, including sprinkler system layouts, piping networks, water supply connections, and compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and industry standards. By the end of this course, students will have the ability to design and document fire protection systems with confidence.
By completing this course, you will:
- Learn how to set up and configure fire protection systems within Revit.
- Gain expertise in modeling sprinkler systems and fire protection piping networks.
- Develop proficiency in placing and configuring fire suppression equipment.
- Understand hydraulic calculations, zoning strategies, and water supply requirements.
- Master industry best practices for annotating and documenting fire protection systems to ensure compliance with NFPA codes.
Benefits of Fire Protection Design at VDCI:
- Industry-Relevant Training – Learn fire protection design principles that align with industry codes and BIM standards, ensuring your knowledge is applicable to real-world projects.
- Hands-on Project-Based Learning – Work on practical projects that simulate fire protection system design challenges, preparing you for professional applications.
- Comprehensive Curriculum – Develop expertise in fire sprinkler layouts, piping systems, and NFPA compliance through structured lessons and exercises.
- Flexible Self-Paced Learning – Study at your convenience, allowing you to balance professional and academic commitments while advancing your technical skills.
- Graded Assignments & Instructor Feedback – Receive personalized critiques and expert guidance to refine your fire protection modeling techniques.
- Recognized Certifications – Earn a certificate upon completion to validate your skills and enhance your career prospects in fire protection design and MEP coordination.
- Collaborative Learning Environment – Interact with peers, instructors, and industry professionals through discussion forums to enhance your learning experience.
Course Lessons and Projects
Lesson 1: Project Setup
Topics Covered:
- Linking architectural and structural models for fire system integration.
- Understanding fire protection scope and setup.
- Configuring Revit templates for fire suppression systems.
- Establishing system zones and network planning.
Project:
- Link an architectural model, set up fire protection system views, and configure zones for a fire sprinkler layout.
Lesson 2: Sprinkler System Overview and Sheet Setup
Topics Covered:
- Understanding wet, dry, preaction, and deluge sprinkler systems.
- Selecting appropriate sprinkler heads based on hazard classifications.
- Defining coverage areas and spacing requirements.
- Configuring fire protection system settings in Revit.
Project:
- Design a wet-pipe sprinkler system layout, integrating zone mapping and coverage calculations.
Lesson 3: Modeling Sprinklers and Pipe Routing
Topics Covered:
- Placing and aligning sprinkler heads within fire zones.
- Routing fire protection pipes and fittings for an efficient network.
- Configuring pipe slopes and flow direction for optimal performance.
- Understanding pipe material types and diameter selection criteria.
Project:
- Model a complete fire sprinkler system, connecting sprinkler heads to a pressurized water supply.
Lesson 4: Corridor & Classroom Sprinklers and Piping
Topics Covered:
- Configuring sprinkler layouts based on occupancy classifications.
- Integrating sprinklers with ceiling designs and architectural obstructions.
- Adjusting piping layouts to meet NFPA coverage requirements.
- Creating multiple riser locations for efficient fire suppression.
Project:
- Design and layout corridor and classroom sprinkler piping, ensuring even water distribution and code compliance.
Lesson 5: Non-Classroom Areas: Sprinklers and Piping
Topics Covered:
- Placing fire sprinklers and standpipes in high-risk areas.
- Routing piping through stairwells and service shafts.
- Understanding fire suppression codes for mechanical and electrical rooms.
- Performing water supply flow analysis and pressure checks.
Project:
- Design a fire suppression system for mechanical rooms and stairwells, integrating standpipe risers and fire department connections.
Lesson 6: Documentation, Dimensions, and Plotting
Topics Covered:
- Applying tags and labels to fire protection components.
- Enhancing documentation clarity with annotations and dimensions.
- Adjusting view templates for fire suppression plan readability.
- Creating fire protection schedules and legends.
- Exporting and sharing finalized fire protection drawings.
Project:
- Create a fully annotated and documented fire protection drawing set, ensuring compliance with NFPA codes and industry standards.
Key Skills You Will Walk Away With
Students will develop in-depth expertise in the following areas:
- Fire Protection System Setup & Configuration: Master Revit tools for setting up and managing fire suppression systems.
- Sprinkler System Layouts & Piping Networks: Learn best practices for designing and modeling fire protection infrastructure.
- Hydraulic Calculations & Water Supply Analysis: Perform zoning, flow calculations, and pressure assessments for fire suppression systems.
- Fire Protection Documentation & Annotation: Create professional-grade fire protection drawings, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Code Compliance & NFPA Standards: Understand and apply National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines for fire suppression systems.
Career Applications & Industry Relevance
Proficiency in fire protection design with Revit is essential for professionals in the AEC and MEP industries. This course prepares students for roles such as:
- Fire Protection Engineer – Develop expertise in Revit-based fire system design and documentation.
- BIM Coordinator – Oversee fire protection model coordination and ensure system integration with architectural and structural models.
- MEP Coordinator – Manage fire protection system installations within the broader scope of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) workflows.
- Construction Project Engineer – Utilize Revit for managing fire suppression system installations and compliance checks.
- Facility Manager – Maintain fire protection documentation for ongoing building safety and regulatory compliance.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is designed for professionals and students who want to develop expertise in fire protection design using Revit. It is best suited for:
- Fire Protection Engineers & Designers – Learn to design and document fire suppression systems that align with industry standards.
- BIM Coordinators & MEP Technicians – Gain skills in fire protection system coordination and modeling within a BIM environment.
- Students & Recent Graduates – Build technical expertise in fire protection workflows for real-world applications in the AEC industry.
- Construction & Project Managers – Learn how fire suppression systems fit within overall construction projects and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Industry Demand & Career Outlook
As BIM continues to be widely adopted for fire protection design, professionals with expertise in Revit-based fire suppression modeling are increasingly sought after. Companies in the AEC sector are prioritizing candidates who can integrate fire protection systems seamlessly into multidisciplinary projects.
By completing this course, students will develop the technical skills needed to design, model, and document fire protection systems effectively, ensuring a strong career trajectory in the fire protection, MEP, and construction industries.
