Movement of smoke and hot gases produced by fires can be a significant part of fire safety design for the occupants of large buildings. A number of models have been developed for calculation of fire dynamics and plume entrainment. Smoke accumulation can be estimated using simple zone models or more detailed field models. For practical application, it is necessary to take into account many matters, including the nature of combustible materials present, the type of people using the building, the time needed for escape, the beneficial effects of automatic and manual fire protection systems, the influence of the internal and external environment, and the overall standard of management and maintenance of the building. Case studies are described including the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, Stansted Airport passenger terminal, the Lloyds office building which includes an atrium, and sub-surface mainline railway stations.

KEYWORDS: fire, smoke, calculating, designing, buildings, fire protection, safety, UK, large, air flow, case studies, atria, theatres, airports, offices, models, underground railway works.