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L with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method, or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and safety." 2. From NFPA-13; 2002 edition, Section 1.5 "Equivalency': "Nothing in this standard is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety over those prescribed by this standard. Technical documentation shall be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency. The system, method, or device shall be approved for the intended purpose by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. 3. From NFPA-13; 2002 edition, Section 1.6 "New Technology: Nothing in this standard shall be intended to restrict new technologies or alternate arrangements, provided the level of safety prescribed by this standard is not lowered." Ongoing research into understanding fire-related phenomena continuously improves the capability of the engineering community to analyze and predict the performance of structures and/or protection systems when subject to a fire event. The use of analytical tools such as empirical models, finite element analysis, and computational fluid dynamics, in conjunction with bench top and full scale testing has greatly improved the ability of fire protection professionals to develop Performance Based solutions to challenging fire protection problems. Any proposed PBD solution requires acceptance by the Authority Having Jurisdiction and frequently the insurer, building owner, and other stakeholders as well. Ensuring that all participants understand and agree to the performance and limitations of any proposed design requires clear, regular communication by the responsible fire protection professional. Performance-based design is rarely simple, and never easy, particularly given the diversity of viewpoints arising from the involved stakeholders. However, for challenging fire protection problems the application of this process can result in solutions that provide performance superior to the prescriptive solution, while eliminating undesirable or unworkable features arising from strict adherence to the prescribed design. These improvements are usually achieved by integrating all of the fire protection systems rather than designing each piece in isolation. The practice of PBD requires skilled individuals with a thorough understanding of fire protection principles. For this reason the application, evaluation, installation, and acceptance of Performance Based Design alternatives should be accomplished only by qualified professionals. Page 2 of 2