Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bob Andrews Group?
The Bob Andrews Group functions as a holding company for Industrial Emergency Services, LLC (IES), IES Global Services, LLC (IGS), Protection Development, Inc. (PDI), PDI Rail Solutions (A Division of Protection Development, Incorporated) and The Catalpa Falls Group, LLC (CFG). The Bob Andrews Group also serves as an entrepreneurial vehicle for the development of new companies. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, the Bob Andrews Group was founded in February 2005 by Robert C. (Bob) Andrews, Jr., an internationally recognized expert on industrial emergency response and planning.
Why do we need to have a Professional Engineer (P.E.) design our system?
The Texas Engineering Practice Act, sections 1001.053 and 1001.056, state that a P.E. (Professional Engineer) is required when public money and structural, electrical or mechanical engineering is involved and the contemplated expenditure for the project exceeds $8,000; when public money and electrical or mechanical engineering is not involved and the contemplated expenditure for the project exceeds $20,000; for apartments that are exceeding eight units for one-story buildings or exceeding four units for two-story buildings; and for other buildings having more than one story and containing a clear span between supporting structures greater than 24 feet on the narrow side and having a total floor area over 5,000 square feet. For more information, please go to www.tbpe.state.tx.us.
What exactly is “fire protection engineering”?
Fire protection engineering is a specific engineering discipline that focuses on the design of systems that detect and control fires. These systems play a vital role in property protection as well as in maintaining a code-compliant level of safety in buildings.
What does “special system design” refer to?
Special system design is the design of fire protection systems that are needed for unusual circumstances, such as airplane hangars, fuel storage tanks, computer rooms, and printing press facilities. These special systems might include flame detectors, foam vs. water extinguishing systems, or carbon dioxide extinguishing systems.
What does “AHJ” stand for?
Authority Having Jurisdiction. This applies to a governmental agency or branch that regulates the construction process. Usually, it is the municipality in which a building is located. The AHJ reviews, while a building is being planned, the building’s compliance with that municipality’s regulations and codes.
What’s a flow test?
In a flow test, you would open a water hydrant to see how much water comes out, and then judge whether or not that particular water flow is sufficient for fire fighting for the a particular building.
What does “root cause” mean?
A root cause is the reason for a problem or the presence of a defect. If the “root cause” of a problem is eliminated, recurrence of that problem can be prevented.
What does “modeling” mean?
“Modeling” means that a real-world occurrence is represented by mathematical equations and dynamics. For example, in the context of fire protection, sprinkler systems, fire detection systems, and fire alarm systems can all be modeled relative to the way they react to various heat, smoke, and water conditions.
What is “VESDA?”
“VESDA” stands for “Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus”.