scholarly journals The risks associated with falling parts of glazed facades in case of fire

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bartłomiej Sędłak ◽  
Jacek Kinowski ◽  
Paweł Sulik ◽  
Grzegorz Kimbar

Abstract Arguably, one of the most important requirement a building have to meet in case of fire is to ensure the safe evacuation of its users and the work of rescue teams. Consequently, issues related to the risks associated with falling parts of facades are fairly well known around Europe. Even though not equally well defined as other fire safety requirements concerning glazed facades, there is plenty of test methods for assessment of facades regarding falling parts, mostly based on an approach related to fire spread. In this paper selection of test method for assessment of facades regarding falling parts is briefly presented. However, focus of this work is on fire test of typical glazed segment of façade performed in ITB Laboratory. Results of the test positively verifies conjecture that solutions with glass units configured with thin, tempered glass panes on the outer side should pose no threat. However, the question has been raised whether the behaviour of other glass unit solutions (with additional coatings or laminated) would be similar.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Li ◽  
Xiang Li ◽  
Jiepu Li ◽  
Baodi Zhao ◽  
Chunlin Gu ◽  
...  

Abstract As important equipment in the entire hydrogen industry chain, composite hydrogen storage cylinders for transportation have developed rapidly in recent years. The fire test is used to verify the explosion resistance of gas cylinders under specified fire conditions. Compared to steel gas cylinder, composite gas cylinder is more dangerous in the fire condition. The wound layer, as the main pressure-bearing structure of the composite hydrogen storage cylinder, is inflammable. In the case of fire, the mechanical properties of the cylinder will degrade quickly due to the high temperature. If the gas inside the cylinder cannot be discharged in time, the cylinder explosion will occur. Currently, some relevant standards or standard drafts have been drawn up by the international organizations, which are useful for formulating Chinese standard for hydrogen storage cylinders for transportation. The applicable scope of the standards was discussed in this paper, such as composite cylinder type, working pressure, nominal volume and design life, etc. The fire test methods of composite gas cylinders in various standards were compared and analyzed, such as experiment method, cylinder placement method, cylinder filling requirements, fuel selection, fire source setting, temperature measurement requirements, and qualified indicators, etc. Finally, the challenges for development of composite hydrogen storage cylinders and compressed hydrogen storage systems in China were proposed.


1973 ◽  
Vol 187 (1) ◽  
pp. 405-412
Author(s):  
J. Whitaker

To contend with installation variants the fan must be tested in a system that resembles its site installation. Four simplified system arrangements are covered with two inlet test methods—ducted inlet and free inlet—by adding ducts to the free discharge. With free inlet tests a plenum chamber is attached to the fan inlet in order to obtain the required measurements; investigations to provide information concerning the optimum configuration of this test method are described. Determination of static pressure, selection of inlet devices for flow measurement; simulation of inlet and outlet ducts and the method of loading are also discussed.


1973 ◽  
Vol 187 (1) ◽  
pp. 405-412
Author(s):  
J. Whitaker

To contend with installation variants the fan must be tested in a system that resembles its site installation. Four simplified system arrangements are covered with two inlet test methods—ducted inlet and free inlet—by adding ducts to the free discharge. With free inlet tests a plenum chamber is attached to the fan inlet in order to obtain the required measurements; investigations to provide information concerning the optimum configuration of this test method are described. Determination of static pressure, selection of inlet devices for flow measurement; simulation of inlet and outlet ducts and the method of loading are also discussed.


1999 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albertas Nyderis

The Directive of new approach 89/106/EEC, which was prepared by Directorate General of the European Commission (DG III), defines the guidelines for development of fire protection in building construction. Six main directions for development of fire protection are defined in this Directive as well. Solid materials are most numerous among building products. Therefore a brief analysis of combustion process of these materials is presented in this article. F.Williams developed the theoretical principles of combustion. Phase transitions in the zone of combustion are analyzed in the theory. Formulas 1–4 describe this process. The process of combustion of solid materials is heterogeneous; therefore the model of pyrolysis is presented by 5 formulas. An intricate energy exchange takes place in real fires. The heat is being transferred in different ways. The most acceptable description of heat transfer is by means of radiation. Description of this process is presented in formulas 6–7. The heat transfer by means of radiation can be modelled and used for environment testing. The combustibility of building products can be examined by means of reaction of fire tests. In recent years tests for different building products were carried out according to ISO 5657 test methodology in the Fire Research Centre. Test results indicate that the time to sustained surface ignition for building products is inversely proportional to heat flux. This logarithmic dependence is presented in 8 formulas. Establishment of parameters of this logarithmic flow for different building products can prove this. This work was carried out during the process of verification of this hypothesis. Analysis of fire testing practice of vertically oriented building products in different countries shows that harmonized fire test methods for these products do not exist. Most of these test methods are based on presumption that the flame spread is possible only inside the building not considering the behaviour of facade in fire. The main idea of fire test method for element of vertically oriented building construction together with the principal scheme of test equipment are presented in the article as well. Further development of this idea leads to five questions, which should be answered to solve the problem. After the completion of this task and analysis of test results, all the information is to be submitted for further consideration.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Delwar Hossain ◽  
Md Kamrul Hassan ◽  
Anthony Chun Yin Yuen ◽  
Yaping He ◽  
Swapan Saha ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this study is to review and summarise the existing available literature on lightweight cladding systems to provide detailed information on fire behaviour (ignitibility, heat release rate and smoke toxicity) and various test method protocols. Additionally, the paper discusses the challenges and provides updated knowledge and recommendation on selective-fire mechanisms such as rapid-fire spread, air cavity and fire re-entry behaviours due to dripping and melting of lightweight composite claddings. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review on fire behaviour, fire hazard and testing methods of lightweight composite claddings has been conducted in this research. In summarising all possible fire hazards, particular attention is given to the potential impact of toxicity of lightweight cladding fires. In addition, various criteria for fire performance evaluation of lightweight composite claddings are also highlighted. These evaluations are generally categorised as small-, intermediate- and large-scale test methods. Findings The major challenges of lightweight claddings are rapid fire spread, smoke production and toxicity and inconsistency in fire testing. Originality/value The review highlights the current challenges in cladding fire, smoke toxicity, testing system and regulation to provide some research recommendations to address the identified challenges.


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