FIRE MITIGATION IN FACADE DESIGN & MATERIAL CHOICE

Transcription

1 FIRE MITIGATION IN FACADE DESIGN & MATERIAL CHOICE By Satria Ramadhana

2 1. MECHANISM OF FIRE SPREAD IN FACADES AND EXAMPLE OF FIRES INVOLVING BUILDING ENVELOPES 2. PERIMETER CURTAIN WALL FIRE PROTECTION 3. FIRE HAZARDS OF BUILDING ENVELOPES CONTAINING COMBUSTIBLE COMPONENTS

3 FAÇADE DESIGN CURTAIN WALL BASICS FOR DESIGN - GAP BETWEEN SLAB EDGE AND FAÇADE - WHAT IS INSIDE THE BUILDING OR THE BUILDING TYPE - WHERE AND WHEN IS IT A BENEFIT FOR COMPARTMENTALIZATION - FIRE - SMOKE BARRIER - SOUND ATTENUATION - WATER INFILTRATION AND DRAINAGE - HORIZONTALITY AND VERTICALITY - THE ACCOMMODATION OF MOVEMENT

4 FAÇADE DESIGN EXTERNAL WALL CLADDING BASICS FOR DESIGN - GAP BETWEEN EXTERNAL WALL AND CLADDING - WHAT IS OUTSIDE THE BUILDING - FIRE - ACCOMMODATE AIR FLOW (SPECIAL CASE FOR RAIN SCREEN OR VENTILATED FAÇADE) - HORIZONTALITY AND VERTICALITY - AGE RESISTANT

5 BEHAVIOUR OF FIRE OXYGEN

6 FIRE CLASSIFACTION : ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN STANDARD, FIRES ARE CLASSIFIED BY THE TYPES OF FUEL THEY BURN. CLASS A CLASS A FIRES CONSIST OF ORDINARY COMBUSTIBLES SUCH AS WOOD, PAPER, TRASH OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT LEAVES AN ASH. WATER WORKS BEST TO EXTINGUISH A CLASS A FIRE. CLASS B CLASS B FIRES ARE FUELED BY FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS, WHICH INCLUDE OIL, GASOLINE, AND OTHER SIMILAR MATERIALS. SMOTHERING EFFECTS WHICH DEPLETE THE OXYGEN SUPPLY WORK BEST TO EXTINGUISH CLASS B FIRES. CLASS C CLASS C FIRES. ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL FIRES ARE KNOWN AS CLASS C FIRES. ALWAYS DE-ENERGIZE THE CIRCUIT THEN USE A NON-CONDUCTIVE EXTINGUISHING AGENT. SUCH AS CARBON DIOXIDE.

7 FIRE CLASSIFICATION : CLASS D CLASS D FIRES ARE COMBUSTIBLE METAL FIRES. MAGNESIUM AND TITANIUM ARE THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF METAL FIRES. ONCE A METAL IGNITES DO NOT USE WATER IN AN ATTEMPT TO EXTINGUISH IT. ONLY USE A DRY POWDER EXTINGUISHING AGENT. DRY POWDER AGENTS WORK BY SMOTHERING AND HEAT ABSORPTION. CLASS K CLASS K FIRES ARE FIRES THAT INVOLVE COOKING OILS, GREASE OR ANIMAL FAT AND CAN BE EXTINGUISHED USING PURPLE K, THE TYPICAL AGENT FOUND IN KITCHEN OR GALLEY EXTINGUISHERS.

8 EFFECTS OF FIRE SMOKE FIRE ORIGIN HEAT

9 PROBLEMS FOR HIGH RISE BUILDINGS Fuel Load & Fire Spread Smoke Development and Movement Life Safety & Occupant Evacuation Fire Brigade Operations

10 MECHANISM OF FIRE SPREAD IN FACADES AND EXAMPLE OF FIRES INVOLVING BUILDING ENVELOPE

11 BREAKDOWN OF MECHANISMS OF FIRE SPREAD IN FACADES The key initiating types of Fire Spread ; 1. Fire spread though open areas 2. Fire spread though vertical cavity

12 MECHANISMS OF FIRE SPREAD IN FACADES EXTERNAL FIRE SPREAD Fire spread though open area Fire, allowed to develop, may flash over and break out through windows. Flame spread up over or through the cladding. Flame can extend over 2 meters above window opening. Regardless of cladding materials. If fire re-enters building secondary fires may then develop.

13 MECHANISMS OF FIRE SPREAD IN FACADES ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF FIRE SPREAD THROUGH OPEN AREAS

14 MECHANISMS OF FIRE SPREAD IN FACADES EXTERNAL FIRE SPREAD Fire spread though External cladding panel Cavities either - Part of the system - Created by delamination Flame in the cavities can extend 5 to 10 times original length regardless of the material present.

15 FACADE FIRE EXAMPLES FIRE SPREAD IN BUILDING ENVELOPES A few points to consider with fires involving multi-storey buildings - Risk to life - Loss of personal or commercial property - Disruption to commercial bussiness - Domestic life impact where dwellings are involved

16 PERIMETER CURTAIN WALL FIRE PROTECTION

17 DYNAMICS OF VERTICAL FIRE SPREAD IN HIGH-RISE BUILDING UNPROTECTED PERIMETER JOINT Fire begins on a floor, as products of combustion fuel the fire. Pressure and heat accumulate between the floors as positive pressure builds and the heat rises to the ceiling SPANDREL GLASS VISION GLASS

18 DYNAMICS OF VERTICAL SPREAD IN HIGH-RISE BUILDING The fire will follow the flow of air currents and if the void between the floor and curtain wall is not properly sealed, flames will spread vertically

19 DYNAMICS OF VERTICAL SPREAD IN HIGH-RISE BUILDING Fire attacks the curtain wall structure from both sides causing a premature failure of the wall structure and potentially the breaking of the vision glass above! Flames may erupt through the windows as oxygen fuels the fire further. Elevated temp. and pressure breaks lower vision glass

20 DYNAMICS OF VERTICAL SPREAD IN HIGH-RISE BUILDING PROTECTED PERIMETER JOINT A properly designed & tested Perimeter Fire Barrier System not only protects the perimeter joint but critical wall framing and support elements as well! Firestop Coating or Sealant over mineral wool safing Properly installed & supported mineral wool spandrel insulation

21 DYNAMICS OF VERTICAL SPREAD IN HIGH-RISE BUILDING WHAT DOES THE CODE SAY? The perimeter joint must be sealed with an approved material or system that extends this rating to the exterior wall surface

22 CODE COMPLIANCE Protecting the perimeter joint: 1. Designing the wall to keep the firestop system in place for the rated period of the floor is an obvious necessity. 2. Designing and installing the firestop correctly is the final step! Firestopping the perimeter joint is mandatory.

23 Main risk to the building other than the perimeter joints is The Leap Frog Effect

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25 The Leap Frog effect Fire may break out of a window and leap back to the floor above! That being the case Why bother to protect the perimeter??? SPANDREL GLASS VISION GLASS

26 The Leap Frog effect While sprinklers can help in containing and slowing of some types of fires they are not a total solution. They do not reduce the requirements for protection of the safing slot! and are not a total solution for the Leap Frog effect Due to this many engineers are requested to reduce sprinkler requirements as a cost savings. SPANDREL GLASS VISION GLASS

27 The Leap Frog affect The fact is, depending on window spacing and other factors, the fire may jump! So what exactly does a Perimeter Fire Barrier System do?

28 The Perimeter Fire Barrier System What is the purpose of Fire Barrier System on Façade? Slows the process down. Of course it depends on window spacing and other construction factors As well as the nature and severity of the fire

29 The Perimeter Fire Barrier System Along with sealing the slot area, a well engineered system provides structural protection and maximizes the integrity of the wall system Keeping the wall and window system above the fire, intact for longer!

30 The Perimeter Fire Barrier System Prevents the migration of flame, hot gases and smoke through to floors above. Buys time for occupants to escape. Buys time for first responders to secure the building Provides additional protection in the event of a sprinkler or detection failure.

31 The Perimeter Fire Barrier System Extends the rating of the floor to the wall. Forces the fire to exit the building in order to propagate to upper floors. Protects structural elements and helps prevent catastrophic failure of the spandrel system. Maximizes fire protection afforded by the non-rated wall.

32 The Perimeter Fire Barrier System Provides energy savings through increased thermal efficiencies throughout the life of the building When considered this way, the life safety benefits are free!

33 How Are Perimeter Fire Barrier Systems on the Curtain wall Tested?

34 Testing on the curtain wall systems : 3 Main standards : 1. ASTM E2307 : Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barriers Using Intermediate-Scale, Multi-Story Test Apparatus. 2. EN 1364 Part 3 : Fire resistance curtain walling systems - full configuration Fire resistant Glazing. 3. EN 1364 Part 4 : Fire resistance of parts of curtain walling Fire resistant Glazing.

35 Comparison Each Codes Methodology :

36 ASTM E2307 Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barriers Using Intermediate-Scale, Multi-Story Test Apparatus

37 ASTM E2307 Chamber ELEVATION SECTION

38 Curtain Wall Test Assembly Pre-Burn Transom above floor Mineral wool insulation at spandrel area Mechanical attachments supporting insulation Transom below floor Mullions

39 Assembly Interior View Pre-Burn Thermocouples measuring temperature rise

40 Interior Burner Lit - Time: 0:00 minute

41 Exterior Burner Lit - Time: 0:05 minutes

42 Flames Climbing Exterior Time: 0:15 minutes

43 Melting of Mullions & Transoms Time: 0:45 minutes

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45 Vision Glass Breaks Time: 2:00 hrs

46 Burner Off at 2 hours

47 Post Test: Close up Detail of Mullion and Transom Damage

48 Post Test Interior View

49 Perimeter Fire Barrier Evaluation for Curtain Wall Design

50 Basic Design Criteria to be used for future facades Perimeter Fire Barrier Curtain Wall Mechanically Attached Curtain Wall Insulation Protect Aluminum Mullions Compression-fit Safing Insulation -as required per tested assembly Install Safing Impaling Clips -as required per tested assembly Provide Backing/Reinforcement Member at Safing Line

51 WHAT IS THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF DEATH IN FIRE?

52 Basic Design Criteria Perimeter Fire Barrier Curtain Wall Mechanically Attached Curtain Wall Insulation Protect Aluminum Mullions Compression-fit Safing Insulation -as required per tested assembly Install Safing Impaling Clips -as required per tested assembly Provide Backing/Reinforcement Member at Safing Line Applied Firestop Coating, for Smoke Containment,

53 Benefits of Specifying A Listed Perimeter Joint System Completes the curtain wall package Applies pedigreed testing and competent engineering Assists the local authority civil defense Standardizes design and cost Limits liability Provides energy conservation from insulation value

54 3. FIRE HAZARDS OF BUILDING ENVELOPE CONTAINING COMBUSTIBLE COMPONENTS

55 Many combustible materials are in use for building envelope assemblies ; 1. To improve energy performance 2. Reduce water and air infiltration 3. To allow aesthetic design flexibility THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF DOCUMENTED FIRE INCIDENTS INVOLVING COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL ON THE BUILDING ENVELOPES

56 Type of combustible material on the building envelope in common use ; 1. Synthetic stucco 2. Aluminium composite panel (non fire rated type) 3. High pressure laminates 4. Rain screen cladding or ventilated facade 5. Gaskets, seismic and expansion joints, etc. These façade systems are typically complex assemblies of different material types and layers which may include insulation layers and vertical cavities.

57 HOW IMPORTANT IS USING NON-COMBUSTIBLE PRODUCTS FOR FAÇADE ASSEMBLIES? EXAMPLE: ALUMINIUM COMPOSITE MATERIALS

58 FINDINGS FROM RESEARCH FOUR PRIMARY REASONS FOR SPREAD OF FIRE IN A TYPICAL LDPE CORE ACP CLADDED BUILDINGS. The Foam Backer Rod is one of the first to ignite and burns the polyethylene sealant. Fire moves swiftly through the continuous sealant and backer rod aided by bitumen paint. The cavity caused due to sealed façade and lack of cavity barrier creates a tunnel effect for fire to spread up the floors very quickly. The LDPE core of ACP panel and aluminium skin both melt and droplets contribute to further spread of fire, as well as onto any fire personnel below. The fire spreads both from the back of the facade and front of the façade, aided by winds and cavities and further fuelled by droplets of LDPE and falling debris of burning panels. BUILDINGS ARE ENGULFED IN FIRE WITHIN MINUTES!

59 Fire Incident cases involving combustible exterior wall assembly; Al Tayer Tower Sharjah, UAE, 2012 Residential building with 408 unit, 34 residential floors and 6 parking storey Building clad with aluminium composite panels consisting of aluminium with polyethylene core (PE). Note : Literature of fire incident cases involving exterior wall assemblies has been found to be limited, base on report of the news paper articles with no specific information on material, fire behaviour or mechanism of fire spread

60 Fire Incident cases involving combustible exterior wall assembly; Saif Belhasa Building Tecom Dubai, UAE, 2012 Residential building with 156 unit, 13 residential floors and lower level parking place Building clad with aluminium composite panels consisting of aluminium with polyethylene core (PE). Note : Literature of fire incident cases involving exterior wall assemblies has been found to be limited, base on report of the news paper articles with no specific information on material, fire behaviour or mechanism of fire spread

61 Fire Incident cases involving combustible exterior wall assembly; The Wooshin Golden Suites Busan, South Korea, m high mixed use (mostly apartment) Building. Building clad with aluminium composite panels consisting of aluminium with polyethylene core (PE). The fire was examined in details in fire science and technology journal article. Note : Literature of fire incident cases involving exterior wall assemblies has been found to be limited, base on report of the news paper articles with no specific information on material, fire behaviour or mechanism of fire spread

62 Fire Incident cases involving combustible exterior wall assembly; Grenfell Tower London, England, 2017 Residential building with 24 residential floors Building clad with aluminium composite panels consisting of aluminium with polyethylene core (PE). Note : Literature of fire incident cases involving exterior wall assemblies has been found to be limited, base on report of the news paper articles with no specific information on material, fire behaviour or mechanism of fire spread

63 Fire Incident cases involving combustible exterior wall assembly; The Address Downtown Dubai, UAE, 31 December 2015 Hotel Residential building 22 nd tallest building in Dubai. Building clad with aluminium composite panels consisting of aluminium with polyethylene core (PE). Note : Literature of fire incident cases involving exterior wall assemblies has been found to be limited, base on report of the news paper articles with no specific information on material, fire behaviour or mechanism of fire spread

64 WHAT GIVES MINERAL CORE B & A2 PANELS SUCH SUPERIOR FIRE PENETRATION PROPERTIES? ACP PANELS - CLASS B - has over 70% Mineral Core and A2 has over 90% Mineral Core with major component being MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE. Solid magnesium hydroxide has smoke and fire retarding properties. This is due to the endothermic decomposition it undergoes at 332 degrees celsius. Mg(OH) 2 (s) MgO (s) + H 2 O (g) The heat absorbed by the reaction acts as a retardant by delaying ignition of the associated substance. The water released dilutes any combustible gas and inhibits oxygen from aiding the combustion.

65 A NFPA 285 OR BS 8414 COMPLIANT FIRE RATED ASSEMBLY REQUIRES A HIGH FIRE RATED PANEL. NORMALLY ONLY B RATED AND ABOVE PANELS CAN PASS THE FULL ASSEMBLY TEST. OVER

66 PERFORMANCE 100% LDPE CORE ACP OVER 70% MINERAL CORE ACP OVER 90% MINERAL CORE ACP OVER 95% ALUMINIUM HONEYCOMB EN13501 A1 SOLID ALUMINIUM 3 MM COMBUSTIBILTY RATING COMBUSTIBLE LOW NON COMBUSTIBILITY COMBUSTIBLE NON COMBUSTIBLE NON COMBUSTIBLE NFPA 285/ BS 8414 PASS NO YES YES YES YES ASTM E 84 CORE BURNING CLASS A RATING NO YES YES YES YES ASTM D 1929 IGNITION TEST PASS NO YES YES YES YES EN s1 d0 Rating E B A2 A2 A1

67 How Are External wall Materials Tested?

68 ISMA TEST METHOD FOR COMPOSITE PANELS AS EXTERNAL CLADDING (FULL SCALE) Test apparatus w=4.3m 2.0m Aluminium composite panel Fixation method Steel stud 41 x 92 mm 1.2m h=0.76m 0.5m 0.76m h=5.5m Test duration: 30 min. Pass/Fail: No spread of flame beyond the area directly exposed to flame from fire source. Foil backed fiber glass insulation Gypsum wallboard 16 mm Room burner Window burner

69 FULL-SCALE EXTERIOR WALL FIRE TEST (CAN / ULC-S134-92)

70 Comparison of Fire Safety Test method: Full-scale Exterior Wall Fire Test in accordance with CAN/ULC-S , Canada Specimen: Conventional ACM with 100% Polyethylene Core Test method: Intermediate Scale Multi-story Apparatus (ISMA) in accordance with UBC 26-9, U.S.A. Specimen: Fire Rated ACM with Non-Combustible Mineral Filled Core Crib and Gas Burner 760 Window burner Room burner

71 17:30 Flame at top of sample ACM (100% PE Core) 27:00 Smoke continuous from across the top and from sides of the test structure Fire Rated ACM

72 Before test Panels are installed ACM (100% PE Core) Before test Panels are installed Fire Rated ACM

73 0:00 Ignition of main burner 0:00 Ignition of room burner ACM (100% PE Core) Fire Rated ACM

74 4:00 Flame continuously issuing from the window. 5:00 Window burner is ignited and moved into position. ACM (100% PE Core) Fire Rated ACM

75 7:15 Bright flame attached to the wall above the window. ACM (100% PE Core) 7:30 Flames sustained to 7 ft and discoloration of paint left side at 6 ft. Warping to 11 ft. Fire Rated ACM

76 13:00 Flame attached to the caulking joint above the lintel. ACM (100% PE Core) 12:30 Discoloration of paint to 13 ft. Fire Rated ACM

77 16:00 Flame attached to the wall 1 m above the window. 15:00 Flames intermittent to 9 ft. Flame sustained to 8 ft. ACM (100% PE Core) Fire Rated ACM

78 16:07 Flame attached to the wall 2 m above the window. 16:22 Flame attached to the wall 3 m above the window. 16:55 Flame attached to the wall 6 m above the window. ACM (100% PE Core) ACM (100% PE Core) ACM (100% PE Core)

79 17:30 Flame at top of sample. 17:35 Gas was shut off. End of test. 18:00 Light gray smoke from top of structure ACM (100% PE Core) Fire Rated ACM

80 24:00 27:00 Smoke continuous from across the top and from sides of the test structure. 30:00 Burner flame off. Residual smoking lightly from top, sides, and window. Fire Rated ACM Fire Rated ACM Fire Rated ACM

81 After extinguishing After cooling down ACM (100% PE Core) Fire Rated ACM

82 Conclusion and Reaction to the fire requirement The various regulations around the world generally fit into one of the four categories and how they influence the choice of materials : 1. No action according to the fire regulations, 2. Requirements for non combustible materials, (EN 13501, ASTM E84, BS 476) 3. Requirements for small scale reaction to fire test only, 4. Requirements for the full scale façade test

83 THANK YOU