Field tests on atrium smoke control systems

Field tests on the smoke control systems in two atrium buildings are reported in this paper. Site A is an underground, three-level shopping mall with a total volume of 25,680 m3(907,420 ft3); the atrium space has a volume of about 12,100 m3(427,562 ft3). Site B is an above-ground, four-level shopping mall with two atrium spaces. The total volume of the mall is 60,105 m3(2,123,851 ft3), and each atrium's space has a volume of about 7,500 m3(265,018 ft3). The systems were assessed by measuring the airflow characteristics and the pressure on operating the fans. The measured results were used together with an empirical formula derived on smoke control to assess the performance of the systems. Discussion on the limitation of the design and suggestions for improvement are presented. It is suggested that tests of this kind be used to evaluate smoke control systems. This, of course, may not be as realistic as carrying out a hot smoke test, but it would cause the building owners only very minor disturbance.