Numerical studies on fire environment in an auditorium

J. Li, Wan Ki Chow

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceedingConference article published in proceeding or bookAcademic researchpeer-review

Abstract

Performance-based design used to be applied to fire safety provisions in many green building projects that have difficulties in complying with prescriptive fire codes in the Far East. Thermal fire models are widely used for fire hazard assessment. In this paper, the thermal environment in a stage fire within an underground auditorium will be studied. Consequences of different scenarios were simulated by a thermal fire zone model. Objective of the study is to evaluate whether requiring a shutter of 4-hour fire resistance period is really necessary. Variations of the smoke layer temperature and smoke layer interface height with time would be predicted. Numerical results indicated that all the stage was full of smoke after 5 min. The upper layer temperature was higher than 400°C even for a 6 MW fire. Therefore, it would not be dangerous for the occupants staying at the auditorium for 2 hours. High air temperature would be reached and kept for a period but shorter than 2 hours. Therefore, a fire shutter of 2-hour fire resistance rating is sufficient.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUECTC'09 - Proceedings of 2009 US-EU-China Thermophysics Conference - Renewable Energy
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2009
Event2009 US-EU-China Thermophysics Conference - Renewable Energy, UECTC'09 - Beijing, China
Duration: 28 May 200930 May 2009

Conference

Conference2009 US-EU-China Thermophysics Conference - Renewable Energy, UECTC'09
Country/TerritoryChina
CityBeijing
Period28/05/0930/05/09

Keywords

  • Fire resistance period
  • Numerical simulation
  • Thermal fire model
  • Zone model

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

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