Fire Spread from Mass Timber Buildings

有大量证据表明，具有可燃衬里的建筑比传统建筑具有更高的外部火灾蔓延危险。现在，建筑师和工程师正在寻求更大规模地使用这种材料，有必要量化相关的危害，并采取措施减轻潜在的风险。火灾的外焰是影响火灾垂直和水平蔓延潜力的关键参数。这种火焰的特性是由过量燃料因素控制的。众所周知，如果在舱室中提供木材衬里，则过量燃料系数会受到很大影响。本研究项目将量化木材衬里对多余燃料因素的影响，然后进行参数化研究，以调查这如何影响相邻区域和建筑物上层的热量。具体而言，将进行一系列火灾试验，以测量中等规模房间（约1米）内的燃烧行为——这些试验将用于量化一系列条件下的过剩燃料系数。一个带有丙烷燃烧器的实验隔间将用于对不同过量燃料因素引起的热通量进行高度可重复的参数化研究。项目最后将举办一系列研讨会（与BRE和结构安全常务委员会合作），向业界广泛传播研究结果。这项工作将为工程师和监管机构提供指导，帮助他们决定如何最好地防止建筑物之间的火灾蔓延。

There is substantial evidence that construction with combustible linings present a higher external fire spread hazard than conventional buildings. Now that architects and engineers are seeking to use this material on an ever-larger scale, it is necessary to quantify the relevant hazards, and take steps to mitigate the potential risks.The external flame from a fire is the key parameter that effect the potential for vertical and horizontal fire spread. The characteristics of this flame are controlled by the excess fuel factor. It is known that where timber linings are provided in a compartment, the excess fuel factor can be substantially affected. This research project will quantify the impact of timber linings on the excess fuel factors, and then conduct a parametric study to investigate how this affects the heat to adjacent areas, and upper levels of a building.Specifically, a series of fire tests will be conducted that will measure the burning behaviour within a medium-scale room (of the order of 1m) - these tests will be used to quantify the excess fuel factor for a range of conditions. An experimental compartment with propane burners will be used to conduct a highly repeatable parametric study of the heat flux that results from different excess fuel factors.The project will conclude with a series of workshops (in association with BRE and the Standing Committee on Structural Safety) to disseminate the findings to a wide industry audience. The work will lead to guidance for engineers and regulators to help them decide how best to prevent fire spread between buildings.