Computer-simulation study on fire behaviour in the ventilated cavity of ventilated façade systems

E-ISSN： 2261-236x|9|issue|03002-03002

ISSN： 2261-236x

Source： MATEC Web of conference, Vol.9, Iss.issue, 2013-11, pp. : 03002-03002

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Abstract

Fire spread through the façades is widely recognized as one of the fastest pathways of fire spreading in the buildings. Fire may spread through the façade in different ways depending on the type of façade system and on the elements and materials from which it is constructed. Ventilated façades are multilayer systems whose main feature is the creation of an air chamber of circulating air between the original building wall and the external cladding. The “chimney effect” in the air cavity is a mechanism that improves the façade's thermal behaviour and avoids the appearance of moisture from rain or condensation. However, in a event of fire, it may contribute to the quickest spreading of fire, representing a significant risk to the upper floors of a building. This study deals with some aspects of fire propagation through the ventilated cavity in ventilated façade systems. Also we review the provisions stipulated by the Spanish building code (Código Técnico de la Edificación, CTE) [1] to avoid fire spread outside the building.