AI Building performance Flashcards
What is the primary goal of building design in the event of a fire?
To ensure safe evacuation of all occupants without premature failure of structural elements or transmission of smoke or fire between compartments.
Define fire resistance.
The ability of a building to satisfy specified criteria in a relevant fire test standard for a given period.
List three factors that affect fire resistance according to the Approved Document B guidance.
- Fire severity
- Building height
- Building occupancy
What is fire load density?
The amount of combustible material per unit of floor area in various types of building.
What are the three primary classifications of fire resistance?
- Loadbearing capacity
- Integrity
- Insulation
What does loadbearing capacity refer to?
The ability of a building’s support system to remain intact and fulfill its support function for a specified period.
At what temperature does structural steel typically lose about half its strength?
Around 500°C.
What is spalling in the context of fire resistance?
The breaking away of pieces of concrete from the concrete frame when exposed to fire.
Fill in the blank: The fire insulation properties of a compartment wall should not increase in temperature above _______.
140°C average 180° at any one point
What defines a cellulosic fire?
A fire with a fuel source predominantly of cellulose, such as timber and paper. 1000-1100C
What are hydrocarbon fires typically associated with?
Environments like onshore petrochemical complexes and offshore gas or oil rigs.
List two types of fires produced in hydrocarbon environments.
- Jet fires
- Pool fires
What does the term ‘reaction to fire’ refer to?
The behaviour of materials lining walls and ceilings in relation to fire growth until flashover occurs.
What is the highest level of reaction to fire performance?
Non-combustibility (Euroclass A1).
What is a material of limited combustibility according to UK standards?
Materials that include non-combustible components but can demonstrate limited combustibility within certain parameters.
True or False: Fire doors in the UK are usually required to have insulating properties.
False.
What is the purpose of maintaining fire integrity in a building?
To prevent gaps that allow penetration of hot gases, smoke, and flames between fire compartments.
What should be done to openings and gaps in fire separating walls to prevent fire spread?
Fire-stopped.
What is the role of passive fire protection measures?
To extend the fire resisting capabilities of structural frame types.
What is the significance of the Approved Document B guidance?
It provides fire safety guidance and required test methods in the UK.
