It is commonly agreed that one of the major inventions of a man in history of his existence was that of fire. Fire has helped man to make great progress in life through mastery of different technologies. However, if not well controlled, fire can turn into a consuming monster without any mercy. Fire safety is used in reference to the protection measures undertaken to minimize the possibility of a fire that may result in fatalities like death, injury or even property at large. A safety procedure would therefore involve alerting those at risk by helping them to get away from it and if possible reduce the resultant damage caused by a fire outbreak. In essence, safety measures include measures incorporated at the construction stage or those that are applied to an existing structure (Chow, 2007). It also incorporates the awareness created to the occupants of buildings regarding their actions in case of a fire incident as component of fire safety procedure.
Before the emergence of concrete, steel and glass as a construction material, timber had generally been accepted as the basic material for construction. Even in the present day, wood constitutes a significant percentage of the building material. However, this material has a disadvantage of being very prone to fire due to its high combustible nature. Steel has also been found not to withstand high temperatures in case of a fire breakout in a building. This puts designers in a complex situation on the choice of material for construction which will withstand this phenomenon. Most of building designs in the past have been put down without a consideration of risk of fire in mind (Traveres, 2009). In actual fact, the common scenario during fire disasters has been that of fire fighters who have little or no knowledge about the intricate designs used in building and construction of collapsed buildings, rescuing people and trying to access the fallen structures whose construction designs they know little about. Most of the present-day building designs have been driven by cost reduction factor and maximization of space due to the rising cost of land and building materials.
However, increase in occurrence of fire tragedies like the one that affected the World Trade Centre on 2001 has shifted focus to consideration of risk of fire during the planning stages of construction of a building (Piasecki, n.d). This has come about as safety measure as the stakeholders strive to improve fire safety standards by reducing incidences of fires and averting loss of life. In addition, there is a concerted effort to reduce the number and severity of injuries associated with fire tragedies. The involvement of information about experiences of fire fighters at the scenes of fire disasters is very crucial in designing of buildings that are accessible to rescue personnel and the accessibility of escape ways by the occupants. The design of new structures will be based on experience, research and review of applicable technologies about fire prevention, detection and containment. In the recent past, there has been a concerted effort on research about the assessment of risk and management of fire during emergencies (Piasecki, n.d).
For the last three decades, there has been an increased call for a consideration of fire safety standards by the former national model building code groups. Among them are the Southern Building Code Congress International (SCBCCI), Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA) and the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO). These groups have increased their voice in calling for enhanced use of fire sensors and sprinklers in buildings. They have also added their weight on the major requirements for smoke control and application of fire retardants at the scene of fire disaster. This has also included the use of smoke and fire dampers, fire stop systems, use of fire proofing materials, doors, fire-rated glazing, and walls and ceiling assemblies (Meln, 2007). By use off fire-rated materials, one is assured of a slowed rate of spreading of fire and, if controlled in time, it can reduce the damage caused to the structure and other surrounding buildings. It is very important to note that use of such materials in prune buildings gives the occupants of a building an ample time to escape. In addition, this gives fire fighters time to get to the site and act decisively before such a structure succumbs to the fire.
It is on the basis of capturing the concerns of these three codes that the new building code IBC (International Building Code) has integrated the idea of overall reduction of fire and increased safety of life of occupants and firefighters. This is in accordance to the International Code Council which has reduced some restrictions that existed in the earlier codes. As an example, the Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA) have restricted the height of buildings constructed with fire sprinklers and no area restrictions to one story building while the new International Building Code (IBC) has raised it to two storeys without inclusion of resistant materials in their constructions (Traveres, 2009). In another scenario, the standard building code of Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI) had put a requirement of installation of independent firewalls separating building units with four-hour resistance rating. However, the new standards have minimized theses ratings by half which is even dependent on the number of occupancy and the type of use the house is put under (Fire Pro, n.d). In addition, the Uniform Building Code of International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) had earlier on allowed the use of sprinklers in exchange of allowable height and area in buildings. However, the new International Building Code and the NFPA 5000 building codes has allowed for increase of both area and height by as much as 250 without any increase in use of fire resistant materials in construction of the same.
The United States have been known to have the highest number of fire loses in frequency and overall loses of all modern technologically advanced societies. Any new achievements to curb this trend will have a basis on the effective use of applicable methods of passive and proactive systems of fire protection. Systems should be aimed at effectively detecting, containing and controlling any eventuality of a fire outbreak in and out of residential areas at its early stages. The involvement of fire protection personnel and engineers in all areas of building construction and design has gained momentum in ensuring there is an increased degree of protection life and other combustible material such as personal belongings, valuable information and organizational structures (Saini, 1998). Any new design should be put forward with analysis for fire protection in mind. This will give the designers a chance to analyze all the components in a building and incorporate them in the overall program total safety of the building. Such requirements have necessitated the need for compliance to the safety codes as well as focusing on the unique circumstances brought about by the new models of building. The new trends also include the incorporation of Performance Based Design (PBD) in which the ability of any design is based on the incorporation of all players of building industry such as designers, owners and fire personnel at all stages of construction.
Future Trends
The success in fire protection in design for now and in future is reliant on various aspects of design teams, meeting design standards and site requirements. For an efficient design, the design team needs to include the expertise of a knowledgeable fire protection engineer who can give guidelines on the best way to accommodate fire protection and life safety in the design. This input has gained great consideration in designing phase, and planning of occupancy. On the other hand, following up of design criteria and standards such as building code is also gaining reputation as a good way of protecting a building and its occupants from a potential hazard. These regulations are not only aimed at meeting the requirements of the occupants but also those of insurance agencies who have an equivalent concern about the safety of an insured building. In addition, the site requirements are meant to ensure that the site a building is located is accessible to fire department personnel for easier suppression of fire (Canadian Wood Council, n.d). A safe building should also maintain a good separation distance with other buildings which will reduce chances of fire transmission from one building to the adjacent ones. The provision of fire fighting equipments such as fire hydrants close to the building is also a good way of ensuring that there is an enhanced fire fighting system near the site. Another important design consideration is that of construction type, allowance in height and area, fire ratings, systems and materials used, and the type of occupation interior finish and closure mechanisms of the exit stairways.
Minimum requirements on the fire detection and notification can address the systems involved in fire detection, notification and the overall survivability of the system. Other special considerations include the protection requirements of smoke control systems, fireproof and stopping, atrium spaces and adequate provision of other critical needs.
Earlier than September 11, 2001, there was a little concern over security against any aerial attack by architects, engineers builders and occupants of high-rise buildings. In addition, the concern over the effect of fire and the ability of steel used for support to withstand extreme high temperatures without collapse had not been given adequate attention. It is known that the two towers were greatly affected by heat from the fire resulting from explosions.
This incident has taught the respective authorities a lot of valuable lessons, leading to tremendous changes in design and safety considerations of the new buildings (Melon, 2007). Apart from meeting major statutory requirements, the new standards of care have drawn a reference from the studies and reports that have been issued by governmental agencies that led the investigations into the cause, effects and other conclusions arrived at after the collapse of the twin towers of the World Trade Centre. From these reports, recommendations has been made on reinforcement of steel structure framing systems with concrete to enable these frames have a sort of fireproof and an improved rigidity to effects of heat and have an extended capacity to continue holding their loads after a similar damage by fire has occurred (Canadian Wood Council, n.d). In addition, improvisation of egress systems to make them more efficient incase of a fire disaster in carrying the victims to safety.
In summary, historical events have continued to shape the direction of designs in buildings. From the ancient history where wood was the most utilized raw material to present innovations of other materials, the effect of fire on these materials has continued to lead to new developments which are aimed at improving the adaptability of the structures to fire disasters. The use fire retardants incorporated in materials for building and other fire fighting equipments improves the efficacy of a structure in case of a fire disaster. However, new trends have shifted the concern to the design aspect which is paramount to the versatility of a building in withstanding effects of fire by involving contribution of fire fighting personnel.
Before the emergence of concrete, steel and glass as a construction material, timber had generally been accepted as the basic material for construction. Even in the present day, wood constitutes a significant percentage of the building material. However, this material has a disadvantage of being very prone to fire due to its high combustible nature. Steel has also been found not to withstand high temperatures in case of a fire breakout in a building. This puts designers in a complex situation on the choice of material for construction which will withstand this phenomenon. Most of building designs in the past have been put down without a consideration of risk of fire in mind (Traveres, 2009). In actual fact, the common scenario during fire disasters has been that of fire fighters who have little or no knowledge about the intricate designs used in building and construction of collapsed buildings, rescuing people and trying to access the fallen structures whose construction designs they know little about. Most of the present-day building designs have been driven by cost reduction factor and maximization of space due to the rising cost of land and building materials.
However, increase in occurrence of fire tragedies like the one that affected the World Trade Centre on 2001 has shifted focus to consideration of risk of fire during the planning stages of construction of a building (Piasecki, n.d). This has come about as safety measure as the stakeholders strive to improve fire safety standards by reducing incidences of fires and averting loss of life. In addition, there is a concerted effort to reduce the number and severity of injuries associated with fire tragedies. The involvement of information about experiences of fire fighters at the scenes of fire disasters is very crucial in designing of buildings that are accessible to rescue personnel and the accessibility of escape ways by the occupants. The design of new structures will be based on experience, research and review of applicable technologies about fire prevention, detection and containment. In the recent past, there has been a concerted effort on research about the assessment of risk and management of fire during emergencies (Piasecki, n.d).
For the last three decades, there has been an increased call for a consideration of fire safety standards by the former national model building code groups. Among them are the Southern Building Code Congress International (SCBCCI), Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA) and the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO). These groups have increased their voice in calling for enhanced use of fire sensors and sprinklers in buildings. They have also added their weight on the major requirements for smoke control and application of fire retardants at the scene of fire disaster. This has also included the use of smoke and fire dampers, fire stop systems, use of fire proofing materials, doors, fire-rated glazing, and walls and ceiling assemblies (Meln, 2007). By use off fire-rated materials, one is assured of a slowed rate of spreading of fire and, if controlled in time, it can reduce the damage caused to the structure and other surrounding buildings. It is very important to note that use of such materials in prune buildings gives the occupants of a building an ample time to escape. In addition, this gives fire fighters time to get to the site and act decisively before such a structure succumbs to the fire.
It is on the basis of capturing the concerns of these three codes that the new building code IBC (International Building Code) has integrated the idea of overall reduction of fire and increased safety of life of occupants and firefighters. This is in accordance to the International Code Council which has reduced some restrictions that existed in the earlier codes. As an example, the Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA) have restricted the height of buildings constructed with fire sprinklers and no area restrictions to one story building while the new International Building Code (IBC) has raised it to two storeys without inclusion of resistant materials in their constructions (Traveres, 2009). In another scenario, the standard building code of Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI) had put a requirement of installation of independent firewalls separating building units with four-hour resistance rating. However, the new standards have minimized theses ratings by half which is even dependent on the number of occupancy and the type of use the house is put under (Fire Pro, n.d). In addition, the Uniform Building Code of International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) had earlier on allowed the use of sprinklers in exchange of allowable height and area in buildings. However, the new International Building Code and the NFPA 5000 building codes has allowed for increase of both area and height by as much as 250 without any increase in use of fire resistant materials in construction of the same.
The United States have been known to have the highest number of fire loses in frequency and overall loses of all modern technologically advanced societies. Any new achievements to curb this trend will have a basis on the effective use of applicable methods of passive and proactive systems of fire protection. Systems should be aimed at effectively detecting, containing and controlling any eventuality of a fire outbreak in and out of residential areas at its early stages. The involvement of fire protection personnel and engineers in all areas of building construction and design has gained momentum in ensuring there is an increased degree of protection life and other combustible material such as personal belongings, valuable information and organizational structures (Saini, 1998). Any new design should be put forward with analysis for fire protection in mind. This will give the designers a chance to analyze all the components in a building and incorporate them in the overall program total safety of the building. Such requirements have necessitated the need for compliance to the safety codes as well as focusing on the unique circumstances brought about by the new models of building. The new trends also include the incorporation of Performance Based Design (PBD) in which the ability of any design is based on the incorporation of all players of building industry such as designers, owners and fire personnel at all stages of construction.
Future Trends
The success in fire protection in design for now and in future is reliant on various aspects of design teams, meeting design standards and site requirements. For an efficient design, the design team needs to include the expertise of a knowledgeable fire protection engineer who can give guidelines on the best way to accommodate fire protection and life safety in the design. This input has gained great consideration in designing phase, and planning of occupancy. On the other hand, following up of design criteria and standards such as building code is also gaining reputation as a good way of protecting a building and its occupants from a potential hazard. These regulations are not only aimed at meeting the requirements of the occupants but also those of insurance agencies who have an equivalent concern about the safety of an insured building. In addition, the site requirements are meant to ensure that the site a building is located is accessible to fire department personnel for easier suppression of fire (Canadian Wood Council, n.d). A safe building should also maintain a good separation distance with other buildings which will reduce chances of fire transmission from one building to the adjacent ones. The provision of fire fighting equipments such as fire hydrants close to the building is also a good way of ensuring that there is an enhanced fire fighting system near the site. Another important design consideration is that of construction type, allowance in height and area, fire ratings, systems and materials used, and the type of occupation interior finish and closure mechanisms of the exit stairways.
Minimum requirements on the fire detection and notification can address the systems involved in fire detection, notification and the overall survivability of the system. Other special considerations include the protection requirements of smoke control systems, fireproof and stopping, atrium spaces and adequate provision of other critical needs.
Earlier than September 11, 2001, there was a little concern over security against any aerial attack by architects, engineers builders and occupants of high-rise buildings. In addition, the concern over the effect of fire and the ability of steel used for support to withstand extreme high temperatures without collapse had not been given adequate attention. It is known that the two towers were greatly affected by heat from the fire resulting from explosions.
This incident has taught the respective authorities a lot of valuable lessons, leading to tremendous changes in design and safety considerations of the new buildings (Melon, 2007). Apart from meeting major statutory requirements, the new standards of care have drawn a reference from the studies and reports that have been issued by governmental agencies that led the investigations into the cause, effects and other conclusions arrived at after the collapse of the twin towers of the World Trade Centre. From these reports, recommendations has been made on reinforcement of steel structure framing systems with concrete to enable these frames have a sort of fireproof and an improved rigidity to effects of heat and have an extended capacity to continue holding their loads after a similar damage by fire has occurred (Canadian Wood Council, n.d). In addition, improvisation of egress systems to make them more efficient incase of a fire disaster in carrying the victims to safety.
In summary, historical events have continued to shape the direction of designs in buildings. From the ancient history where wood was the most utilized raw material to present innovations of other materials, the effect of fire on these materials has continued to lead to new developments which are aimed at improving the adaptability of the structures to fire disasters. The use fire retardants incorporated in materials for building and other fire fighting equipments improves the efficacy of a structure in case of a fire disaster. However, new trends have shifted the concern to the design aspect which is paramount to the versatility of a building in withstanding effects of fire by involving contribution of fire fighting personnel.
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