Fire Hazards of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components

Transcription

1 Fire Hazards of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components Meeting Summary Project Technical Panel (PTP) Meeting Conference Call Thursday, 25 April Call to Order and Attendees a. Amanda Kimball, project manager for the Foundation, called the meeting to order at 4pm (Eastern). The following were in attendance: Liza Bowles, Doug Evans, Richard Keleher, Robert Solomon, Tracy Vecchiarelli, Ron Hein, Ben Ditch, Chris Wieczorek, Catherine Laurent, Mike Widdekind, Marty Ahrens, Nathan White, and Michael Delichatsios. The Panel roster is included at Attachment A. 2. Review of Project Work Plan a. Nathan gave a brief overview of the work plan, which is provided as Attachment B. b. Task A Review of fire incidents and statistics (with help from Marty Ahrens in NFPA s Fire Research and Analysis Division) to compile information on typical fire scenarios involving the exterior wall. This will include information from Australia and the UK. c. Task B Informal survey of fire departments literature and case studies. This will include incidents from Japan and China. d. Task C Compile relevant building code requirements, listing criteria, test methods (large and small scale), and fire analysis methods. e. Task D Prepare an informational bulletin on combustible exterior wall fire safety. f. Task E Development of fire scenarios and test methodologies for Phase 2. g. Also interested in correlations and modeling techniques may do if have time/funding h. Timeline shifted up a month due to time taken for contracting i. Split up tasks between CSIRO and University of Ulster 3. Feedback from Panel a. Other types of wall materials

2 i. There are sections in the International Building Code (IBC) that address this issue. The IBC allows the use of fiber reinforced polymers for exterior walls, so it was suggested to include this material in the analysis. ii. Other triggers for NFPA 285 include foam plastic insulation and combustible membranes (behind cladding) iii. SIFS should be structural insulated panel systems (SIPS) b. Incident Information Gathering (Task A and B) i. There was a question raised about gathering incident information from databases outside the US. The contractors will definitely look into information in Australia and the UK and they have contacts in Japan and China. ii. Faimeen Shah was unable to make the call but suggested that the fire statistics from South Africa and India also considered where available. iii. If possible, it would be good to also know if the building had a fire suppression system and the details of the wall assembly (including if a cavity wall). 1. Will only have limited information on wall details because the construction type classification was eliminated in NFIRS version 5 2. Could look back pre 1998 when construction type was recorded 3. Contractors will also be selecting some case studies to look at in more detail, so will find out the wall type/construction and other details for these cases. c. Code Requirements, Listing Criteria, and Test Methods (Task C) i. Although focus is stated on US, UK, and Australia, will also look at code requirements/listing criteria in China, Japan, and Europe (including ISO). ii. Faimeen Shah was unable to make the call but added the following tests to be considered: 1. Full scale tests EN 1364 series, ASTM E Small scale tests EN series (classification), ASTM E84 (flame spread) and UL 94 series (burning plastics) iii. Would also like to know compliance of systems to be made air and water tight in the tests look at that element of any proposed systems would be good to know how to address this issue (separate fire and weather resistance testing) d. It was clarified that this project stops short of evaluating test methods, the purpose of this project is to collect information on all possible applicable test methods based on the incident information found. e. It was noted that external sprinkler protection is used in other countries including Australia and China (often to protect glazing). f. The Panel was asked what occupancies should be focused on for collection of incident data (particularly for NFIRS and other databases). i. High rise buildings are of a particular interest, but NFPA 285 is affecting low and mid rise buildings as well. ii. It was agree that the study should just focus on commercial properties and not on single family homes.

3 iii. Commercial properties include offices, healthcare, hotels, apartments/condos, assembly buildings, warehouses, etc. iv. Nathan will put together a proposed list of building types to study and review with Marty 4. Next Steps and Timetable a. Nathan going on leave from mid May to mid June will be starting Task A next week and working with Marty to develop the occupancy list to study. b. Draft Task A, B, and C report due in mid July. At this point, we will have our next Panel meeting to review this deliverable. 5. Michael Delichatsios presented a rough draft of a proposed approach for evaluation (included as Attachment C) a. This will change based on the project but is an outline of what the overall project outcome should be. This will largely be the Phase 2 effort. Attachment Description # of pages A Project Technical Panel Roster 2 B Project Work Plan 8 C Proposed Approach for Evaluation 1

4 Fire Hazards of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components Project Contacts Updated: 9 May 2013 Panel Members Liza Bowles, Newport Partners LLC (MD) Dave Collins, Preview Group Doug Evans, Clark County Building (NV) Todd Gritch, HKS Architects (TX) Jeff Harrington, Harrington Group (GA) Robert Jansson, SP Richard Keleher, Building Enclosure Technology and Environment Council (BETEC) (MA) Birgitte Messerschmidt, Rockwool (ME) Faimeen Shah, Exova Warringtonfire Consulting ME Ltd (Dubai) Robert Solomon, NFPA (MA) Tracy Vecchiarelli, NFPA Staff Liaison (MA) lbowles@newportpartnersllc.com (301) dcollins@preview group.com dhe@clarkcountynv.gov (702) tgritch@hksinc.com jharrington@hgi fire.com (770) ext 32 Robert.jansson@sp.se kel@rkeleher.com rkeleher@thompsonlichtner.com (978) Birgitte.messerschmidt@rockwool.com (207) Faimeen.shah@exova.com +971 (0) Rsolomon@nfpa.org tvecchiarelli@nfpa.org Sponsor Representatives CNA Ron Hein Ronald.hein@cna.com FM Global Ben Ditch Benjamin.ditch@fmglobal.com Christopher Wieczorek Christopher.wieczorek@fmglobal.com Lou Gritzo Louis.gritzo@fmglobal.com Liberty Mutual Catherine Laurent Catherine.laurent@libertymutual.com Dave Hague David.hague@libertymutual.com Gary Fleming Gary.fleming@libertymutual.com Jonathan Levin Jonathan.levin@libertymutual.com Ralph Tiede Ralph.tiede@libertymutual.com Tanya Glumac Tanya.glumac@libertymutual.com Tom Suehr Tom.suehr@libertymutual.com

5 Tokio Marine Dave Dillon Dave Gottschall Tom George Travelers Dave Gough Tony Gumkowski Lee West XL Pete Willse Zurich Greg Lanshe James Breitkreitz Jim Duderstadt Michael Widdekind Rich Gallagher Other Project Contacts Amanda Kimball, Fire Protection Research Foundation (MA) Marty Ahrens, NFPA (MA) Nathan White, CSIRO Michael Delichatsios, FireSERT, University ofulster (617)

6 INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SERVICES 37 Graham Road, Highett VIC 3190 PO Box 56, Highett VIC 3190, Australia T (03) ABN Date: 24 April 2013 Amanda Kimball, P.E. Research Project Manager Fire Protection Research Foundation 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA USA akimball@nfpa.org Work Plan - Fire Hazards of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components Reference No: 1. INTRODUCTION The Fire Protection Research Foundation has issued a request for proposals for a funded research project on fire hazards of exterior wall assemblies containing combustible composites. This is in recognition of the growing use of combustible materials in external wall assembly systems. This project will review available fire statistics, fire incidents, literature and test methods relating to combustible external wall assemblies. Where possible the review will focus on each of the below identified types of materials separately. It is understood that a review of EIFS is of particular interest to the project sponsors and this will be provided as well as a review of the other types of assemblies identified. Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) or synthetic stucco metal composite claddings such as Alucabond and Alpolic high pressure laminates Structural Insulation Finish Systems (SIFS) and insulated sandwich panel systems Weather resistive barriers (WRB). External timber panelling and facades including cross laminated timber (CLT) may also be increasing in use to increase renewable composition of buildings. Other important issues that will be addressed in the review are the types of buildings where these materials are used and how this affects fire incidents and hazards (eg low rise, high rise, warehouse etc) These systems and situations include a broad variety of materials, composite/layered assemblies, installation and fixing method and end use application. These variations, which are primarily designed for thermal insulation and protection against wind and rain, obviously affect the resulting fire hazards associated with the product. A need exists for a better understanding of the fire behaviour of the various combustible exterior wall assembly systems and the scenarios ( e.g. fire spread from floor to floor, external fire ) that may result in hazardous fire incidents. Increased understanding is required to inform fire performance test methods and potential mitigation strategies such as building codes or design guides. 1 of 8 Z:\2013 projects from 2562\ - Fire hazards of exterior wall assemblies - Fire protection

7 CSIRO, Australian government research organisation, and FireCERT, University of Ulster, prepared the following workplan and will undertake the research as a joint effort. Both organisations have a wealth of experience in material flammability and fire behaviour research leading to improvements in regulation of materials. We have long recognised the need for research in this area and have been involved in significant projects in our own countries (Australia and UK). Working with NFPA s co-operation we will bring a truly international outlook and knowledge base to focus on this topic. In addition FireSERT, has close cooperation in this area with the State Key Laboratory of Fire Science (SKLFS) at the university of USTC ( University of Science and Technology China) and with the Tokyo University of Science (TUS) Japan where Professor Delichatsios is a visiting Professor. Research and testing in these laboratories is focused on facades in super-tall buildings erected in Asia. 2. Objective To develop the technical basis for evaluation, testing and fire mitigation strategies for exterior fires exposing exterior wall systems with combustible components. 3. SCOPE OF WORK The Fire Protection Research Authority has separated the research into two phases Phase 1 Review of fire incidents and statistics, literature and relevant test methods. Identification of selected fire scenarios and test methods for Phase 2 Phase 1 Experiments/tests to evaluate performance of exterior walls with combustible materials The scope of this proposal only covers Phase 1 Phase 1 is broken into the following tasks Task (a) Task (b) Task (c) Task (d) Task (e) With the assistance of NFPA s Fire Analysis Division, conduct a review of the national fire incident reporting system database as well as other databases and compile information on typical exterior fire scenarios which involve the exterior wall. Conduct an informal survey of fire departments and the fire service literature to identify fire incidents involving exterior wall systems with combustible materials to gather further case study information. Compile and evaluate relevant test methods and listing criteria and other approval/regulatory requirements for these systems. Compile the information from Tasks a) e) into an information bulletin on combustible exterior wall fire safety. Using the results from a) g), identify selected fire scenarios and testing approach for Phase II evaluation of the fire performance of exterior walls with combustible materials. These scenarios should reflect real world conditions and include the potential for evaluation of the effectiveness of external fire protection features. 2 Z:\2013 projects from 2562\ - Fire hazards of exterior wall assemblies - Fire protection

8 4. General Approach The above tasks will be undertaken by CSIRO and FireSERT with staff located both in Australia and UK. CSIRO and FireSERT can regularly brief the project technical panel as needed via video conference and written communication. As the tasks are a review of literature and fire incidents we do not see that our international locations will reduce our ability to carry out the project and in reality will enable us to add international perspectives to any data already collected by NFPA. We propose the following general approach to the above tasks Task (a) NFPA s Fire Analysis Division will provide analysis of their national incident reporting system database. We will work with NFPA s Fire Analysis Division to develop agreed key information and basis for the analysis to obtain any fire incidend statistics that are available and relevant to external combustible wall assemblies We will also seek access to any relevant fire incident databases that may be available within Australia or the UK. The results will be reviewed to present general statistical data on exterior wall fire scenarios and to select specific exterior wall fire incidents to be reviewed in more depth as case studies. A progress report will be generated upon completion of this task. It is expected that scenarios reviewed may include (but not limited to) those in the following table: Table 1. Fire scenarios that may apply to combustible external wall systems Fire Scenario Fire spread from external fire sources Fire and smoke spread from internal fires Fire spread to adjacent structures De-lamination or fall away of wall systems Brief Description This includes exposure to adjacent structure fires and other fire sources such as vehicles, waste materials, wildfire and arson. This includes fire spread from internal fires via the interface of the main structure with the façade (e.g. façade / slab interface), via concealed spaces / or combustibles within the façade itself and fire spread between floors due to flame extension via windows or other openings over the façade. Fire spread to adjacent structures as a result of fires on combustible external walls. Wall systems when exposed to fire or heat may delaminate or fall away leading to downward fire spread, posing risks to fire brigades and public and influence fire behavior. Methods of construction and fixing will influence this. Task (b) CSIRO and FireSERT will conduct an informal review of not only US fire department literature, but also literature from fire brigades in Australia and UK relating to exterior wall fire scenarios. Where available, fire investigation reports will be sought and reviewed. We may require some assistance from NFPA in obtaining appropriate contacts within US fire departments and obtaining US literature. We will also do an informal review of newspaper articles and literature internationally to capture cases such as the Al Tayer Tower fire in Sharjah and Dubai Tamweel Tower fires in 2012 (both examples of external fire spread on aluminum composite exterior panels). A progress report will be generated upon completion of this task. Relevant information about materials and incidents will be also collected from China and Japan though the connections that FireSERT has developed. 3 Z:\2013 projects from 2562\ - Fire hazards of exterior wall assemblies - Fire protection

9 Task(c) We will compile a report summarizing and evaluating: Building code requirements, listing criteria and other approval/regulatory requirements for these systems. In particular this will focus on the requirements in the US, UK and Australia Large-scale and intermediate scale test methods relevant to external wall systems. Small scale test methods relevant to external walls systems. A reviewed of CFD and other fire analysis methods that may be applied to fire spread on exterior wall linings may be undertakedn as additional work if time permits Where possible we will critique the above methods highlighting any advantages or disadvantages. The review of test methods will include but not be limited to those listed in the following table. Table 2. Test methods relevant to combustible external wall systems Scale Full or intermediate scale Test method BRE test method BS 8414 fire performance of external cladding systems Part 1 BRE 135 (2 nd edition) ISO Full-Scale Façade Test - ISO Part 2 ISO Intermediate-Scale Façade Test - ISO Part 1 Swedish Full-Scale Façade Test (SP-105) Canadian Full-Scale Façade Test (CAN/ULC S-134) BRANZ Vertical Channel test NFPA 285 Exterior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Assemblies test ISO Part 2 large scale test for sandwich panels ISO Part 1 intermediate scale test for sandwich panels ISO 9705 room corner test LPS 1181 Loss prevention council test method Factory Mutual 25 ft and 50 ft Corner Tests Single burning item (Europe) Small or bench scale Combustibility AS Early Fire Hazard AS Bomb Calorimeter ISO 1716 Cone Calorimeter ISO 5660 Fire Propagation BS 476 Part 6 Surface Spread of Flame BS 476 Part 7 ASTM E162 and D3675 flame spread tests Some consideration of test methods to assess toxicity and smoke production from external wall systems may also be provided. If time permits we will review and evaluate methodologies to characterise/predict the rate of fire spread and toxic smoke production of the façade materials in end-use applications using small scale tests such as the cone calorimeter and corner test based on our extensive experience in this area. These methodologies include both imperically based methods and modelling methods such as CFD. A progress report will be generated upon completion of this task. Task (d) We will prepare an information bulletin on combustible exterior wall fire safety. This will essentially be a summary of the findings from Tasks (a) (c) with reference to the individual task reports. 4 Z:\2013 projects from 2562\ - Fire hazards of exterior wall assemblies - Fire protection

10 Task (e) Fire Scenarios and test methodologies for Phase 2 will be fully detailed in report format. This will be the foundation for Phase 2 fire testing and evaluation of combustible external wall systems. This will be based on careful consideration of the likely fire scenarios and hazards found from Phase 1. This may include assessment of Fire spread from an external fire source with different wall arrangements (eg flat, corner or channel) Fire spread form an internal fire source, including internal cavities etc Testing of panel de-lamination and failure of fixing systems Breakup and fall down of glazing Protection of wall systems and glazing using active suppression systems. Effect of other mitigation methods such as non-combustible spandrels separating areas of combustible façade. 5. Personnel Our combined experience and expertise in fire performance ensures we can successfully complete the Phase 1 review. Our combined fire testing and measurement resources ensure that we are more than capable of successfully completing the Phase 2 testing. The principal consultants for this project will be Mr Alex Webb and Mr Nathan White (CSIRO) and Prof. Michael Delichatsios (FireCERT, University of Ulster) The staff involved in the project will be: 1. Mr Nathan White (CSIRO) 2. Mr Alex Webb (CSIRO) 3. Prof. Michael Delichatsios (FireCERT, University of Ulster) 4. Dr Jianping Zhang (FireCERT, University of Ulster) 5. Mr Russell Collins (CSIRO) 6. Dr. Bill Tiganis (CSIRO) 6. Deliverables CSIRO and FireCert will provided will provide the Client with: 1. A draft report for each Task (a) to (c) will be provided 2. An information Bulletin will be provided for Task (d) 3. A letter report will be provided for task (e) 4. A summary report on all tasks will be provided 7. Schedule The project schedule is shown in the following table: 5 Z:\2013 projects from 2562\ - Fire hazards of exterior wall assemblies - Fire protection

11 Table 3. Project Schedule Item Due Date Proposals Due February 28 Selection of contractor March 8 Draft Tasks (a) (c) July 15 Draft Task (d) bulletin and draft letter report on Task (e) August15 Summary report on all tasks October Project Responsibilities CSIRO and FireCERT responsibilities Conduct of review Keeping client informed of progress Requesting information Obtaining information which is publically available Providing deliverables Client responsibilities The Fire Protection Research Foundation responsible for: Providing all relevant information Facilitating assistance from NFPA s Fire Analysis Division to access incident databases Providing contacts with US fire brigades where possible. Providing any other information that is necessary for the successful completion of the project Whilst CSIRO and FireCert will collaborate on all aspects of this projects it is proposed that key task responsibilities will be divided between the two organisations as detailed in the following table 6 Z:\2013 projects from 2562\ - Fire hazards of exterior wall assemblies - Fire protection

12 Table 4. Task responsabilities. Task CSIRO responsibility FireSERT Responsibility Percentage of task responsibility CSIRO FireSERT Task A Access and review NFPA s Fire Identify any relevant fire incident 90 % 10 % Analysis Division national incident system reporting database Access and review any applicable statistics or databases in UK and Asia and provide access to CSIRO for further review Australian Fire incident databases (such as AFAC databases) Draft report for this task (to become section of final report) Task B Conduct informal survey and review of US and Australia fire department literature Review of international newspaper articles and literature Review of fire incidents and information identified by FireSERT Identify fire incident key case studies and gather further information for these Draft report for this summarising results of survey/review and presenting Key case studies (to become section of final report) Task C Review/evaluate building code requirements, listing criteria and other approval/regulatory requirements for these systems in Australia. Provide to FireSERT for inclusion in report Provide any other relevant information which CSIRO has access to Task D Compile and summarise results of Tasks A and B for information bulletin Review entire information Conduct informal survey and review of UK fire brigade literature and provide information to CSIRO Identify any relevant fire incident cases in UK and Asia and provide information to CSIRO Review/evaluate building code requirements, listing criteria and other approval/regulatory requirements for these systems. Primarily in US and UK. A brief review of other countries may be provided Review/evaluate large-scale and intermediate scale test methods relevant to external wall systems. Review/evaluate small scale test methods relevant to external walls systems. Review/evaluate CFD and other fire analysis methods that may be applied to fire spread on exterior wall linings highlighting advantages and disadvantages Draft report summarising results of task (to become section of final report) Compile and summarise results of Task C for information bulletin Review entire information 90 % 10 % 10 % 90 % 50% 50% 7 Z:\2013 projects from 2562\ - Fire hazards of exterior wall assemblies - Fire protection

13 bulletin Task E Review results of tasks A-D and discuss and agree with FireSERT fire scenarios and testing approach for phase 2 experimental evaluation of fire performance of exterior walls with combustible materials Review draft report for Task E Final summary report on all tasks Best Regards Compile draft reports from Tasks A and B into sections of final report Review final report bulletin Review results of tasks A-D and discuss and agree with CSIRO fire scenarios and testing approach for phase 2 experimental evaluation of fire performance of exterior walls with combustible materials Write draft report for Task E Compile draft reports from tasks C and D into sections of final report Review final report 10 % 90 % 50% 50% Nathan White Senior Fire Safety Engineer Materials Science and Engineering / Industrial Research Services / Fire Safety Engineering Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) E nathan.white@csiro.au T F PO Box 56, HIGHETT, VIC, AUSTRALIA, Graham Road, HIGHETT, VIC, AUSTRALIA, Z:\2013 projects from 2562\ - Fire hazards of exterior wall assemblies - Fire protection

14 PROPOSED APPROACH for evaluation Michael Delichatsios April 25, 2013 Adopt the FM parallel wall test with criteria for classification and acceptance for external walls to be established based on the experience and evidence from previous incidents on prediction and measurements of extended façade flames and the distribution of heat fluxes to the walls and possibly other structures accounting for the presence of side walls on small scale measurements of flammability properties of components of the combustible façade on the performance of the façade in a large scale test selected among the existing facade tests Ultimately we are looking for a CFD simulation of the external flames and the response of the façade to be based and validate based on the measurements outlined above.