DESCRIPTOR Fire Protection Strategies FV3003 20 AIMS This module aims to provide students with knowledge of active and passive fire protection techniques and to develop the ability to apply them in the context of modern buildings and construction projects. Exposure to various strategies that have been accepted and/or rejected and the history of fire safety engineering will help the student develop the ability to assess and/or propose design solutions. This module is intended to equip the non-engineering graduate with key skills and knowledge of protection for fire safety, enabling the graduate to operate alongside fire engineers. CONTENT Fire safety historical development Codes Selected contents of codes: Approved Document B, NFPA Life Safety Code, HTM 81, Eurocodes etc; meaning of compliance; meaning and implications of non-compliance. Historical Strategy Post-war building studies; historical development of fire legislation and control; the nature of traditional prescriptive measures; the nature of expert-based solutions, management solutions and performance-based solutions to problems of meeting the Building Regulations; property versus life protection; traditional passive measures versus active measures; philosophies and solutions that have been applied to fire safety engineering (prescriptive, deterministic, risk-based, etc); accepted arguments and potential flaws; mechanism for developing an expert-based solution; integration and conflict with architectural desire. Standard tests Insulation, integrity and stability; reaction versus resistance testing; BS 476 tests pre 1990; BS 476 tests post 1990; BS 476 tests post 2000; EN1363/1365 & EN 13501 and associated tests; the ISO 9705 room corner test versus the ISO 5660 single burner item test; historical development of material classifications; development of the fixed and floating point curves for furnace fire resistance testing, and sensor development; European harmonisation and associated difficulties. Fire safety solutions Guidance documents Selected contents of published guidance for the fire safety engineer; Tools available (for warning, insulation, compartmentation, suppression and control). Passive protection and warning Review fire effect on structure; review of code requirements; options for fire protection of steelwork; geometric and protractor methods (BR187); extrusive flame and modern lining materials; AFD options, zoning, spacing and siting rules; alarm options, audibility, spacing and siting rules. Active systems and supplies Criteria for selection of active systems; key design drivers for water based, gaseous and ventilation systems; security of supply and harmonic distortion; examples of application. 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the various fire safety strategies and both prescriptive and non-prescriptive tools that may be adopted and an ability to evaluate their usefulness for a range of applications. 2. Describe and opine reasoned views of the usefulness of standard tests and various fire protection solutions that are commonly adopted and demonstrate an understanding of the historical context in which they have developed 3. Assess building requirements for fire protection in a legal, social and economic context, and thence to select and/or evaluate appropriate fire safety solutions.
DESCRIPTOR Fires in Buildings FV4001 20 AIMS This module aims to enable the students to understand the fundamental principles underlying fires in buildings, dominant mechanisms controlling spread of fires and fire development in enclosures and buildings, smoke movement and smoke control, fire resistance and fire severity, to characterize the stages of fire development, human behaviour in fires and evacuation, the mechanism of fire suppression agents. This module will help the students to develop engineering skills in designing buildings for fire safety and fire analysis. Through the learning and teaching strategy, the module will also enhance students employability skills such as critical thinking, independent research, problem solving and working with others. CONTENT Review of Engineering Fluid Mechanics: Fluid properties. The equation of state. Conservation laws in fluid flow. Fluid statics, kinematics and dynamics. The Bernoulli Equation. Pressure and flow measurements. The Euler equations. Compressible fluids. Sound speed. Shock waves. Similarity and dimensionless analysis in fluid dynamics. Viscosity and boundary layers. The Navier-Stokes equations. Use in CFD fire models. The nature of turbulent motion and modern computing modelling approaches. Review of Heat Transfer: The laws of thermodynamics. Conservation of energy. Thermochemistry. Energy transfer. Heat fluxes. Heat conduction: Similarity criteria. Ignition of solid fuel. Convective heat transfer: Forced and natural convection. Governing criteria. Engineering approaches for calculation of heat transfer. Summary of forced/natural convection relationships for application in fire modelling. Thermal radiation: The role of thermal radiation in open and enclosure fire development. Review of Fire as a Combustion system: Types of combustion and flames. Spontaneous ignition. Thermal explosion. Methods for preventing the initiation of an explosion. Burning velocity and heat release rate. Flammability limits. Detonability. Fire jets and plumes. Fireballs. The role of liquid and solid combustibles in fire development. The physics of condensed fuel combustion. Ignition and ignitability indicators Flame spread on surfaces and factors affecting spread of fires. Open explosions. Cube root law. Blast waves. Pressure development in a symmetrical enclosed explosion. Initiation of detonation. Industrial explosions. Accidental fuel releases. Explosion protection. Compartment Fires: Phases of enclosure fire development. Fire design. Vent flows. Mass flow rates and the height of neutral plane. Fire growth period and pre-flashover stage. Possible scenarios of fire growth. Prediction of hot layer temperature. Flashover and backdraft: physical mechanisms. Conditions necessary for flashover to occur. Semenov diagrams. Thermal instability concept in flashover studies. Post-flashover fire. Fuel controlled fire and ventilation controlled fire. Calculation of temperature. Governing criteria and experimental observations. Fire resistance of building elements. Fires in high rising buildings. Smoke Production, Properties and Control: Yield of smoke and combustion products in building fires. Effect of equivalence ratio. Smoke toxicity, dosage and tenability limits. Smoke visibility. Smoke detectors. Fluid dynamics of smoke in buildings: typical flow patterns. Principles of smoke control Human Behaviour and Movements of People in Fire: Behaviour responses of occupants. Occupant movement through smoke. Handicapped and impaired occupants.
Means of escape. Time-based egress analysis. Crowd behaviour and management. Intensive systems for escape guidelines. Information communication systems for emergency conditions. Evacuation procedures in tall buildings: uncontrolled total evacuation; controlled selective evacuation. Case studies. Computer modelling for emergency evacuation of buildings. Fire Analysis and Fire Modelling: Fire Safety Design. Fire regulations and design possibilities. Fire investigation. Case studies and examples of modelling. The problem of fire modelling. Physical and chemical phenomena involved. Conservation equations and modelling strategy. Role and future of computing hard- and software. Case studies. Fire Extinguishment and Fire Suppression in Enclosures: Principles of action. Powder extinguishers and water sprinklers. Halons. Montreal Protocol. Alternative agents for fire extinguishment systems. Mechanisms of fire suppression. Examples of CFD studies on fire suppression. Water mist, foams and powders. 1. Critically review the main principles required for building designs for fire safety and to apply the principles to novel structures 2. Apply fundamental engineering principles developed in fluid mechanics, heat transfer and combustion science to buildings fires and fire analysis. 3. Determine different stages in enclosure fires development and predict spread of fire and combustion products in buildings. 4. Evaluate smoke production and smoke properties for different materials and predict smoke spread in building configurations. 5. Examine and discuss human behaviour in fire and evacuation procedures. 6. Critically review fire resistance concepts and methods for calculating fire resistance. 7. Critically review the principles of fire modelling by computational fluid dynamics, outline their importance and limitations and the trends of future development. 8. Critically review the mechanisms of fire suppressions by different extinguishers and its impact on the environment.
DESCRIPTOR Fire Engineering Solutions FV4002 20 credits AIMS This module concerns the strategic use of fire engineering (and the tactical exploitation and limitations of specific engineering arguments and tools) that lead to the design and implementation of non-prescriptive solutions to fire safety problems in buildings. The first task is to explore the meaning and philosophy of fire engineering, evaluating the drivers and constraints that impact upon an engineered design solution. The second to investigate common techniques and the building services provision that enable these solutions to be implemented. This module builds on the concepts of heat and mass transfer studies in mechanically biased engineering first degrees. As well as examining accepted strategies for providing fire-safe buildings, the module involves critical evaluation and application of theoretical and empirical models used in modern fire engineering practice, together with a rigorous study of some of the heat and mass transfer mechanisms tat underpin those models. In doing this, the opportunity is taken to introduce recent research findings that are expected to influence future practice; and also to engage the student in design activities that challenge them to think innovatively. CONTENT History of Fire engineering solutions Historical development of UK fire legislation and control; traditional prescriptive measures compared with the concepts of expert-based solutions, management solutions and both risk and deterministic/performance based calculated solutions; use of DD240, BS9999 and BS7974; concept and selection of design fires; the paradox of standardisation. Codes and alternatives Selected contents of codes: Approved Document B, NFPA Life Safety Code, HTM 81, Eurocodes etc; meaning of compliance; meaning and implications of non-compliance. Philosophies and solutions that have been applied to fire safety engineering (prescriptive, deterministic, risk-based, etc); accepted arguments and potential flaws; mechanism for developing an expert-based solution; integration and conflict with architectural desire. Case examples and the advantages and weaknesses of a mechanistic approach to development of a fire engineered solution. Fire dynamics Review and practice implementing selected models of fire spread and growth (e.g. transient and steady ceiling jet equations; thermal response, Beyler s equations and linearised approximations of sprinkler transients; flashover prediction, MQH method, BR187 method 5 and extrusive flame problems; transient design fires, as presented in CIBSE Guide E Chapter 9 and NFPA 92B; etc). Review and compare smoke management techniques (e.g. concept of a zone model and size limitations of two-zone models; iterative heat loss and smoke temperature calculations; multi-zone modelling, comparison of smoke filling calculation techniques; comparison of spill plume models and approximation techniques; pressurisation. Review recent research relevant to the foregoing. Test and thereby critically evaluate published guidance on the use of fire dynamics. 1. demonstrate a critical evaluation of traditional and recent models of heat and mass transfer in ventilated enclosures subjected to fire; 2. demonstrate an appreciation of the physical nature, complexity and diversity of the phenomena associated with ventilated enclosure fires and ability to develop a strategy for protection of buildings from the ravages of fire; 3. demonstrate the ability to select and apply published theoretical and/or empirical models to ventilated enclosures to achieve a fire safe design; 4. demonstrate the ability to test the efficacy of hypothetical models and tactical arguments put forward to support engineered solutions
DESCRIPTOR Health and Safety Management FV4102 20 credits AIMS This module will consider the requirements and applications of health, welfare and safety legislation relevant to the construction, engineering and associated industries. The module will develop upon a sound understanding of health and safety gathered at the undergraduate level and seek to analyse and appraise the development of systems and cultures in the management and control of safety and health with particular emphasis upon human factors and continuous improvement processes. CONTENT Human Factors and Errors: current issues relating work design, the working environment and management systems Regulation: The purpose and application of the Health and Safety at Work Act and the six pack regulations. The role of the Health and Safety Executive. Statute law: The effect of the Construction Regulations, the duties and responsibilities placed on the identified duty holders. Implications upon the project: Planning and notification. Developing the health and safety plan. Monitoring and progression. Health and safety considerations when selecting and appointing subcontractors; strategies to be implemented during the procurement stage to ensure required health and safety criteria are established and practised by the appointed parties. Management Systems: Preparation of health and safety plans and risk assessments. Safety induction and support programmes. Continuous review processes and the integration with quality systems. Project Applications: The use of case studies and work place experiences in the application and resolution of health and safety problems. 1. Evaluate current health and safety legislation and its application in the construction and engineering industries; 2. Demonstrate a wide knowledge of the nature of human factors and their influence upon safe work planning 3. Apply the relevant Acts and Regulations to design and construction phases, with regard to the duties and responsibilities the legislation places on respective parties; 4. Analyse working situations, develop and apply strategies which ensure effective management of health and safety legislation; 5. Appraise the study of health and safety culture, the root of malpractice and consider processes of development of accident free working environments by reference to case studies and example situations
DESCRIPTOR Risk Assessment and Management FV4103 20 credits AIMS This module is intended to build upon, and add to, the student's knowledge gained in the study of other units in order to develop a co-ordinated professional approach to the assessment and management of risk in relation to construction engineering and management processes, building services systems and installations, fire safety, security and insurance. CONTENT Risk and Uncertainty: Classifications of risk, perceptions of risk, effects on to building services systems and installations, fire safety and security in business environments. Risk Assessment; techniques for identification, qualitative and quantitative risk data characteristics, measurement of risk, statistical and probabilistic risk analysis. Measurement of safety and utility. Principles of system reliability and use of schedules/narratives. Decision analysis. Risk Management: Principles and processes of risk management, the place of risk management in organisational structures, the role of the risk manager, sources of information, quality control, control of security, "Secure by Design", catastrophe, chaos and disaster recovery. Problems induced by working only to regulatory minima, e.g. those of Construction, Design & Management Regulations or Fire Safety Law & Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Control and Transfer: Active, passive and post loss control, methods of dealing with identified risks, monitoring and updating programmes, risk reduction and control through effective facilities management, contingency planning. Insurance of Risk: Insurance of risk, insurable/uninsurable risk, the structure of insurance markets, re-insurance, self insurance, underwriting. Assessment of Risks: Terrorism and vandalism, arson and fraudulent arson, and of primary and secondary effects of large scale explosions. Environmental risks arising from large scale fires and explosion-related disasters. Use of Case Studies: Risk identification and assessment as part of managerial and engineering decision making. 1. Demonstrate an ability to identify and quantify risks arising in built environment. 2. Develop and apply risk analysis systems and tools to the management of risk. 3. Analyse and critically appraise risk management tools. 4. Review and make proposals for the optimum allocation of resources to control risk. 5. Develop and justify contingency and disaster recovery plans. 6. Make proposals for the financing of risk by retention or transfer. 7. Review a case study concerning risk management and apply a risk control and risk management solution justify these processes and communicate the findings in a clear and coherent manner.
DESCRIPTOR Engineering Design Project FV4201 20 credits AIMS The engineering design project module is designed to provide students with the opportunity to extend and demonstrate engineering design skills both as team members and as individuals. The project will enable students to develop their critical thinking, problem solving and key skills at the post graduate level. The module acts as the vehicle for integrating the study themes of design, ICT and technology, in a practical context. CONTENT The design projects will be drawn from the full range of building and infrastructure applications relevant to the course: for example residential, commercial, industrial, retail and leisure. The projects will primarily involve medium scale new build and development projects. Design teams will propose a project outline to apply their skill and demonstrate innovation. Students must analyse, synthesise and evaluate construction, legal, health & safety and development factors and consider aesthetic, environmental, economic, and performance criteria. The group work will lead to the formulation of individual/detailed study areas for individual innovation. The module will facilitate the integration of the course study themes of design, ICT and technology and encourage student to apply the specialist knowledge, skills and understanding developed through their specialist pathway. 1 critically think and solve engineering design problems; 2 adopt a creative and innovative approach to technical design; 3 investigate and analyse client and user requirements, technical briefs and apply significant knowledge to design scenarios; 4 analyse, synthesise and evaluate relevant technological, engineering, legal, health & safety and development factors in order to produce novel design solutions which will satisfy aesthetic, environmental, production and performance criteria; 5 evaluate design team provision and develop appropriate working methods; 6 work independently with autonomy and to time constraints.
DESCRIPTOR MSc Fire Science Dissertation FV4900 40 credits AIMS This module aims to provide the students with the opportunity to develop independent research and the ability to present a coherent, critical account of the work and how it relates to that of others. On an individual basis the student will be required to carry out an in-depth study involving theoretical, computational, experimental or investigative analysis, or a combination of these. Through the learning and teaching strategy, the module will also enhance students employability skills such as written communication skills, independent planning, execution and dissemination of research outcomes. CONTENT The subject studied will be variable depending upon the student s interest and the supervisory expertise available. Topics may arise from fire engineering/fire safety industry and in all cases they will be approved by staff before the project is commenced. The student research should relate to theoretical, computational, experimental or investigative analysis, or a combination of these, in an appropriate area of fire engineering/fire safety. Students will be expected to take a major responsibility for designing, conducting, analysing and interpreting the results of a substantial investigation which will make a contribution to the discipline. 1. Define the objectives of an investigation with the use of appropriate evidence and other supporting information. 2. Demonstrate ability in planning a research strategy, including where appropriate experimental and computational studies. 3. Search for and retrieve scientific literature relevant to research topic and from a range of sources. 4. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of subject area. 5. Demonstrate ability in independent planning and execution of research. 6. Demonstrate ability to work safely, carrying out risk assessment ad maintaining the required safety records as appropriate. 7. Conduct the programme and report the findings by use of accepted methods of analysis and evaluation. 8. Synthesise and communicate the results and conclusions of the study with reference to the limitations and generalisations. 9. Disseminate research outcomes and communicate arguments logically, clearly and critically as an extended formal presentation. 10. Demonstrate self-evaluation and improve practice through reflection.
DESCRIPTOR Research Methods FZ4001 20 AIMS This unit is concerned with research methodology relevant to scientists in both academic and commercial environments. This module will introduce basic aspects of conducting research, reinforced by practical exercises. The aim of the module is to provide the student with transferable career skills that will allow the student to communicate scientific ideas via a variety of media, to manage and plan projects, gain practical experience of designing scientific experiments and analysing the results. It will also give insight into some of the legal and ethical issues surrounding scientific work. CONTENT In this unit students will be taught in a lecture-based format guided by appropriate pre-assigned readings in texts and professional journals for the majority of the topics. The focus of the module will be on providing students with diverse research and presentation skills relevant to the forensic and fire sciences. The module includes such topics as: Research skills Scientific writing Project management Health and safety Ethics Intellectual property Presentation skills Experimental design Data analysis Use of spreadsheets, databases, and statistical software programmes 1. Find and critically evaluate relevant technical / research data and publications. 2. Research and evaluate ethical issues relevant to the chosen specialisation. 3. Demonstrate proficiency in technical writing and presentation. 4. Select and apply appropriate analyses using suitable software packages or models and evaluate the output. 5. Demonstrate effective referencing, appropriate to the subject area, and use of bibliographic referencing tools.