To evaluate fire properties of a facade : - a study on semi natural test methods

Due to an increase in the number of large-scale façade fires around the world the interest in the fire hazards of façades has also increased. The hazards of such fires have been acknowledged since earlier and many different test methods have therefore been developed to enable evaluation of the fire properties of wall assemblies. The purpose of this study is to map differences and similarities between existing full-scale test methods that are currently used to evaluate façade systems based on their performance when influenced by fire. The study also includes a review of previous research into parameters and conditions that influence a façade fire. Some past incidents will be used to enable comparison between the tests and a real fire scenario. The review of previous research has been focused in the areas fire spread, fire properties influencing the heat flux from a fire, and comparative studies evaluating differences between existing test methods. For the study of parameters in existing test methods 21 test methods have been identified and included in the study. A detailed compilation of information on each of the included test methods can be found in the tables included in appendix A. The mapping of the differences and similarities of the included methods has resulted in comparisons of wall and specimen specifications, ignition source parameters, measuring points and approval criteria. The increase in interest for façade fire hazards has also led to some new methods being developed and old methods being revised. New methods and unfinished revisions have not been included in the comparison study but are mentioned. The conclusion of this study is that although the variation between the tests on the detailed methodology level are very high, if you consider the conditions used for approval and evaluation, they can all be linked to identified hazards of façade fires. However, there are some parameters that need to be re-examined. Previous research indicates that the fire load may be the parameter with most influence on the fire scenario. This is one of the parameters that vary the most and at same time it is likely to contribute to different results between the test methods. Another parameter is the influence of wall openings representing windows to overlaying compartments. This is a parameter that could have a significant effect on the outcome of a test