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NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS REPORT

^ t

8377

C.I.B. MEETING AND EUROPEAN FIRE RESEARCH 1964

by

D. Gross

and

A. F. Robertson

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS
THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

The National Bureau of Standards is a principal focal point in the Federal Government for assuring

maximum application of the physical and engineering sciences to the advancement of technology in industry and commerce. Its responsibilities include development and maintenance of the national stand- ards of measurement, and the provisions of means for making measurements consistent with those standards; determination of physical constants and properties of materials; development of methods

for testing materials, mechanisms, and structures, and making such tests as may be necessary, particularly for government agencies; cooperation in the establishment of standard practices for incorporation in codes and specifications; advisory service to government agencies on scientific and technical problems; invention and development of devices to serve special needs of the Government; assistance

to industry, business, and consumers in the development and acceptance of commercial standards and

simplified trade practice recommendations; administration of programs in cooperation with United

States business groups and standards organizations for the development of international standards of

practice; and maintenance of a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of scientific, technical. and engineering information. The scope of the Bureau’s activities is suggested in the following

listing of its four Institutes and their organizational units. Institute for Basic Standards. Electricity. Metrology. Heat. Radiation Physics. Mechanics. Applied Mathematics. Atomic Physics. Physical Chemistry. Laboratory Astrophysics.* Radio Standards Laboratory: Radio Standards Physics; Radio Standards Engineering.** Office of Standard Ref- erence Data. Institute for Materials Research. Analytical Chemistry. Polymers. Metallurgy. Inorganic Materials. Reactor Radiations. Cryogenics.** Office of Standard Reference Materials. Central Radio Propagation Laboratory.** Ionosphere Research and Propagation. Troposphere

and Space Telecommunications. Radio Systems. Upper Atmosphere and Space Physics.

Institute for Applied Technology. Textiles and Apparel Technology Center. Building Research.

Industrial Equipment. Information Technology. Performance Test Development. Instrumentation.

Transport Systems. Office of Technical Services. Office of Weights and Measures. Office of Engineering Standards. Office of Industrial Services.

* NBS Group, Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics at the University of Colorado. ** Located at Boulder, Colorado.
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS REPORT

ms PROJECT ms REPORT

1002-12-10120 JUN 1 1964 8377

C.I.B. MEETING AND EUROPEAN FIRE RESEARCH 1964

by

D. Gross

and

A 0 F. Robertson

IMPORTANT NOTICE NATIONAL BUREAU OF S'

for use within the Government, and review. For this reason, tt whole or in part, is not authc Bureau of Standards, Washingt

the Report has beert specificall)

Approved for public release by the

Director of the National Institute of

Standards and Technology (NIST)

on October 9, 2015.

ss accounting documents intended

subjected to additional evaluation

listing of this Report, either in e Office of the Director, National

by the Government agency for which

;opies tor its own use.

U S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

C.I.B. MEETING AND EUROPEAN FIRE RESEARCH 1964

by

B. Gross

A 0 Fo Robertson

ABSTRACT

A summary is presented of the proceedings at

the sixth meeting of the Working Party on Fire of

the Conseil International du Batiment (CIB/CTF)

held in Berlin. Following this meeting, visits

were made to laboratories engaged in fire research

and allied fields in England, Scotland, Denmark,

France and the Netherlands. A survey of their

current activities and a brief list of published

references is included

«
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Part I. C.I.B, Meeting, Berlin 1

Visit to BAM Laboratories, Berlin 7

Part II. European Laboratories 8

A. Fire Research Station, Boreham Wood, England 8

R. Fire Brigade Laboratory, Copenhagen 17

C . Danish Government Testing Institute, Copenhagen 18

D. Centre Scientifique et Technique du Batiment,

Paris 20

E. Institute for Fire Prevent ion, TNO, The Hague 24

F. National Engineering Laboratory, Glasgow 27

References

Appendix A. List: of Delegates 32

Appendix B. List of Papers Circulated 34

Appendix C. Report of Group 1 38

Appendix D. Report of Group 2 39

Appendix E. Report of Group 3 41

Appendix F, BAM Organization Chart 44

Appendix G. J.F.R.O. Organization Chart 45
GIB MEETING AND EUROPEAN FIRE RESEARCH 1964

D. Gross

A* F. Robertson

Pa rt I - Go I a Bo Meeting

The meeting was opened with a welcome from Dr. Seekamp of BAMo Colonel

Faekler , as Chairman, also expressed pleasure that the numerous delegates

could be present* The list of delegates in attendance

Appendix A» The complete list of circulated papers is

In accordance with the original plan, we split up into

of three topics;:

is included as given in Appendix B.

groups for discussion

I® Fire endurance

2. Spread of smoke and toxic gases

3 » Enclosure fire models

& The following resume provides an indication of the activities of each

group *

Group 1

Neither Mr. Gross nor I were able to attend discussions of this group,

the recommendations of which are presented in Appendix C. It appears, however, from this report and the discussion which developed that there was a rather general feeling that, it would be impossible to do justice to the many

reports which had been submitted. Instead, it was considered desirable

initially to consider technical differences in the conduct of fire endurance

tests. In such tests the fire exposure shall be controlled and the temperatures measured as specified by the ISO Standard.

All countries which were represented by delegations (including NBS

for the USA) agreed to participate in these tests. Other countries will

be invited. First work is to submit suggestions on manner of conduct to

Ashton, who agreed to combine the suggestions and to formulate the ground

rules for a test program. In addition. Dr. Lie indicated that T.N.O. would

consider setting up a small test apparatus which would be suitable for a specimen 50 x 50 cm and would involve approximately 10 KW electric power.

A desk study was proposed for comparisons of test results in various

countries. The objective here being to use existing data to show the

way in which similar specimens would perform in different furnaces. Suggestions were made to send complete test data for analysis to the followi ng del ega t e s

;
- 2

On reinforced concrete slabs - Mr. Bornemann

On reinforced concrete columns - Mr. Becker

On brick walls, with and without plaster - Mr. Westhoff

On combustible B bulkheads - Mr. Malmstedt

Group 2

The report of Group 2 on the Spread of Smoke and Toxic Gases is included as Appendix D. During the discussion in Group 2, it was indicated

that Dr. F. Saito of the Building Research Station, Japan, had been discouraged in his efforts to use smoke meters and had been using the filter

method with much more, success. He was using small enclosures of 2,2,1

geometry (1 ,w,h) and ventilation of 1 and 1/4 openings, 20 and 40 kg/m*

fire loads, and one cm sticks placed with 2 cm spacing. His filter was placed 5 cm below the radiometer at the top of box opening. Smoke was aspirated for a 30 sec period every 2 minutes during the test. They

were reporting results in terms of optical density of the filtered deposit.

Smoke was found to increase with fire load and decrease of window opening.

Dr, Rumberg reported on work he had been doing. Their apparatus is

Variables whihh can be changed during the test include temperature of oven,

velocity of oven along tube, and airflow rate. The photometer makes use of

a photomultiplier tube and filter to correct spectral sensitivity of

the dark-adapted eye. It makes use of a 400 cps modulated light source and

in this way changes its room illumination and flames do not affect results.

This equipment has just been set up and it is still too early to report

results.

Mr. Traverse described two fire fcests to study smoke behavior in large

buildings the first is described in GIB/GTF- 62/23 (F) and in the January NFPA

Quarterly, a

:s well as GIB papers. The second is in GIB/GTF-62/63 (F) . Both were in buildings of 20 to 22 stories height. In the first, it became quite
3 -

evident that the open stairways could not be used as a heans of escape during a fire and that special ventilation facilities were needed to avoid

flooding the building with smoke.

The second test was run in a building

equipped to provide ventilation for

the hallway in case of fire. A fresh

air outlet was placed at floor level

and a smoke duct opening near ceiling.

Two satisfactory smoke ducts were

shown, one using no dampers but re- quiring a double stack while the

other required automatic dampers which

would remain closed until a fire occurred

and would then be opened at the locations required. It was suggested that

size of ducts be 40 cm

2

per room based

on a combustible load of 20 kg/m . It was reported that this arrangement

permitted firemen to stay in the hall near the stairway throughout the test.

Mr. Shorter reported recent work in North America, UL work on smoke

and toxic gases

,

SWRI work on toxic hazards. He reported that they were planning to pyrolize plastics and put products through chromatographic

analysis. He referred to a recent paper [l] relating to this subject.

Shorter then introduced McGuire’s paper in which he suggested maintenance of the neutral axis above the top of the door as a means of avoiding

smoke penetration. We agreed to try to run some tests making use of this

idea.

Dr. Rumberg indicated that VFDB was planning a special meeting during

their October gathering in Karlsruhe on analysis of decomposition products.

He stressed the importance of irritants, and requested individuals who may

be able to contribute to the discussion to contact him. It was further

requested that any information on toxicity effects using animals be forwarded to Mr. Lawson.

Mr. Lawson reported on their preparation for tests in an escape stairway with adjoining rooms. They believe that by pressurizing .stairways with

0.05 in. water pressure they can maintain them el'ear or, if slightly higher

pressures are used (0.1 in. HgO) , a smoke-filled room or stairway could be

cleared of smoke. They are, at present, fitting a building for such clearance. means. They also are conducting a survey, both before and after fires,

in existing buildings to determine whether smoke stop doors are properly

used.
Group 3

The summary report of Group 3 on Fires in Single Compartments, including the cooperative research program on models, is included as Appendix E.

On the cooperative research program, Dr. Thomas presented tabular

summaries of the available data and indicated several tentative con- clusions, e.g. regarding the effects of floor area, ventilation, fire

load and crib construction. It was indicated by Dr. Magnus that the

opening of a door into the laboratory during a test affected the rate

of burning measurement: , and it was agreed that statistical "probable

best values” need to be reported. With regard to the uncompleted

portions of the program on the 1 meter scale, Colonel Fackler offered

to perform the tests originally assigned to France, but indicated that

it would take about one year, and Dr. Robertson offered to take over

the shape 121 tests originally assigned to Italy.

At the conclusion of the group discussions, the suggestion was made by Mr. Fry, and well received by all delegations, that the proceedings and technical reports presented at the meeting could be included in a comprehensive report to the Secretary-General of GIB and

published under its sponsorship.

GIB Meeting Theme

IV

The Desirable Limitations

The following papers were

theme” of the meeting:

CIB/CTF 64/20 (C) ) G1B/CTF 64/21 (N> ) CIB/CTF 64/6 (UK) ) CIB/CTF 64/7 (F) ) CIB/CTF 64/25 (USA) )

on the Size of Buildings and Compartments

submitted as appropriate to the principal

Size of Compartment

Size of Buildings

In the paper by Thomas and Ashton, exploratory estimates were made

of the effect of increase in building size on fire costs and fire-fighting

effort. It was concluded that, al thought no sharply defined criterion

exists, there is the tendency for increased areas to produce a disproportionate increase in both fire costs and in fire-fighting effort re- quired .

Although no specific paper was included by Japan, Mr. Yokoi also

contributed to the discussion on the size of buildings. Firstly, the

special conditions in Japan, involving large crowds in public buildings,
- 5 -

make life hazard of primary concern and it is considered necessary to

limit the size of buildings. Although no firm conclusion has been reached

on the importance of smoke or toxic gases to life hazard, a maximum time

limit of 15 minutes is tentatively assumed (see sketch). It is possible

to calculate the size of compartment and the size and number of exits,

if information on the rates of smoke development and toxic gas, and of

temperature, are known. This information is not generally available.

Secondly, there is a unique problem in Japan associated with multistory buildings having small floor area and without complete compartmentation. Because of the possibility of earthquake-weakening of a building with a burned out floor, it is necessary to provide two separate

exits; one for the escape of occupants and a second for the entry of

fire-fighting forces.

Colonel Fackler presented the current policies in France with regard

to limitations on building size and the technical bases for fire hazard

restrictions. He also stated that life hazard, rather than property

damage, was the most important risk. It is considered necessary to con- centrate on protection measures to minimize the hazards of fire initiation and fire spread and to provide proper compartmentation for localizing

a fire. Without full justification for the chosen values, the established

requirements included;

Maximum floor area 2500 xxi

; maximum length 75 m; two stairways

with a separation between exits from a compartment onto stairways from 10 to 30 meters; stairs with double doors; two independent electric lines to elevators; two hours minimum fire

endurance time, including both the flaming period and the period

of increasing temperature; for a fire load of 150 kg/m , the en- durance time is increased to four hours.

Due t:o an accident, Mr. Kirkland could not be present and a summary

of his paper was presented by Dr. Robertson. Mr. Shorter made the com- ment that mixed occupancies are becoming more common in North America

and that it will become more logical and important to think in terms of

compartments rather than in terms of buildings such as has been used in
6

the past and which formed the basis for Mr. Kirkland's presentation.

Dr. Thomas indicated that no clear distinction between life and property

hazard was made and that the "1500 ft^ factor" gives relative values,

but does not permit, conclusions to be drawn on the absolute size limitations .

Following the presentation of: prepared papers on the theme, there

was a lively discussion among the delegates. Among the subjects discussed were fire spread between floors through exterior windows, the

important: factors affecting fire-load and endurance time calculations,

and economical evaluation of fire-safe requirements of multi -story

buildings

.

It was stated that experience with traditional buildings showed

rare occurrences of fire spread through windows; however, in modern

buildings with large, window areas and curtain wall construction, this

is of considerable concern. The importance of providing a greater setback (i.e., projection of the floor slab) in such cases was emphasized.

Dr. Becker informed us of information presented by Mr. HajLbert and

Mr. Bub at the VFDB meeting in Luneberg and which will form the basis

of a DIN standard to be prepared in the near future on fire-load calculations. The duration of a fire was related to the fire-load (expressed

in terms of an equivalent weight of wood) and multiplying factors for

area, type of construction (i.e., number of stories, size of windows,

etc.) and type of combustible load. For these calculations, it was assumed that the fire-load would be completely burned regardless of

its location or the existence of fire-fighting facilities (except for

a standing 24-hour fire brigade in a factory) . The primary concern is

that building collapse, shall not occur, without regard to rebuilding

the structure after a fire. Copies of a report should be available

for distribution in approximately three months.

With regard to future activities, it. was suggested that the main

areas for the working group should be the presentation of papers,

general discussions and discussions on a particular theme, and. cooperative research, programs. In order for each laboratory to keep abreast

of the. work of the others during the two-year period between meetings,

it was agreed that a one-page, summary of current work be sent to Mr.

Fry each six months, and that he in turn would collect and distribute

the complete collection to the participating laboratories.

Invitations to act as hosts for the next meeting were received

from Mr. Yokoi (Tokyo) and from Mr. Shorter (Ottawa). Dr. Robertson

extended a welcome for delegates to include a visit to Washington,

should Mr. Shorter's invitation be accepted. No decision was reached,

and it was agreed that Mr. Fry would explore possible locations by

letter

.
Visit to BAM Laboratories

The organization chart for the Bundesanstal t fur Materialprufung

BAM is shown in Appendix F.

We made a brief visit to a portion of Dr. Zehr's division where a demonstration of burning behavior of liquid fuels was presented. In

another laboratory we were shown calorimetric equipment for combustibility tests. Also shown was a micro balance with sensitivity of one micro gram. This was set up and used by Dr. Heinrich as part of a Sartorious differential thermal analysis equipment. Appropriate

references to the analysis method [2] and its application to polyvinyl

alcohol [3] were noted.

The fire laboratories were located in one side of a four-sided

building with a court in the center. One side was used for specimen

preparation, one for acoustic work, one for heat transfer on large

wall panels about 2x2 meters. They had a Volkswagon Microbus set

up for field acoustic tests. The fire laboratory housed test equipment

for 3 M column tests, 3 x 3 M wall tests and 3 x 3 M floor tests. The

floor furnace was designed so that one wall could be moved, thus ac- cepting specimens of different widths. Fuel oil was used in the

burners and it appeared that radiant heat transfer from the flames

would be an important factor during the early portion of the tests.

For testing the integrity of chimneys, an artificial smoke generator

is used. The package contained this information:

Designation: Rauch-rohrchen Company: Auergesell schaf

t

(rote Kennzeichnung) Aktiengesell schaf

t

Besteld Nr, 4980 Berlin 65

Equipment was also shown for tests of chimney blocks and roofing. In

this latter test a package of excelsior was placed on an inclined roof

surface (e.g. corrugated polyester) and ignited. The burning behavior

of the roofing was observed. One other most interesting test provided

a means for preliminary tests of insulation material proposed for columns.

A steel plate was covered with insulation, and the assembly was exposed

to the standard time-temperature exposure in a gas-fired furnace, using

an electrical guard heater to prevent heat loss from the plate to ambient

air. This technique was described in Reference 4. We should have equipment of this type.
- 8 -

Part IX - European Laboratories

A, Joint Fire Research Organization - England

The organization chart for the Fire Research Station is shown in

Appendix G. We. started our discussions here with a visit to the Chemistry

Section

«

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Section - Dr, D, J. Rasbash

Dr* Rasbash briefly summarized the work they are now doing as follows:

1. Plastics in fires and decomposition products * This work is under

the direction of Mr. Stark. They are hoping to determine the quantitative

kinetic laws (activation energy, frequency factor) of toxic product formation as a function of temperature and ventilation conditions. This will

include the maximum GO which can be formed from cellulosic materials and

then the most toxic products from typical plastics. With known ventilation

flow rates and air supply, the dilution throught a building will be estimated , Refer enc e [ 5 ] .

They have considered it desirable that preliminary work be done on analysis of decomposition products of cellulosic materials and for this

purpose, are burning spherical balls of excelsior centrally supported in

a 3-ft cube box. Only a very small ventilation opening is normally used

along the upper portion of one side but openings up to 12 inches have been

used. ‘The fuel is ignited by an electrical resistance element (a few watts

for a half minute) at the center of the sphere. Fuel is in the form of 6-,

12- , and 30-in. spheres (confined in metal cages) with weights ranging from

50 to 400 grams. Combustion is complete in 10 minutes for a 2 in. opening

and about 40 minutes for a 1/8 in. opening. Gas sampling at a rate of 1

liter per min. with a mechanical diaphragm pump is performed using a 6 ft

metal tube of 1/4 in. dia. located at the center of the back of the box. No

traps are used, the gases being pumped through a series of sampling bottles

perhaps 18 to 24 in number. These can be closed off at times of interest

and gas analysis is performed by chromatographic apparatus within 24 hours.

Instrumentation includes a double-tube chromatograph, Thermocell Power Unit,

die. amplifier (±100 microvolts) and integrating amplifier. The carrier

gases are helium and argon (to determine tfe). At present, the analysis

procedure includes GO, GQg , Ns, Hs , CE/. and presumably 0®. Analysis for

G0g was performed separately to avoid interference effects. The maximum

GO measured was about 1.3 percent with a 100 gram specimen and 2.8 percent

with a 400 gram specimen. About 0.1 percent was also measured. The

conditions most likely to produce the maximum concentration of carbon

monoxide were (1) a large quantity of fuel, (2) a certain degree of ventilation, depending on the quantity of fuel, and (3) a high temperature.
- 9 ~

This work is just well started and probably won't be completed for some

time. Asked about analytical methods for plastic decomposition products,

they indicated confidence in ability to use chromatographic equipment but

admitted this had not been set up yet. When available (in about a year),

infrared apparatus will also be used for identification.

2. Burning rates under low O3 (14-21%) conditions . This work is

also under Mr. Stark with Mr. Langford assisting. The interest in it

arises from previous inerting studies with both gas and foam. They have

set up a small tunnel perhaps 10 in. square and 6 ft long supplied with

a (variable) mixture of compressed air and nitrogen at atmospheric

pressure. This mixture is discharged through holes in an annular ring,

and then passes through a straighfcener section slowly along the length

of the box. This flow is so slow that the flame from a burning crib

reinairis vertical and laminar. The burning rate of small cribs made of

1/8 in. dowels and somewhat similar to those used by Fons is observed.

These cribs are 12 in. long, 1 in. wide and 3/8 in. high. Time-lapse

photographic recording is used. I believe this work is just starting

and just a few preliminary tests have been performed. For a single

stick, the rate of burning reduces to zero at an O3 concentration of

16.7 percent. Oxygen-rich atmospheres will also be investigated.

3. Formation of soot in diffusi on, flames . Dr. McLintock is heading

up this work. He is currently trying to get started on a basic study of

soot formation. His equipment consists of a cylindrical glass tube about

5 in. diameter by 10-in. high within which he can burn gases using various

sizes of concentric metal burner tubes for gas (now using ethylene) and

air. He collects soot by deposition on glass fiber filter paper placed

above the burner and through which the products are mechanically drawn.

The paper will stop 0.2 micron particles and the deposit is weighed to

0.1 mg. Calculation is made of the percent ethylene converted to soot,

lie is planning to use inert gases to examine the change in soot formation

and may also sample gases for CO and CQ2 . He indicated that he had only

been able to locate one other good reference to work in this field, that

of Milberg [ 6 ] on acetylene flames. He also mentioned other work under

high pressures. Reference [?]. These latter workers had reported soot

both on. a weight basis and also on the basis of CO2 formation after

ignition

.

4. Vapor and dus t expl osions. This work is being done by Palmer

and Rogowski and was not discussed in detail, but appears to represent

the major current effort of the chemical group. This includes a study

of possible use of flame arrestors for venting explosions which may

occur in small compartments which may enclose electrical apparatus such

as motors, switch gear, etc., and which cannot, be designed to exclude,

all explosive mixtures. They also are in the process of setting up a large-scale experiment with dusts burning in ducts, in a new dust

s epara. tor bu.il ding

.
- 10 -

5. IJn stab1 e substances . We spent just a brief time in a visit with

Mr. Bowes discussing his recent work in this field. They have made real

progress in their work on the hazard of spontaneous heating and explosion

of benzoyl peroxide. However, they find that, though the reaction con- stants they compute on the basis of isothermal ignition experiments corre- late well with time to explosion, they have not been effective for predictions of critical size. I did not follow their explanation for this,

but the paper now in process should elaborate on it. They are now planning

experiments with much larger samples. He informed us of Russian work on thermal explosion theory by Merzhanov and Dubovitskii [ 8 , 9].

6 . Jet engine for inerting or production of H.E. foam. The jet used

has been shown capable of use in three different ways; (a) As an inert

gas producer of hot gas (~200°F) with 12% Os at 50,000 cfm, (b) as a "cool"

gas producer (<200°F) of 17% Os at 40,000 cfm, (c) as a producer of high

expansion foam of 17% Qs gas at the rate of 12,000 cfm. The use of 7% 0s

gas for production of foam yields a product too hot to work in and it

results in rapid foam breakdown. They have found that the Amonium lauryl

sulphate is best foaming agent for stability, it shows a 50% drainage time

of 10 min whereas the other foam materials do not show more than 4-5 min

under similar conditions. This foam material does, however, have poor

behavior under low temperature conditions. The Safety Development Corp

(USA) produces foam generators. This company was formed by a group from

the Bureau of Mines known as the "Greensborough Boys".

They are investigating the possibility of using liquid OO2 or N2 for

deep seated smoldering fires involving packed cotton bales and other materials

stored in ship holds, warehouse basements, etc. Such fires require reduction

of Og content below 2-3% for periods of a day or more for proper control,

Reference [l0]. It was estimated that the cost of liquid OO2 on a 5 or 10

ton truck may be about $1,000 but could be effective for 4 or 5 hours supplying 1,000 cfm. However, OO2 is toxic and therefore questionable for use

in urban area basements. Mention, was made of a Gibbons gas generator which

produced 2,000 cfm of gas of less than 2% O3 which had been cooled to about

90°F. This apparently required bulky steam-producing equipment and probably

water as a cooling agent, but is very good for complete extinction of deepseated fires.

Reference was made to Coleman's paper on flammability at high pressure,

Reference [ll]» Apparently this is the only work of this type they have

performed. For pressurized operating rooms, Rasbash felt that flameretardant clothing and sheets would be helpful. For survival conditions,

a warm water deluge system would be recommended.

A collection of recent reports on work with the jet engine were given

to us, Reference Cl2],
- 11 -

Ignition and Growth of Fire Section - Dr. P. H. Thomas

The visit with Dr. Thanas-was somewhat briefer than that with Dr.

Rasbash. Their work on roof venting has been summarized in a very com- prehensive report, Reference [ 1 3 U » In general, they find that with large

openings, the method of Yokoi, employing a neutral axis, etc., cannot

be used, and the entrainment of air must be considered in velocity calculations. Furthermore, since the area for ventilation may be only about

3 percent and the required area for complete fire-removal about 15 to 20

percent, the use of plastic (PVG) dropout panels may be more advantageous.

At present, they are doing work to study horizontal spread of flames

beneath ceilings (Mr. Binkley). They have set up an inverted trough 15 ft

long and 18 to 24 in. wide. This is fed by diffusion flames from a gas

burner. An attempt is being made to measure the. heat distribution within

the tunnel . Temperature profiles are determined in the flowing gas and

heat flux rates through the walls. The oxygen concentration does not

appear to change along the tunnel length. Results to date seem to show

that the length of flames in the tunnel is about 5 times that expected

from a vertical convection column for the same gas supply per unit width.

They have performed some experiments by fastening fiberboard sheets of

various leixgths to the ceiling surface and find that this tends to in- crease the flame length in the tunnel by about one-half the length of

fiberboard which was used. Half the cost of this study is provided by

a commercial interest.

They have done some recent work on merging of diffusion flames from

four one-foot square porous plates; this has not been reported yet. It

appeared that they were in the midst of preparing reports on several

studies. Thomas indicated that one of the latest, Reference [l4],

attempted to summarize and correlate information currently available on wooden crib fires. He als6 has done some recent analysis of the work

of Fons and Gurry on fire Spread in pine needles. The still air fire

spread data was correlated in terms of the ratio of the volume of voids

to the solid surface area. He is now planning to examine the effect of

wind and experiments are planned to see whether charring rates tie xip

with theory.

In their studies of fires in enclosures (Mr. Heselden) , they are examining the partitioning of energy and are making use of a split heatflux meter, which has one-half polished for convective heat measurement

and one-half blackened for radiation.

Thomas indicated that he was planning to prepare a computer code

for analysis of the enclosure model.GIB test results. He would wait for

all the data before proceeding with the analysis.
- 12 -

Mr. Pickard has been making a study of photoelectric smoke detectors.

Preliminary work with open wooden crib fires haS seemed to indicate that

smoke production is proportional to rate of weight loss due to combustion

(See Sketch). He has made a literature search on smoke measurement. Two

references we have not seen are reported as References [l5] and [lb].

b .

$ h°|h“

'1u*

vSv

c»

Building Materials and Structures Section - Mr. L. A. Ashton

We were impressed with the program with which Messrs. Ashton and

Malhotra were confronted. In summary, this included studies of:

(a) Spalling of concrete . Mr. Dougill at Imperial College is

doing work on this aspect of concrete performance. To date all work

has been theoretical on the assumption that thermal stress is of

controlling importance and water is considered only as an elastic

medium. Experiments to follow.

(b) Flammability test. The box test has not yet been adopted

as a British Standard. Apparently they have found it desirable to

develop two additional test methods. First, an ignition test in which

a small sample of the material is exposed to an ignition flame to determine whether its combustion is self-supporting, and secondly, an enclosed vertical panel test or flammability test to serve as the

name implies. In this test the specimen is about 4 in. wide and about

18 in. long. This is placed nearly vertically in a 6 x 6 x 24 in. box

with ventilation openings near the base and provision for gas flame

ignition near the bottom of the specimen. It was indicated that these

tests were considered as useful for screening purposes, and that

assemblies of poly (vinyl chloride) with fiberglass and hardboard

and with urethane and hardboard, performed poorly. This study was stimulated by a BOAC aircraft fire.
- 13

(c) Properties of concrete at high temperature . This project,

while on the books, is not active,, It is proposed as a continuation

of Malhotra's earlier work.

(d) Fire resisting glazing . It appears that this project, too,

is not very active. It has been proposed to include studies of both

type of glass and window size, and resistance to fire penetration.

(e) Composite ac ti on and fire r e sistance of elements of con - struction . This project contemplates studies of interactions between

concrete and steel and between floors and walls, beams and floors,

floor-column assemblies . Building designers and engineers now con- sidering mutual restraint for strength calculations. This reduces the

factor of safety. It appeared that here, too, this work is in planning

rather than in active stage.

(f) Continuity and fire resistance of beams and floors . A series

of beam specimens have been prepared to investigate influence of continuity without axial restraint. These include reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete and steel beams. Those intended for movement restraint

are 37 feet in length. The others are of 25 ft length. These specimens

have been drying for about one year.

(g) Correla t ion of fire resistance tests of floor (C.I.B.) . This

study which involves the application of co-planar restraining forces

to floors, apparently is currently inactive. They have asked the

Building Research Station for information on forces likely to be ex- perienced.

(fi) Fir e, res istance of slender reinforced concrete to columns . The columns being studied are for the most part of rectangular rather

than square section and of greater than usual 1/r ratio. The work is

being done in response to increasing use of such columns in modern

architectural design. It was stated that such columns fail more frequently (Reference [ 1 7 H ) by buckling rather than crushing, probably

because of the large 1/r ratio and the steel -concrete area ratio.

Variables considered in the study include;

(1) Size, and shape. II sections of 4x6, 4x8,

5 x 10, 6x6, 6 x 12, 8x8, and 6 x. 24 inch

size and T sections of 6 x 24 inch size.

(2.) Aggregates include sand and gravel, limestone,

and expanded clay.

(3) Steel grades include hot rolled mild steel,

and high tensile steel.
~ 14 -

(4) Stress levels of 100, 75, and 50 percent of

design levels.

(5) Type of encasement.

(6) Concrete cover of steel of 1 and 2 inches.

(7) Columns will be tested both with and without

reinforcement of cover.

(i) Fire resistance of unprotected laminated timber columns and

beams. This work, which is currently about 50 percent complete involves

variations in wood species, glue, size and shape as well as quality or grade of timber. Preliminary results show no influence of species,

grade of wood, anddif Terences in thermosetting glues (urea, resorcinpl

and phenolic) on performance. Casein type glued columns have shown

poor performance. It was observed that the endurance of the specimens

has varied from 30 to 45 min largely dependent on charring performance.

They are currently testing impregnated (monoammonium phosphate) columns

and plan to stxidy laminated beams in the future.

(j ) Behavior of steel structures in fire and correlation with

standard tests . This study is sponsored by the British Iron and Steel

Institute. Two large buildings have been constructed for this study.

One of these simulates "flats” or apartments now being built in high

rise buildings in England. Two apartments are involved one above the

other. The lower is being furnished for several experimental burnout

tests. The steel work involved is protected by gypsum board cover and

its performance will be judged on the basis of temperature measurements

Part of the objective of the steel interest is to explore the severity

of fires in modern apartments. The people at FRS are more interested

in tests to be made with the second structure which comprises a twostory structure designed for successive burnout of the lower unit:. The

two compartments are of similar size to the building but no partitions

are at present in place. The windows are large and provide a means

for exploring window size variables on structure behavior during fire.

(k) D evelopment of small furnace to supplement large fire en - durance test s. This is planned for 3 x 3 ft specimens vertically

mounted.

(l) Development work in connection with ISO activities . Three

tests are of present concern and the British thinking with respect to

them may be outlined as follows?
15 -

(1) Combustibility tests of two types are under

review, the bomb calorimeter, and the vertical

tube furnace. It was pointed out that the

small specimen size (one gram) limits the

sensitivity of the bomb calorimeter test to

about the same level as can be achieved by the

vertical tube furnace* This latter, as cur- rently specified, has deficiencies, but work

is under way to correct these. In accordance

with discussions at latest ISO meeting, com- parison tests are planned using both methods.

(2) Fire endurance. This test is now the basis

of a draft ISO standard. Revisions are needed

and will be developed as part of the CIB program. Fire door standard also under consideration,

(3) Reaction to fire. Here many tests have been

proposed and the outcome is very Uncertain, see discussion under (b) above.

(rn) Revision of BS 476 . It is proposed to revise this test method

and in doing so, separate and more completely define the different tests

of walls, floors, columns, beams, etc. This project is inactive at present.

(n) Measurement of smoke and toxic gases on escape routes . This

project seeks to provide experimental indication of the extent to which

fire doors act as smoke-stops. A good "smoke-stop" door according to

BS 476 (e.g., the Snitkordoor) would not be considered good where the

temperature rise is less gradual. A smoke generator has been developed

and this is being used in the 4-story burnout structure which has been

modified for the study, see Reference [ 1 1 ] . Another aspect of the study

involves exploration of ways of clearing smoke from building e.xitways

through the use of permanent openings in walls or louvers, and of positive

pressures in certain ax-eas (see discussion under report of G.I.B. Group 2

above). There was little, if any, evidence that their smoke measurement

techniques were better than our own although the program was more comprehensive.

Obviously a program as large as this cannot be effectively carried

on by the limited staff available. Mr. Lawson later indicated that he

planned to split up the work of the group and, with additional staff,

form two groups from it.
- 16 -

Extinguishing Materials and Equipment Section - Mr, P. Nash

Mr. Nash, as previously, is concerned with tests and investigations

on fire detection equipment, sprinklers, and alarm systems. Recent work

has included development of a new British Standard for heat sensitive

detector, correlation of behavior of line and point detectors, studies

of detector sensitivity as a function of ceiling height and geometry,

vibration and impact tests on detectors, and reliability of electrical

alarm systems. The work on building geometry influence on detector sensitivity will be published shortly. It was mentioned that the heat release

at floor level required to operate the detector is proportional to the

5/2 power of detector height.

Operational Research and Intelligence Section - Mr. J. F. Fry

Some time was spent with Mr. Fry in discussions relative to fire

loss records and clothing fire accident problem. Their previous sampling

procedure in analyzing fire loss records made use of one in five incidents

They have modified this now by working with one in two for industrial and

commercial fires, maintain the one in five analysis for fires in the home,

and only use one in twenty of the heath fire records.

Their special study of clothing fire accidents was done over a period of just a few years. It was reported in Reference [l8]. Samples

of fabrics were collected when available together with the reports which

were furnished by hospitals specializing in burn accidents. The result‘d

of this study showed that young children and elderly people were by far

the greater bulk of casualties. The seriousness of the burn could not

be correlated with character of the fabric.'

Mr. Simms indicated that with the use of cotton or even metal threads

sufficient mechanical support for a normally melting thermoplastic fabric

may be obtained to result in a self sustaining highly flammable material..

It was also stated that the washing of a fire-retardant fabric with soap

and water containing lime will mask its fire retardancey.

At the present time, the Consumer Protection Act provides the only

means of protection of the public if fabrics or other household commodities are shown to be unduly flammable. I was told that fire retardanttreated flannel was commercially available on the market. Five yards

of this were purchased at a department store. This is reported as com- plying with British Standard BS 3120. The salesclerk reported sales as good and the price appeared in line with untreated material. The Proban

treatment used was reported as that developed at the Southern Regional

Laboratory under the name THPC.
17

At his request, a visit was made to Dr. Lawrence Abel who is

Chairman of the Committee on Research of the British Medical Association.

He asked for any information we could furnish on fabric flammability and

fire accidents, any developments on fabric production, etc. I agreed to

send what we could and put him in touch with the Fire Research Station.

B. The Laboratory of the Fire Brigade -- Copenhagen

The head of the laboratory, Mr. G. Danielson received Mr. Gross kindly

and described their work in some detail. Although the stpff is small (4),

this group keeps abreast, of the technical literature on fire through a fulltime librarian, Mr. A. Froloff, and has the assistance of the fire brigade

for large test projects. A report of their operation [19], indicates that

they were established in 1932. Mr. Dpnie'lsen has been with the laboratory

since 1934. A report summarizing the activities of the Copenhagen Fire

Department [20], including those of the Laboratory, was also secured.

Mr. Froloff told me of the delays sometimes of a year or so of procuring

reports from sources within the States, and particularly OTS. Although they

receive NFPA publications and Fire Research Abstracts & Reviews regularly,

he felt that a central source from which reports on fire problems could be

purchased would be very desirable. It is possible that the Technical

Information Center, currently being organized in the NBS Institute for

Applied Technology, as the central Government clearing house for publications

and reports, will be useful in this respect. Inasmuch as they serve as con- sultants to the Fire Brigade and to other institutions and the general public

in Denmark, the possession of more complete technical files is considered

essential. Information contained in the NBS volume/'Precision Measurement &

Calibration Handbook 77, H for example, is in great demand, but unavailable

(very costly).

Of the specific test projects they have worked on, one involves a demonstration of the potential hazard of gasoline leaking from a tanker truck

during transit through a town or city. This work was sponsored by the

Danish Fire Prevention Committee and the Petroleum Industry. A fire with

flames extending 125 meters in height and 65 meters in width resulted when

4000 liters out of the 10,000 liters capacity leaked out and was set afire.

Although the outer welded she'll deformed from the heat, it did not burst;

but thermal expansion did cause one of the four compartment walls to collapse.

Pressures of three atmospheres absolute resulted, but without explosion. It was learned that: the zinc pressure relief caps would melt and re seal the

openings, that aluminum hatch covers would melt and that glass level gages

would break, compounding the danger. This work was done in late 1960 but the

report has as' yet not been released publicly. When released and published,

it should prove extremely valuable information in the USA.

The problem of self -ignition in peat piles has been studied. In general,

little or no oxygen has been found in the pile except near the surface, and

ingnition in the form of glowing has been observed on or near the surface only.
- 18 -

Studies have also been made to reconstruct the chronological details

of actual building fires, and also to arrange for future testing in con- demned buildings,

Mr, Danielsen has done considerable work in the field of plastics and

may plan to write a book on this subject. He will also attend and prepare

a comment for the VFBB meeting in Karlsruhe, October 1964.

C. D anish Government Testing Institute - Copenhagen

Mr. Malmstedt, who represented Denmalrk at the C.I.B. meetings in Berlin,

is head of the Building Test Section which is a part of the Institute

headed by Mr. Gerhard Hansen (who visited NRS in 1962). The Laboratory

cooperates with Sweden and Norway. It was built about four years ago, but

may be moved soon to a subur|ban location. I arrived just at the completion

of a fire test on a door (62 minutes for a door with an impregnated laminated assembly and impregnated wood frame), and also saw their other test

activities in the short time available. They have a furnace for horizontal

specimens (2-1/2 x 6 m) and a vertical furnace for walls (2-1/2 x 3 m)

,

doors or column^. The former can be loaded hydraulically and both are down-draft gas-fired with only two-thirds of the stoichiometric air premixed with the gas and the remaining one-third (secondary air) supplied

further back to provide more uniform flaming. The time- temperature curve

is programmed automatically and all TC^ are bare und unshielded. The

furnace pressure is continuously adjusted to approximate room conditions,

i.e., positive over the upper two-thirds and negative over the lovter onethird. The testing program proceeds at the rate of about one test per

day. A control room on the floor above contains the control, measuring

and recording instruments. Mr. Jens Chr. Snitker, Manager, S.O.S. B-Class

Divisions, 22 Dronning Margrethesve'j

^ Roskilde, Denmark, manufactures and

sells a prefabricated strip which contains an intume. scent mixture and

which can be placed within a groove along the edges of panel doors to

provide a seal for fire and smoke. It is claimed to be very good.

Mr. Malmstedt is engaged in a study of the fire endurance of. protected

steel columns (Marinite & Navalite). He is particularly concerned over the

fact that a structural column or wall can receive a 6-hour fire rating in

the standard fire resistance test but could fail in perhaps 1-1/2 hrs

during an actual building fire. This is an important problem and results

from forces and moments induced by differential expansions, deformations

and complex restraint conditions in assemblies of building elements

exposed to fire. In an experimental approach to the problem, he is making

tests in which steel columns of two or three -sizes and with three thick- nesses of insulation will be studied and with fire exposure over one, two,

three and four surfaces. He has ordered instruments for measuring deflections and will obtain complete deflection curves. The results of these

tests and calculations may be available about next summer.
- 19 -

The test for flammability consists of a gas-fired radiant panel for

exposure of a test specimen and the application of a multiple pilot flame

(see diagram). The pilot is only applied after the specimen reaches a predetermined temperature distribution and for a specified duration (15 sec).

The test is repeated with a more severe exposure and the difference in the areas involved indicates the extent of specimen contribution. To he

acceptable, a material cannot be involved to a greater extent than a standard chipboard of known density and properties. The test is modified

(by deleting the preheating) for materials like thermoplastics which drip

away from the test area.

The corridor tests (described by Christensen at the C.X.B. meeting)

will be resumed in a month or two. Measurements include;

Weight of igniting compartment (2-man cabin): 3 load cells

Temperatare s : Bare thermocouple

s

Pressures ; Gas Sampling;

Heat Flow :

Tubes and inclined water manometers

In bottles for Or sat. analysis

Transducers at selected locations within corridor

ceiling.

On 12 April, Mr. Gross visited with Mr. Snitker who came down from

Roskilde with an interpreter. Since about 1956, he has patented fireratardant impregnated cork insulation for doors and bulkheads and in fu- me scent paints and strips for doors and frames all over the world. These

are known as n STM0»«S B -Class Snitkordoors" and comprise door and frame Including hardware. A one-half-hour door sells for as little as $10.
20 -

The doors are available throughout Europe but are made only in Germany.

The present foaming strip has been available for about 9 months;

previously, it was available as a foaming paste in a polyvinyl tube.

The strips are manufactured in three sizes; 1, 3, and 8 mm x 10 mm

and sell for about: 100, 15$ and 50q per meter length. Besides having

received approvals for use aboard ships (30 and 60 min ratings) in

most European countries, they are also used in hospitals, public

buildings, etc. and are good-looking and soundproof. They are tested

periodically and randomly by the Danish State Testing Institute

(Mr. Malmstedt). It. Is claimed that strips can be installed in grooves

in the door (also frame if door is steel) with thermoplastic cement

and can be expected to expand under fire conditions to provide a smoke

and flame seal even when the groove is oversize, eccentric, etc. It

is desirable that the doorstop be set out 20-25 mm in order to provide

charring volume under fire conditions. After fire, the door can be

easily opened to provide entrance for rescuers and escape of occupants.

Standard hardware is used, but with cert a in precautions.

Several years ago, Underwriters’ laboratories, Inc. wrote to

Mr. Snitker who asked them to observe the fire performance of his doors.

However, Mr. Snitker felt that he could not bear the cost (~$1500) of

paying for transportation for two persons from the United States. He

would very much like to find a commercial outlet for his doors in the

United States. I suggested that we might be interested in performing

a test on a door containing his strips but could not promise him any

information. He agreed to have the German company send some material

and instructions for its use. He claims that the intqbifcscence begins

at about 200°C, that the material is water-resistant (for use aboard ships)

and will stop penetration of all but a slight: quantity of smoke even if

produced artificially (by burning wood) in the furnace

.

B, Centre Scient if ique et: Techni que dn Bailmen t , Pari s and Champs-sur-Marne

Colonel Fackler is in charge of two sections. Reactions to Fire, and

Nuclear Physics. In the first section, he has only two engineers, Mr. Favard,

who works in the fields of ignition, non-combustibility, oxygen bomb

calorimetry , etc., and Mr. Belli sson, who is in charge of fire resistance

and model tests. There are about four technicians. In addition, because

Col. Fackler acts as consultant to the Paris Fire Department, he has the

services of two men from the. Department at all times. One of these,

Mr. Tourette, performed a DER. model test during my visit.
- 21

Fire Propagation - Flashover Tests

Except for fire endurance tests, this test program appears to be

receiving maximum effort. There are two test series, one employing a full-size room and the other a one- third scale model room. The test

procedures have now been standardized, but the program is still in

progress and the results are not yet available in report form.

1. XiEPIR (Laboratajrie Experimental Pour Xncendie Real.) is the code name for full-size room ( 4 by 3 meters, 2.5 meters high) tests. These

are two single-room brick structures unprotected from the weather which

would normally be subject to the effects of wind disturbance. The

adjoining sketch

indicates the

location of a 5 meter high sheet

metal enclosure

which is provided

with adjustable

shutters arranged

to minimize wind

effects. The walls

of the room are of

vermiculite concrete

to which the internal

linings to be tested are attached. Room

ventilation consists of

not more than a dozen

holes (l"dia.) located near the floor level

close to the ignition

location - plus two window panes which are initially half-open. The

vjindow is 1 meter in width and 2 meters high, or one-sixth of the floor

area, and consists of six glass panes backed by asbestos plates.

Considerable thought was given to standardizing the removal of window

panes because of the importance of ventilation on the growth of fire in

the room. Unless a standard procedure is employed for their removal,

excessive variability in the burning pattern results. According to the British

method ,of test, a pane is removed as soon as it cracks. The cracking of

a pane due to heat could he a function of temperature T, of rate of temperature rise dT/dt, or or the temperature gradient dT/dx. The temperature of the pane at the time oft' cracking was measured and found to range

between 80 and 200°C. The current CSTB practice is to remove a pane

when its temperature reaches 100°C, according to a thermocouple mounted

on its surface. The door is kept closed throughout the test. Mock wooden

furniture is used and this is conditioned to 10 to 12 percent moisture

content in the test structure, prior to a test. Wood floors of 2 cm thick- ness are used. Test results to date indicate a flashover time?, of 20 or

21 min when the walls are. noncombustible and about 4-1/2 min when the

walls are lined with plywood.
22 -

2. DER (Dispositive Experimental Reduction) is the code name for the

one-third scale model room. Here, the window is proportionately larger

because, if it were reduced linearly, the ventilation factor A/h would not

scale in the same way as the floor area. At first, 50 exploratory tests were performed, but 60 to 70 additional tests were required to iron out

difficulties* The breaking of window glass was also a problem here and

various window constraints were tried. Now an open window is used

exclusively.

A model chair used earlier has been replaced by several wooden

cribs to improve reproducibility. There is an attempt to get flames on the

wall and ceiling and the first flame involvement is considered zero time.

Cfi/SS

' F/R£ ST*&T

The cribs consist, of wood sticks conditioned to 10 - 12 percent moisture

content. A kerosene or alcohol-soaked fabric (small quantity) is used to

initiate flaming* After the linings are installed, the top of the box is

bolted on. The box is made of asbestos board (~15 mm thick) which has

withstood more than 70 tests. Practically all the smoke leaks out from

the top closure. The linings are fastened to asbestos furring strips.

A gas sample is sucked through a smoke trap (cotton), then through the

pump , a second filter and a drier to a carbon monoxide infrared analyzer.

When f la shover occurs, the door opening is covered over to knock

down the fire and then water is applied with a hand pump. At this time,

only a small p rot ion (perhaps 10%) of the wooden crib load has burned

and charring is not deep . Thus, it appears that surface area rather

than fire load is the governing factor.

Materials tested to date include:

Wood fiberboard unfinished and with various paints; fir; plywood;

hardboard and \^od-f iberboard acoustic tile.

For each material, there are a minimum of three tests on the ceiling only,

three tests on the walls only, and three tests on the ceiling and walls,

making a total of nine to twelve tests for each material. The floor is

noncombustib le

„
23 -

Since the orientation of the

combustible linings with respect

to the ignition source is so important, the use of a single

universal relationship between the

surface area covered and the time to

flash-over is not possible (see sketch).

There is agreement between the one -third and the one scale when certain

materials are used on the ceiling only. However, fiberboard is an ex- ception being less dangerous on ceiling than on walls. Other materials

are more dangerous on the ceiling. Flaming is generally observed below

(~4") rather than directly on ceiling surface.

Fla shove r Criterion

There are a number of possible criteria

for judging the time at which "flashover" occurs, e.g.,the attainment of

a certain temperature; complete flame

involvement; strong flames through

window; uniform temperature in room,

according to the thermocouples; or the

time of involvement of the last piece

of furniture (crib). However, it has

been found that actual times for all

criteria are not much different. A

typical temperature-time record, and

a preliminary relationship between the

time to reach 100° C and f la shaver time, are shown in the adjoining sketches.

Fire Endurance

Oil-fired, down-draft furnace, with two combustion chambers ( one on each side) and no direct flames within furnace. Thermocouples have halfround protection tube between bead and specimen in order to minimize

radiative transfer from specimen to thermocouple,

/ / / y /////// /

TtftQ/yiocouPtZ bead
24 -

The loading mechanism contains four hydraulic jacks with ball-joirjt

action in order to maintain the load normal to the test structure. For

beam tests, blank panels are set on each side of the centrally placed

beam. An addition to the building of about 60 meters is planned to ac- commodate a new furnace for walls and columns.

Test of Bare Steel Column

This was a test performed to examine the extent of heat conduction

in bare steel columns. The temperature' was brought, up in steps iti order

to permit the attainment of steady-state and soaking in of heat. It is

also planned to run a test with the ends of a long column immersed in

water to satisfy steel interests. These tests are based on a suggestion

by Lawson of Joint Fire Research Organization. X

P/toPA */e

Fupl

Certain specific problems were discussed with Dr, Lie,

Model Tunnel - This was constructed because of anomalies in the

results of some materials in BS 476; for example H. H. Robertson

protected steel jumps from Class I (i.e., <20cm) to Class IV (i.e.,

>30em in 1/2 min) when a sudden flame advances to ~31 cm (avg. of

6 specimens) followed by flame extinction.
25 -

The tunnel is op$n at both ends and uses a wood crib as an ignition source. The time for flames to travel along the walls (which are lined with the

specimen) and out the other end is measured

»

Venting ; A study was made several years ago and illustrated the ex- tent to which the vent area and vertical partitions could be useful [21].

Box 'fest

At TN0, BS 476 is used primarily for materials to be used in very

large buildings where no heat accumulation occurs (since the effect of

heat accumulation does not enter in BS 476)* NEN 1076 is almost: identical

to BS 476,

^’Jne Box test [22] is now included in NEN 1076. A multi-burner gas

ignited with a 10 watt electrical igniter (to maintain the pilot .flame)

is used. The temperature-time curve for the enclosure tests is shown

in the sketch

/6 2iO
- 26 ~

Previous results using electrical energy showed that energy was proportioned

to flashover time. The current correlation between flashover time and

flashforming intensity (F.O.T. = a ,/f) is shown in sketch.

Fabric: Test Results [23]

In this test, flames extend out and above the vertically mounted fabric

(15 by 160 cm). An average flame spread rate (in cm/ sec) is determined

from the times at which flames propagate 25 cm lengths alpng the specimen.

The times are electrically recorded upon the burning of thin tin strips

connected in individual circuits at each location.

Testing of "Proban" fiber (~ 2 years old, manufactured by Proban Ltd.,

Manchester). This is a THPC type treatment which penetrates deep into

the fiber, followed by NIL, gas treatment. Plastic is formed inside the

fiber with particles too Targe to be washed out. Fabric does not flame

but turns to charcoal with no flame or afterglow. No deterioration after

200 washings.

A TNO textile group is currently studying a f lame-retardant fabric in

which the retardancy is chemically bound in the fiber.

Furnaces

In addition to wall and beam furnaces indoors, there is an outdoor

furnace for testing the effect of a cold water hose spray on concrete

specimens after heating to about 400°G. The top of the furnace is open.

The specimen is examined visually for cracks and spalling and a core is

taken for analysis by the Building Research Group.
27 -

They have just completed construction of a building in which to

conduct large model enclosure tests. The rate of weight loss will be

recorded, and fire extinguishment tests will be performed at the same

t ime *

Building Research Group, TITO

A short visit was made with Mr. B. II. Vos. He stated that thermal

conductivity measurements can never be made without some influence of

moisture, but that the effect can be minimized if the imposed temperature

difference is kept small. The principle of the thermal conductivity

measurement he uses [24] involves a thin heater with a thermocouple on

or near it and a second TG at a considerable distance to represent ambient

conditions. After a sufficient time interval (in the order of minutes),

the solution for thermal conductivity is of the form:

, 5 In t . , X - q t = tune, 0 ~ temp., q = heat

o u Thus the slope of a temperature vs In time curve is a measure of conductivity. 0 is about '^G. (for quick interpretation, the recorder is

fixed with a log-time scale; full-scale - 0.3 mv).

The "hot" probe consists of a glass tube ~3/16"D containing the

heating element and a series of nine equally spaced Cr-Al (or Cu-Kn)

TG's. The cold probe contains a similar series of 9 TC's in a polyethylene

tube fol/8"dia) . Using 9 TG’s permits determination of X as a function

of position if this varies with moisture content, distribution. The hot

probe receives a thin coat of cement so as to make good thermal contact

in the hole drilled in the sample. This probe has been checked in the

laboratory on materials of known conductivity, moisture content, etc.,

and is now being used extensively in the field. Utilizing Jespersen's

relationship between X and moisture content, the device has also been

used to estimate moisture content as a function of depth in a specimen [25].

The use of such a probe in the drying of concrete may introduce serious

error if appreciable heat: of setting occurs.

F . Dejpaj-Janen t of Scientific and Indu strial Research - National Engineering

Laboratory - Glasgow

A. F. Robertson made a visit to these laboratories at East Kilbride

near Glasgow, Scotland.

This laboratory which has been built tip in the last fifteen years

was reorganized two years ago. Three main technical groups are currently

involved under a Director and Deputy Director, these are:
- 28 -

X. Machinery Group

1 „ Machine tools and Metrology Division

2. Mechanism Noise Control and Vibration Division

3. Fluid Power Division

Y. Fluids Group

1. Basic Heat Transfer and Properties of Fluids Division

2. Fluid Mechanics Division

3. Applied Heat Transfer Division

Z » Materials Group

1. Plasticity Division

2. Fatigue Wear and Stress Analysis Division

3. Creep and Non-metallic Materials Division

Dr. Grunberg , Superintendent of the Fluids Group was the initial

contact. He arranged for visits with two of his divisions and Divisions

2 and 3 of the Materials Group. The visit , although very interesting, was unsuccessful in that information on short-time high temperature strength

and thermal conductivity of building materials was not being obtained.

The main emphasis is long-term creep performance of materials and

heat transfer problems relating to heat exchangers.

Various aspects of the. work I discussed involved the following:

Y2 - Fluid Mech anic s

I was shown their excellent hydraulic machinery laboratories

[26] s and was specially impressed with their facilities for

calibration of high capacity fluid flow meters [27] [28]. The

equipment involves the use of three water collection and weighing tanks of one-, three-, arid thirty-ton capacity. The overall

accuracy of calibration at the 95 percent confidence level is

±0.1 percent.

They have also devised improved methods of making pi tot. -tube

surveys of the cross-section of ducts carrying gases for the

purpose, of measuring air flow.

They are doing pioneer work on supercavitating pumps

and turbines as well as developing mixed flow fans which can operate under high efficiency conditions.
- 29

Yl - Basic Heat Transfer and Properties of Fluids Division

My visit here was very brief'. They have recently cooperated

in the publication of new steam tables and are currently active

in the preparation, of tables of critical properties of fluids.

Some work is contracted out to universities.

Work is under way on development of new and improved

viscometers as well, as more accurate measurement of viscosity of

fluids

.

A radioactive tracer technique was being used for measurements of the condensation coefficient of gases leaving the

surface of a liquid by evaporation. This is of considerable

importance in condenser design.

Z1 - Plasticity D ivision

A large laboratory equipped with at least 250 creep testing

machines was visited. Some of these were suitable for loads as high as 15 tons, and for use over a range of temperatures.

Some machines were filled for stress relaxation measurements by use of electronic servo load control mechanism.

Z2 - Fatigue Wear arid Stress Ana lysis D ivi s ion

Behavior of materials under ambient conditions is emphasized.

Very large vibration test equipment seems to be the specialty.

They were familiar with the work of John Bennett in our Metallurgical Division.

The visit to NEL was nor rewarding from the point of view of information specifically desired, however, it was well worth the. time spent for

the contacts made and the specialized information obtained.
30 -

References

[1] Fish, Franklyn and Pollard. "Analysis of Toxic Gaseous Combustion

Products" J. App. Chem. Nov 13, 1963.

[2] D. W . van Krevelen, C. van Heqrden, and F. J. Hunt jens. Fuel, 30

253, 1951.

[3] Dr. B. Kaesche-Krischer and Dr. H. J. Heinrich. Chemie-IngenieurTechnik Zeit.schrif t , 32, 598-605, 740-747, 1960.

[4J Bongard. "Exterior Building Columns Behavior Under Fire Conditions"

VFDB, 12, No. 4, 117-125, Nov 1963.

[5] A. Kelly. "Atmospheres from Fires in Rooms with Little Ventilation,

Part I" FR Note 494/1962, J'FRO

[6] M. E. Milberg. J. Phys Chem 63, 578, 1959.

[7] McFarlane and Ho'lderness. NGTE Report No. R253 and Memorandum

No. M364 of the National Gas Turbine Establishment Pyestock Hants.

[8] A. G. Merahanov and F. I. Dubovitskii. "The Quasi-Stationary Thermal

Regime in Explosion Reactions" Acad. Sci. USSR Proc (Phys. Chem.

Sect) 120, 1068, 1958.

[9] A. G. Merahanov and F. I. Dubovitskii. "The Quasi-Stationary Theory

of the Thermal Explosion of a Self-Accelerating Reaction" Russian

J. of Phys Chem 3>4, 1062, 1960

[10] Rushbrook. "Fire Aboard" Technical Press, London, 1961.

[11] E. H. Coleman. "Effect of Compressed and Oxygen Enriched Air on the

Flammability of Fabrics" British Welding Journal, 406, Sept 1959.

[12] a. D« J. Rasbash. The Engineer, May 31, 1963

b. D. J. Rasbash. et al. "Control of Fires in Large Spaces with

Inert Gas and Foam Produced by a Turbo-Jet Engine"

Part 1 (FR Note 507) , Part 2 (FR Note ) , Part 3 (FR Note 512)

,

Part 4 (FR Note ), Part 5 (FR Note 511), Part 6 (FR Note 52/0

Part 7 (FR Note 519). JFRO.

c. D. J. Rasbash. "Potentialities of Jet Engine Inert Gas and

Foam Generators for Control of Fires in Large Spaces" Internal

Note. No. 177, JFRO.

d. FR Note No. 539 "Symposium on the Use of Inert Gas and High

Expansion Foam for the Control of Fires in Large Spaces," JFRO.
31

[13]

[ 14 ]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

[ 20 ]

[ 21 ]

[ 22 ]

[23]

[24]

[25]

[26]

[27]

Thomas, Hinkley, Theo'bold and Simms. "Investigations into the Flow of

Hot Gases in Roof Venting" Fire Research Technical Paper No. 7,

HMSO s 1963.

Thomas et al. "Fire Spread in Wooden Gribs" Fire Research Note

No. 537.

W, W. Foster. "The Attenuation of Light from Wood Smoke" Brit.

J. Appl. Physics, Vol. 10, Sept 1959.

A. PPussmann. "Smoke as a Symptom of Fire," Paper No. 1257.

Inst it ut '•''fur. Elekfcrische Nachrichtentechnik , ah der RheinWestfalen Technische Hochschule, Aachen, Gennany.

Bongard. "Aussenstutzen aus Stahl in Feuer" VFDB, 12 , No. 4,

117-125, Nov 1963.

Fry and Hinton, "Casualties Due to the Direct Ignition of Clothing,"

FR 'Note No. 407, 1959.

"The Laboratory of the Fire Brigade of Copenhagen"

"Copenhagen Fire Department - Summary of the Organization and

Scope of Operation of the Fire Department," May 1964

T. T. Lie, and C 0 W„ van Hoogstraten. "Brandvertraging door

sehotten en ventilatie," BOUW, .38, 1170-2, Sept 1961.

T. T. Lie. "Bouwmaterialen bij verhitting - Beoordeling van

gedrag in besloten ruimten," BOTJW, Aug 1958

T. To Lie. "Verticale Vlamsnelheid aan Weefsels," Be Tex, Nov 1961.

B. H. Vos. "Bestimmung der Warmeleitzahl, des Wannedurchlasswider stand.es und der Feuchtigke.it in Konstruktionen,"

Gesundheits-Ingenieur , 10, .300, 1963.

B. H. Vos. "Non-Steady-State Method for the Determination of

Moisture Content in Structures," Int. Symp. on Moisture"

Wash. ,D. G. (to be. published).

S. P. Hutton. "Techniques for Hydraulic Machinery Research,"

Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland. Trans.

351-411, 1957.

E. A. Spencer and A. T. J. Hayward. "The Accurate Calibration of

the Flow Meters with Water ," Trans. Soc. Instrument Technology, j)

,

No. 1, 1-12, 1957.

Anon "Flow Meter Calibration Facilities at NEL, " NEL Leaflet No. 419,

May 1962.

[ 28 ]
- 32

Appendix A

List of Delegates at Meeting

Sisuo.Yokoi Building Research Institute of Japan

4 Chome Hyakunin-Cho Shinjuku--ku

Tokyo

Rene Figure Bureau Technique et de 1' Equipment du

Service National de la Protection Civile

60B Gallerian St. Cyr

Paris II

Roland Traverse (same as above)

Jean Hus son Regiment de Sapeurs Pompiers Service Technique

1 Place Jules Renard , Paris XVII

G. W. Shorter National Research Council

Ottawa, Canada

F. J. van Sante Stichting Ratiobouw

Technisch Fysicche Afdeling

Wenna 700

Rotterdam, Holland

Dr. C. W. van Hoogstraten - Centrum voor Brandveilligheidsinstituut TNO

Lange Kleiweg 5, P. 0. Box 49, Delft

Ryswyk (Z.H.) Holland

Dr. T. T. Lie (same as above)

Dr. P. H. Thomas Joint Fire Research Organization

Boreham' Wood , Herts

England

D» I. Lawson (same as above)

L. A. Ashton (same as above)

J, F. Fry (Secretary GIB/CTF) “(same as above)

P. Bornemann Institut fur Bauslef fkinde und Stahlbet.onbaiu

Techn. Hochschule Braunschweig

Braunschweig, West Germany
33

Appendix A (cone I'd

5

Dr. Jeschke c/Senator fur Bau u Wohnungswesch

Bauauf sicht

1 Berlin - Wilmersdorf

Dr. H. Seekamp - Bundesanstalt fur Materialprufung

1 Berlin 45 (unter den Eichen 87)

Mr. Becker - (same as above)

Mr. Westhoff: - Staatliches Materialprufimgsamt Nordheim - Westfalen

Bo.rtmund-Aplerbeck 1, Germany

Marsbruch Str 186

Dr. Rumberg - (same as above)

Dr. G. Magnus - Forschungsstelle fur Brand schuletechnik

Technische Hochschule Karlsruhe

Karlsruhe 1, Germany

Hertzstr.

D. Gross - National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D. C. 20234

A. F„ Robertson ~ (same as above)

W. G. Kirkland - American Iron & Steel Institute, New York City

(unable to attend because of accident

suffered en route to meeting).

K, Malms ted

t

- Danish Government Testing

Institute Amager Boulevard 108

Mr . G » Ghr i s ten sen Copenhagen S. Denmark

~ (same as above)

J. P» Fack'ler - President CIB/CTF

Centre Scientifique et Technique du Batiment

4 Avenue du Recteur Poincare

Paris WL

COMPLETE LIST OP PAPERS CIRCULATED TO DELEGATES SINCE

OCTOBER 1961 MEETING

CIB/CTF 6i/53(C) Small-Scale Fire Extinguishment Test on Mechanical

Foam, Part X. D.B.R. Internal Report No, 224

CIB/CTF 6i/54(UK) Fire-Resistance of Floors and Ceilings . Fire

Note No . 1 CIB/CTP 6 1/55 (UK) Destruction of Forty Gallon Drum by an Experimental

Gaseous Explosion, F.R-. Note No, 467

CIB/CTF 61/56 (UK) - Some Fires in. a Single Compartment with Independent

Variation of Fuel Surface Area and Thickness,

F,R . Note No. 469

CIB/CTF 6 1/57(UK) - The Burning of well ventilated Compartment Fires

.

Part III, The effect of the wood thickness,

PR. Note No, 474

CIB/CTF 61/58(1) - Resistensa al fuoco delle strutture Valutazione

teorica - Controlli Sperimentali

CIB/CTF 6l/59(UK)

CIB/CTF 61/60 (UK)

- United Kingdom Fire Statistics i960

- The projection of spray from fixed nozzles on to an outdoor risk:, F.R, Note No, 465

CIB/CTF 6l/6l (C) - Small-Scale Fire Extinguishment Test on Mechanical

Foam, Part II, D.B.R. Internal Report No. 230

CIB/CTF 6l /62(c) The value of a Fire Detector in the Home, D.B.R.

Internal Report No , 237

CIB/CTF 6l/63(UK) - References to Scientific Literature on Fire.

Part II . 1 957-9

CIB/CTF 6l/64(UK) - Effect of Restraint, on Fire-Resistance of Concrete

Floors, F.R.. Note No. 460

CIB/CTF 6l/65(UK) - A Comment on the Thermal Decomposition of Wood at

High Temperatures, F.R, Note No, 471

CIB/CTF 61 /66(F) - C.S.T.B, No, 52, Cahier 415, Essais de resistance

au feu

CIB/CTF 62/1 (UK) - The size of flames from two very large fires.

F.R. Note No. 48I

CIB/CTF 62/2( F) - C.S.T.B, No. 53* Cahier 424* Tableau recapitulatif

general. des ciassements relatifs a la resistance

au feu

CIB/CTF 62/3(D) - Erhdhung der Feuerwiderstandsdauer von StahXbetonrippen&ecken durch Verwendung von Holzwol'leleichtbauplatten

GU/CTF 62/4(C) - An Absolute Thermal. Radiation Calorimeter.

Research Paper No, 138

CIB/CTF 62/5(J)

CIB/CTF 62/6(j)

- Thermal Character of Concrete

- Study on the Reduction of Strength and of Modulus

of Elasticity of Reinforced Concrete Beams

subjected to Elevated Temperature

CIB/CTF 62/7(J) - The Effect of the Elevated Heat upon its Strength

of the Corner of the Reinforced Concrete

CIB/CTF 62/8(UK) - On the Heights of Buoyant Flames. F.R. Note

No. 489
Appendix B (cont'd)

CIB/CTF 62/9(C)

CIB/OT 62/10(1)

CIB/CTF 62/1 l( UK) -

CIB/CTF 62/1 2 (UK) -

GIB/GTF 62/1 3( UK) -

CIB/CTF 62/ 14(J)

CIB/CTF 62/15(IK) -

) CIB/CTF 62/1 6 (C)

CIB/CTF 62/1 7(C)

CIB/CTF 62/1 8(C)

CIB/CTF 62/1 9(J)

CIB/CTF 62/20 (J)

CIB/CTF 62/21 (F)

CIB/CTF 62/22(C)

CIB/CTF 62/23 (F)

CIB/CTF 63/I (UK)

CIB/CTF 63/2(1®)

GIR/CTF 63/3(0

CIB/CTF 63/4(0

CIB/CTF 63/5(UK)

CIB/CTF 63/6 (U!)

CIR/CTF 63/7(0)

CIB/GTF 63/8(F)

GlVCTF 63/9(1)

CIB/CTF 63/1 0( UK) -

Fire Test of a Steel Column of 8in H Section,

Protected with 4in Solid. Haydite Blocks.

Fire Study No. 6 II Lnboratorio di Scienza delle Costruzioni del

Centro Studi ed Esperienze Antincendi

Library Vocabulary No. l/l96l. English -German

Vocabulary of Fire Protection Terms

Library Vocabulary No. 2/l 961 . German - English

Vocabulary of Fire Protection Terms

On the Heights of Buoyant Flames. F.R. Note

No. 489

Estimation of Room Temperature and Fire Duration

Fire -Resistance of Concrete Block Walls- F.R.

Note No. 501

Stability of Numerical. Heat Flow Calculations

Technical Note No- 339

Variable-State Methods of Measuring the Thermal

Properties of Solids- D-B-R. Internal Report

No- 249

A Treatise on Theoretical Fire Endurance RatingResearch Paper No- 153

The Variation of Thermal Conductivity of Cement

Mortar and Concrete under High Temperature

Fire Tests on Mitsubishi Naka No- 15 Building

C-S.T-B- No- 565 Cahier 445 » Essais de

resistance au feu (11 sdrie)

Performance Test on Foam-Compatible Dry Chemical

Powders, B.B.R. Internal Report No. 258

C.S.T.B- No, 58 , Cahier 469 . Les problemes

poses pad* les fumees en cas d

# incendie,

E&s&i 4' incendie reel dans un immeuble-tour

de 20 niveaux a maisons-alfort

Control of fires in large spaces with inert gas

and foam produced by a turbo-jet engine.

Part I - Introduction and properties of inert

gas and foam- F.R. Note No. 507

Radiation from fires in spirit storage buildings.

F.R. Note No. 508

C.S.T.B. No. 59, Cahier 479- Easais de

rfaist&nee au feu

C.S.T.B. Up. 59, Cahier 480. Basais de

resistance au feu

Research Programme 1962/1963

Some observations of the effect of wind on line

plumes. FJt. Note No. 510

The value of a fire detector in the home.

Fire Study No. 9, B.B.R. N.R.C. 7162

C.S.T.B, No,

q

60, Cahier 493 . Baaals de reaction

au feu - 2° aerie

Full Scale Fire Test on an Apartment House in

Tokyo

Fire Research 1961

- 2 -
Appendix B (cont'd)

CIB/CTF 63/11 (UK)

CIB/CTF 63/1 2( UK)

CIB/CTF 63/1

3

( UK)

CIB/CTF 63/1 4( UK)

CIB/CTF 63/1 5( UK)

CIB/CTF 63/1 6 (J)

CIB/CTF 63/1 7(J)

CIB/CTF 63/1 8 (No)

CIB/CTF 63/1 9(F)

CIB/CTF 63/20 (UK)

CIB/CTF 63/21 (UK)

CIB/CTF 63/22(F)

CIB/CTF 63/23(UK)

CIB/CTF 63/24(J)

CIB/CTF 63/25(0)

CIB/CTF 63/26 (CA)

CIB/CTF 63/27(F)

CIB/CTF 63/28(UK)

CIB/CTF 63/2 9 (UK)

cib/ctf 63/30 ( 0)

CIB/CTF 63/31 (USA)

CIB/CTF 63/32(USA)

CIB/CTF 63/33 (USA)

CIB/CTF 63/34(USA)

CIB/CTF 63/35(USA)

CIB/CTF 63/36(D)

United Kingdom Fire Statistics 1 96 1 Heat Radiation from Fires and Building Separation.

Fire Research Technical Paper No. 5 Protection of structural steel against fire.

Fire Note No. 2 Some observations of the effect of wind on line plumes. F,R. Note No. 510

English - French Vocabulary of Fire Protection

Terms „ Library Vocabulary 5/1963

The Thermal Stress of Reinforced Concrete Frame at

Fire of the Factory of Yokohama Bridge Stone

Tire Company

Report - Building Research Institute 1962

Stability in fire of protected and unprotected

glued laminated beams

C.S.T.B, No. 60, Gahier 490. Mesures de

rayonnement a la station du feu

Measurements- of- the- transmission of radiation

through water sprays. F„R. Note No. 520

The reduction of the fire hazard of thatched roofs.

FoR. Note No. 525

C.S.T.B, No. 62 3 Cahier 510. Essais de reaction

au feu (3 serie)

The relationship between the ignition of fires in

buildings in England and Wales and climatological

variations over the period 1951 to 1961. F.R,

Note No. 522

The theoretical calculation of temperature-rise of

thermally protected steel column exposed to the

fixe. B.R.I, Occasional Report No. 10

Estimation of fire temperature-time curve in rooms.

B,R„ I .Occasional Report No. 11 The approximate determination of the fire endurances

of structural elements. UP No. 147

C.S.T.B* No. 63 s Gahier 521. Essais de resistance

au feu. (13 serie)

Investigations into the flow of hot gases in roof

venting. Fire Research Technical Paper No, 7 Progress Report of the Director of Fire Research -

1st May to 31st- August, 1963 * On the heights of flames from burning cribs. B.R.I.

Occasional Report No. 12

Early History of Fire Endurance Testing in the

United States

Experiments on the Burning of Cross Piles of Wood

Fire Tests of Precast Cellular Concrete Floors and

Roofs. N.B.S. Monograph 45

Study of Gypsum Plasters Exposed to Fire

Surface Flame Propagation on Cellulosic Materials

Exposed to Thermal Radiation

Das Verhalten von Stahlbetonund Spannbatonhauteilen

unter Feuerangrlff
(cone l 'd)

CIB/CTF 63/37(0)

CIB/CTF 63/38(OK)

CIB/CTF 63/39(j)

Flame Spread. Canadian Building Digest U„D„G.

614.841

An Instrument for Measuring Total Heat Fluxes

within Flames o F.R. Note No. 531

Effect of the Internal Linings on the Fire

Behaviour in the Room

CIB/CTF 63/40 (D) - Brandversuche an schlanken, stark bewehrten

Sta.hlbetonsS.ulen hober BetongtUe

CIB/CTF 64/1 (C)

CIl/GTF 64/2 (F)

CIB/CTF 64/3 (OK)

CIB/CTF 64/4(OK)

CIB/CTF 64/5(OK.) CIB/CTF 64/6 (UK)

CIB/CTF 64/7 (F)

CIB/CTF 64/8( UK)

CIB/CTF 64/9(B

)

CIB/CTF 64/1 0(D)

cir/gtf 64/1 l(N)

gib/ctf 64/12 ( 1)

CIB/CTF 64/I 3( UK)

CIB/CTF 64/1

4

(UK)

- A Remote Reading Anemometer Counter. N.R.C.

D.B.Ro Technical Note No. 403

CoS. T.

B

o No. 65 , Cahier 541 . Essais de

I’eaction au feu (4" serie)

Temperatures within the walls of a compartment

containing a fire. F.R. Note No. 524

- Fire Resistance? Some unresolved problems

- The Spread of Smoke and Toxic Gases in Buildings

- Notes on Theme "The Desirable Limitations on the

Size of Buildings and Compartments”

~ Immeubles tres elevens - Causes of fires in dwellings in London,

Birmingham and Manchester and their relationship with the climatic conditions during the

first quarter of 1963° F.R. Note No. 538

- Feuerungsanlagen - Hausschornsteine; Bemessung

und Ausfilhrung

- Brands chutz Versuche an Baustoffen

- Brandproeven op steenachtige vloerconstructies

,

Rapport no . 1 6/l 963

- Afzonderlijke verslagen van brandproeven op

steenachtige vloerconstructies. Bijlage

behoren.de hij rapport no „ 1 6/

1

963

- Some observations on the G.I.B. Models Programme

Complete list of papers circulated to delegates

since October 1961 meeting

21st February, 1964-

'i

- 4 -

i
38

Appendix C

Report of Group 1

The aim of the co-operation in the C.X.B. Commission is to compare

the results received by each institute from fire tests on materials of

structure. In order to realize this idea the Group 1 - Fire endurance - gives the following reports

1. The gropp were unanimous that the utilization and acceptance of fire

resistance tests made in one country in other countries was not possible until some basic problems had been resolved. These problems

relate to real differences in test conditions and procedures, although

they will nominally be the same. Instead, therefore, of discussing

the individual documents submitted on fire endurance, the group decided

that a fruitful outcome could only be achieved by examining certain

fundamental issues, and paper 64/4 (UK) was adopted as providing a basis fpr the day's discussions.

2. The group agreed that furnace design and operation were the most

important factors affecting the results of fire resistance tests

which required investigation first. Information should be obtained

on the heating characteristics as affecting a test specimen of one

type of furnace in the laboratories of the participating countries

and it was agreed that the wall furnace would be most suitable for

this study. The group proposes that small refractory elements should

be designed containing thermocouples accurately located at specified

distances from one face and these elements should be incorporated at

selected positions in a brick wall. Repeat tests could be made with

any time /temperature regime in the furnace and the heat transfer to

a specimen determined, enabling a comparison to be made of existing

equipments. Investigation of the effect of changing other factors,

such as furnace pressure, or volume of the furnace chamber, might also

be included. As the results of tests on constructions of combustible

materials such as wood or wood-based products will be influenced by

the furnace conditions, it is proposed that comparative tests should

be made on bulkheads of particle board.

In all experiments sampling the furnace atmosphere would give useful ; additional information for the interpretation of the results.

3. Members of. the group were prepared to make a comparative study of

the results of tests made in various countries on certain forms of

construction, such as protected steel columns, reinforced concrete

columns and combustible bulkheads, to obtain, if possible, data on furnace operation in different countries which will supplement the

information from the research programme.

Ashton (UK) (Ghariin'au)

Backer (G)

Fackler (F)

Helmrich (Interpreter)

Malmstedt (D)

van Sante (N)

Seekamp (G)

Westhoff (G)

- 39 -

Appendix D

Report of Group 2

The Spread of Smoke and Toxic Gases

It was agreed that the problem is to;

a) identify materials that will produce smoke and toxic and irritant

gases and compare the level with levels produced by materials in common use in buildings and develop a test for comparison purposes.

As the amount of smoke depends on the rate of burning of the specimen

and the degree of ventilation any test method would have to take into

account these factors. Acceptable levels of usage to be established.

b) develop methods for disposing of smoke or for preventing entry of

smoke into escape passages and establish satisfactory levels. Escape

passages should also serve as a basis for the fire fighting operations.

Dr. Yokoi said Dr. Saito had been carrying out measurements of smoke and

toxic gases using model fires with different levels of ventilation and

with different fire loads. The smoke density increased with fire load

and decreased with ventilation. Dr. Saito is monitoring CO2 and ©

2

* A

paper will be available next year.

Dr. Robertson referred to some experiments with fires using a radiant

ignition of wall finish materials in a small building CIB/CTF 64/24 (USA).

He discussed smoke measurements referring to the January issue of NFPA

Quarterly and ASTM Methods E-84 and E-162. He emphasized the importance

of recognizing that the total quantity of absorbing material is more

nearly linearly related to the optical density of the absorbing medium

than to the absorption. The result is in considering the dispersal of

smoke from a limited source to a large volume you have to base your

measurements on the optical density of the absorbing medium. He recom- mended that in reporting optical density or absorption of smoke, such

data should be based on a one meter path length.

Shorter: reported that Canada will be doing work in the measurement of

the products of combustion from plastics burning in free air and doing a chromatograph ic ana ly sis.

Dr. Romberg , Dortmund, and Mr. Lawson , J.F.R.O. , stated that their laboratories would also be working in this field. It was agreed that they should

discuss their programs with a view to avoiding duplication. Dr. Rumberg

questioned whether it was possible to measure the adsorption in smoke by

photometering deposited smoke on f ilterpapers. Dr . Robertson said he was looking into this question and would have some results in the near future.

Mr. Traver se described an experiment in a building in which wood and fabrics

had been burnt CIB/CTF 62/23 (F) and supplement. They tried two methods
- 40

Appendix D (concl'd)

of smoke clearance: (1) separate smoke exits from building into a multiple

flue, system and (2) smoke was extracted into a common flue, the exits from room being closed by dampers which were opened by thermal links. Fresh

air was supplied to room at floor level from a duct also-closed but which

would open by fusing of a thermal link in a fire. The size of the ducts

was 18#

’ square and these had been found to be very effective.

Sho rter reported on work being undertaken in the United States, and Canada

GIB/CTF/64/19 (C). He referred briefly to the work carried out by the

Southwest Research Institute, the Underwriters Laboratories and the Los

Angeles Fire Department. He referred to work carried out at the National

Research Council of Canada related to the significance of the neutral

pressure plane in a fire area. A technique is suggested whereby smoke

could be confined to the immediate fire area in a building. CIB/CTF

64/2.3 (€).

Lawson described a series of experiments that were being carried out at

J.F.R.O. in which the smoke from the fire in a compartment was measured

as it escaped into a central escape loft CI&/CTF 64/5 (UK). Measurements

were being made of visibility in relation to the absorption and measurements were also being made of the distortion of smoke check doors in

fires. Experiments had also been made in a building in which the -escape

routes had been pressurized and it was found that a pressure of .05 to .1"

watergauge was sufficient to prevent smoke leaking into escape routes.

Surveys were also being made of the position of smoke stop doors in

buildings under normal usage and fire brigades are to report on whether

such doors had been closed when fires occured.

The task group recognized that while in some cases smoke could be measured,

the toxic and irritant qualities were difficult to measure, in ‘.a quantitative manner and the suggestion of the commission would be welcome.

Attendance

Haure (F)

Hoogstraten (N)

Lawson (UK) (Chairman)

Robertson (USA)

Rumberg (G)

Shorter (C) (Reporter)

Traverse (F)

Yokoi (J)
41

Appendix E

Report of Group 3

Fires in single compartments including the co- operative research programme on models

Co-operative Research Programme

The present state of the co-operative research programme is that

the sets of experiments which were allocated to France and Italy have

yet to be done and the tests on 1 1/2 m scale allocated to the NBS have

been deferred. B.A.M. expect to complete their tests by the autumn of

this year.

‘The UK tests on wind effects have been completed but the tests on shape

(441) on 1/2 m and 1 1/2 m scale will be undertaken during 1964/5. Since no other tests on this shape are included in the programme an analysis of

the data for (121) (211) and (221) shapes can be started. All other

assignments were completed and the participating laboratories should be

commended for their finp efforts.

Dr. Thomas said that JFRG would set up a programme of statistical

analysis for the 1/2 m and 1 m scales. This would not need to be altered

when data for thbse tests not yet done were available, but it was thought

that those tests allocated to France, at least, ought preferably to be

done by one laboratory. This would leave a minimum number of gaps in

the analysis.

The data on 1 1/2 m scale already a/ailable could be incorporated

at a later stage.

It was thought desirable that each laboratory should send a small

(5 x 10 cm) sample of the material it had used in the box construction

to each of the others since some differences between laboratories might

be ascribed to this factor.

However, while there were some systematic differences, the few

comparisons made so far on the basis of the results available earlier

appeared more consistant than the first GIB experiments and the group was optimistic as to the outcome of the work. It is expected that the

final results will be expressed in terms of "probable best values" for

each measured variable and under each set of conditions studied.

It was thought that no programme, where experiments of one laboratory

were formally related to those of another as in the present series, should

be commenced before the present programme was analyzed.
42

Appendix E (cont'd)

Dr. Tho'mas strongly urged that any laboratory undertaking research

using models should follow the example of TNO in their study of flashover and include models corresponding to one or other of the CIB sizes

and shapes in their programme. Useful programmes for any laboratory

wishing to continue experiments independently of other laboratories would

be to study (a) the effect of different materials in the construction of

the box, (b) the effect of the method of ignition and (c) the effect of

baffles, shields or ground plates.

Dr. Thomas said that the effects of wind on the rate of burning

was no more than to double it but the effects on flame position, etc.

were probably more important. The effects of wind were complex and

required studies in more detail than provided for in the CIB programme.

Fires in Compartments

Dr. Lie reported on his recent work on the correlation of flashover times in CIB enclosures of several shapes and sizes. Except for

certain thin materials, the flashover times for a variety of lining

materials were nearly identical if the ignition of the crib is adjusted

to cause flashover with an incombustible lining in 20 minutes. It is

planned to continue the study in a large enclosure of 3 x 4 x 3 meters

&ize. This study using a continuous crib fuel extends and supplements

prior work by Hird & Fischl (JFRO) using continuous fuel (mock furniture).

Mr. Christensen reported on full scale experiments on fire spread

from a room containing wooden linings and furnishings through a corridor

whose walls and ceiling were surfaced With various combustible and non- combustible linings. Preliminary results indicate that the generation

of gases and heavy smoke precede flaming down the full length of the

corridor, even when the corridor surfaces are noncombustible. The con- tribution of conbustible linings and the effect of surface treatments

are to be evaluated and a complete report may be available in several

months. Since the entire room was supported on a weighing device,

measured rates of burning were obtained which were in very good agreement with available data from the UK and Japan from model and full

scale enclosure tests.

Mr. Gross reported on NBS work on the burning of crosspiles of

wood in the open and on fires in geometrically similar enclosures of

three sizes. It was suggested that interpretation of the porosity

factor for the cross-piles in terms of a void space parameter would

enable data for fuel beds of random construction to be analyzed also.

The appropriateness of the Ffoude number in interpreting burning rates

of open piles, of cribs within enclosures, and of conventional fuels

in furnaces was commented upon. For piles in the open, the transition

point between the diffusion-limited region and the free combustion

region was suggested as a good point for the evaluation of the effectiveness of extinguishing agents.
- 43 -

Appendix E (concl’d)

Dr. Magnus led a discussion on the desirability and suitability

of idealizing experiments in enclosures by using liquid or gaseous

fuels in place of solid fuels. It was concluded that the resultant

differences in floor patterns, flame emissivity and combustion products

would have to be. considered.

A discussion was held on the importance of burning rate data,

modified by wind, fire load, ventilation, etc. on the penetration of

heat into structural elements and their fire endurance. Test data

in this area is needed and theoretical calculations, such as those

performed by Kawagoe, Lie and others should be extremely valuable.

Attendance s

Christensen (if)

Magnus (G)

Lie (N)

Fry (UK)

Thomas (UK)

Gross ('(?SA)

BUNDESANSTALT

FUR

MATERIALPRUFUNG

(BAM)

44

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