Thermal reaction of firebrand accumulation in construction materials

Abstract

This paper presents research concerning the thermal firebrand reaction due to its accumulation in specimens of current construction materials commonly applied to the exterior of dwellings in southern Europe. An extensive fire experimental campaign is undertaken, in which firebrands are deposited on the plane surfaces of the material specimens and the temperature is measured on the top and bottom construction specimen surfaces. The materials chosen for this work are currently applied to either the roof, exterior walls and windows, and were recommended as either fire resistance or good behaviour for high temperatures. It will be possible to verify their firebrand reaction, more precisely, the type of ignition, the smoke, droplet production, and even their insulation capabilities. It is also tested for the efficiency of a metal mesh to prevent the entrance of firebrands into the air vents of façades and chimneys in dwellings. A thermal numerical model is also used to study the efficiency of the insulation properties of some construction materials for firebrand deposition by measuring the level of heat flux circulation during the full time analysis.

Keywords

• Ignition due to firebrand
• Construction specimens
• Temperature vs. time curve
• Firebrand thermal reaction
• Transient thermal analysis