Some Approaches to Developing a Test Method for Determining the Actual Fire Resistance Limit of Façade Translucent Structures

Abstract

Based on the analysis of modern construction of high-rise buildings with façade translucent structures (FTS), it was established that the actual fire resistance limit of FTS for high-rise buildings should be assessed. The criterion for loss of fire resistance of a translucent façade is the collapse or fall-out of fragments of the translucent façade filling that contribute to the spread of fire in the building. By analyzing the experience of tests carried out fragments of buildings with FTS with simulated thermal and/or fire (flame torch) effects, the following factors are taken into account: wind loads with variable directions of air flows; access of fire-fighting and rescue units, etc. During full-scale FTS tests, a possible scenario of fire development is simulated, taking into account the fragment and features of the specimen, the fire load that affects the development of fire along the façade, the structural design of the FTS, – glass (conventional and fireresistant) and structural elements. The authors suggest that in order to ensure fire safety of high-rise buildings with FTS the fire-resistance limit assessment should be carried out on fragments of buildings with a simulation of thermal and/or fire impact, which is close to the real conditions.