Auto-extinction of engineered timber: Application to compartment fires with exposed timber surfaces. (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bartlett, Alastair I.; Hadden, Rory M.; Hidalgo, Juan P.; Santamaria, Simón; Wiesner, Felix; Bisby, Luke A.; Deeny, Susan; Lane, Barbara
• Is Part Of: Fire safety journal. Volume 91(2017:Jul.)
• Page Start: 407
• Page End: 413
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: Compartment fires -- Heat transfer -- Extinction -- Performance-based design -- Firepoint theory; Fire prevention -- Periodicals; Incendies -- Prévention -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Fire prevention -- Research; Periodicals; 628.92205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.firesaf.2017.03.050
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-7112

Abstract

Abstract: A series of compartment fire tests with multiple exposed timber surfaces have been undertaken to explore the effect of exposed timber on the fire dynamics and the potential for auto-extinction. A test with exposed wall and ceiling achieved auto-extinction after approximately 21 min. Firepoint theory is applied using temperature data at the charline, is shown to predict a mass loss rate dropping below the critical value at 20–21 min, and thus is successful in predicting auto-extinction. Additional uncertainties caused by delamination are explored, and recommendations for the use of auto-extinction in design are given.