Smoke filling in buildings

Smoke filling studies in special structures of Hong Kong

Atrium:

Atrium environments were classified systematically by various building features, e.g. geometry, locations in a building, uses [1]. We have visited a number of atrium with fire safety measures observed [2].

Figure 1: Classification of atrium by geometry (Source: Architectural Science Review 1999:42(4)235-252.

Fire safety codes for Hong Kong atrium designs were reviewed in terms of building type, building interior layout, construction materials, occupancy levels, circulation patterns, access and escape routes, fire detection and firefighting systems [3]. We built a full-scale burning facility for studying atrium smoke filling process and control [4]. Also conduct experiments using scale models [5]. Comparisons were made with a number of mathematical expressions and zone model.

Conventional fire and smoke sensors have limitations in atrium applications. A fire detection technique based on video image processing may help [6,7].

Shaft:

Smoke movement pattern in a lift shaft was studied with a scale model [8].

References:

[1] Chow WK, Wong LT, 1999. Thermal environment design of atria in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region: A survey study, Architectural Science Review 42( 4) 235-252.

[2] B4

[3] Chow WK, Wong LT, 1998. Fire safety codes for Hong Kong: inadequacy for atrium design, Building Services Engineering Research and Technology 19(2) 93-99.

[4] Chow WK, Fong NK, Cui E, Ho PL, Wong LT, Huo R, Fan W, Li Y, Yuan L, 1998-99. PolyU/USTC atrium: A full-scale burning facility-preliminary experiments, Journal of Applied Fire Science 8(3) 229-241.