The original contribution this thesis makes to research is that it includes realistic experimental testing of localised fires on glazed facades, incorporating, current glazing products, design and construction techniques, which have seen a move away from traditional single or double glazed units toward a higher specification unit with two or more glass panes held together by a special fire resisting resin. In recent times glazed facade layouts have evolved into more adventurous shapes and orientations, which necessities the analysis of their performance as a result of localised fires. It is clear from the experimental tests, finite element analysis and other mathematical correlations conducted that there is a definite need for greater consideration to be given to fire safe design of inclined modern glazing facades. The effect of localised fire and direct flame contact has been seen in this research to be critical to the performance of these glazed facades. Localised fire comes about due to the presence of inconsistent gas temperatures in a compartment fire. These inconsistent gas temperatures mean the external glazed facade is subject to non-uniform temperatures. The area of the glazing panel exposed to the highest temperatures (localised fire) will expand due to heating, which in turn places the cooler areas including those around the perimeter of the glazing panel in tension. These stresses within the glazing panel ultimately lead to glazing cracking in the tensile zone around the edges. The speed at which these cracks initiate is magnified by the presence of edge defects in the glazing panel. As stated above, the accumulation of these stresses on the glazed facades is assessed by finite element analysis, utilising glazing temperature data recorded during current and previous experimental research from FireSERT.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:625504 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Quinn, Michael |
| Publisher | Ulster University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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