Browsing by Author "Algarni, Salem Saeed"

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Fire Performance of Cavity Lining Wall Materials in Residential Building Compartments
(Ulster University, 2024-05-22) Algarni, Salem Saeed; Nadjai, Ali
This dissertation explores the critical area of fire safety in residential buildings by focusing on the fire performance of cavity lining wall materials such as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam, Fireboard, Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), and Rockwool. Given the significant risks associated with residential fires, understanding the fire behaviour of these materials under different conditions is paramount for enhancing building safety and compliance with evolving fire safety regulations. The primary objectives of this research were to examine and compare the thermal degradation, toxicity, flammability, and overall fire performance of these materials. To achieve these goals, a series of sophisticated fire tests were conducted, including Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Cone Calorimetry, and Adiabatic Bomb Calorimetry. These tests were strategically chosen to provide a comprehensive analysis of the materials' behaviour under controlled heat and combustion conditions, offering insights into their stability, emission of toxic gases, and energy release during burning. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) provided quantitative data on the materials’ thermal stability and decomposition patterns. The FTIR analysis was pivotal in identifying the chemical compounds released during thermal degradation, which is critical for assessing the toxicity level of the fumes emitted in a fire. The Cone Calorimeter tests were instrumental in evaluating the heat release rate and smoke production, which are crucial factors for assessing material flammability and the potential impact on human safety and property damage during a fire. Lastly, the Adiabatic Bomb Calorimeter offered valuable data on the total energy potential of the materials when burned in an oxygen-rich environment, highlighting their combustion efficiency and inherent fire risks. The results from these tests have provided critical data that will aid in the assessment of current building materials used in residential settings and inform the development of new materials or enhancements to existing ones to improve fire safety. The findings aim to contribute to the broader field of fire safety engineering by providing empirical data that can help refine fire safety standards, influence building codes, and lead to safer residential environments. Through rigorous experimentation and detailed analysis, this research addresses a significant gap in current knowledge regarding the safe use of cavity lining materials in buildings, especially in the context of increasing urbanization and higher density living where fire safety becomes even more critical. The study's outcomes are expected to benefit not only the field of engineering but also impact regulatory practices, material manufacturing, and ultimately, public safety.
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