FIREFIGHTING DECISION MAKING ON SANDWICH PANEL CONSTRUCTION GUIDED BY TEMPERATURE DEVELOPEMENTS

Abstract

Sandwich panel construction involved in fire has been of concern for UK Fire and Rescue Services for many years. Assessment of fire conditions within buildings of sandwich panel construction has largely been by using thermal imaging technology to determine temperature differences and therefore extent of fire spread. A literature review of all guidance notes and standard operating procedures issued to UK Fire and Rescue Services revealed little advice on how to use thermal imaging technology and how to interpret the results. Temperature information may also be unreliable for many reasons including the excellent thermal insulating qualities of the sandwich panel leading to negligible temperature increase on the unexposed surface.The objective of this thesis is a study of the temperature profiles within the core, joints and on the unexposed face of sandwich panel samples when subjected to real fire conditions. The results are then analysed to determine whether this information could be used to assist Fire and Rescue Services in better assessing temperature profiles within the fire compartments and assisting in fire fighting decision making when faced with building fires of this type.The analysis demonstrates that it is impossible to assess compartment temperatures from outside using thermal imaging cameras other than by direct observation. However there are a number of relationships that have been identified which relates temperature development with different phases of fire development and is important in tactical firefighting decision making. An easy to use guide has been developed describing the relationships and suggesting the appropriate firefighting response.

Date of Award	1 Aug 2015
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Yong Wang (Supervisor)