A research on the patio stack effects in residence fire and the measures for prevention of fire propagation

This research is based on the fire scenario of the Linmut Residential Building in Taipei County that occurred on 25 of May, 2008. Fire incidence in a third story apartment resulted in fires of different degrees in all the apartments above that using the same patio for sky lighting and ventilation. Two injuries occurred in the original fire place, however three deaths found in a top story apartment. The stack effects of the patio during a fire were studied. This research made use of FDS computer program to rebuild the whole ten stories building in 3D and simulate the fire that had occurred. Different scenarios were modeled and analyzed. The dynamics of fire up fire spread due to hot smoke was discussed. It was found that fire size of above 1.0MW was sufficient to produce hot smoke that could cause fire spread to other apartments. Fire spread is critical as the fire size would grow quickly. The profiles of temperature, smoke, flow field, and CO concentration are presented for the peak fires. The characteristics of stack effects were observed. An important finding was any extended object such as extended windows into the patio was the most important factor for the fire spread. The blockage of stack flow will cause heat and pressure accumulation under any extended object, and in consequence the critical factor for fire spread into other apartments. It was found and concluded that without the extended objects in the patio, there would be insufficient heat and pressure accumulation that would ignite the combustibles.