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13 January 2006
A New Process to Improve Tall Buildings Heat Resistance and Security
chenapan
CHENAPAN Researcher
98, rue Jean-Renaud chenapan - 33 000 Bordeaux, France
This important engineering paper was first called to our attention by the author, who has kindly allowed it to be published in The Citizen Scientist. Editor.
Abstract
The proposed concept is a combination of a load-bearing metal frame and a fire-fighting system. The principle is based on the use of the metal frame to convey the fire suppression liquid to the sprinklers. In this way, the system ensures the liquid supply of the fire-fighting system and the cooling of the frame that provides its mechanical properties. The proposed system is suitable for buildings built with two-core metal section, such as IPE, IPN, HPE, HPN or others. The metal section are upgraded by plugging, and drills are positioned at the interconnection. The liquid supply is provided through the usual ground reserves and conveyed by means of pumps, or, in case of very high buildings, by gravity from the roof. In order to provide maintenance of the system, a draining device can be fitted on the base of the building. Apart from technical and economical aspects, one of the most important improvements is the possibility for rescuers, in case of a blaze, to intervene with more security and for a longer period.
Figure 1. The Conference on Tall Buildings announcement where this research was presented by the author.
Introduction
September 11, 2001, highlighted the weakness of load-bearing metal frames when subjected to very high temperatures.
According to the expert appraisal report drawn up by the American Society of Civil Engineers, two determining factors must be taken into consideration in the collapsing process of the Twin Towers:
1. Heat. Concentrated heat weakened the load-bearing metal frame. The continuous overheating of several spots of the frame led to different distortions on the metal sections (expansion, contraction and endothermic reactions) and altered the mechanical properties of the load-bearing metal frame.
2. Load factor and massive bulk. This extensively contributed to the collapse process. Despite having been struck by the second aircraft, Tower 2 fell down first. The impact was lower down than on Tower 1. Therefore, the load above the point of impact was much heavier, hence, the re-heating time needed to distort the metal frame was much shorter.
The goal of this work is to ensure the fire resistance of buildings and to allow rescue teams to reach the scene of an incident without running into risks such as those brought to light by the World Trade Center disaster.
The process is very straightforward. It is based on the use of the load-bearing metal frame to convey the spraying liquid to the fire-fighting outlets. In this way the system ensures the liquid supply to the sprinklers and the cooling of the frame that maintains its mechanical properties.
The proposed system is compact and easy to implement. Its components exist already or are easy to manufacture.
The whole system is less expensive than buildings equipped with standard fire-fighting systems. The elimination of the main fittings supplying the sprinklers and the supply lines themselves, leads to savings in materials and manpower, which can be used to finance the alterations brought about by the implementation of the new system. In addition to increased safety, the process also provides lighter and more compact construction, while saving space.
Figure 2. Overall sketch of the system.
The proposed system comprises three main components:
1. The load-bearing metal frame.
2. The automatic fire-fighting system.
3. The storage of spraying liquid.
These will next be considered in order.
1. The load-bearing metal frame.
Framework is made up of standard two-core metal sections, or metal sections specially designed for the implementation of the process. According to the type of construction, metal sections can be fitted together by simple arc or MIG welding.
Slight alterations are necessary to ensure the flow of fire-fighting fluid. Mainly, the two-core metal sections need to be preplugged at their extremities and drilled when being interconnected.
The connections can be achieved in two different ways. One way is to employ a direct connection with drilled plugs welded end to end (it is also possible to use drilled plates). Plugs or plates must be, at least, as thick as metal sections, and made of the same material, so as to make the welding easier on production lines or on building site and to avoid an inherent weakness. A second way is to provide external connections through rigid or flexible conduits on core, flange or any other position on the metal sections. Such external connections can be welded or bolted. Whichever method is used, platens need to be fitted to compensate for the weakness due to the drilling.
Figure 3. Methods for connecting the system using drilled plug (left) or external tubing (right).
2. The automatic fire-fighting system.
The current automatic fire-fighting systems (sprinkler type) allow the implementation of the process. In fact, they will have to ensure the automation of the whole system. If a blaze occurs, the fire-fighting system is activated by a thermocouple, bimetallic or other heat sensing system. Spraying fluid on the fire causes the flow of cooling liquid within the framework, ensuring the cooling of the framework.
Should the blaze spread, additional sprinklers would be activated. Therefore, the liquid flow would increase and ensure effective cooling of the load-bearing metal frame.
There is no risk of metal section exploding. In the theoretical event that intense heat would cause the fire-suppression fluid to boil, the resulting steam would be evacuated through the active sprinkling outlets. The fact that the sprinkling liquid could possibly reach high temperatures does not alter its cooling function.
The fire suppression liquid could be water, with or without an additive, or a specific fluid according to the builders preference.
3. The storage of sprinkling liquid.
The storage of fire suppression liquid can be provided in various ways. The most common is ground storage. A swimming pool and pumps can supply the source for the fire-fighting system. Alternatively, the liquid can be stored in a roof reserve and delivered to the fire using gravity. Roof storage of fire suppression liquid might also provide an anti-seismic counterweight, an idea currently under experimentation.
Figure 4. Storage of the spraying liquid.
The combination of the two systems described above can be anticipated, in order to make the fluid supply more secure and make easier the pressurization of the load-bearing metal frame.
Now, we are going to take up some issues raised by the process.
Pressure of the water column.
As we are talking about tall buildings, a problem arises related to the pressure exerted by the liquid column on the internal bases of metal sections. Faced with this issue, two solutions can be imagined:
1. The use of large metal sections with an internal core. This passive mass would replace a large part of the liquid without preventing it from flowing. In this way, the pressure would be significantly reduced.
The passive mass could be of different materials, according to the builder's preference. As for its installation, it is possible to fix it on a central axis, welded on the inner side of the plugs. Its placement could also be ensured by the shape of the passive mass (grooved surface or chocking).
2. The pressure exerted by the water column can also be decreased by aligning thinner metal sections together and connecting them to allow the flow of spraying liquid. As a result, the inner surface has increased, which automatically reduces the pressure per cm2.
Figure 5. Axial column construction using a passive mass (left) or bundling (right).
It is possible to combine these different systems (bundles, passive mass or simple metal section), depending on the characteristics of the construction. It is obvious that all these metal sections could be adapted in the plant or on site, regardless of their shape, since their adjustment would involve standard techniques.
As regards their size, the sections can be mass-produced. They can also be modified at the construction site, which can be easily achieved by professionals.
Corrosion risks are minor, since the metal frame is permanently filled, like most of the current fire-fighting systems. For maintaining the system, simple draining plugs can be fitted at the base of each metal section or series of sections.
To summarize the process, we can say:
1. Robustness and safety. This system can prevent buildings from collapsing, allowing rescue teams to intervene on the spot in greater security, thus, saving lives.
2. Cost-effectiveness. Substantial savings can be made when compared with current fire fighting systems (supply pipes, manpower, materials and surface), thus, allowing the implementation of this new system without any additional costs.
Figure 6. Current system (left) and proposed system (right).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the implementation of this process is possible with current technologies. The process integrates systems commonly used in current construction (such as fire-fighting systems) and avoids additional security systems, especially for emergency evacuation. Therefore, the proposed new system avoids redundancy of materials and subsidiary security systems.
With such an upstream approach to the design of secure buildings, the proposed system allows us to protect the building itself, and, even more importantly, to save the lives of the occupants, which, at the end of the day, is the ultimate goal. Buildings can be reconstructed, not human lives.
Acknowledgments
CHENAPAN, Engineering-Inventor
Virginie CHENAPAN, Teacher
Jean-Pierre cHENAPAN, Engineering consultant
Bruno CHENAPAN, Architect, Computer graphics designer
Didier CHENAPAN, Consulting Architect
This project did not receive any subsidy or development assistance.
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