Flame behaviour, fire hazard and fire testing approach for lightweight composite claddings – a review
Journal of Structural Fire Engineering
ISSN: 2040-2317
Article publication date: 1 April 2021
Issue publication date: 17 August 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to review and summarise the existing available literature on lightweight cladding systems to provide detailed information on fire behaviour (ignitibility, heat release rate and smoke toxicity) and various test method protocols. Additionally, the paper discusses the challenges and provides updated knowledge and recommendation on selective-fire mechanisms such as rapid-fire spread, air cavity and fire re-entry behaviours due to dripping and melting of lightweight composite claddings.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive literature review on fire behaviour, fire hazard and testing methods of lightweight composite claddings has been conducted in this research. In summarising all possible fire hazards, particular attention is given to the potential impact of toxicity of lightweight cladding fires. In addition, various criteria for fire performance evaluation of lightweight composite claddings are also highlighted. These evaluations are generally categorised as small-, intermediate- and large-scale test methods.
Findings
The major challenges of lightweight claddings are rapid fire spread, smoke production and toxicity and inconsistency in fire testing.
Originality/value
The review highlights the current challenges in cladding fire, smoke toxicity, testing system and regulation to provide some research recommendations to address the identified challenges.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work is funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Training Centre (IC170100032). All financial and technical supports are deeply appreciated by the authors.
Citation
Hossain, M.D., Hassan, M.K., Yuen, A.C.Y., He, Y., Saha, S. and Hittini, W. (2021), "Flame behaviour, fire hazard and fire testing approach for lightweight composite claddings – a review", Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, Vol. 12 No. 3, pp. 257-292. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSFE-09-2020-0027
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited