Abstract. Nowadays the use of photovoltaic (PV) systems in buildings is not only related to the solar energy conversion into electrical one, but these PV modules or panels could also be used with aesthetic features or, even more, as thermal protection systems in building facades.Thanks to the technical development of the photovoltaic industry, PV system can easily be architectonically integrated into building construction elements such as roofs, vertical façade components, both with opaque or transparent surfaces. Furthermore, PV construction facades elements could also be provided by openings like doors or windows.Accident analysis show that the use of PV systems as construction elements could increase the risk of fire in buildings. In fact, international and National data report a growing number of fire caused by PV system applied or integrated in buildings. The Italian National Fire Service, that is the Authority having jurisdiction for fire safety in buildings (in Italy), in 2012 has released a Guideline in order to asses and mitigate the risk of fire when a PV system is put in place on a building as a façade or as a roof. The Guideline addresses not only the reduction of the PV fire ignitions causes and the aspects related to the fire spread due to the combustible parts that constitute PV modules or panels, but also take into account the safety of both the maintenance personnel and the rescue teams. This paper focuses on the fire safety aspects related to the use of fire PV panels and systems in building facades, showing some interesting experimental data related to the fire behaviour of these components and underlining the factors that promote the spread of fire, like the high operating temperature of the PV system itself.
An experimental campaign is presented to determine the effects of high temperatures on the mechanical properties of several materials for masonry walls (blocks and mortars), testing a series of cylindrical speci- mens (diameter of 100mm and height of 200mm). After compression tests at 20 °C, an experimental proce- dure was designed for high-temperature testing. The cylindrical samples were heated in a muffle furnace, then were inserted into a specific apparatus (called ‘thermos’) for maintaining the prescribed temperature, and finally were subjected to a mechanical compression test. The results obtained by applying this procedure show a common variation of the strength, reduction of modulus of elasticity, and corresponding increments of the ultimate strain with temperature enhancement. Specific diagrams and discussion on the results are performed for each material. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Abstract. Traditionally, the facades' design buildings where once only focused on architectural or aesthetic purposes (in addition, of course, of whether protective issues). Nowadays, thanks to the technological development of the construction works and the use of new types of materials, the facades' design should also address fire safety related aspects.In Europe and especially in Italy -where the types of building façades are built with windows of small surface and natural stone coverings -the green building/sustainability movement has resulted in the development of new concepts in facade or curtain wall design that intended to enhance the energy efficiency of building façades. These new building surfaces are covered by extensive panelling fitted with insulating materials or by wide glass surfaces, capable of carry out the most diverse purposes including, just to name a few: energy reduction, climate comfort, recovery of electricity through photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight into electricity, large space for advertising purpose.One of the main fire safety goal for a building design is to restrict the vertical fire spread so that the smoke and flames are limited to the fire origin floor. The new building façade and curtain wall topologies could overwhelms concerns for fire safety, therefore the Italian National fire service has released a Fire Code Guideline in order to address the fire safety design for an high rise building façade. This paper aims to show the guideline contents and the related fire safety façades concerns.
Abstract. Fire safety of high-rise building facades is a complex problem, therefore the use of prescriptive fire codes could not be sufficient to ensure a proper building fire safety level. In new high rise buildings the fire safety of facades can be taken into account by means of performance based fire design that can help in the selection of the best technological solutions and material choices.This article deals with a case study done on the Piedmont Region Headquarters (TORRE REGIONE PIEMONTE) which is one of the highest office buildings in Italy. The "Torre Regione Piemonte" is located in Turin and has 45 storey and a total height of 183,61 m. The building is characterized by the closed enclosure called "Grand Space" which is continuous for almost the entire height of the building and contains volumes such as offices/meeting rooms named as "Satellites".In order to fulfil Italian fire safety requirements, the "Torre Regione Piemonte" building has been assessed using the performance base design and fire safety engineering approach. This paper deals with the design process selection of the most representative fire scenarios focusing on the fire resistance performance requirements of structural and glazed elements of the facades. Furthermore, all the simulation, calculations and performance fire resistant requirements of the high rise building have been supported by specific laboratory tests and experimental results, that are reported and discussed within paper.
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