Fire Hazards by Aluminum Composite Cladding in High-Rise Buildings

Abstract

Recent fire incidents have caught the attention of authorities, engineers, architects, and other stakeholders in the construction industry regarding the application of aluminum composite panels. Major high-rise buildings worldwide have experienced fire incidents associated with aluminum composite panels necessitating research in regulatory requirements. The UK, the UAE, France, Australia, and South Korea are countries whose high-rise buildings have experienced fire incidents associated with fire spreading through ACPs. An investigation of specific incidents revealed substantial fire spread by ACPs, leading to losses. Aluminum composite panels are a group of sandwich panels that have hardwired applications in the construction industry in the last three decades. This research identifies glaring gaps in the regulatory framework for applying aluminum composite panels in the construction of high-rise buildings. It investigates the contribution of gaps in the regulatory framework today regarding safety and fire incidents associated with ACPs in different countries. After ascertaining the gaps, the research makes appropriate recommendations for the safe application of ACPs in the construction industry.