Building Codes Illustrated


Book Description

A guide to understanding the International Building Code that uses detailed diagrams to explain the criteria for code development and the reasons for code provisions.




Fire Hazards of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components


Book Description

This SpringerBrief presents strategies for fire mitigation based on combustible assembly systems of exterior walls. Providing background information on common exterior wall systems, the mechanisms of fire spread, and case studies, it examines the difficulties in controlling a fire with several materials and assembly methods. The brief compiles information on typical fire scenarios which involve the exterior wall, along with further exploration into test methods, approval and regulatory requirements for the various assembly systems. Offering testing approaches for possible mitigation strategies, the brief takes into account that current commercial wall assembly systems are constructed to improve energy performance, reduce water and air infiltration, and allow for aesthetic design flexibility. Exterior Insulation Finish Systems, metal composite claddings, high-pressure laminates, and weather-resistive barrier systems all have components which directly impact the fire hazard. Recommendations for future exterior wall construction are based on identified knowledge gaps.




Principles of Fire Protection


Book Description

This thorough introduction to fire safety basics covers everything from fire codes to construction! Written by experts, Principles of Fire Protection presents fire science students and new fire protection personnel with the fundamental methods of fire protection, prevention, and suppression. Twelve clear, concise chapters bring students the basics on fire hazards of materials, extinguishing agents, fire codes and standards, loss investigation and analysis, fire department organization, and much more! Each chapter includes a summary of key points and a complete reference listing. This Second Edition text is an ideal learning tool for introductory college courses, self-study, and in-service programs.




Flammability Testing of Materials Used in Construction, Transport, and Mining


Book Description

Flammability Testing of Materials used in Construction, Transport, and Mining, Second Edition provides an authoritative guide to current best practice in ensuring fire-safe design. The book begins by discussing the fundamentals of flammability, measurement techniques, and the main types of fire tests for various applications. Building on this foundation, a group of chapters then reviews tests for key materials used in the building, transport, and mining sectors. There are chapters on wood products, external cladding, and sandwich panels as well as the flammability of walls and ceilings linings. Tests for upholstered furniture and mattresses, cables, and electrical appliances are also reviewed. A final group of chapters discusses fire tests for the transport sector, including those for railway passenger cars, aircraft, road and rail tunnels, ships, and submarines. There is also a chapter on tests for spontaneous ignition of solid materials. With its distinguished international team of contributors, Flammability Testing of Materials used in Construction, Transport, and Mining is an invaluable reference for fire safety, civil, chemical, mechanical, mining and transport engineers. In this revised edition, the latest information is provided on fire testing of products, systems, components, and materials used across these essential sectors, with all regulations and standards brought up to date. - Relays all new developments in fire safety standards, regulations and performance requirements - Covers a broad range of infrastructure sectors such as construction, transport, and mining - Updated to include cutting-edge fire tests and the latest iteration of standards including ISO, ASTM, and EN




Applying the Building Code


Book Description

No other resource—not even the building code—presents the exact code information you need, when you need it at design stage The International Building Code (IBC) is a model building code developed by the International Code Council (ICC). The IBC and its complementary codes provide design and construction professionals with a complete set of comprehensive, coordinated building safety and fire prevention regulations in order to safeguard the public health and general welfare of the occupants of new and existing buildings and structures. Adopted throughout most of the United States and its territories, it is referenced by federal agencies, such as the General Services Administration, National Park Service, Department of State, U.S. Forest Service, and the Department of Defense. For architects and other design and construction professionals, it is particularly important that they understand how to apply the IBC and how code officials view buildings, so that they integrate code-required provisions in the earliest design stages of any project. Applying the IBC, as well as its companion codes, to building design is a process that is uniquely different to that of applying the building code during a planning review. Whereas other guide books explain the IBC in sequential order, from cover to cover, chapter by chapter, and section by section, Applying the Building Code explains the requirements of the IBC as they would apply during the common phases of design: from schematic design through to the preparation of construction documents. This effectively highlights applicable requirements of the building code at the appropriate stage of design based on available information. The book provides a 28-step process that is organized according to the three phases of architectural design: schematic design, design development, and construction documents Each step explains the application of the IBC, as well as other codes and standards referenced by the IBC (i.e. International Fire Code, International Energy Conservation Code, and ANSI A117.1) based on available project information Illustrations and examples are provided throughout that explain the code fundamentals associated with each step A single example project is used throughout the step-by-step process to illustrate how each step is applied and builds upon code and project information obtained through previous steps Guidance is also provided on the International Existing Building Code and how the step-by-step process is applied to projects involving existing buildings The role of the building department and its staff in regard to plan reviews and code enforcement is discussed A detailed code data information template is provided that can help organize code-related information for construction documents




High-Rise Buildings


Book Description

Authors Jerry Tracy, Jack J. Murphy and James J. Murtagh invite fire chiefs, fire officers, firefighters, fire protection engineers, building management and the greater fire community to explore High-Rise Buildings: Understanding the Vertical Challenges as a foundation for coordination and control of high-rise building operations. Features: - Learn about cognitive command from many invaluable high-rise fire case histories - Manage and respond to all-hazards events within the high-rise environment for generations to come - A guideline and reference for fire professionals, building owners and system engineers, the building construction community, property managers What others are saying: "High-Rise Buildings: Understanding the Vertical Challenges is literally a "bible" for high-rise buildings, protection from fire, and the challenges they present to firefighters." --Paul Grimwood, Kent (UK) Fire and Rescue Service, Ph.D., Principal, Fire Protection Engineer "High-Rise Buildings: Understanding the Vertical Challenges fills an important void in high-rise firefighting and is an important asset to fire officers." --Glenn P. Corbett, Fire Engineering Magazine, Technical Editor







Fire Retardancy of Polymeric Materials


Book Description

The third edition of Fire Retardancy of Polymeric Materials provides a single source for all aspects of this highly challenging field of applied research. This authoritative book covers design and non-fire requirements that drive how these materials are fire protected. Detailed study and consideration of chemistry, physics, materials science, economic issues and fire safety science is necessary to address considerations of mechanical, thermal, environmental, and end-use requirements on top of fire protection means that the field requires. This thoroughly revised new edition continues to offer comprehensive coverage of the scientific approach for those developing fire safe materials. It covers new topics such as bio-based materials, regulatory issues, recycling, newer flame retardant chemical classes, and more details on how to flame retard materials for specific market applications. Written by a team of experts, this book covers the fundamentals of polymer burning and combustion and how to apply fire protection or flame-retardant chemistries to specific material classes and applications. The book is written for material scientists and fire safety scientists who seek to develop new fire safe materials or understand why materials burn in our modern environment. Features Connects fundamentals of material flammability to practical fire safety needs Covers current fire safety requirements and regulations affecting flame retardant selection Provides information on chemical structure-property relationships for flame retardancy Provides practical guidance on how to design fire safe materials for specific fire risk scenarios The new edition is expanded to 32 chapters and all chapters are updated and revised with the newest information




Federal Register


Book Description




Fire and Life Safety Inspection Manual


Book Description

The Fire and Life Safety Inspection Manual, Ninth Edition is the most up-to-date inspection reference manual for those interested in fire protection, fire safety, and life safety inspections. It provides step-by-step guidance through the complete fire inspection process, with special emphasis on life safety considerations. This text identifies dangerous and hazardous conditions that could be encountered in a structure and spells out the chief areas the inspector should be focused on during an inspection. Inspectors should use the Fire and Life Safety Inspection Manual, Ninth Edition to identify existing deficiencies, imminently dangerous conditions, or a fault in a procedure or protocol that may result in a fire. Six new chapters have been added to make sure fire inspectors have the knowledge and resources available to effectively conduct all types of fire inspections. These new chapters include: - Chapter 5 Certification and Training for Inspectors - Chapter 6 Green Technologies and the Inspector - Chapter 24 Commissioning Process for Fire Protection Systems - Chapter 25 Accessibility Provisions - Chapter 26 Grass, Brush, and Forest Fire Hazards - Chapter 27 Tunnels More than three hundred codes and standards form the basis for the criteria, recommendations, and requirements that are found throughout the text. Early chapters provide important background information, while the second half presents inspection guidelines for specific fire protection systems and occupancies that are based on the Life Safety Code(R). This text is packaged with an access code that provides free access to easy-to-follow checklists to help you remember and record every important detail. Whether you're just starting your career as a fire inspector or ready to brush up on the basics, the Fire and Life Safety Inspection Manual, Ninth Edition has the reliable inspection advice you need.