Hot smoke tests – lessons for better design of fire protection systems

Hot smoke tests are a useful methodology to verify the performance of an installed smoke control solution in buildings and other structures such as underground car parks, tunnels, metro stations etc. Although hot smoke tests in buildings typically utilize a heat source which is significantly smaller than the design fire for which the smoke control system was designed, they nevertheless provide the best available tool to check the adequacy of the smoke control strategy adopted at the building design stage and its implementation in the construction process. In most countries hot smoke tests are only carried out in large and complex buildings. However, such tests also offer a cost-effective method to check the suitability of the installed system in less demanding structures. This paper looks qualitatively at the results of over forty hot smoke tests carried out in Poland and the conclusions that can be drawn from them with respect to current construction practice as well as the recommendations contained in established design guidance documents and standards.

15th International Conference on Fire Science and Engineering, Interflam 2019, Royal Holloway College, University of London

Autorzy: Janusz Paliszek-Saładyga, Piotr Smardz