FIRE SAFETY
DESIGNS IN
HIGH-RISE TOWERS
OCTOBER 2017
High-rise buildings are designed to be fire-safe. Floors and ceilings are constructed with fire-resistant materials and are separated into fire compartments. The compartments act as barriers to resist fire from spreading SubMittED by arK rEZa KabuL arChitECtS PVt. LtD.
www.asindia.in
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ith the Indian population density on a rapid incline, structural forms such as high-rise buildings and mixed-use projects present several unique challenges that were earlier not found in traditional low-rise structures. Every additional level results in a direct increase in the number of people, emphasises on the need for expert monitoring systems, risk analysis, longer egress times, evacuation strategies, smoke movement and fire control. Though fire engineers and consultants are on board with matters related to performance technology, we as architects have an active role to play. Knowing the pros and cons of various construction materials, their retardant properties against fire and how they can affect the design is essential. The cost of fire protection and safety has decreased over the years with the advent of newer products and increased competition in the market. While several fire-retardant coatings and measures are applied on site, there has also been an increase in the builtin fire-retardant properties of products themselves. Intumescent coatings, paint-like materials that expand when heated to form a char, provide excellent insulating properties and are widely used. Shreepati Arcade, standing at 153 meter tall, was the first high-rise designed at ARK Reza Kabul Architects and the then tallest in India (2002). To ensure fire safety, we integrated the latest of its time, fire proof Korean bus-bar technology. It acted as a tested fire barrier and functional endurance in case of fire, to ensure a high degree of safety. Parts of the structure were also cladded in glass mosaic tiles as
they are heat resistant, protecting it from fire against latent heat. The added advantage was that this material is crazing resistant and keeps the structure safe from hairline cracks below its surface.
Shreepati Arcade, standing at 153 meter tall, was the first highrise designed at ARK Reza Kabul Architects and the then tallest in India (2002). To ensure fire safety, we integrated the latest of its time, fire proof Korean bus-bar technology. It acted as a tested fire barrier and functional endurance in case of fire, to ensure a high degree of safety Ar. Reza Kabul Principal architect, arK reza Kabul architects Pvt. Ltd
Our design for the upcoming mixed-use highrise in Colombo (Sri Lanka), which stands at 383 meter tall, is equipped with modern and responsive state-of-the-art firefighting systems. The structure contains a mix of spaces and users, including retail, commercial, entertainment, hospitality and residential. Keeping in mind the safety of the occupants, a four-hour fire rating arrangement has been provided with an intelligent addressable fire alarm system that can pinpoint the exact location of the fire across all levels and spaces. The lift well, lobbies and staircases are pressurised with the help of pressurisation fans located on the service levels. This system protects escape routers and firefighting shafts against the ingress of smoke by maintaining pressure within the spaces. The drencher system has been adopted for the car park podiums, while the emulsifier system is put in place for electrical equipment such as transformers. Standard fire safety instruments such as voice evacuation systems, sprinklers, fire safety and breathing apparatus and extinguishers are available on all levels across several zones. High-rise buildings have garnered significant attention towards fire safety over the years. We need to highlight and emphasise on the frequency of conducting mock fire safety drills; they are an important part of the fire safety procedure. It helps the occupants understand what they need to do if there is a fire and how much time do they have to complete a successful evacuation. Implementing this will help drastically reduce the loss of life in case of a fire outbreak. As it is rightly said, don’t let your dreams go up in smoke – practice fire safety!
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