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A report of the development of analytical expressions that result in an improved fit to the standard time-temperature curve., Reprinted from: Fire Technology, v. 9, no. 2, May 1973, p. 132-136. ISSN: 0015-2684

The hazard of fire propagation across a wall or floor has been found to be very real in the case of many pipe-floor penetrations and in the case of pipe-wall penetrations under adverse air pressure differentials and where the system on the unexposed side of the wall is vented., Reprinted from: Fire Technology, v. 9, no. 1, February 1973, p. 5-14. ISSN: 0015-2684

The time necessary to evacuate today's high-rise buildings in a fire emergency is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of the development of untenable smoke conditions. The Division of Building Research has been working on the problem for several years and suggests several approaches to controlling smoke movement in buildings., Reprinted from Fire Technology, vol 6(4), November 1970, p. 292-304..

Annual losses of life and property due to fire continue to be an economic drain on all developed countries. The steady improvement in building regulations and their administration is assisting the work of fire protection in those branches of building design that are normally the province of the architect. Civil engineers do not always have such assistance available. The works they design might appear to be free from all risk of fire. Examples are cited from Canadian experience to show the fallacy of this view. The facts in these cases are summarized, not with critical intent, but in order to draw from them confirmation of the precautions that should always be taken in the design, maintenance and construction of civil engineering works. With changing design concepts for buildings, the civil engineer is having to give increased attention to fire as a factor in his contributions to building design. This work must always be viewed against the background of the basic economics of fire prevention measures, final decisions always involving some degree of calculated risk., Reprinted from: Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, 1971, 50, December, p. 467-486, ISSN: 0020-3262; and Discussion, 1972, 52, August, p. 189-201.

A furnace test method for evaluating the ability of protective materials to prevent excessive contribution of plastic foams to fire growth is described. Furnace test results were compared with those obtained during tests in which the growth of a fire in a corner of a room was simulated. The time of failure, as determined by the furnace tests, was found to be a conservative estimate of the time before protected plastic foams began to contribute significantly to fire growth., Also published in German: Beitrag von abgedeckten Schaum-kunststoffen zur Brandentwicklung

The testing of carpets and vinyl roll flooring for flame spread rate and smoke evolution in the 25-foot tunnel furnace in the manner specified by ASTM E84 is neither realistic nor convenient. By modifying the furnace and the procedure to permit testing on the foor instead of on the ceiling, more meaningful results are obtained at reduced cost of materials and in less time. The results of testing a wide variety of carpets in both modes of mounting, with and without undercushioning, emphasize the differences in behaviour of the more important natural and synthetic fibres and blends. The apparent advantages of testing on the floor of the furnace were sufficient to justify the incorporation of this method in a new standard (CSA B54.9-1972), which is invoked in the control of floor covering hazards in certain areas of high-rise buildings in recent revisions of the National Building Code of Canada.

Standard fire tests to ASTM E152 were conducted on 26 solid core and particleboard core wood doors in wood and steel frames in order to investigate the behavior of a typical suite door and to develop a door assembly having a 20-min fire-protection rating.

First Edition 1963. Second Edition 1975., For questions about Code licensing, sales, technical support, to obtain accessible copies, or to learn about other accommodations, please contact the NRC's Codes Canada team: (https://nrc.canada.ca/en/certifications-evaluations-standards/codes-canada/help-using-accessing-codes/contact-codes-canada), Pour des questions relatives aux codes ou aux licences, aux ventes et au soutien technique qui s'y rapportent, pour l'obtention d'une copie accessible ou pour en savoir plus sur d'autres mesures d'adaptation, prière de communiquer avec l'équipe de Codes Canada au CNRC : (https://nrc.canada.ca/fr/certifications-evaluations-normes/codes-canada/aide-lutilisation-laccessibilite-codes/communiquer-codes-canada)

The temperature curves described here characterize the temperature course of ventilation controlled fires of various severities. They are intended as basic exposure curves for fire-resistive design., Reprinted from: Fire Technology, v. 10, no. 4, November 1974, p. 315-326. ISSN: 0015-2684

This Research Note reports the results of fire endurance tests on single and multiple layers of gypsum wallboard, and various combinations of wallboard with air spaces and mineral wool topping.

Research results have indicated that projections wider than 3 to 4 feet are capable of preventing the spread of flames along the facade of buildings. It is suggested that the danger of vertical spread of fire in multi-storey buildings can be greatly reduced by the installation of "flame deflectors" above the windows. These are light-gauge metal panels of at least 3-ft width, secured vertically parallel to the wall by heat destructible fastening elements. They turn down to extend horizontally when actuated by flames issuing from the windows.

A full-scale fire test, under a positive pressure of 0.2 in. W.G., was carried out on a wall/floor assembly penetrated by a 3-in. ABS DWV pipe. A toilet fixture, mounted on a 3 1/2- in. concrete floor section, was exposed to the furnace and the associated ABS pipe passed through the floor and then through the wall. The section of pipe preceding the wall penetration, although within a fire resistant enclosure, was nevertheless destroyed during the course of the two-hour test. The wall penetration remained intact, however, by virtue of pipe collapse on the unexposed side of the wall.

The composition of the combustion products of a fire in an enclosure determines to a large extent toxicity, visibility and heat release. Composition, which depends on the nature of the fuel, the oxygen supply and the temperature, has been calculated by assuming homogeneity and chemical equilibrium at a uniform temperature. Elements considered in fuels are carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The results of simultaneous numerical solutions of the equations of material conservation, heat conservation and chemical equilibria are presented graphically; and critical temperatures for soot formation are shown for four fuels. With cellulose as fuel, quantities of the individual combustion products and ratio of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide are shown, with temperature and oxygen deficit as independent variables., Reprinted from: Journal of Fire and Flammability, v. 6, January 1975, p. 5-16. ISSN: 0022-1104

Six fire tests were conducted to provide experimental data which would verify computer calculations of temperature course in fire protected steel columns exposed to different severities of fire.

Tabulated temperatures are given that describe the temperature course of ventilation controlled fires in buildings during the period of fire growth and period of fire decay for severities of fire commonly met with in practice. They are provided for the purpose of simplifying studies of fire resistance of building components exposed to fire of any severity.

Première édition 1963. Deuxième édition 1975., For questions about Code licensing, sales, technical support, to obtain accessible copies, or to learn about other accommodations, please contact the NRC's Codes Canada team: (https://nrc.canada.ca/en/certifications-evaluations-standards/codes-canada/help-using-accessing-codes/contact-codes-canada), Pour des questions relatives aux codes ou aux licences, aux ventes et au soutien technique qui s'y rapportent, pour l'obtention d'une copie accessible ou pour en savoir plus sur d'autres mesures d'adaptation, prière de communiquer avec l'équipe de Codes Canada au CNRC : (https://nrc.canada.ca/fr/certifications-evaluations-normes/codes-canada/aide-lutilisation-laccessibilite-codes/communiquer-codes-canada)

Two types of open-web steel joists have been designed for the same span and the same loading conditions. The first type of joist was made of hot-rolled steel shapes. Cold-formed steel was used for construction of the second type. The effect of this difference on the behaviour of joists exposed to fire, is investigated in this experimental study.

A method is given by which the loss expectation for buildings, both the life loss expectation and the property loss expectation, can be determined. The use of the loss expectation as a criterion that can quantitatively express the degree of fire safety that is provided in a building is discussed. It is shown how, in principle, fire protection measures can be optimized and how various parameters affect the optimum measures. This study is an extension of previous work.

Four small-scale fire-resistance tests have been carried out on walls penetrated by telephone cables. The failure criteria were that temperature should not exceed 1000 degrees F at the unexposed surfaces of the cable, sleeve or wall, nor should openings greater than 0.1 square inch develop., Reprinted from: Fire Technology, v. 11, no. 2, May 1975, p. 73-79. ISSN: 0015-2684

This study has been confined to the one province in the first instance. In order that it might be properly organized and co-ordinated. The magnitude of the task in Ontario alone is illustrated by the fact that there was at June 1, 1954, a population of 5,046,000 spread over a land area of 363,282 square miles. (Total area is 412,512 square miles.). The purpose of this report is to record statistically the information obtained.

Radiation is the mode of heat transfer that should be considered when calculating how far apart buildings should be in order to reduce to an acceptable level the probability that fire in one will spread to another. The theory on which the separation should be derived is outlined. The " gray radiator" concept is discussed, together with another basis of calculation. Examples are given of how this operates., Reprinted from: Fire Fighting in Canada, v. 16, no. 3-4, June-August 1972, p. 3-6. ISSN: 0015-2595

The author describes a method developed to determine the effectiveness of various high expansion foaming agents based on the rate of foam production and film stability. Three foaming agents were studied in detail. The parameters governing the foam production, such as the nature and concentration of the foaming agents were investigated as a basis for the design of a foam generator., L'auteur a mis au point un essai de détermination de l'efficience des agents producteurs de mousse se basant sur les critères de rapidité de formation de la mousse et de son taux d'affaissement. Il a entrepris des études en vue d'élaborer des agents actifs. Il a utilisé un matériel de type habituel pour l'étude des paramètres régissant la production de mousse, tels la nature de l'agent, la forme et les matériaux constitutifs du réseau formateur., DIE Erzeugung grosser Mengen von stark blahendem Schaum wurde vor etwa 10 Jahren als eine neue Methode zur Grubenbrandbekampfungl eingefiihrt. Feuer in Untertagestrecken sind mit konventionellen Feuerbekampfungsmethoden oft schwer zuganglich und zu bekampfen, da die Entfernungen vom Anfang der Strecke bis zum Brandherd oft betrachtlich sind und die Entfernung, aus der mit Wasserstrahlen gearbeitet werden kann, durch die geringe Firstenhohe begrenzt ist. Experimente die von der Forschungsanstalt fur Grubensicherheit in Grossbritamien und dem US Bureau of Mines1-3 durchgefiihrt wurden, haben gezeigt, dass Schaum schnell in grossen Mengen hergestellt werden kann, leicht durch Schachte oder Strecken transportiert werden und verfiillt werden kann. Dabei sind nur verhaltnismassig geringe Druckunterschiede erforderlich, um ein Feuer in betrachtlicher Entfernung unter Kontrolle zu bringen oder auszuloschen. In der letzten Zeit sind stark blahende Schaume zur Bekampfung von Hausbranden in Erwagung gezogen worden. Da die Mehrzahl der Hausbrande in stadtischen Gebieten, besonders in Kleinstadten, wirkungsvoll durch konventionelle Liischmethoden bekampft werden konnen, scheint der Einsatz von stark blahendem Schaum bei grossen schwierigen Feuern eine bessere Chance zu bieten. Die Feuenvehrmamer sehen sich grossen Schwierigkeiten gegeniiber, wenn grosse Rauchmengen entwickelt werden. Mangelnde Sicht hindert sie oft daran, den Sitz des Feuers auszumachen und das Wasser direkt auf den Brandherd zu richten. Unter derart ungiinstigen Umstanden kann stark blahender Schaum verwendet werden, um von der Aussenseite des Gebaudes unzugangliche Feuer zu bekampfen. Schaum mit einem Blahverhaltnis von 500 : l bis zu 1000 : 1 kann leicht in solchen Mengen und in solcher Zeit hergestellt werden, dass Teile eines Gebaudes oder selbst ganze Gebaude in verhaltnismassig kurzer Zeit gefiillt werden konnen. Die Abteilung fur Bauforschung im Forschungsrat interessiert sic11 fur die Moglichkeit stark blahende Schaume zur Brandbekampfung in Gebauden zu venvenden. Es wurde daher eine Untersuchung iiber den effektvollen Einsatz dieser Mittel bei Hausbranden unternommen. Es wurden Laborversuche zur Entwicklung geeigneter Schaummittel vorgenommen. Ausserdem wurden Studien unter Venvendung von Geraten wie sie bei anderen Methoden venvendet werden durchgefiihrt, urn verschiedene Werte bei der Schaumherstellung zu untersuchen., Reprinted from: Fire International, v. 2, no. 16, April 1967, p. 46-56. ISSN: 0015-2609, Réimprimé de : Fire International, v. 2, no. 16, April 1967, p. 46-56. ISSN: 0015-2609

According to the "rule of moisture moment," the gain in fire endurance due to moisture is proportional to the moment of moisture about the exposed surface of the test specimen. The experimental results presented here confirm this suggestion., Reprinted from: Fire Technology, v. 7, no. 1, February 1971, p. 17-24. ISSN: 0015-2684

Because the method using embedded sensing elements from measuring the equilibrium relative humidity of concrete specimens (often used for ASTM standard fire tests on building constructions) does not completely suit the field of fire endurance testing, a new technique to determine the "dampness" of fire test specimens was introduced in 1961 by the Division of Building Research of the National Research Council of Canada. The method basically consists of using cored samples and determining the moisture content of the samples by drying them. The test method is described in detail.

This is the fourth of a series of reports on deaths due to fire in Ontario. It analyses the circumstances surrounding such deaths for the years 1958 and 1959. Since it is proposed to terminate this survey at the end of 1960 this report is less detailed than its predecessors. The final report will contain comparisons between the seven years of the study similar to those in the last report.

The situation in Ottawa and Hull prior to the great fire of 1900 provided many conditions that could be conducive to a conflagration such as contiguity of frame buildings, prevalence of wood shingle roofs, lack of spatial or structural fire breaks, inadequate water supply system and fire equipment, and a strong wind. This paper discusses the development of this fire and its subsequent damage.

Dry chemical extinguishers have been increasingly used in the past twenty years for protection against flammable liquid fires. As the portable dry chenical extinguishers proved to be very effective in dealing with small spill fires, the possibility of developing large-scale equipment was considered. This development was mainly directed toward use against aircraft crash fires. One obvious disadvantage of dry powder is its inability to prevent reignition of the fuel. In order to overcome this problem the combined use of dry powder and protein foam has been widely adopted., Reprinted from: Fire International, v. 2, no. 14, October 1966, p. 32-41. ISSN: 0015-2609

The sources of the information contained herein are the published reports of fire tests conducted in accordance with the standard methods of test ASTM E119 and BS 476 that are available to the Division of Building Research at present. No tests, so far as is known, have yet been conducted in accordance with CSA B54.3. A number of countries have adopted methods of fire tests that differ in some respects from those recognized by the National Building Code. Reports of these tests may be the subject of further investigation. Tests of assemblies that contain materials indentified by trade name only have been excluded from this paper because these assemblies are not adequately identified by description.

This report is not intended as a detailed analysis of the fires investigated but rather to present concise summaries of the fires and the factors which appear to be responsible for loss of life. The field investigations carried out since 1954 are described in DBR Reports Nos. 71, 90 and 127, and as in previous years a companion report giving a statistical analysis of all fire deaths in the Province of Ontario will be prepared.

In experimental investigations of the fire resistive properties of structural elements it is often necessary to measure large deflections of test speciments. A survey of the literature indicates that although numerous versions of displacement-measuring devices have evolved there are none that are completely satisfactory. An attempt has therefore been made to design and construct an appropriate device.

An investigation directed toward the development of a small-scale fire extinguishment test to assess the performance potential of mechanical foam over a wide range of characteristics was described in a previous report. The purpose of the present study was to investigate further the potentialities of the new fire test.

Le principal objectif du présent Digeste est de passer en revue les principes et les caractéristiques de la protection efficace contre l'incendie. Quoique l'ignifugeage constitue une question très complexe, l'architecte peut, s'il a une bonneconnaissance des principes de base impliqués, établir de facon rationnelle les caractéristiques ignifuges des maisons.

This report describes a fire test conducted on a non-bearing wall construction. The test was requested by the Expanded Shale Clay and Slate Institute (1041 National Press Building, Washington 4, D.C.), and was carried out on 30 October 1962.

Tests were carried out to examine the contribution of insulating material in cavity walls to propagation of fire. Materials with various flame spread ratings were tested under conditions that are representative of those met with in practice.

Two fire tests on structural steel columns protected by standard gypsum wallboard held in place with sheet steel column covers are described. The tests showed that sheet steel column covers are able to retain the gypsum board for much longer periods of fire exposure than other mechanical fastening methods.The fire endurance classifications developed were 1 1/2 hr and 2 hr, for two layers of 1/2-in. and two layers of 5/8-in. standard wallboard, respectively.

The Division has been aware, for many years, of many of the difficulties presented by domestic chimneys. Not only must a chimney operate satisfactorily as a gas venting device, for which purpose it must produce draft, but it must also provide protection against the ignition of materials adjacent to it. The problems are greatly increased because the conventional chimney is constructed as a part of the house, and yet must serve any fuel-burning appliance that may subsequently be connected to it. A small laboratory has been developed for the study of the thermal and fire hazard aspects of chimneys. A first report on the work carried out over the past several years is now presented.

This report covers fire investigations carried out by members of the Fire Section during 1963. All investigations were carried out in the Ottawa area where, in many cases, helpful assistance was given by members of the Ottawa Fire Department. As in previous reports, summaries of the fires investigated are presented following by photographs showing the pertinent factors reported upon.