Technical Series: Facades on Fire: Unveiling the Science of Fire Safety in Building Design with Matt Bonner

CSI on Fire

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Discover the crucial interplay between aesthetics and safety as fire engineering expert Matt Bonner from Trigon Fire Safety joins me, to dissect the essential components of fire safety in modern building facades.
Matt brings his extensive research experience into the spotlight, revealing the science behind designing structures that not only look good but that should protect lives.
Our conversation navigates the precarious balance between design requirements and stringent safety, with eye-opening insights into how the Grenfell Tower tragedy has reshaped our understanding of fire risks in facade systems.
Venture beyond the superficial allure of building designs as we scrutinize the often-overlooked implications of cladding materials on fire safety and compartmentation strategies. Matt and I delve into the nuanced definitions of combustibility and flammability, discussing how the ambition for insulation and aesthetic enhancement can inadvertently cast a shadow on the paramount importance of fire safety. This episode peels back the layers of complexity surrounding material testing and systemic failures, illuminating the stark reality of how design decisions can have profound effects on the well-being of building occupants.
Concluding our exploration, we shift gears toward the front lines of fire hazard assessment and prevention. Pioneering techniques for visual analysis in fire investigations are discussed, coupled with sage advice for fire investigators aiming to hone their skills. I share invaluable resources for anyone passionate about fire protection, emphasizing the transformative impact of fire-rated materials in emergency scenarios. So, tune in for a masterclass where the lines between innovation, safety, and the human element in building design converge in a quest for a safer future.
https://doi.org/10.25560/91502 A review of facade fire safety: https://doi.org/10.21022/IJHRB.2018.7.4.363 Visual fire power: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10694-022-01341-z An introduction to fire engineering course with Guillermo Rein: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRCb4pH3hx0sJPdgVD3sDPChFv8gAdGEK&si=maDPKk84IBzi9cSw A list of facade fires 1990-2020: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3743863
Trigon fire safety website: https://trigonfire.com/
And people can reach out with any questions to [email protected]

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Chapters

1. Technical Series: Facades on Fire: Unveiling the Science of Fire Safety in Building Design with Matt Bonner (00:00:00)

2. Facade Fires and Fire Risk (00:00:03)

3. Fire Safety and Cladding Failure (00:07:49)

4. Fire Hazard Assessment Through Visual Analysis (00:19:58)

5. Fire Investigation and Prevention Strategies (00:27:46)