FRAME Calculation examples book. - FRAME Fire Risk Assessment ...

F.R.A.M.E.
On the long term, an improvement plan was proposed based on a subdivision of the building
in 3 main compartments. The heavy walls have adequate structural fire resistance, the
openings can be protected by fireproof glass partitions in the corridors with limited impact on
the architectural look of the building. Automatic smoke detection should be installed in all
areas.
The improvement proposal was supported by more FRAME calculations.
The central part of the building of 1350 m² ( factor g= 0.81) could still have + 500 persons
present, but with automatic detection, better evacuation possibilities and good signalisation
the escape factor u= 3.56 and the resulting risk values are :
R = 0.46 R1 = 0.93 and R2 =0.43.
For the northern wing, where the historical library is located, a calculation for a concept with
fire detection alone indicated that the existing stairs were inadequate for the maximum
capacity of the meeting rooms in that wing. As it is practically impossible to add an evacuation
stair to that wing, the seating capacity should be limited to max. 100 persons to achieve the
R1 < 1 goal.
As an alternative, it was proposed to create a false floor above the wooden ceiling of the
library install recessed sprinklers for library through the ceiling . This would provide a sound
and fire barrier between the library and the meeting rooms above it, and reduce the overall
fire risk, resulting in risk values of R=0.25 R1=0.90 R2= 0.17.
It was necessary to convince the museum management that in case of a fire , the water
damage to the library by sprinklers would be less than that caused by the fire brigade who
would eventually have to use river water to fight a fire from the outside.
Unfortunately, it was not clear whether sufficient funds would be available to realize such an
improvement programme.
Case study 20. Fire safety for an existing school building.
The management of this school was worried about the fire safety in their school, after a fire
service inspection that pointed out several weak points compared with modern fire safety
requirements . The school occupies a 19 th century built front building, but later wings were
added in 1970s. The financial means of the school for improvements were limited, any major
building work takes at least six years before the plans are approved and funds obtained.
A proposal was made to evaluate the fire safety with FRAME and to find out which
improvements could be made with a limited budget on a short time. Safety of the users was
the prime concern, any improvement to provide better protection for the building was of lesser
concern.
A survey of the building was made and showed that the fire load was low and no hazardous
materials were found in the classrooms. The school was well also organised. Fire exit drills
were regularly made and documented.
The FRAME calculation for the existing situation gave the following result :
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