A Fire Management Strategy and CFD Engineering Services Provided to Fairview Homes by FDS Consult
In the heart of London’s East End, barely a mile from Canary Warf, Fairview New Homes have built a series of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments known as Phoenix.
FDS Consult, were appointed by Fairview Homes to provide a Fire Management Strategy and CFD Modelling adhering to fire safety building regulations.
FDS Group offered a complete supply, install, commission and maintenance package for the natural code compliant ventilation solution, corridor environmental systems and mechanical car park ventilation systems.
The mechanical smoke ventilation system for the car park area used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modelling. The proposed smoke clearance conditions (required by Approved Document B) and the environmental conditions (required by Approved Document F) were all documented in a report.
For this project, Field Fire (CFD) Modelling was carried out in order to demonstrate worst-case scenarios and the effectiveness of mechanical ventilation systems in reducing the effects of fire and CO exhausts.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modelling
Natural means were recommended for the smoke ventilation on the residential development. These are reliable and cost-effective solutions which meet Approved Document B requirements. Natural smoke shaft systems with an Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) were utilised at each level.
When a smoke detector is activated, it signals the AOV on the fire floor to open while AOVs on other floors remain shut. This allows smoke to escape while ensuring the escape route remains ventilated.
Natural smoke ventilation systems are also able to improve environmental conditions within corridors, for example by drawing heat from the corridor and providing comfort ventilation throughout the walkways of a building. Fresh air enters the building via the penthouse vent at the head of the stairs, allowing fresh airflow around the stairwells.
One of the many benefits to this type of system is the cost efficiency by utilising the smoke ventilation system in order to create a healthier and comfortable environment, all while meeting the safety requirements of the Approved Document B.
Starting in January 2017 and completed by March 2019, the project was completely finished in just over two years. FDS Group were able to provide full smoke ventilation solutions, filling the gap between design and system installation.
“Your team (The FDS Group) are viewed by Fairview Homes as one of the best subcontractors on Phoenix” – Fairview Homes
For more information about this project please download the case study or contact us on 01322 387 411 / email [email protected].
