Influence of Horizontal Projections on Thermal Exposure to Façades in Fire Scenarios
(2025) In LUTVDG/TVBB VBRM05 20251Division of Fire Safety Engineering
- Abstract
- The increasing frequency of facade fires, often exacerbated by combustible cladding systems, has emphasized the need for passive fire protection strategies. Among these, horizontal projections—such as balconies, canopies, and deflectors—have emerged as potential fire safety elements. This thesis investigates the influence of horizontal projections on thermal exposure and lateral flame spread across building facades, particularly in scenarios involving internal fires breaching through window openings.
A validated numerical model was developed using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), based on the standardized SP Fire 105 test. A series of comparative simulations were then conducted, analysing the effect of varying horizontal projection depths... (More) - The increasing frequency of facade fires, often exacerbated by combustible cladding systems, has emphasized the need for passive fire protection strategies. Among these, horizontal projections—such as balconies, canopies, and deflectors—have emerged as potential fire safety elements. This thesis investigates the influence of horizontal projections on thermal exposure and lateral flame spread across building facades, particularly in scenarios involving internal fires breaching through window openings.
A validated numerical model was developed using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), based on the standardized SP Fire 105 test. A series of comparative simulations were then conducted, analysing the effect of varying horizontal projection depths (0 cm to 100 cm) on flame trajectory, surface temperatures, and incident heat flux distribution.
Results confirm that horizontal projections significantly reduce vertical flame propagation and heat exposure to the facade above the projection. However, they also promote lateral heat flux and increased surface temperatures beneath and adjacent to the projections. Deeper projections caused greater redirection of flames, increasing lateral thermal exposure and potentially heightening the risk of horizontal fire spread to neighbouring compartments.
This study contributes to a better understanding of how building geometry—specifically horizontal projections—influences fire spread risk in alternative facade designs. (Less) - Popular Abstract
- In recent years, devastating high-rise fires, often fuelled by combustible cladding, have caused flames to spread rapidly up the exterior of buildings. These tragedies have increased interest in passive fire protection strategies, especially those integrated into building design. One such strategy involves horizontal projections—elements like balconies, canopies, and overhangs—that extend from a building's facade. While traditionally used for shade or aesthetic purposes, these features can also affect how fires develop and spread on building exteriors.
This research explores the impact of horizontal projection depth on fire behaviour when flames exit a window during an internal fire. The study used computational simulations to model... (More) - In recent years, devastating high-rise fires, often fuelled by combustible cladding, have caused flames to spread rapidly up the exterior of buildings. These tragedies have increased interest in passive fire protection strategies, especially those integrated into building design. One such strategy involves horizontal projections—elements like balconies, canopies, and overhangs—that extend from a building's facade. While traditionally used for shade or aesthetic purposes, these features can also affect how fires develop and spread on building exteriors.
This research explores the impact of horizontal projection depth on fire behaviour when flames exit a window during an internal fire. The study used computational simulations to model various projection depths, observing their effects on the path and intensity of external flames. The results show a dual effect: while these projections can effectively reduce the upward spread of heat and flames—thus shielding upper floors—they may also intensify lateral flame spread along the façade. In certain scenarios, deeper projections trapped heat underneath, increasing surface temperatures and the risk of horizontal fire spread to neighbouring rooms or structures.
These findings have significant implications for architects, fire engineers, and policymakers. A deeper understanding of the interplay between these elements can lead to safer building designs, especially in projects using materials that are combustible, such as timber. The research underscores a more complex view of façade fire protection: design geometry is critical, and a choice intended to offer protection in one area may inadvertently introduce risks elsewhere.
This research contributes to a broader effort to rethink how we construct buildings to be fire resilient. It emphasizes the need to consider not only the materials used but also the interaction between architectural features, such as balconies, and fire behaviour. As urban environments become denser and building designs more intricate, this kind of research is critical to the development of safer cities. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9193191
- author
- Serghini, El Ghalia LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- VBRM05 20251
- year
- 2025
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Horizontal projections, façade fire, Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), heat flux, vertical flame spread, lateral flame spread, SP Fire 105, CFD modelling, thermal exposure.
- publication/series
- LUTVDG/TVBB
- report number
- 5748
- other publication id
- LUTVDG/TVBB—5748--SE
- language
- English
- id
- 9193191
- date added to LUP
- 2025-06-09 09:34:04
- date last changed
- 2025-06-09 09:34:04
@misc{9193191,
abstract = {{The increasing frequency of facade fires, often exacerbated by combustible cladding systems, has emphasized the need for passive fire protection strategies. Among these, horizontal projections—such as balconies, canopies, and deflectors—have emerged as potential fire safety elements. This thesis investigates the influence of horizontal projections on thermal exposure and lateral flame spread across building facades, particularly in scenarios involving internal fires breaching through window openings.
A validated numerical model was developed using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS), based on the standardized SP Fire 105 test. A series of comparative simulations were then conducted, analysing the effect of varying horizontal projection depths (0 cm to 100 cm) on flame trajectory, surface temperatures, and incident heat flux distribution.
Results confirm that horizontal projections significantly reduce vertical flame propagation and heat exposure to the facade above the projection. However, they also promote lateral heat flux and increased surface temperatures beneath and adjacent to the projections. Deeper projections caused greater redirection of flames, increasing lateral thermal exposure and potentially heightening the risk of horizontal fire spread to neighbouring compartments.
This study contributes to a better understanding of how building geometry—specifically horizontal projections—influences fire spread risk in alternative facade designs.}},
author = {{Serghini, El Ghalia}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
series = {{LUTVDG/TVBB}},
title = {{Influence of Horizontal Projections on Thermal Exposure to Façades in Fire Scenarios}},
year = {{2025}},
}