As fire safety continues to be a growing concern globally, it is essential to integrate passive fire protection (PFP) systems into the design and construction process. Ar Pratik B Jain, Principal Architect, Ageliers, Mumbai, sheds light on how PFP systems can be effectively incorporated into high-rise buildings to prevent future disasters.

Aesthetic appeal, functional, monumental, sustainable and Instagrammable – these are some aspects that buildings have typically aimed to achieve. While it’s important to incorporate these elements and have a well-designed building as part of the urban fabric, there is one critical aspect that is often underrated but silently safeguards human lives and the built environment – Passive Fire Protection (PFP)

In the realm of fire safety, the role of PFP cannot be overstated, especially in a densely populated country like India. If integrated correctly during the conceptual design stage,this system can be a boon in safeguarding human lives and property. This article aims at discussing the importance of PFP systems, particularly in high-rise buildings. It also outlines various methods that can be adopted to contain the fire effectively.

Active and Passive Fire Protection Systems

Active fire protection is about detecting, stopping and escaping fire. Whereas passive fire protection means containing the fire and preventing it from spreading further. Ideally a well-designed fire safe building will use a combination of both systems

The Active Fire Protection (AFP) system may require human intervention like someone using the fire extinguisher, fire hose reels or a smoke detector may trigger an alarm which will require somebody to take action. The sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems and smoke ventilation vents are other examples of AFP.

On the other hand, the Passive Fire Protection (PFP) system operates independently. The role of PFP is paramount in safeguarding the occupants and the building components. PFP should not be an afterthought but a central part of the design decisions to create effective implementation strategies. Encouraging architects to loop this beautifully with the design aesthetics and planning can give rise to a new beacon of typology considering the growing concerns of fire safety globally.

The role of PFP is even more relevant in high-rise buildings. Thanks to innovative solutions and technological advancements, architects now have better tools to incorporate fire safety measures seamlessly into their designs. Let’s look at some of the PFP elements that can help contain the fire and smoke.

Planning & Design

• Thoughtful space planning can facilitate efficient evacuation routes in case of emergencies. Architects should prioritize designing layouts that allow for easy access to fire exits and minimize the risk of congestion during evacuations.
• The concept of compartmentalization forms the backbone of effective firestopping and requires careful considerations for construction joints, penetration points andperimeter gaps. The skilful division of spaces helps control the spread of fire and allows more time for evacuation.
• Make sure the number of staircases, passenger, fire lifts, distance between the two staircases or between the staircase and the nearest entry door comply with the fire regulations.
• A fire lift is vital in a high-rise building. It safely takes people to the nearest refuge floor or rescue point. This is non-negotiable in cases where people are severely injured and need immediate medical attention. It also enables fire services personnel and their necessary equipment to reach higher floors.
• Architects must strike a balance between the architectural aesthetics and the fire safety compliance. The design must ensure that the PFP system enhances the architectural design rather than becoming a barrier

Sealing Void Spaces

• Sealing the shaft with a fire-resistant material like vermiculite cement that expands when exposed to heat, effectively blocks the shaft and creates a barrier to prevent the passage of flames / smoke / toxic gases. This also allows more time for building occupants to evacuate the space and for fire suppression systems to control the blaze.
• Use of fire-resistant insulation or a thin layer of intumescent coating helps preserve the structural integrity of the building during a fire. The use of an intumescent coat is helpful due its property to expand and create a thick layer of char when it comes in touch with heat.

Building Envelope

• The void space between the exterior curtain wall and the floor edge is a crucial junction which needs to be looked at and designed cautiously. A perimeter fire barrier system is the primary safety measure to contain the vertical spread of fire. With its unique construction detail, use of fire-resistant material like mineral wooland an additional sealant to ensure a tighter seal, this system can safeguard the building envelope and the façade cladding.
• Use of fire rated glass in the curtain wall glass systems must be strictly advocated. Other façade cladding material used must be fire resistant
• Use of fire curtains on the building envelope reduces spread of smoke and flames leading to reduction in the number of deaths due to inhalation. Fire curtains are made from a specially designed fire-resistant fabric, and a robust structural system is essential for their deployment when required.

Fire Check Floor (FCF)

For buildings 70m and above, an FCF is mandatory. This floor is open on all sides and acts as refuge for the building occupants to gather and wait until they get rescued. A dedicated drencher and sprinkler system on this floor will be beneficial in the event of fire. Regular maintenance of this floor and making sure it doesn’t become a dumping ground or an encroachment opportunity must be strictly monitored.

Interiors

• Use of materials that are aesthetically pleasing and comply with fire safety requirements might be challenging. However, exploring creative construction methods and looking at incorporating innovative materials and finishes is the answer. For example, it's common to see the use of wood in interior projects. However, in order to reduce the combustibility and the fire flames, specially curated chemicals can be injected in the wood fibres to make it fire retardant.
• Use of metal furnishings, soft furnishings that are coated with fire retardant materials or use of non-combustible fabrics.
• Use of fire rated drywalls for the internal walls and ceilings can significantly slow down the spread of flames.
• Use of FRLS (fire retardant low smoke) cables is recommended for its fire resistance and low smoke emission properties compared to other cables that are PVC coated.

Quality Check

• Involve fire officers, consultants from the outset to avoid challenges later in the construction stages.
• Perform regular fire safety tests to check if the building components adhere to the required standards.
• Conduct mock drills at regular intervals to help people understand how to respond to emergencies.
• Conduct evacuation (Fire) drill consistently to help people understand how to exit the building in an orderly and timely manner
• Specification of materials that are certified and comply with relevant fire standards and building codes.
• Run awareness programs for the building occupants.

Involve Citizens

• Citizens often play a crucial role in fire emergencies before the fire force arrives. Therefore, training citizens to safeguard themselves and others against such a catastrophe or perhaps, creating volunteer groups in each area can reduce the damage during a fire incident.

Thus, prioritizing fire protection and life safety measures is non-negotiable. It is not just a tick box activity but a design element that ought to be integrated within the planning and design right from the early stages.

As stakeholders in the design and construction industry, we should stand up for designing buildings and cities that are safeguarded against fire. Besides, recognizing and rewarding architects and professionals for their fire-safe designs can encourage a much-needed shift towards a fire-resilient built environment.