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2015 | Book

Introduction Read chapter Read first chapter

Evaluation of Fire Flow Methodologies

Authors: Matthew E. Benfer, Joseph L. Scheffey

Publisher: Springer New York

Book Series : SpringerBriefs in Fire

Part of: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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About this book

This SpringerBrief offers careful assessments of the appropriateness and effectiveness of currently available methodologies for fire flow. It explains the water supply requirements for firefighting including rate of flow, the residual pressure required at that flow, and the duration that is necessary to control a major fire in a specific structure. First reviewing existing fire flow calculation methodologies in the U.S. and globally, the authors determine the new information necessary to validate the existing fire flow calculation methodologies. After identifying 19 methods from the U.S., UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New England, and Canada, two types of methods are evaluated: those for building planning based on fire and building code requirements, and those for on-scene fire service use. Building planning methods are also examined, including an explanation of the range of building variables that determine fire flow. A survey form for fire departments is provided to help fire departments identify key predictive features based on construction and building parameters. Researchers and professionals in fire engineering will find the recommendations in Evaluation of Fire Flow Methodologies valuable.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. Introduction
Abstract
There are a number of methods currently used to calculate required water flow rates for sprinklered and non-sprinklered buildings. These methods are, in general, based on decades-old criteria derived using data from actual fires. The overall objective of this study was to assess the appropriateness of currently available fire flow methodologies. The first task was a literature review of the existing fire flow calculation methodologies in the US and globally. The second task was a data analysis and GAP assessment to determine what additional information is needed to validate the existing fire flow calculation methodologies.
Matthew E. Benfer, Joseph L. Scheffey
Chapter 2. Literature Review
Abstract
As part of the literature review, 19 existing fire flow calculation methods have been identified. Sixteen were examined and are described in subsequent sections. Three other foreign fire flow calculation methods were identified, but were not able to be examined due to the lack of a translated copy of the document. The methods identified come from the US, UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Canada. Where methods were very similar, they were grouped together and described in one section. Two types of methods were evaluated including those for building planning (building and/or fire code requirements) and those for on-scene fire service use. The building planning methods accounted for a range of variables in determining fire flow (i.e., building construction, occupancy, fire size, etc.). This allows for building and community planners to assess current or future buildings against the existing or planned water supply and adjust accordingly. The on-scene fire flow calculation methods consist of one equation with one variable used to determine the fire flow. This allows the firefighters on scene to assess whether they need more hose lines or apparatus to fight the fire. All fire flow equations have been converted to imperial units (ft and gal), where appropriate. The 19 methods identified are listed below:
Matthew E. Benfer, Joseph L. Scheffey
Chapter 3. Fire Flow Methodology Examples and Analysis
Abstract
Sixteen fire flow calculation equations/methods were evaluated for two different size non-residential buildings and two different size single-family residential buildings. Building areas of 10,000 and 50,000 ft2 were used for the non-residential buildings and total floor areas of 1500 and 3500 ft2 were used for the residential buildings.
Matthew E. Benfer, Joseph L. Scheffey
Chapter 4. Gap Analysis
Abstract
This GAP analysis attempts to identify the steps that are needed to determine which of the numerous methods (and associated variables) result in the most accurate fire flow assessment for modern buildings. The two categories of flow methodologies, building planning and on-scene, have differing application purposes. The focus of the GAP analysis is validating the building planning methods, since regulations for buildings/areas (i.e., what fire flow to require in fire codes and insurance guidelines) is of primary concern.
Matthew E. Benfer, Joseph L. Scheffey
Chapter 5. Summary and Conclusions
Abstract
There are a number of methods currently used to calculate required water flow rates for sprinklered and non-sprinklered properties. These methods are, in general, based on decades-old criteria derived using data from actual fires. Over the years, building construction methods, building contents, and fire suppression equipment and tactics have changed. The overall objective of this study was to assess the appropriateness of currently available fire flow methodologies. Nineteen existing fire flow calculation methods were identified and 16 were further examined. Three international fire flow methods were identified but could not be further examined due to the lack of a translated copy of the regulating document. Eleven methods evaluated were for the purpose of building planning. These were either from codified requirements or design guide documents. Five methods were on-scene methods for use by firefighters to evaluate a fire scene. Some of the methodologies evaluated also included requirements for determining the water supply volume and the required duration of the water supply.
Matthew E. Benfer, Joseph L. Scheffey
Backmatter
Metadata
Title
Evaluation of Fire Flow Methodologies
Authors
Matthew E. Benfer
Joseph L. Scheffey
Copyright Year
2015
Publisher
Springer New York
Electronic ISBN
978-1-4939-2889-7
Print ISBN
978-1-4939-2888-0
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2889-7