Fire and the Built nvironment Analysis: Preston Structure - Case Study Example

Author’s name Instructors’ name Course Date Part 1: Fire and the Built Еnvirоnmеnt Rероrt: Preston Structure Introduction The following paper intends to analyze the design structure of a one of the Preston hotel building construction. The main objective will be to discuss the methods and materials used in the design of this building. It must be understood that Preston has been one of the cities, which have relatively been affected by fires in commercial and residential buildings. Therefore, much emphasis will be put on techniques put in place to ensure that the same do not affect the building. The aim is to minimize the impact of such occurrence as it has been in many buildings in this area. An Overview Outlook of Building Construction According to Allen and Iano (2013), it has been of great concern in recent years on how engineers and architects can come up with buildings designs, which can help to minimize the impacts of fires or simply fire resistant houses. This has however come under cost and thus most middle and lower income category in the population are not able to afford. The construction industry in Preston has dramatically changed due to increased demand on commercial and residential houses. It is critical to note that the rapid growth in the hospitality industry has as well led to the increased demand on properties and consequent development. The environmental consideration including the effect that fire could have on high-rise buildings must be taken into consideration. Building construction is considered to one of the most important factors of any economy leave alone here in Preston. At the same time, firefighters find themselves in problems especially if they are not able to predict patterns and collapse tendencies as well as how to date a building. One of the main aspects of building designers is to come up with a structure that can withstand the impacts of such risks (United Nations Human Settlements Programme 2008). It is for this reason that the following section seeks to outline some of the design measures considered in minimizing the same. Methods and materials used in the construction of the Preston Hotel structure The design of the Preston hotel took the above considerations in place. The seven-storied building would involve different techniques and characteristics and delivering one of the most efficiently built structures around. The design also involved one of the competent ladder companies in the city to provide expertise in ensuring that the structure meets the demands and standards expected. The best stage top ensure this requirement was met could be at the preplanning level. The design process followed the universal building code as well as the NFPA 101, which outlines the provisions that relates to the building code. In order to ensure that the structure will be the stoutest, it was unanimously agreed that the building should be a high-rise structure. This is to minimize the exposure of the building. The structure is constructed using concrete to stabilize and make it firm in all sides. It will as well be fixed with protected steel. This means that the steel will be insulated with fire resistant material where the concrete mixture will be considered. The structure will as well be designed to ensure that it can be able to hold fire for the longest time. This will necessitate the same being left at bay and thus minimizing the impact from the floor or room of origin, once it occurs. According to Hunter and Kiffmeyer (2004), it must be agreed that the ventilation is important in ensuring that the building is well air-conditioned. The ventilation operations involve both horizontal and vertical considerations. In this, adequate openings will be provided on the roofing as ensuring that enough windows, with tempered glass materials are used to provide enough air for the occupants. In addition, the structure will be equipped with stairwells. This was one of the requirements proposed by the ladder company so that it would be easier in securing stairwells for the evacuation of both the victims and the firefighters in case fire occurred in the building. Further, in order to ensure that the structure meets the building code, it will be equipped with self-pressurizing stairwells as well as having HVAC systems installed. These will be very instrumental in ensuring that the aid in the movement of air is well taken care of. In addition, if need be, the stairwells can be mechanically pressurized with a series of fans which will be strategically placed at the stairwells’ base and in every floor. However, this will depend on how a single fan is effective. The design will as well include the involvement of non-combustible construction techniques. On this note, more than seventy-five percent of the walls in the building will be enforced with the tilt slab and masonry. At the same time, the roofing design will be fixed with the decks as well the inclusion of metal structural members. In order to fasten the roofing system, the top parts will be covered using lightweight concrete, an insulated membrane and foam. These materials will be combined to provide good insulation since in some case metal roofing may fail in extreme heat (Nunan 2010). This will as well prevent early collapse of the structure as it is witnessed in many buildings. The installation of fire suppression systems will be according to the building code. As indicated above, one of the main concerns of designing team in this structure is to ensure that the building is not prone to fire incidences as well as reducing the impacts of the same. It is for this reason that apart from the normal materials used in building, there will be special consideration of fire resistant materials. This section intends to outline some of the fire resistant materials that will be used in the structure. One of these includes fire resistant glass windows. the aim is to ensure that incase of fire ,then it will take a longer time to affect the structure which as well allow the occupants enough time to escape or deal with the fire. It is critical to understand that glass windows can easily be affected by fire and thus break. Therefore, selecting the kind of glass to use is important to minimize the risk. Dual-paned windows will be used in this respect. Apart from this type of windows providing energy efficiency, they will greatly assist in reducing the time it will take the fire to break them (Nunan 2010). This is because the outer layer must first be broken before the inner one. However, as indicated above, some windows will be fixed with tempered glasses since they are stronger and more effective. In addition, some doors will as well be catered for by using wired glass, which is tempered with .a reinforcement of metal wire. This will help in providing visibility as well as being fire resistant. In addition, when it comes to window framing, steel will be used in order to offer fire protection. According to Kryl (2006), it is understandably correct to say that concrete is one of the most fundamental components in construction. It must also be agreed that concrete is a conducive fire resistant material. This is because the material is noncombustible and has almost the lowest thermal conductivity in a building. Therefore, a lot of time is taken by the fire to affect its structural as well its load bearing ability. This means it controls the spread of fire in a structure. The use of concrete is a deliberate attempt to protect steel from environmental effects such as fire. However, special concrete will be used since the fire resistance of this material depends on the type of concrete used, based on the amount and type of aggregate. Further, stucco will be used in the finishing technique. The best color and texture will be selected form the available variety. This has been considered due to its architectural styles and adaptability. However, the southwestern style is the most preferred in this concern. This will ensure that the beauty of the building as a hospitality venue is maintained. At the same time, according to Kryl (2006), stucco is one of the most efficient fire resistant materials. The modern stucco, which is made of Portland cement, lime and sand, will be considered in finishing. The covering will be done in all materials, including brick and steel surfaces. It is as well critical to note that most of the interior finishing will be done using gypsum. This is very efficient especially when applied as an underlying sheathing so that good fire resistance ratings can be achieved (Glazer 2007). However, this also depends with the type of gypsum board used. In this case, type X gypsum will be used, with treatment of additives to further make some improvement in its fire resistance ability. Multiple layers will be applied for the same purpose. In addition to the above materials, bricks will be utilized to provide fire resistant qualities of the building. However, this will not be the case in the entire building since these materials are a bit expensive. This will as well be used with more supportive materials to provide the required energy efficiency. Individual bricks will be used but in some cases they will be held using mortar. Cables and electrical wiring will be highly insulated to minimize the risk of fire occurrence in the structure. The structural insulation will as well involve the use of polystyrene foam boards and the rigid polyurethane foam panels since they are generally accepted standards in the construction industry. They are as well cost effective and thus they will be conducive in the budgeting. Conclusively, the design of this structure has taken into consideration matters of fire occurrence. This has been done through integrating measures to reduce fire risks such as insulation. In addition, the cost of materials has as well been considered in the design. Part 2: Cases Studies of fire building in UK and Brazil Structural fire in Sao Paulo Brazil Brazil has been one of the countries around the world faced with fires affecting building and various structures. One of the latest fires was witnessed in Oscar Niemeyer building in Brazil. This fire occurred in November 2013, where this structure , which has been built for the promotion of cultural, social , economic and political integration in Latin America. The impact of the fire was so eminent that the firefighters were not able to access the building since its entry points were sealed off by fire, which was caused by disconnections in the building. The auditorium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was designed by the famed architect Oscar Niemeyer and was entirely swept by fire, resulting into injuries of many firefighters. The effects were due to smoke inhalation and other related cases such as burns in the operation. At the time of fire, the Simon Bolivar auditorium, which has the capacity of 1600 seats, was not having any occupant. However, the Latin America parliament, as part of the memorial was not damaged in the fire. A House Fire in Dover, UK It is evidently clear that United Kingdom has put efficient strategies in the prevention of house fires. This includes the formulation policies in ensuring that buildings follow proper procedures in their construction. However, despite such efforts some cities still have high rates of house fires. Among these is the Dover region where in October 2013, a two story house in Kent destroyed by fire, caused by electrical failure in one of the rooms. The delay was however witnessed as the fighters came after almost one hour when the blaze was at its peak. The neighboring properties were quickly evacuated to ensure precautionary measures were taken. Recommendations on the prevention of house fires in future Based on the above fire scenario, it is clear that there it is impossible to completely avoiding the occurrence of fires in building. Therefore, the best method is to ensure that preventative measures are put in place. One way of prevention is follow the building code including provision of proper insulation of electric cables (Stephenson 2011). It should also include ensuring that such risky materials in a building are clearly marked and prior warnings given to avoid accidental contacts. As indicated earlier, designers shroud ensure that fire resistant materials are used to minimize fire risks including spreading of the same. Such materials will provide enough time for the occupants to prepare enough, salvage the property, and save their lives. According to Ross (2005), the public also need to be sensitized on ways of reducing fire occurrences in their homes. This should include how to maintain some appliances, children control and so on. Such measures should as well be introduced in school curriculum. This will help in averting fire occurrences and its impacts. Conclusion Conclusively, house fire occurrences have increased in some parts of the world while the same has reduced in other regions. However, there is need for concerted efforts in ensuring that fire occurrences in buildings are avoided. At the same time, sustainable materials, which can prevent fires in structures, should be used in construction. Training and sensitizing the public on fires at homes or buildings need to be enhanced. Finally, response should be fast enough to reduce the impact of house fires. References Allen, E., & Iano, J. (2013). Fundamentals of building construction: materials and methods. Glazer, N. (2007). From a cause to a style modernist architecture's encounter with the American city. Princeton, N.J., Princeton University Press. Hunter, K., & Kiffmeyer, D. (2004). Earthbag building the tools, tricks and techniques. Gabriola Island, B.C., New Society Publishers. Kryl, R, (2006). Modern methods construction. Watford, BRE Trust. Nunan, J. (2010). The complete guide to alternative home building materials & methods: including sod, compressed earth, plaster, straw, beer cans, bottles, cordwood, and many other low cost materials. Ocala, Fla, Atlantic Pub. Group. Ross, K. (2005). Modern methods of house construction: a surveyor's guide. Watford, BRE Trust. Stephenson, T. (2011). Understanding construction drawings for housing and small buildings. Toronto, Nelson Education. United Nations Human Settlements Programme. (2008). The role of government in the housing construction . Nairobi, United Nations Human Settlement Programme. Read More