Towards Engineered Fire Safety: A Global Research Strategy for the 21st Century.
Towards Engineered Fire Safety: A Global Research
Strategy for the 21st Century.
(326 K)
Snell, J. E.
Fire Research Development and Application in the 21st
Century. FORUM 2000 Symposium. Organized by
Architectural and Building Research Institute (ABRI),
MOI, and FORUM for International Cooperation in Fire
Research. Proceedings. October 23-24, 2000, Taipei,
Taiwan, 1-23 pp, 2000.
Keywords:
fire research; fire measurements; fire models;
flammability; fire detection; fire safety; safety
engineering; costs; fire retardants; fire suppression
Abstract:
Great progress has been made in the last quarter century
in fire safety engineering (FSE) and consequently
further limiting the burden of uncontrolled fire. Yet,
the total costs of fire continue to rise. Rapid advances
in technology offer the prospect of exciting
developments in fire safe materials, innovative fire
retardants and fire suppressants, and advanced, more
reliable and intelligent fire sensing and control
systems. What will be required to deliver on this
potential and do so economically? What are the key
remaining scientific, technical, institutional
challenges to be overcome in the process? How can a
global fire research strategy help accelerate and assure
success? What are the likely benefits for those who
participate? This paper presents a strategy and plan for
addressing these issues within the next 25 years. It
offers a revolutionary path to assured, affordable fire
safety.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899