NIST Building and Fire Research Laboratory Projects Summaries, 1994.
NIST Building and Fire Research Laboratory Projects
Summaries, 1994.
(9425 K)
Raufaste, N. J., Jr.
NIST SP 838-5; 158 p. June 1994.
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
Order number: PB94-207495
Keywords:
building technology; building control; coatings;
combustion; flammability; computer integrated
construction; concretes; earthquakes; earthquake
engineering; fire dynamics; fire hazards; fire physics;
fire safety; heat transfer; moisture; indoor air
quality; lighting; quality assurance; refrigeration;
smoke dynamics; structural performance; suppression;
test procedures; toxicity; fire research
Abstract:
Construction is one of the Nation's largest industries.
In 1993, new construction put in place amounted to about
$470 billion (7.9% of GDP) and provided about 6 million
jobs. Fires and natural disasters destroy a significant
portion of constructed facilities every year. Costs of
fire safety and fire losses exceed $128 billion a year.
Natural disasters cause tens of billions of dollars
annually. For example, during the 12 month period July
1993 through June 1994, the United States experienced
significant property losses from natural disasters such
as: The Mid-West Floods; the January 1994 Northridge
Earthquake; and wind damage to the built environment.
These are only three examples; many other natural
phenomena occur each year. The quality of constructed
facilities directly affects the productivity of the U.S.
building and fire communities and affects the safety and
quality of life of all constructed facilities. Over 60%
of the nation's wealth is invested in constructed
facilities. This report summarizes BFRL's research for
1994. The report is arranged by its research programs:
structural engineering, materials engineering,
mechanical and environmental systems, fire safety and
engineering, and fire science. Each summary lists the
project title, the BFRL point of contact, sponsor,
research and recent results. BFRL's mission is to
increase the usefulness, safety, and economy of
constructed facilities and reduce the human and economic
costs of unwanted fire in buildings.
