Boundary distance calculations and fire performance of external cladding systems

Gormley, Micheál (2014) Boundary distance calculations and fire performance of external cladding systems. Bachelors thesis, Dundalk Institute of Technology.

PDF (This work is made available on the understanding that the reader will not publish in any form either the whole or any part of it without permission from the author. This work may not be copied. The copyright of this work belongs to the author.) - Accepted Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (2MB)

Abstract

This dissertation was compiled in order to gain a better understanding of the effectiveness of boundary distance calculations. In addition to this, a better understanding of the fire performance of external cladding systems was also desired. The focus area of this dissertation is the examination of the methods used to calculate distances to boundaries Alternative opinions of the effectiveness of the methods of boundary calculation distances are examined and considered. This dissertation also examines the behaviour of non-load bearing exterior wall assemblies. There are three materials chosen; Glass-Reinforced Polyester (G.R.P.), Glass-fibre Reinforced Cement (G.R.C.), and finally glazed cladding. A fictional case study was then conducted in order for the calculation methods discussed to be compared and assessed. The three external cladding systems were then applied to the case study building. The results show that the distances required according to the calculations are greatly reduced once the building has been subdivided. The results find in favour of Ham’s (2007) opinion that the Enclosing Rectangle Method is suitable for use as a quick reference guide to boundary distances. In contrast, the Aggregate Notional Method is much more specific and hence should only be used where precise boundary distances are difficult to achieve.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelors)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Boundary distance calculations; External cladding; Fire performance; Enclosing rectangle method; Aggregate notional method.
Subjects:	Engineering
Research Centres:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Sean McGreal
Date Deposited:	31 Jul 2015 09:19
Last Modified:	31 Jul 2015 09:22
URI:	https://eprints.dkit.ie/id/eprint/444

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads