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-4762506229350Submission date: 12/04/2023

Student ID: 20071628

Word count: 1115 excluding front page & References

0Submission date: 12/04/2023

Student ID: 20071628

Word count: 1115 excluding front page & References

Impact of low flammability materials in building facades

Youssef Hawchar20071628

A Research Topic Report submitted for BLDG4010 Construction Research Methods

in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

construction management

Supervisor: Alan TodhunterSchool of Engineering, Design and Built Environment

Western Sydney University

April 2023

TOC o "1-3" h z u Impact of low flammability materials in building facades PAGEREF _Toc136618696 h 2Chapter 1: Introduction PAGEREF _Toc136618697 h 2Background PAGEREF _Toc136618698 h 2Research Problem/ Question(s) PAGEREF _Toc136618699 h 3Work Plan/Timeline PAGEREF _Toc136618700 h 4Chapter 2: Literature Review PAGEREF _Toc136618701 h 6Low-Flammable Materials for Buildings Facade PAGEREF _Toc136618702 h 6High and Low Flammable Materials for Buildings PAGEREF _Toc136618703 h 8Pros and Cons of Low Flammable Material as Building Facade PAGEREF _Toc136618704 h 12Case Studies PAGEREF _Toc136618705 h 13Grenfell Tower, London, United Kingdom (2017) PAGEREF _Toc136618706 h 13Lacrosse Building, Melbourne, Australia (2014) PAGEREF _Toc136618707 h 14Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Beijing, China (2009) PAGEREF _Toc136618708 h 14Windsor Tower fire (2005) PAGEREF _Toc136618709 h 15Utilizing low-flammability materials, and their Impacts on the Project than Flammable Materials PAGEREF _Toc136618710 h 16References PAGEREF _Toc136618711 h 18

Impact of low flammability materials in building facadesChapter 1: IntroductionBackgroundBuilding facades are the outside face or external layer of a building. Low-flammability materials are those materials which have the lowest gas concentration. Using these materials reduces risks of fire-related deaths, injuries and property damage. The report will further outline the background, the problems, the aim and objectives and conclude with the scope of low-flammability materials in building facades. (Nguyen et al., 2016).

Over the past few years, there has been greater interest and investments in low-flammability materials due to their capability to reduce the spread of fires in buildings. Most buildings are built with highly flammable materials such as wood and cladding. In past centuries highly combustible wood was a very commonly used material in building facades due to its reputation for having low energy consumption. Birch and Okoume are two types of faade woods tested and proven to be more flammable than others as they have a 60% higher heat release rate. (Duny et al., 2022). Timber cladding, however, is proven to be safe and has a lower risk of spreading fire due to its high density.

Cladding is a material that provides an external layer for a building (Sharma & Mishra, 2021). There are many different claddings, which can be high and low-flammable materials. Some highly flammable materials of cladding include polythene, polystyrene and phenolic foam. These materials are highly combustible as they could quickly melt and spread firey. For instance, in Liverpool, UK 1991, in the town of Knowsley Heights, an incident occurred where a residential building caught fire due to highly flammable cladding used in the buildings faade. (Chen et al., 2019). On the other hand, cladding materials such as fire-resistant glass, metal panels, composite materials and natural materials are all low-flammable materials. This is because they are designed to withstand higher temperatures, are more weather resistant, and are lightweight and longer lasting. Similarly, the tragic fire at the Grenfell Tower in London in 2017 has outlined the risks involved with using highly flammable materials for the exterior of buildings (McKenna et al., 2019).

Low-flammability materials, however, are designed to withstand ignition and prevent the spread of fire, making them ideal for use in building facades. They impact the looks of a building whilst also ensuring safety. The type of materials used in a buildings faades impacts how safe, resilient and environmentally friendly it is. (Yuen et al., 2021).

Research Problem/ Question(s)Building Facades are very important in buildings due to their complexity and expense. Building facades protect and repel buildings from weather hazards such as extreme wind, sunlight, rain, cold, heat and sound. Due to an increase of fires starting in residential and significant buildings over the years, the industry is shocked and alarmed. It is noted that fire occurrences have multiplied over the years, and theres a steady rate of 4.8 fires every year (Bonner). These numbers are a serious problem as they can cause significant hazards within the community and can result in the loss of innocent lives.

Question 1: What are Low flammability resources in building facades?

Question 2: How can fire rates be reduced using Low flammability materials in building facades?

Question 3: How is the building industry utilizing low-flammability materials, and how does it impact their project rather than using flammable materials?

Aim and Objectives

This report aim to be able to understand the impacts of low-flammability materials on building facades and to be able to differentiate between high and low-flammable materials. This will further allow construction industry members to understand better the importance of the materials used in building facades to reduce the fire rates in the community. To achieve this aim, the objectives below must be met:

Objective 1: To prove that low-flammability materials in building facades reduce the rates of fires yearly.

Objective 2: to examine case studies of buildings that have used highly flammable materials, leading to fire damage.

Objective 3: to identify, through research, new technologies providing the best low-combustible materials to use for building facades.

Scope

This report aims to identify how low-flammability materials will impact buildings positively and the importance of using non-combustible materials in building facades to minimise the risk of fire-related deaths and property damage. The report will highlight different types of low and highly-flammable materials in building facades and some problems related to these materials.

Work Plan/Timeline-Me and Alan Todhunter have met, and we have agreed to meet every Thursday for 1 hour with the group, and if necessary, it is optional to stay the whole duration, so in future, I will be meeting with my supervisor to ask any necessary questions and seek advice for my assessments.

-I have dedicated Thursdays to carry out my university studies, so I will be working on assessment 1, 2 and 3 on these days, as I can also seek help from my supervisor due to the correspondence of the meeting day.

Week 6- Thursday afternoon, I met with Allan TodHunter and received advice for my assessment 1. I handed in Assessment 1 on time (12/4/2023).

Week 7- I have gone through the modules and have gathered information to assist me with my future assessments. I also have started working and almost completed assessment 2.

Week 8- I fell sick with a bad flu and needed to rest so I couldnt get much work done.

Week 9- I have still been unwell but have attended meetings with supervisor and I am being proactive.

Week 10- I have gone through the modules and have gathered helpful information for my studies.

Week 11- I start my assessment 2 and 3 to be prepared and be on time. I have met with Alan Todhunter and he has assisted me with working on my assessment.

Week 12- I have finalised assessment 2 And I am working on finalising assessment 3, I have met with my supervisor to ensure that I am on the right track.

Week 13- I hand in my assessment 2 on the due date(02/06/2023). I finalise my assessment 3 in order to be ahead and ready to hand in on the due date, I have met with Alan Todhunter and have asked him questions regarding my assessment.

Week 14- I hand in my assessment 3 on time(09/6/2023), and I have understood the semester modules and Im ready to start the next semester.

Chapter 2: Literature ReviewThe faade is a vital component of building a building, and it protects occupants from rain, wind, sunlight, cold, heat, and sound (Hopkins, 2016). The low-flammable materials are discussed as follows

Low-Flammable Materials for Buildings FacadeThe low-flammable materials used for building facades are discussed as follows.

Non-Combustible Cladding Systems: This category includes terracotta, fibre cement, and metal (aluminium, steel) are used as cladding for building facades (Nguyen et al., 2016).

These materials have fire-resistance features.

Fire-Resistant Glass: Fire-resistant glass withstands high temperatures and will prevent the spread of smoke and smoke. They are used in curtain walls, windows, and glazed facades to provide fire safety (Hofmann et al., 2018).

Fire-Resistant Insulation: Insulation materials for building facades need low flammability to lessen fire risks. Rock wool, mineral wool, and various kinds of foam insulation with fire-resistant features are used in building envelopes.

Fire-Retardant Coatings: Fire-retardant coatings are used in building materials to improve their fire resistance. These coatings are barriers to delay the spread of flames and ignition. For example, Intumescent coatings expand after exposure to heat and will generate a protective char layer.

Cladding

Cladding describes the outside covering or finish of a faade of the building. It has both functional and aesthetic purposes that provide protection from elements while augmenting the appearance of building. There are various forms of cladding materials come that can significantly influence the overall design and structure character (Theodosiou et al., 2015; Theodosiou et al., 2019).

Functionally, cladding is a shield against weather conditions such as wind, rain, snow, and Ultraviolet radiations. It prevent penetration of moisture, which may lead to structural damage, and behaves as thermal insulator while improving energy efficiency. Moreover, cladding offer acoustic insulation, and will reduce transmission of noise from outside sources.

Aesthetically, Cladding plays a substantial role in defining the visual appearance of the building. It creates a preferred architectural style, and counterpart nearby structures and depicts a specific theme or concept. Cladding materials have a wide variety of options that include but are not limited to

Brick and stone: Traditional and durable materials provide a timeless and solid appearance. They arrange in different patterns, such as herringbone, running, or stacked bond.

Metal: Aluminum, zinc, steel, or copper panels are generally used for a sleek, modern look. Metal cladding could be textured, smooth, or corrugated while creating creative possibilities for design.

Glass: cladding shows transparency, natural light, and a contemporary aesthetic. It is used in the form of glass panels, curtain walls, or glass-fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) systems.

Wood: Timber cladding gives natural beauty, warmth, and a link to nature. Various kinds of wood (oak, cedar, or pine) are used to get diverse styles), ranging from rustic to refined.

Composite Materials: Composite materials are a combination of different engineering materials to attain specific features. For example, fiber cement panels comprise cellulose fibers, cement, and additives that provide low maintenance, durability, and versatility.

Ceramic Cladding: Ceramic cladding depicts a high-end, luxurious appearance. It exists in various textures, colours, and shapes (glazed or unglazed).

Several factors need to be considered when selecting a cladding material that includes climate, maintenance requirements, durability, cost, and local building regulations. It is necessary to ensure that the selected cladding system is appropriate for the particular environmental conditions of the location of building (Hu et al., 2019).

Currently, there has been augmented emphasis on sustainable cladding solutions. Recyclable materials, energy-efficient systems, and those with a lesser carbon footprint are getting popularity. Moreover, technological modernization has led to the expansion of intelligent cladding systems that could adapt to altering weather circumstances and get better energy performance.

Generally, cladding has an instrumental role in the functionality, design, and environmental performance of a building. It offers designers and architects various choices to generate visually striking facades while considering practical considerations such as insulation and weatherproofing (Pelaz et al., 2017).

High and Low Flammable Materials for BuildingsThe high and low-flammable materials are classified in Table 1 (Alexeev et al., 2018).

Table SEQ Table * ARABIC 1: Classification of High and Low Flammable Materials

Property High-Flammability Materials Low-Flammability Materials

Resistance to ignition Paper, Wood, Cardboard, Fabric Carpet Fire-Rated Glass, Gypsum board, Fire-Resistant Coatings

Rate of flame spread Untreated Wood, polystyrene foam, Cellulose Insulation Fire-Resistant Steel, Fire-Retardant Treated Wood

Heat Emissions Polyurethane Foam, Carpet Padding Fireproof Wallboard, Fire-Resistant Insulation

Production of Smoke Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Styrofoam Fire-Resistant Sealants, Intumescent Coatings

Emissions of Toxic Gas Polyurethane Foam, Halogenated Flame Retardants, Ceramic Fiber Insulation, Mineral Wool Insulation

Structural Integrity Non-Fire-Rated Doors, Lightweight Timber Reinforced Masonry, Concrete

Durability Fiberboard, Asphalt Shingles Concrete Roof Tiles, Metal Roofing

Maintenance Needs Untreated Wood Decking, Organic Roofing Shingles Fiber Cement Siding, Metal Roofing

Environmental Influence Vinyl Flooring, Polystyrene Insulation Cork Flooring, Natural Fiber Insulation

Regulatory Compliance Non-Fire-Rated Electrical Wiring Fireproof Doors, Fire-Rated Electrical Wiring,

Insurance Untreated Wood Structure, Non-Fire-Resistant Windows, Fire-Resistant Building Materials, Fire-Rated Windows,

The characteristics of high and low-flammable materials are discussed in Table 2 (Alexeev et al., 2018).

Table SEQ Table * ARABIC 2: Features of High and Low Flammable Materials Used in Buildings

Property High-Flammability Materials Low-Flammability Materials

Resistance to ignition They can ignite easily and will support the rapid spread of flame. Resist ignition and slow down the propagation of flame

Flame Spread Rate The rapid spread of flame along the material The slow spread of flame along the material

Heat Release High emissions of heat during combustion Low emission of heat during combustion

Smoke Production Production of dense smoke when burning Production of less smoke when burning

Release of toxic gases It may emit toxic gases when burned Emit fewer toxic gases when burned

Structural Integrity They can quickly degrade and will lose strength during a fire Maintenance of structural integrity during a fire

Durability They deteriorate with time because of exposure to heat They are more resistant to heat and with better longevity.

Maintenance Needs They could need regular maintenance and replacements They need less maintenance and replacements

Environmental Influence They lead to air pollution and will cause environmental damage. They have less emissions and will use sustainable materials

Regulatory Compliance They do not fulfill fire safety regulations and building codes They comply with fire safety regulations and building codes

Insurance Considerations They lead to high insurance premiums They can qualify for less insurance premiums

Authors Perspectives Regarding Usage of Low Flammable Materials as Building Facade

Mehndi et al. analyze the fire resistance performance of outside walls, including combustible components, such as insulation materials, discuss the significance of selecting low-flammability resources, and will give deep insights into various testing methods procedures and their evaluation criteria (Mehdi et al., 2013).

Lina et al. broadly review cladding materials for high-rise buildings and their fire performance. It discovers the flammability features of different materials and will provide suggestions for choosing low-flammability resources for building facades (Lina et al., 2017).

Zindani et al. investigated an essential issue regarding applying natural fiber-reinforced polymeric composites is resistance to heat and flame. Due to applications of natural fiber-based polymeric composite materials, it is necessary to study flammability and thermal degradation. Different flame retardant treatments are conducted on these composites to increase their resistance to flame and thermal stability (Zindani et al., 2019).

Schickhofer & Volker studied fire-resistant features of thermally modified wood employed in building facades. It illustrates the influence of thermal modification on the flammability of wood and will experimental results and investigation of fire resistance performance (Schickhofer & Volker, 2018)

Spearpoint and Murphy provide a full review of fire performance in timber structures, including building facades. It discusses various fire safety approaches, such as fire protection measures related to active and passive fire. It also discusses case studies and design considerations to enhance fire resistance (Spearpoint & Murphy, 2017).

Fael and Lourenco review the fire performance of stone cladding systems that are used in building facades. Various types of stone behaviour and their fire resistance characteristics are discussed in it and it also presents case studies and design recommendations to attain low flammability (Fael & Lourenco, 2020).

Cleary et al performed a contemporary review of fire safety considerations for external claddings. The flammable characteristics of different cladding materials are discussed in addition to testing methods, fire spread mechanisms. The case studies are also presented to reduce fire risk (Cleary et al., 2018).

Fernandez et al. investigated the fire performance of insulated metal panels (IMPs) for building facades. The thermal features of IMPs and fire resistance testing methods are discussed. It also depicts experimental results and design reflections to improve the low flammability performance (Fernandez et al., 2020).

Pros and Cons of Low Flammable Material as Building FacadePros

The application of low-flammable materials in building facades could considerably improve fire safety. There are less chances of material ignition, restrictive the potential for speedy fire spread and dropping the overall fire risk (Endzhievskiy et al., 2017). Furthermore, low-flammable materials provide occupants time to safely evacuate the building in case of a fire. They slow down the progression of the fire, providing people a chance to leave the building and reach safety. Moreover, the risk of loss and damage to property due to fire is condensed by the application of low-flammable materials in buildings. There is less chance that this material will lead to the fire's growth and intensity, aiding the building's structure preservation and integrity. Most building codes and regulations need low-flammable materials in particular areas (high-rise buildings). Building owners ensure compliance and escape potential legal issues by applying these materials (Peng & Yang, 2016; Kalogirou, 2015; Barabash et al., 2016).

Cons

Low-flammable materials are more costly than conventional flammable materials. Their manufacturing, fitting, installation, and maintenance costs are expensive, which can impact the overall budget of a construction project. The low-flammable materials cannot be easily available, particularly for certain architectural designs or aesthetic preferences. It may restrict creative freedom for designers and architects in selecting materials for building facades. Working with low flammable materials need specialized knowledge and skills. Proper installation and maintenance techniques are vital to confirm their efficiency in fire stoppage. Consequently, there will be increased construction complexity and the necessity to hire skilled professionals. Few low flammable materials have less durability or they need traditional materials than conventional materials. It lead to long-term costs and efforts connected with maintaining the building faade (Kohler et al., 2016;jouhara et al., 2020; Bonner & Rein, 2018;Kancane et al., 2016).

Case StudiesGrenfell Tower, London, United Kingdom (2017)The Grenfell Tower fire was disastrous in London, United Kingdom on June 14, 2017 (McKenna et al., 2019). The fire occurred in the kitchen of a fourth-floor apartment and rapidly spread up the exterior of the 24-story residential tower. It was believed that the fast vertical spread of the fire was because of the external cladding system of the building that comprised aluminium composite panels having a polyethene core.

Recent faade materials (cladding in Grenfell Tower) have a considerable effect on the fire behaviour of a building. The key factors taken into account are

The cladding material combustibility is crucial. The polyethene core of the aluminium composite panels lead to a fire spread in Grenfell Tower. The polyethene core could ignite easily and will generate significant heat and thus fueling the growth of the fire. Moreover, different faade materials have different capabilities to resist flame spread. Materials having a high flame spread index facilitate the rapid spread of fire throughout the exterior of the building. It generally happens in high-rise buildings where vertical flames can travel. Additionally, fire-resistant materials limit the fire spread and will keep the structural integrity of the building. Non-fire-resistant cladding (such as that used in Grenfell Tower) could melt, distort, or fall off, to allow fire to enter in building and will impact inside regions. Faade materials cause the production of smoke and toxic gases during a fire. Inhalation of smoke is a substantial risk to occupants and can obstruct evacuation efforts. Materials generating excessive smoke hinder visibility, making it difficult for people to escape.

After the Grenfell Tower fire, inquiries and investigations were performed to identify the reasons and make recommendations to avoid similar events. These investigations have imposed stringent regulations and building standards in most countries, aiming to improve fire safety in high-rise buildings and suggesting using combustible cladding materials.

Lacrosse Building, Melbourne, Australia (2014)On November 25, 2014, the residential high-rise Lacrosse Building caught fire. The fire was initiated by a discarded cigarette on a balcony and spread rapidly because of combustible external cladding. The cladding system was composed of aluminium composite panels having a polyethene core. Luckily, there were no casualties, and this incident encouraged investigations into using flammable cladding materials in Australia and enacting more strict regulations (Gallagher, 2017).

Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Beijing, China (2009)The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Beijing caught fire on February 9, 2009. Fireworks ignited the blaze during the Chinese New Year celebrations and spread rapidly. The exterior cladding of the hotel incorporated flammable materials and caused the rapid vertical spread of the fire. Luckily, there were no casualties, and this incident outlined the hazards of using combustible materials in building construction.

Windsor Tower fire (2005)The Windsor Tower fire, also called Torre Windsor fire, happened on February 12, 2005, in Madrid, Spain. The Windsor Tower was a thirty-two-story building in the citys financial district (Lu et al., 2017;Fletcher et al., 2005). The fire was initiated on the twenty-first floor of the building, and it rapidly spread to the upper floors because of strong winds and the exterior cladding of the building comprising of aluminum and polyethylene panels. The flames quickly engulfed the whole structure, disseminating plumes of thick black smoke in the air.

It was a big challenge for the firefighters because of its intensity and the height of the building. The number of fire brigades was twenty and the number of firefighters involved were three hundred to control the blaze. They got control over the fire after twenty-four hours. There were no casualties because the building was evacuated in time. However, some firefighters sustained injuries during the operation.

The Windsor Tower was damaged due to fire. The fire leads to the complete collapse of the upper floors, except for the steel frame standing. Eventually, it was decided to demolish the leftover structure for safety reasons. The demolition of the Windsor Tower was performed in 2006.

The Windsor Tower fire gained the attention of the fire safety regulations and the applications of potentially flammable materials in high-rise buildings. It caused variations in building codes and regulations having stringent requirements for fire-resistant materials and developed evacuation procedures to be implemented in most countries (Rackauskaite et al., 2017).

These cases demonstrated severe consequences because of using highly flammable materials in buildings. Builders, architects, and policymakers must consider fire safety regulations and materials that mitigate the fire risk for the safety of occupants (Huang et al., 2022).

It is essential to consult local building codes and regulations and the usage of apposite and fire-safe materials for faade construction. Fire testing and certifications determine the fire performance features of particular systems and materials (Schulz et al., 2018).

Utilizing low-flammability materials, and their Impacts on the Project than Flammable MaterialsThe building industry has focused on low-flammability materials in construction projects to ensure fire safety and reduce construction-related risks. Such materials significantly influence projects more than conventional flammable materials. The key aspects are

Fire Safety: Low-flammability materials are also called fire-retardant materials. They limit ignition and will slow down fire spread. There are significantly fewer chances that they will lead to initial ignition and contain the fire within a limited area. It increases the overall safety of the building, reducing life loss and property damage (Lord, 2021).

Compliance Regulations and Building Codes: Building codes and regulations generally need particular fire safety measures for implementation, particularly in public and commercial buildings. If low-flammability materials are used, construction projects could fulfill or exceed these needs that ensure compliance and prevent penalties or delays connected with non-compliance.

Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies generally analyze the fire risk of a building prior to offering coverage. Buildings manufactured with low-flammability materials are deemed a lower risk and could qualify for fewer insurance premiums, resulting in longer-term cost savings (Porter et al., 2021).

Structural Integrity: Low-flammability materials generally are heat-resistant and can survive high temperatures for a long time than flammable materials. It helps to preserve the structural integrity of the building in case of fire, reducing collapse risk, which is safe for emergency responders and occupants.

Reduction in Fire Spread: In case of low-flammability material, the spread of fire, toxic gases, and smoke will be slowed down. Thus occupant and emergency services can take more time to evacuate the building in an effective way. It aids to avoid fire from spreading to neighboring structures, lessening the risk of fire-connected accidents in the adjacent area (Zhang et al., 2021).

Long-term Cost Savings: Though low-flammability materials could be initially costly as compared to outdated flammable materials, their durability is better and will less maintenance with time. It will lead to cost-savings in long-term cost by lessening the requirement for regular replacements and repairs, increasing the whole life cycle of the building.

Environmental Consideration: Some low-flammability materials are more environmentally friendly than their flammable counterparts. They have fewer emissions, use recycled or sustainable materials, and will lead to air pollution in case of a fire event. It is according to the expanding focus on sustainable construction practices and mitigating the environmental impacts of the building (Schulz et al., 2018).

The incorporation of low-flammable materials in building construction increases fire safety in addition to sustainability efforts. If an environmental impact is reduced, energy efficiency is promoted, and recycled materials are utilized and comply with green building standards, these materials lead to sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings (Frigione et al., 2020).

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Impact of low flammability materials in building facades

Research Proposal

Name of Student

Name of Instructor

Date

Introduction

Aim and Objectives

The objective of the research is to understand the impacts of low-flammability materials on building facades and it differentiate between high and low-flammable materials. It will allow construction industry members to get valuable insights about the significance of the materials in building facades to less the fire rates in the community. The following objectives must be met to achieve this aim

Objective 1: To verify that low-flammability materials in building facades less the rates of fires on an annual basis.

Objective 2: To investigate the case studies of buildings using highly flammable materials, causing fire damage.

Objective 3: To identify through research the state-of-the-art technologies providing the best low-combustible materials to be used for building facades.Research Questions

Building Facades are essential in buildings because of their complexity and expense. Building facades repel and protect buildings from weather hazards such as sunlight, extreme wind, cold, heat, rain, and sound.

What are Low flammability resources in building facades?

How can fire rates be reduced using Low flammability materials in building facades?

How is the building industry utilizing low-flammability materials, and how does it impact their project rather than using flammable materials?

Methodology/Research Design

The research methodology will make use of a systematic approach to collect and analyze associated data to attain the study objectives. This research will make use of a mixed-methods research design that combines quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative aspect analyzes statistical data associated with fire incidents in buildings having various facade materials. The qualitative research examines case studies and conducts surveys or interviews with experts in the construction industry.

The data collection methods are

Literature Review: A comprehensive literature review collect current knowledge and research findings on low-flammability materials in building facades. Academic journals, industry reports, conference papers, and relevant publications would be reviewed to get a broad understanding of the topic. The literature review would aid to identify the key research gaps and notify the methods of data collection.

Statistical Data

Statistical data associated with fire incidents would be gathered from reliable sources such as insurance companies, fire departments, and government agencies. The data involves the fires number, its reasons, the material types used in building facades, and severity destruction. Comparisons would be compared between buildings with low-flammability materials and with highly flammable materials.

Case Studies

The analysis of case studies will address through objective 2. Buildings experiencing fire damage because of highly flammable materials in their facades needs to be identified and examined. Information regarding the design of building, materials of construction, fire incidents, and its outcomes needs to be collected. The case studies gives deep understandings into the risks connected with flammable materials and outline the significance of using low-flammability substitutes.

Expert Interviews or Surveys: To attain objective 3, seasoned personnel in the construction industry (engineers, architects, and materials suppliers, would be surveyed or interviewed). Their expertise and expertise would help to identify state-of-the-art technologies and low-combustible materials that are available for building facades. The surveys or interviews give valuable insights into challenges and benefits related to the use of building materials.

Data Analysis

Quantitative Analysis

Statistical methods will be used for the analysis of data objective 1. Descriptive statistics (percentages and frequencies), would be computed to understand the fire occurrences in buildings having facade materials. Comparative analysis will be performed to observe the impact of low-flammability materials on lessening rates of fire.

Qualitative Analysis

Case study data gathered in objective 2 and information gotten from expert interviews or surveys in objective 3 would be analyzed thematically. Common patterns and themes associated with fire incidents, building materials, and low-flammability alternatives would be identified. The qualitative analysis would give a deep understanding of the practical challenges and implications associated with implementing low-flammability materials in building facades.

Justification

The selected research methodology gives a broad approach to address the objective of the research. The mixed-methods design involves data triangulation from various resources to enhance the reliability and validity of the findings. The literature review assures a concrete theoretical foundation, through case studies, statistical analysis, and expert perceptions and gives real-world and practical perspectives. With a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, this research would produce a holistic understanding of low-flammability materials in building facades and their influence on the rates of fires.

Scope

This report aims to identify how low-flammability materials will impact buildings positively and the importance of using non-combustible materials in building facades to minimize the risk of fire-related deaths and property damage. The report will highlight different types of low and highly-flammable materials in building facades and some problems related to these materials.

Chapter Breakdown

Introduction

Literature Review

Methodology

Results

Discussion and Conclusion

References

Conclusion

It has been concluded that the use of low-flammability materials in building facades is an essential consideration to ensure the resilience and safety of structures. Building facades are important elements for a buildings envelope, and they have a considerable role to spread and prevent of fire.

With the incorporation of low-flammability materials (fire-resistant cladding, coatings, and insulation), fire ignition and propagation could be considerably reduced. These materials are intended to limit ignition, slow down the flames spread, and lessen the emission of toxic gases and smoke in case of a fire event.

The advantage of using low-flammability materials in building facades extends further than the safety of fire. They also account for the low energy efficiency, sustainability, and durability of the building. These materials give better insulation, lessening heat transfer and getting better energy efficiency. Moreover, they can tolerate harsh weather conditions, resist decay and moisture, and need less maintenance with the passage of time.

The incorporation of low-flammability materials in building facades is a necessary feature of state-of-the-art construction practices. If fire safety is prioritized, buildings could be a place of a safer environment for occupants and will account for entire community resilience.

Work Plan

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Task Start Date End Date Duration (Days)

Introduction 15/05/2023 20/05/2023 5

Literature Review 21/05/2023 05/06/2023 15

Methodology 06/06/2023 30/06/2023 24

Data Collection, Analysis, and Results 01/07/2023 20/07/2023 19

Conclusion and Recommendations 21/07/2023 25/07/2023 4

Budget Estimate: The budget estimate range is from $1,000 to $2,000.

Resources Needed: Access to statistical data sources, academic databases, case studies, and experts for surveys or interviews.

Ethical Considerations: Get informed consent to make sure data privacy and confidentiality.