Wang, Zhaozhi ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8986-0554, Jia, Fuchen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1850-7961, Galea, Edwin R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0001-6665 and Ewer, John ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0609-272X (2025) Validation of a CFD Fire Simulation Model to predict BS 8414 tests for cladding systems. In: INTERFLAM 2025: 16th International Fire Science and Engineering Conference. Conference Papers, 1 . Interscience Communications Ltd, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK, pp. 483-494.

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Abstract

A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model, based on the SMARTFIRE software, has been developed to simulate BS 8414 fire tests. A key difference between the model described in this paper and previously published models is the use of a general ignition temperature for ACM panels. The ignition temperature, set to 550 OC, is based on the nature of the aluminium protective covering. The model, which utilises surface ignition temperature, cone calorimeter data and a heat release rate curve for a wood crib, has been validated using test data from seven DCLG BS 8414 tests. The model correctly predicts pass/fail results and failure mechanisms; produces comparable flame heights, reasonably predicts burning/burnt locations for the cladding system and produces reasonable agreement with measured temperature profiles, all of which are essential to correctly predicting the pass/fail outcome. Additionally, two important observations are derived from the modelling of BS 8414 fire tests, which are not currently explored in actual BS 8414 physical experimentation. While one of the DCLG tests passed the test, it would fail if the peak HRR of the wood crib fire was increased by only 20%, but still within the accepted range in the BS 8414 standard. Furthermore, the precise location of cavity thermocouples can impact the pass/fail outcome. Finally, the capabilities of the model to predict toxic gas concentrations produced by burning cladding materials are also demonstrated and validated by simulating two FPA BS 8414 tests. The model has reproduced the trends of the measured CO concentrations. Furthermore, model results suggest that most of the peak CO concentration is produced by the burning of the PIR insulation rather than the ACM or wood crib.

Item Type:	Conference Proceedings
Title of Proceedings:	INTERFLAM 2025: 16th International Fire Science and Engineering Conference
Additional Information:	InterFlam 2025: Royal Holloway, University of London, UK, 30th June - 2nd July 2025. Papers and posters from the conference will be eligible for review and publication in Special Issues of the Fire and Materials Journal.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	fire, fire modelling, CFD, BSI 8414, toxicity, validation, cladding fire
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD61 Risk Management Q Science > Q Science (General) Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences (CMS)
Related URLs:	Organisation http://www.frissbe.eu/events/participati...
Last Modified:	07 Jul 2025 14:44
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/50791

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