STRUCTURAL FIRE PRECAUTIONS PART 1

Scope of Presentation
Objectives of Structural Fire Precautions Needs for Compartmentation Clarification of Clauses Conclusion

Objectives of Structural Fire Precautions

(a) To prevent the spread of fire between adjoining buildings by adequate separation;

(b) To prevent the untimely collapse of building, including walls and floors of each unit in the event of a fire. (c) To prevent spread of fire from one unit to another within the building envelope by compartmentalising each unit with walls, floors and doors having the requisite fire resistance rating.

Compartmentation
Limits the size of the fire. Goal of compartmentation is confining a fire and minimizing risk of loss of occupants by segregating a space to control the spread the fire. Most common failure of compartmentation?
Leaving a door open.

Smoke Management

Compartmentation Structure

Response Protection Escape

Compartmentation
TABLE 3.2A SIZE LIMITATION OF BUILDING AND COMPARTMENT (1) (2) (3) Maximum Maximum Compartments Floor Area Cubical Extent Compartment below ground level. No compartment to comprise more than one storey. Compartments between average ground level and a height of 24m. No compartment to comprise more than 3 storeys. Compartments above a height of 24m from average ground level. No compartment to comprise more than one storey. 2000m 7500m

4000m

15000m

2000m

7500m

Note: Except Purpose Group I

Compartmentation by: -Area/Cubical Extent (Clause 3.2.1) - Height (Clause 3.2.4) -Residential II (Clause 3.2.5(a)) -Purpose Group (Clause 3.2.5(b)) -Basement Clause 3.2.5(c)) -Others (FCC, kitchen etc)

Compartmentation

Compartmentation by:
-Area/Cubical Extent (Clause 3.2.1)

- Height (Clause 3.2.4)

-Residential II (Clause 3.2.5(a)) -Purpose Group (Clause 3.2.5(b)) -Basement Clause 3.2.5(c)) -Others (FCC, kitchen etc)

Compartmentation

Compartmentation by:
-Area/Cubical Extent (Clause 3.2.1)

- Height (Clause 3.2.4) -Residential II (Clause 3.2.5(a)) -Purpose Group (Clause 3.2.5(b)) -Basement Clause 3.2.5(c)) -Others (FCC, kitchen etc)

Clause 3.2.3

Where however, the Relevant Authority is satisfied that additional floor area and cubical extent are necessary for any such building or compartment or part thereof, as aforesaid, he may consent to such additional floor area and cubical extent, provided : (a) Such building or compartment thereof is fitted throughout with an automatic sprinkler system which complies with the requirements in Chapter 6, (b) There is proper accessibility of site to fire fighting appliances, in compliance with the requirements in Chapter 4, (c) All other measures have been or will be taken and maintained for lessening so far as is reasonably practicable, any danger from fire. Such consent shall continue in force only while such building or compartment is used for the purposes in respect of which such consent was given.
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To avoid providing fire compartmentation in building to comply with the cubical extent and floor area control under Table 3.2A, automatic sprinkler system would be proposed as an alternative. Where automatic sprinkler system is to be provided to a building, compliance with Table 3.2A on max. 3 storeys per compartment is still required, unless atrium design is proposed subject to obtaining SCDF (FSSD)s prior approval before submission of building plan.
Source : Handbook 2002 Volume 5

10

Acceptable
Mixed Development Mixed Development

Compartment of 3 storeys /atrium design (with sprinkler protection)

Not Acceptable
Mixed Development Mixed Development

Compartment more with more than single storeys (with sprinkler protection)

3.2.2 (b) Where two buildings are connected by external open-sided covered way or covered link-bridge, the buildings are considered as separate buildings, if the following conditions are complied with: (i) Within the covered way or link-bridge there is no commercial activities or other usage that would pose a fire risk; (ii) The width of the covered way or covered link-bridge shall not exceed 5m measured from eave to eave.

Building A Building A Building B Ground Level

Linkage

Building B

Linkage

Section View

Plan View

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3.2.2 (b) Where two buildings are connected by external open-sided covered way or covered link-bridge, the buildings are considered as separate buildings, if the following conditions are complied with: (i) Within the covered way or link-bridge there is no commercial activities or other usage that would pose a fire risk; (ii) The width of the covered way or covered link-bridge shall not exceed 5m measured from eave to eave. Air-Well Size should
be Minimum 93 sqm and 6m Apart

Building A Building A Building B Ground Level

Linkage

Building B

Linkage

Section View

Plan View

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3.2.2 (b) Where two buildings are connected by external open-sided covered way or covered link-bridge, the buildings are considered as separate buildings, if the following conditions are complied with: (i) Within the covered way or link-bridge there is no commercial activities or other usage that would pose a fire risk; (ii) The width of the covered way or covered link-bridge shall not exceed 5m measured from eave to eave.
Minimum Air-Well Size should be based on Table 1.2.29 (min. 10 by 10m)

Building A Building A Building B Ground Level

Linkage

Building B

Linkage

Staircase ventilation thru air-well Plan View

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Section View

FIRE SEPARATION OF PRUPOSE GROUPS

Clause 3.2.5 (b)

Table 1.2 B Designation of Purpose Group

1

Mixed Development

Note: Currently the Fire Code Review Committee is reviewing the usage in commercial Development

FIRE SEPARATION OF PRUPOSE GROUPS

Clause 3.2.5 (b)

Table 1.2 B Designation of Purpose Group

1

Mixed Development 2 Rooms or spaces for ancillary usage located within a building or compartment of Purpose Group III, IV, V, Vi, VII and VIII as stipulated under cl.1.2.2(B).
Refer to 1.2.2(B) (a) The ancillary office, sick room/first aid room, reception lobby/area, waiting area, staff lounge/staff recreation room, staff rest room/pantry, staff changing/locker room, etc.

FIRE SEPARATION OF PRUPOSE GROUPS

Clause 3.2.5 (b)

Table 1.2 B Designation of Purpose Group

1

Mixed Development 2

Rooms or spaces for ancillary usage located within a building or compartment of Purpose Group III, IV, V, Vi, VII and VIII as stipulated under cl.1.2.2(B).
Ancillary offices located within a building or compartment of Purpose Group III, V, VI, VII and VIII.

FIRE SEPARATION OF PRUPOSE GROUPS

Clause 3.2.5 (b)

Table 1.2 B Designation of Purpose Group

1

Mixed Development 2

4 For building types not included in the above tables, occupancy load calculation shall be based on the figures established for buildings within the same purpose group, or as otherwise determined by the Relevant Authority.

Rooms or spaces for ancillary usage located within a building or compartment of Purpose Group III, IV, V, Vi, VII and VIII as stipulated under cl.1.2.2(B).
Ancillary offices located within a building or compartment of Purpose Group III, V, VI, VII and VIII.

Under Clause 3.2.5 (d), can you install multi tiers car park system in basement car park?

Clause 3.2.5 (d) - In any compartment below pavement level, no

compartment shall comprise more than one storey, except in the case of purpose groups IV, V and VII as permitted under sub-clause (c) (ii) and in the case of basement used solely for car parking. No part of a basement storey shall be used for the bulk storage of highly inflammable liquids or substances of an explosive nature.

Answer is NO

To comply with Clause 1.1.7 Fully Automated Mechanised Car Park (FAMCP)

Kitchen

Clause 3.2.5 (f) Kitchen Separation

Notwithstanding all the above, the compartment where open flame cooking activities is carried out shall not comprise more than one storey.

Fire Alarm Activation

Smoke curtain

Kitchen

Clause 3.2.5 (f) Kitchen Separation Notwithstanding all the above, the compartment where open flame cooking activities is carried out shall not comprise more than one storey.

Dormitory
Clause 3.2.5(j) (iii) Kitchen shall be enclosed with minimum 1-hour fire rated compartment wall, including -hour fire rated door. Kitchen can be located within each floor, but shall not be within the dormitory bedroom.
Dormitory

External Corridor corridor to comply with cl.2.9.3 and cl.2.9.4

No Fire Door Needed

3.2.5 (o) Areas of Special Hazard

(ii) Rooms housing transformer containing flammable liquid and generator rooms shall be located against an external wall.

external wall
Transformer Transformer room
-Transformers that is dry type no need to face external wall

-Oil cooled type are to be located against an external wall above ground level to allow for external ventilation and explosion relief.

3.2.5 (o) Areas of Special Hazard

(ii) Rooms housing transformer containing flammable liquid and generator rooms shall be located against an external wall.

external wall

Transformer

Transformer room
Opening of the external walls can be based on at least 10% of the floor area for natural ventilation of the transformer room

Transformer can be located in basement but ventilation openings to directly open to sky

Transformer

Conclusion
Compartmentation is essential part of Structural Fire Precautions

Part 2 - To prevent the spread of fire between adjoining buildings by adequate separation