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WHEN IT comes to the design and construction of buildings, there is often something of a tension between the materials and methods of construction used and the fire safety needs of the building – and this comes across in many of the articles in this edition.
In the fast-moving construction sector, there is a growing trend to use new technology and more innovative materials and processes which bring benefits in terms of speed and cost of construction and perhaps even flexibility in design. Witness, for example, the growing use of modern methods of construction (MMC), innovative deployments of steel elements in buildings, or the glazing that features in many modern designs – all of which are examined this month.
A common theme that emerges is that, while innovation in design and build is good and necessary, it should move forward in a measured way and be balanced with a sense of caution – particularly as there are clearly still gaps in our understanding of how building materials and structures behave in fire. In short, we should be walking not running when it comes to the use of non-traditional construction methods and materials.
Specific issues are raised about the increasing use of MMC – which can include pre-manufactured building modules and structural insulated panels – not only in residential buildings but also now in commercial projects.
It may be becoming more attractive to the construction industry, but insurers are expressing concerns over the lack of data on MMC and also the lack of knowledge about its expected performance in fire. With work and standards on these innovative systems and components still in its infancy, there are fears that the level of property protection may be significantly reduced.
Other potential problems between construction materials and fire safety are explored elsewhere in this edition, be it with the increasing use of steel beams with different sized and shaped apertures – and the limited fire test data on these new beams – or the need for the proper use of fire-resistant glazed systems.
While innovations in construction, and in fire safety design for that matter, should clearly be welcomed and encouraged, we must ensure that it is balanced against our knowledge and understanding of materials, structures, methods and risks, and how fire affects them. Trial and error is simply unacceptable where fire safety is concerned.
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