CE6705: Homework 1

1.

Describe the physical and material factors that affect heat transfer by in a fire
compartment. Give examples of each mode of heat transfer in the context of fire
engineering.

2.

Figure Q2 shows a wall exposed to a fire of uniform temperature Tf on one side

and to the ambient air of uniform temperature Ta on the other side.
Assuming that the thickness of the wall is divided into three parts, write down the
three equations necessary to solve the three unknown temperatures at the centres
of the three layers.
Give the approximate expressions of heat transfer coefficients at the two
boundaries.

Fire
Tf

T1

T2

T3

Air
Ta

Figure Q2
3

List and explain the three performance criteria in a standard fire resistance test and
explain why they are necessary.

Explain
(a) how a fire may spread in a building and the measures available to tackle fire
spread.
(b) how to quantify occupant escape and the measures available to reduce
casualty.

What are the two major objectives for fire safety design of buildings? Describe
the methods which a building designer can be used to achieve these objectives.