Evaluating the fire-reaction properties of building materials used in informal settlements in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

In Bangladesh, the alarming rise of fire incidents in informal settlements is becoming a growing concern for the government and citizens. Informal settlements, also known as slums, ghettos, etc., are unplanned developments often not in compliance with planning and building regulations, overcrowded, lacking basic infrastructure, and constructed of flammable materials highly vulnerable to fire outbreaks are unplanned areas illegally where housing is not in compliance with planning and building regulations. Overcrowded and lack basic infrastructure and are highly vulnerable to fire outbreaks. The lack of proper firefighting equipment and inadequate access to clean water make it difficult to control the spread of fire in these areas, further exacerbating the situation. Consequently, hundreds of families are losing their homes and livelihoods, and many lives are being lost in devastating fires. A comprehensive numerical analysis for understanding the fire-reaction properties of construction materials used in informal settlements and Cone Calorimeter simulation according to ASTM E1354: Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products were conducted. An Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter was used to characterize the fire-reaction properties of construction materials under varying heat flux values. Additionally, an advanced numerical model based on the finite volume method was developed using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) and PyroSim. Wood, polyurethane foam, and cardboard were chosen for rapid fire development. Simulation results have been compared against analytical and experimental data with reasonable accuracy. This paper extends the understanding of the behavior of construction materials that are directly responsible for rapid-fire growth.