Novel Fire Testing Methodology: Why, how and what now?

Abstract

In response to a need for rational, quantified, and repeatable assessment of building materials subject to heating during fire, a novel fire testing methodology, named the Heat-Transfer Rate Inducing System (H-TRIS), has been developed using an innovative thermal loading technique. H-TRIS is based on the use of a mobile array of propane-fired high performance radiant heating elements, along with a computer-controlled mechanical linear motion system. The thermal loading is actively controlled by incident heat flux measurements at the test element’s exposed surface using a high precision loop feedback system. This paper presents the motivation behind the development of this unique testing methodology, the theoretical and practical procedures behind its conception and operation, and the potential value that H-TRIS may bring to the fire engineering design, research and certification communities.