Menu
25/02/2010
University 'Goes To Blazes' In Design Test
Construction professionals from across the world will watch how steel beams used in modern office buildings react in a burning inferno, in the first fire test of its kind, staged by the University of Ulster this week.
Experts from the Institute of Fire Safety Engineering Research Technology (FireSERT) have organised the experiment in a special compartment at a fire glass manufacturer near Castledawson, Co Derry on Saturday.
FireSERT's Professor Ali Nadjai said: "This is the first realistic fire test to be carried out on cellular steel beams anywhere in the world."
The test is part of an ongoing €1.6 million project supported by the European Research Fund for Coal and Steel.
"The growing popularity of the use of cellular steel beams in composite floors comes at the same time as an increasing attention to the fire safety engineering design," said Professor Nadjai.
"Their design regarding fire protection remains very primitive and this is due to the lack of general research in this area. These beams have been tested before in furnaces but never in a real life situation where there are windows and other factors that can affect a fire."
He continued: "We have secured them in a large 15m x 9m compartment, which is very similar to part of an office building, so that we can gauge accurately what would happen in a real fire.
"The aim of this test is to find the best fire protection for cellular beams. Findings from this experiment could help develop uniform European design rules for protected and unprotected beams when subjected to fire."
Around 150 delegates are expected to attend the live test on Saturday and a two-day conference at the University's Jordanstown campus.
(NS/BMcC)
Experts from the Institute of Fire Safety Engineering Research Technology (FireSERT) have organised the experiment in a special compartment at a fire glass manufacturer near Castledawson, Co Derry on Saturday.
FireSERT's Professor Ali Nadjai said: "This is the first realistic fire test to be carried out on cellular steel beams anywhere in the world."
The test is part of an ongoing €1.6 million project supported by the European Research Fund for Coal and Steel.
"The growing popularity of the use of cellular steel beams in composite floors comes at the same time as an increasing attention to the fire safety engineering design," said Professor Nadjai.
"Their design regarding fire protection remains very primitive and this is due to the lack of general research in this area. These beams have been tested before in furnaces but never in a real life situation where there are windows and other factors that can affect a fire."
He continued: "We have secured them in a large 15m x 9m compartment, which is very similar to part of an office building, so that we can gauge accurately what would happen in a real fire.
"The aim of this test is to find the best fire protection for cellular beams. Findings from this experiment could help develop uniform European design rules for protected and unprotected beams when subjected to fire."
Around 150 delegates are expected to attend the live test on Saturday and a two-day conference at the University's Jordanstown campus.
(NS/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 July 2001
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
16 September 2002
Larne test centre receives top quality award
Management and staff of the Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency’s Larne Test Centre have received a top award in recognition of their achievements from Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt today.
Larne test centre receives top quality award
Management and staff of the Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency’s Larne Test Centre have received a top award in recognition of their achievements from Environment Minister Dermot Nesbitt today.
12 June 2013
Community Service For Killyleagh Builder Fraud
A Killyleagh builder has been given 240 hours community service for theft and fraud, after falsely taking money from clients to purchase building materials worth almost £7,000. Mr James Gordon of Grove Gardens, Killyleagh, Co. Down, was convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ Court in connection with loft conversions he agreed to carry out.
Community Service For Killyleagh Builder Fraud
A Killyleagh builder has been given 240 hours community service for theft and fraud, after falsely taking money from clients to purchase building materials worth almost £7,000. Mr James Gordon of Grove Gardens, Killyleagh, Co. Down, was convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ Court in connection with loft conversions he agreed to carry out.
17 September 2014
Community Fire Station Opens In Omagh
Public Safety Minister Edwin Poots has opened a new £4.4m Community Fire Station in Omagh, County Tyrone. The new Community Fire Station & District Headquarters on the Killybrack Road includes onsite facilities for firefighter training and transport and engineering workshops.
Community Fire Station Opens In Omagh
Public Safety Minister Edwin Poots has opened a new £4.4m Community Fire Station in Omagh, County Tyrone. The new Community Fire Station & District Headquarters on the Killybrack Road includes onsite facilities for firefighter training and transport and engineering workshops.
02 April 2012
NI's Chief Fire Officer Announces His Retirement
The Chief Fire Officer for Northern Ireland, Peter Craig, has announced that he is to retire after over 35 years of distinguished Service. Peter Craig is one of the longest serving officers in Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and was appointed as Chief Fire Officer in February 2011, having been the acting Chief from July 2010.
NI's Chief Fire Officer Announces His Retirement
The Chief Fire Officer for Northern Ireland, Peter Craig, has announced that he is to retire after over 35 years of distinguished Service. Peter Craig is one of the longest serving officers in Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and was appointed as Chief Fire Officer in February 2011, having been the acting Chief from July 2010.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
