Page 36 - UL_Report On_Part 1

27 IITGN-UL/Façade
This part of the report details the four full-scale glass façade fire tests that
were carried out at the IITGN-UL façade testing facility in the months of
December 2016 and January 2017. Tests 1 and 2 were performed on a
Part II glass+ACP façade system (test 1 utilized locally available materials whereas
DETAILS OF standard materials were used in test 2). Test 3 was performed on a
glass+MDF façade system. The first three tests simulated the external fire
spread mechanism. Test 4 was designed to study internal fire spread
FIRE TESTS mechanism.
28 IITGN-UL/Façade
(i) Test 1: Local glass + ACP
To study the performance of façade system of toughened glass and ACP,
the whole assembly was mounted over the full height of the test facility
through aluminium cladding framework. Toughened glass of 1200 x
400 mm size and 6mm thickness were used. 4mm thick ACP sheets were
used. 60% Glass and 40% ACP is used in comprising the whole assembly.
The aluminium cladding framework was made of rectangular tube of
size 64mm x 58 mm. Glass and ACP sheets were fixed with aluminium
frame through silicon structural glazing sealant (Dow Corning brand)
and through 6mm pressure tape. (Kotadiya Brand).
(a) Instrumentation:
The test compartment at all three levels was instrumented with K-type
thermocouples (TC), and video and thermal imaging cameras. Range of
temperature measurement for K type thermocouples used is 0 to 1200°C
with an accuracy of higher of 2.2°C or 0.75% of the measurement. In
order to measure temperature profile across the height of the
compartment, thermocouples in form of tree were placed within the
compartment. Each thermocouple tree comprised of four
thermocouples placed at an interval of 0.75 m from floor level.
Thermal imaging of the façade and ACP system was carried out with
two thermography cameras FLIR T360 and FLIR E50. Object temperature
range for FLIR E50 is 0°C to 650°C with an accuracy of± 2°C or ± 2 % of
reading whichever is higher, whereas for FLIR T360 temperature range is
0°C to 350°C optional up to 1200°C with an accuracy of ± 2°C or ± 2 % of
reading. Measurement analysis is in the form of three boxes for each floor
level showing maximum, minimum and average temperature of the exposed
surface.
Detailed specifications of the cameras can be accessed through links FLIR
T360 (http://katedry.fmmi.vsb.cz/UMRTP/photo/T360-datasheet.pdf) and
FLIR E 50
(http://www.noleggiotermocamere.it/Download/FLIR_e50_dataSheet.pdf).
Video cameras were installed at each floor level in all the compartments. 2
Megapixel (1600 x 1200) high resolution cameras were fixed in the test
compartments at all three levels for real time video recording of the events.
Operating conditions for these cameras is about -10°C to 60°C.
Continuous variation of temperature with time was monitored through
National Instruments Data acquisition system (DAQ) which was controlled
remotely through a desktop computer. All the data was recorded directly
onto the computer’s hard disk drive using the Lab View software. Data
acquisition system with multiple channel input was placed at first floor level
of the compartment 2 which was not exposed to fire during the test.
Thermocouples of different wire lengths from all floor levels were extended
to the location of Data acquisition system at first floor level. Thermocouple
cables were running beneath the slab and through walls to prevent direct
exposure to fire. Exposed cable lengths were painted with fire proof paint.