Fire-resistant Characteristics of Traditional Buildings in Urban Historic Districts

Abstract

The fire-resistant quality of brick walls of the buildings in historic districts was investigated in this study. A review of the available literature, data application by simulation of fire dynamics, and experiments involving three types of brick walls with reference to the ISO834 temperature-time curve were utilized to ascertain the possibility of a fire spreading through the brick walls of historic buildings having vulnerable construction. The results demonstrated that smoke and combustion due to the heat penetrated through the clefts on the damaged exposed side of the brick walls or due to the inefficacy and cracks in the fireproofing material used. To prevent the decline of antique historic or old buildings, it is necessary to consider the reinforcement of the fire-resistant characteristics of their walls. Besides, concerted efforts need to be put in to educate the residents regarding fire safety along with a comprehensive fire safety management planning strategy for historic districts.