Improving the fire resistance of ventilated cladding systems via air cavity replacement

<p dir="ltr">A proposal to inhibit the progression of fire through the air cavities provided in ventilated cladding systems is presented. The proposed system comprises strips of intumescent material placed around the back face of the cladding panel that expand when approached by a fire, thus sealing off a portion of the cavity. Carbon dioxide, contained in a vessel attached to the cladding panel, is then released into the cavity, thus restricting the supply of oxygen to the fire. Suitable materials for the intumescent strips, containment vessel and cladding panels are discussed, in addition to potential designs of the system. Finally, the incorporation of the system into active building management systems is also discussed along with an initial cost analysis.</p>