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254. Principles for the fire performance of external wall systemsAndrea Lucherini, Rauan Adikey, Grunde Jomaas, Jose L. Torero, 2025, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: Recent high-profile fires involving combustible façades have exposed significant gaps in both the understanding and regulation of external wall systems. Modern façade designs frequently employ polymers as insulation and/or laminated composite materials that, while improving energy efficiency, can inadvertently create pathways for vertical fire spread. Thus, there is a need to establish fundamental principles for evaluating the fire spread performance of these systems. Drawing on notable incidents, it is shown how uncontrolled flame spread can defeat compartmentation strategies, compromise occupant egress, and overwhelm firefighting efforts. Extending on previous studies, a performance-based approach to fire spread is proposed, examining four levels of relevance: material properties, product characteristics, assembly configuration, and overall building context. Key factors include combustibility, ventilation effects, and real-world variables (e.g., building characteristics). Case studies of testing methods illustrate both utility and limitations in capturing metrics relevant to façade design. Ultimately, it is advocated that there is an urgent need for rigorous, tailored assessment protocols supported by professional competence, thereby ensuring that complex external wall systems can be designed and managed to balance fire safety with sustainability and safety objectives.
Keywords: fire safety, facades, external wall systems, fire spread
Published in DiRROS: 28.11.2025; Views: 72; Downloads: 39
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257. INFRACOMS appraisal toolkit for NRAs to assess emerging technologies in bridge and pavement managementKevin McPherson, Mogens Saberi, Fengqiao Zhang, Anna Arvidsson, Simon Fjendbo, Darko Kokot, Carl van Geem, Ali Yeganeh, 2025, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: National Road Authorities (NRAs) draw on a wide range of technologies and tools to support robust decisions on asset maintenance. However, in recent years there has been significant progress in the development of sensing technologies for data collection and advanced techniques for data processing. These technologies present an opportunity to improve asset management decisions, but also present a challenge for NRAs, as they seek to realise the benefits. This contribution presents the appraisal methodology for emerging technologies proposed by the INFRACOMS project commissioned by the Conference of European Directors of Roads (CEDR). The methodology provides objective appraisals since technologies are scrutinised against proposed subsequent criteria. Cost factors, potential benefit categories and limitations are identified. Technologies are ranked by key imperatives and scored. Technologies with a good score are evaluated more thoroughly, which may need specialist input and discussions with the technology supplier. It results in a technical score, a benefit/cost assessment and identified steps in a roadmap toward implementation. The NRAs can share their individual appraisals in a database. The second part of the project develops an action plan to guide NRAs in adapting and implementing promising emerging technologies and training sessions on the use of the developed appraisal toolkit.
Keywords: monitoring data, digitalisation, sustainability, sustainability, asset condition data, new technologies
Published in DiRROS: 28.11.2025; Views: 68; Downloads: 42
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