Abstract
During wildfire events fire-protective gels can be used as a line of defense to protect structures. The effectiveness of freshly applied gels in delaying ignition and flame growth on structures has been well established. However, in a real-world scenario there is a period between the application of the gel and the arrival of a spot fire or the fire-front. During this period, the gels are often exposed to extreme conditions consisting of high winds and low relative humidity. The effect of these weathering conditions on the performance of fire-protective gels is still poorly understood. This study examined the dehydration and performance of fire-protective gels following a range of weathering conditions. Two commercially available gels were applied to a 100-mm by 100-mm T1-11 plywood sample and then artificially weathered in an environmental chamber, with controlled temperature, relative humidity, and wind. The remaining mass of the gels was measured at selected intervals to determine the relationship between mass loss and dehydration related to weathering. A second series of tests was conducted on weathered T1-11 samples at specific mass loss states as well as on freshly applied gels using a 50 kW/m2 heat flux exposure utilizing a cone calorimeter. Results indicated that they dehydrated to the point where, after 3 h, fire performance was no better than the uncoated wood samples and the gels could facilitate ignition. This timeline suggests that gels should only be applied by first responders and homeowners should focus on evacuation related activities.
Highlights
Wildfires pose a threat to communities located in or near wildland areas across the nation
We propose that the remaining mass beyond which the fire performance properties of the coated sample decreased below that of the uncoated sample was taken as the Critical Remaining Mass (CRM)
In this research the dehydration and fire performance characteristics of two type of gels were tested after simulated weathering: Gel A with a vegetable cooking oil mixing agent and Gel B with a petroleum-based mixing agent
Summary
Wildfires pose a threat to communities located in or near wildland areas across the nation. This threat has been increasing over the last several decades [1]. The Camp Fire in Northern California resulted in more than 80 fatalities and destroyed more than 18,000 buildings. The Camp Fire followed other recent destructive fires in California (e.g., Valley, Butte, Tubbs and Thomas) and other. Fire Technology 2021 locations in the United States and Canada (e.g., 2016 Chimney Tops 2 in Gatlinburg Tennessee and 2016 fire in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada). Home and business losses during these fires demonstrate the need for more effective building codes and mitigation strategies to reduce building ignitions during wildfires
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