Abstract
A series of experiments were conducted to examine ignition of mulch beds to continuous, wind-driven firebrand showers. Shredded hardwood mulch, fitted in beds 1.2 m by 1.2 m with a thickness of 51 mm, was attached to a non-combustible reentrant corner assembly. The mulch/reentrant corner assembly was then exposed to continuous, wind-driven firebrand bombardment generated by the NIST full-scale Continuous Feed Firebrand Generator installed in the Fire Research Wind Tunnel Facility at the Building Research Institute in Japan. These experiments have determined ignition behavior of mulch beds installed in realistic building configurations under wind-driven firebrand showers. Experiments were performed by varying the wind speed and moisture content (MC) of the mulch beds. It was observed that continuous application of small wind-driven firebrands, with sizes similar to those observed in actual wildland–urban interface fires in California and Texas, resulted in flaming ignition of mulch beds held at MC up to 83% under wind speeds of 8 m/s. The accumulation of firebrands was a key factor to produce ignition.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
