Survey Results of Combustible Contents and Floor Areas in Canadian Multi-Family Dwellings

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a survey of floor areas and combustible contents in multi-family dwellings such as semi-detached houses, town houses and low-rise apartments. The survey was primarily based on measurements and photographic information obtained from real-estate websites. This is a novel method, which reduces the effort required to conduct fire load surveys in residential buildings. In addition to quantifying combustible contents, an important objective of the survey was to determine the similarities in combustible contents and configurations of these dwellings, which could be used in designing fire experiments. The survey provided an insight into the types and quantity of combustible contents found in the dwellings, as well as the types of floor configurations and other information that are pertinent to fire issues. Typical furnishings that constituted a significant portion of the movable fire load were identified and possible values of fire load densities were calculated for rooms such as: kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms. The average fire load densities in various rooms were estimated to be: kitchens—807 MJ/m2; dining rooms—393 MJ/m2; living rooms—412 MJ/m2; basement living rooms—288 MJ/m2; primary bedrooms—534 MJ/m2; and, secondary bedrooms—594 MJ/m2. Although kitchens had the highest fire load densities the actual fire load (heat content) was found to be lower than bedrooms, which have a higher fire load due to the presence of mattresses, clothing and carpeting.