Design approaches to smoke control
Design approaches to smoke control
Smoke control methods provide a mechanical means of directing smoke movement in an enclosed space. The application of one or more methods to a building provides a building smoke control system. Design approaches to smoke control include the no smoke, tenability, and dedicated system approaches.
No-smoke approach
The
While the objective is to eliminate all smoke, some smoke occurs in protected spaces. By molecular diffusion, minute quantities of smoke travel against pressurization and airflow. These very low concentrations of airborne combustion products are detected by their odor. These and higher levels of diffused contaminants may not result in
Tenability approach
The tenability approach provides a smoke control system that allows smoke to come into contact with occupants. However, in this approach, the smoke control system dilutes the
•Exposure to toxic gases
•Exposure to heat
•Visibility
Dedicated system approach
The dedicated system approach, such as stairwell and elevator smoke control, provides a system that has the sole purpose of managing smoke. It does not function during normal building comfort control.
The advantages of the dedicated system approach include:
•The interface is simple, since there are few components to bypass.
•Modification of controls after installation is unlikely.
•Easy operation and control.
•Limited reliance on other building systems.
The disadvantages of the dedicated system approach include:
•Component failures may go undiscovered since they do not affect normal building comfort control.
•Building systems may require more physical space.
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