Course syllabus
Brandskyddssystem
Fire Protection Systems
VBRN60, 15 credits, A (Second Cycle)
Valid for: 2020/21
Decided by: PLED BI/RH
Date of Decision: 2020-03-16
General Information
Compulsory for: BI3
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish
Aim
The objective of the course is to provide the students with
knowledge about fire protection systems, including systems for fire
ventilation. By combining and applying knowledge gained from
previous courses, the student is provided with insight into how
this knowledge can be applied and utilised to analyse, evaluate,
and design active systems.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must
- be able to describe the assembly of fire detectors and
detection systems, and explain how they work.
- be able to describe the most common types of extinguishing
media (gas-based, water, and powder), and explain their
extinguishing effect with respect to various types of fires.
- be able to describe the most common types of extinguishing
systems (sprinkler, water-mist, explosion suppression systems,
gas-based extinguishing systems, fire fighting foam systems and
powder-based systems) and explain their function.
- be able to describe active systems for smoke control and to
explain their function.
- be able to describe fire resistance classes for components and
test methods for these.
- be able to describe how common building materials behave at
high temperatures.
- be able to explain how supporting structures can be protected
in case of fire.
- be able to explain the principles and design of a ventilation
system.
- be able to explain the principles of how fire gases spread
through a ventilation system.
Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must
- be able to deside which extinguishing medium is suitable for
use on different types of fires (fuel, mixture conditions, and
magnitude).
- be able to determine the effect of the extinguishing medium on
people, property, and the environment.
- be able to determine how combustion gases may be handled using
vents, screens, ventilation systems, and pressure adjustments.
- be able to assess existing sprinkler systems and to design a
simple sprinkler system.
- be able to estimate the activation time of sprinklers and fire
detectors for various fire types by applying computational and
computer models.
- be able to design the appropriate fire compartmentation of an
uncomplicated building.
- be able to analyze how a simple bearing construction detail
behave during a fire.
- be able to apply methods for calculating spread of fire and
smoke.
- be able to apply computational methods for smoke spread via
ventilation systems and pressurization of buildings, specifically
stairwells.
Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must
- demonstrate the capability to assess fire protection systems,
including systems for fire ventilation with regard to the relevant
technical, economical, and environment-related aspects.
- be able to assess engineering solutions with regard to the
scientific, community-related, and ethical aspects involved.
- demonstrate the capability to identify need for further
knowledge and continuously develop the competence.
Contents
The course includes lectures, which are combined with laboratory
sessions and exercises. The lectures deal with fire protection
systems, including systems for fire ventilation. The course section
is concluded with a written examination which takes place at the
beginning of the second term. To the computer lab in PFS, there is
a preparatory task that shall be completed to be allowed to perform
the computer lab.
Examination details
Grading scale: TH - (U,3,4,5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment: Successful completion is based on the written examination, laboratory work, and assignments. The laboratory session is only conducted once a year.
The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.
Parts
Code: 0117. Name: Written Examination.
Credits: 7,5. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Written examination. The grade from the written exam gives the grade for the whole course. Contents: This part of the course includes lectures, which are combined with exercises. The lectures deal with fire protection systems and systems for fire ventilation. The course section is concluded with a written examination.
Code: 0217. Name: Practical Exercises.
Credits: 7,5. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Compulsory laboratory exercises and approved laboratory reports and approved home assignments. Contents: Laboratory exercises and home assignments. Further information: The laoratory session is only conducted once a year.
Admission
Admission requirements:
- VBR022 Fire Chemistry and Explosions or VBRF20 Fire Chemistry and Heat Transfer
Assumed prior knowledge: VBRF10 Fire Dynamics.
The number of participants is limited to: No
The course overlaps following course/s: VBR082, VBR054
Reading list
- Nilsson, D. & Holmstedt, G.: Kompendium i Aktiva system - Detektion, Report 7030. Brandteknik LTH, 2007.
- Särdqvist, S.: Vatten och andra släckmedel. SRV, 2002, ISBN: 91-7253-145-2.
- Marcus Runefors: Kompendium i Aktiva system – Sprinkler , Report 3193. Department of Fire Safety Engineering, 2015.
- Kompletterande stenciler.
- Passiva system - föreläsningsanteckningar.
Contact and other information
Examinator: Patrick van Hees, patrick.van_hees@brand.lth.se
Further information: Group assignments require active participation. Each group member must individually be able to account for the content of the assignment. If a group member does not fulfill the demands of the group or ignores hers/his commitment, she/he can be reassigned to another group or get a fail result.
Some lectures may be given in English.