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Contents of high rise buildings have a heat release rate that allows the fire to double in size how often?

User Maxpill
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Final answer:

The rate at which fires double in size in a high-rise building is highly variable and depends on various factors. Engineering specifically fire engineering, studies these dynamics to ensure appropriate fire safety measures. The student's question does not have a singular answer due to the complexity of fire behavior.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question about how often the contents of high-rise buildings double in size due to heat release rates is rooted in the study of fire dynamics and safety, which falls within the field of engineering, particularly fire engineering. However, the student's question does not provide specific enough information to accurately determine the doubling rate of a fire's size, as this can vary widely depending on many factors such as the materials involved, the geometry of the space, and available oxygen.

Fires can grow exponentially under the right conditions, but the rate at which they double in size, known as the 'doubling time', is highly variable. It's important to note that fires in high-rise buildings can be particularly dangerous and complex due to factors like air infiltration, which can supply a fire with more oxygen, thus potentially increasing the heat release rate (HRR).

Newly constructed homes, for comparison, are designed to manage air exchange more efficiently through means like weather stripping, caulking, and improved window seals, whereas in a fire scenario, such mechanisms may influence the fire's growth differently. Fires in enclosed spaces, such as high-rise buildings, need to be studied with precision to ensure fire safety measures are appropriately implemented.

User Heikura
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6 votes

Final answer:

The rate at which a fire in high rise buildings doubles in size depends on various factors such as the heat release rate, ventilation, and the size and construction of the building. It is important to note that high rise buildings typically have fire safety measures in place to slow down or contain the spread of fire.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rate at which a fire in high rise buildings doubles in size depends on various factors such as the heat release rate, ventilation, and the size and construction of the building. There is no specific time interval for the fire to double in size as it can vary based on these factors. However, it is important to note that high rise buildings typically have fire safety measures in place, such as fire-resistant materials, compartmentalization, and sprinkler systems, which are designed to slow down or contain the spread of fire.

As per National Building Code, high-rise buildings should have Smoke Detectors, Sprinklers, First Aid Fire Fighting system, PA system, Adequate water supply, Fire pumps, Fire escape routes, Fireman Lift, Service shaft enclosures, compact mentation, approved electrical system, refuse area etc.

User Purnendu Roy
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