University to research high-rise fire safety

A university and construction firm will analyse the "chimney effect" that contributed to the rapid spread of smoke and flames during the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire.

The chimney effect is when hot gases, fire and smoke rise rapidly through vertical shafts in a building, spreading upwards, downwards and horizontally.

The University of Hertfordshire said its scientists would work with Welwyn Garden City-based Ambar Kelly on "one of the construction industry's most overlooked safety problems".

Alex Bardett, the managing director of the company, said the tragedy "led to the removal of combustible cladding, but riser shafts remain overlooked, despite their role in vertical fire spread".

A public inquiry found the fire in June 2017 that killed 72 people was avoidable.

In high-rise buildings, lift shafts, stairwells, service risers, cladding cavities and ductwork can act like chimneys if they are not properly sealed, maintained, compartmentalised and fire stopped, the university said.

Every high-rise building contains at least one riser - a vertical shaft for essential building services - the university added.

Dr Antonis Kanellopoulos, the director of the university's centre for engineering research, said the joint project aimed to "deliver a product which will provide a step-change in managing fire hazards within riser shafts".

Bardett said: "Currently, fire safety in riser shafts is poorly understood.

"The Grenfell Tower fire tragedy led to the removal of combustible cladding, but riser shafts remain overlooked, despite their role in vertical fire spread.

"This project will significantly advance fire safety in high-rise buildings by addressing critical gaps in current regulations."

He added the project hoped to "gain advanced expertise in fire behaviour within riser shafts, particularly the 'chimney effect', influencing building safety standards".

Prof Tim Vorley, the deputy vice-chancellor of the university and lead executive for its research and enterprise, said by working together "we have an opportunity to tackle a critical but often overlooked aspect of building safety".

He hoped it would create safer buildings and help to "prevent the kind of fire and smoke spread that has had such devastating consequences in the past".

Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.