A relational concept of fire : an innovative strategy for fire safety design.

Abstract

The authors believe that there is a misguided concept regarding high risk fire in many countries. The classic concept of fire is that it is uncontrolled combustion. A new relational concept of fire is proposed herein, where fire is defined as the result of an interactive process between the fire, the building and the occupants. In addition, two design principles are proposed: the initial ignition is fully probabilistic, and the three elements of a fire may be fully designed. The authors discuss the role of design and the genetics of building safety. Conclusions point out that there has been a bad concept of fire during decades of prescriptive design practice. Authors emphasize that this relational concept of fire is a basis for an innovative design for fire safety.