Research project determines to tackle ‘chimney effect’

Scientists from the University of Hertfordshire’s School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science will provide expertise in thermodynamic analysis and simulation, structural design, heat transference modelling and optimised fire safety materials and engineering within a riser shaft. Ambar Kelly, which is based in Welwyn Garden City, produces a range of fire safety products for risers in multi-story buildings.

The ‘chimney effect’ is when hot gases, fire and smoke rise rapidly through vertical shafts in a building, spreading upwards, downwards and horizontally. In high-rise buildings, lift shafts, stairwells, service risers, cladding cavities and ductwork can act like chimneys if they’re not properly sealed, maintained, compartmentalised and fire-stopped. Every multi-storey building contains at least one riser (ie a vertical shaft for essential building services).  

Fire safety engineers and expert witness for the Grenfell Tower Inquiry examined fire routes and the impact of construction material combustibility on smoke and flame spread, identifying combustible materials around columns as a key factor in rapid fire spread.

Proven expertise  

Dr Antonios Kanellopoulos, director of the Centre for Engineering Research at the University of Hertfordshire, said: “This new partnership will leverage the University of Hertfordshire’s proven expertise in structural engineering, construction materials science and thermofluids for commercial problem-solving. The aim is to provide a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach in order to deliver a product which will provide a step change in terms of managing fire hazards within riser shafts.  

Dr Kanellopoulos added: “Long-term knowledge integration and future collaborative innovation will be at the core of the partnership as this state-of-the-art project evolves.”

In practice, Dr Kanellopoulos and his team use facilities including a high-performance computing cluster for advanced thermodynamic simulations and materials characterisation equipment and can facilitate structural testing procedures at elevated temperatures.

Poorly understood

Alex Bardett, managing director of Ambar Kelly, explained: “Currently, fire safety in riser shafts is poorly understood. The Grenfell Tower tragedy has precipitated the removal of combustible cladding from residential buildings, but riser shafts remain overlooked, despite their role in vertical fire spread.”  

Bardett continued: “This project will significantly advance fire safety in high-rise buildings by addressing critical gaps in current regulations. Ambar Kelly will gain advanced expertise in fire behaviour within riser shafts, particularly so the ‘chimney effect’, in turn positively influencing building safety standards.”  

Further, Bardett observed: “Through this approach, we will seek to focus on advanced fire simulation, materials, testing and manufacturing capabilities. We want to provide the industry with the skills, knowledge and products it needs to ensure that the conditions experienced at Grenfell Tower and elsewhere are never replicated again.”

Knowledge Transfer Partnership

The partnership between the University of Hertfordshire and Ambar Kelly is known as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). The former has already delivered more than 112 KTPs across diverse sectors (including electronics, digital health, agriculture, manufacturing and management science).  

Professor Tim Vorley OBE, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire and lead executive for research and enterprise, commented: “This partnership demonstrates how university research can help to address real-world challenges with significant public benefit. By combining our expertise in engineering, materials science and advanced modelling with Ambar Kelly’s industry knowledge, we have an opportunity to tackle what is a critical, but often overlooked aspect of building safety.”

Vorley concluded: “The ultimate measure of success will be creating safer buildings and helping to prevent the kind of fire and smoke spread that has had such devastating consequences in the past. We’re proud to be working with an innovative Hertfordshire-based business on a project with the potential to deliver meaningful impact both locally and nationally.”