Bellert, Daniel (2023) Testing non-metallic ember proof screens for dwellings within bushfire attack regions. [USQ Project]
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Abstract
Bushfire embers, as created by the burning plant litter can be swept high into the air and travel many kilometers whilst remaining alight, potentially igniting flammable materials wherever they land. Certain regions of built up areas are considered at risk of ember attack and must have protection against the floating embers built in. After prolific and devastating Australian bushfires in 2009, AS3959 was created which mandates dwellings within these bushfire prone areas must have metallic screens fitted over windows. The regions have been allocated by the potential radiation levels they might endure during a bushfire. As materials science advances it allows for implementation of better performing and more versatile screen materials. The main aim of this research and testing is to ascertain the suitability of non-metallic, flexible, polymer based materials which can be implemented as screens against ember attack, allowing more cost effective, flexible, and widespread installation of ember screens in dwellings.
In previous testing predominantly conducted in Japan and USA, the main focus of the testing has been on steel and aluminium screens with little attention paid to other options. While metallic screens may be the most obvious solution to stopping ember attack, they have limitations. Metallic screens can be expensive to manufacture and install and they have limited installation options due to their rigid form. New options have emerged in the form of a fire-proof foam and many types of fireproofing sprays, designed for application to synthetic materials.
Testing was conducted using the Ember Shower Simulator (ESS). The ESS was be used to simulate high wind speed conditions of a real bushfire by propelling burning embers at the test materials. The testing was recorded using high frame rate video recording for later analysis. Testing materials are a) Fire-proof foam, b) Shade cloth with fire-proofing spray applied, c) PVC Canvas exterior roller blind material with fire-proofing spray applied.
The testing, conducted over several sessions, has shown the high performance of the fire-proof foam, along with mixed results for the support materials. While the results from the testing are encouraging, they don’t allow for any direct application of the tested materials into the fire-proofing market, Rather, the results from this testing open the materials to more rigorous and extensive future testing.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Engineering (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Sharifian-Barforoush, Ahmad |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering |
| Date Deposited: | 23 Sep 2025 01:35 |
| Last Modified: | 23 Sep 2025 01:37 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | bushfire; AS3959 |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52930 |
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