Robson, Thomas (2024) Performance-based Fire Sprinkler Design for Storage Risks in Non-storage Occupancies. [USQ Project]
![[img]](https://sear.unisq.edu.au/style/images/fileicons/text.png) |
Text (Project – redacted)
ROBSON_Thomas - Final Dissertation_Redacted.pdf Download (6MB) |
Abstract
Many commercial developments in Australia are required to be fitted with an automatic fire sprinkler system meeting the requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA), which can be achieved by either one of two pathways:
Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Specific provisions outlined in the BCA, e.g. compliance to AS 2118.1 – 2017 Automatic fire sprinkler systems – General systems.
Performance Solution (PS) A performance-based solution supported by calculations, analysis, and evidence that is accepted by the authority having jurisdiction as satisfying the performance requirements set out in the BCA.
In accordance with AS 2118.1, buildings used primarily for non-storage purposes, e.g. retail and carpark buildings, are typically designed with an Ordinary Hazard class fire sprinkler system which may house limited storage quantities not exceeding 20 m² at specified heights, which can be overly restrictive for building owners and developers.
This project aimed to investigate the 20 m² floor area limitation and determine if an increase of storage area in a typical retail store or supermarket stockroom would contribute to fire spread and reduce the level of fire safety provided.
CFD modelling of a representative fire scenario was undertaken using the Fire Dynamics Simulator code and PyroSim software, which predicted a fire would be extinguished by activation of only 1 to 3 sprinklers and would be limited to within the initial 20 m² of storage. Thereby demonstrating that the proposed extension of storage area beyond 20 m² would not adversely impact the level of fire safety provided where the storage was limited to typical commodities, storage piles up to 1.2 m high, utilizing 68°C rated Quick Response fire sprinklers under a ceiling height of 9.0 m or less.
|
Statistics for this ePrint Item |
| 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: | Saleh, Khalid |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical Engineering) |
| Date Deposited: | 17 Mar 2026 22:34 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Mar 2026 22:34 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | automatic fire sprinkler system; Building Code of Australia (BCA); AS 2118.1 |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/53157 |
Actions (login required)
 |
Archive Repository Staff Only |
