Polyurethane foam fires are known to produce very high heat release rates and extremely toxic fumes. As a result, these types of fires provide some unique life, firefighter, property safety and fire suppression challenges. In this study polyurethane foam fires and their combustion processes are investigated using the Fire Dynamics Simulator. The software tool’s predictions were validated against test results from experimental burns. Comparisons between simulation and fire tests demonstrated unprecedented good correlation. This formed the foundation of this study validating the model and providing reliable insights into the nature and sequence of the various combustion events taking place. Read more
Klausbruckner & Associates is announcing the seminar “Hazardous Materials – MAQ, Control Area, H-Occupancy” for Wednesday November 12th 2014. Presented are basic fire and building code hazardous materials classifications, use of MAQs (Maximum Allowable Quantities), use of control areas in buildings, as well as separation concepts. Read more
Klausbruckner & Associates is announcing a new High-Piled Storage seminar for August 20th 2014. This seminar will provide a detailed overview of the latest fire and building code provisions associated with high-piled combustible storage. Discussed will be changes to the 2013 Edition of the California Fire Code (CFC) and potential changes to the 2016 CFC, as well as major changes to the 2013 NFPA 13 and potential changes to the 2016 NFPA 13. Read more
On January 21st 2014 California Governor Jerry Brown appointed Elley Klausbruckner, owner and principal at Klausbruckner & Associates Inc., to the California Building Standards Commission. Her appointment is to be confirmed by the Senate. Read more
During this holiday season the Klausbruckner and Associates team set out again to make a difference in the community of San Diego setting up a ‘Homeless Drive’ for the homeless donating 100 care bags, each containing a sleeping bag, blankets, scarves, warm socks, clothes, towels, food gift certificates, toys for kids and miscellaneous personal items, some of which were donated by other businesses supporting this drive. Read more
The 2013 Edition of NFPA 13 will be adopted by many states and jurisdictions in January 2014. In this article we will be focusing on major changes for this latest edition of NFPA 13 and specifically in the application and use of ESFR (Early Suppression, Fast Response) sprinkler systems. Read more
Klausbruckner & Associates is announcing a “High-Piled Storage” seminar for City of San Diego Inspectors on November 20th 2013. This seminar will provide a detailed overview of the latest fire and building code provisions for resolving fire hazards associated with high-piled combustible storage. Read more
NFPA’s Fire Protection Research Foundation has released a research report on a study of flammability of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries in bulk storage. The results of these tests will be used to define appropriate sprinkler protection in NFPA 13 for these types of products. Three types of Li-ion batteries commonly used in various consumer products were chosen for these fire tests. They were stored in rack storage configurations up to 15 ft high. Read more
How much do you know about fire sprinkler systems? If you are a business or a building owner, an architect, or a member of the construction industry, you may be interested in some of these commonly asked questions on sprinkler protection. Explore with us sprinkler terminology, application and use of various types of sprinkler heads, issues arising from change in occupancy or change in use, solutions to common problems, and some simple ‘rules of thumb’ Read more
During this holiday season the Klausbruckner and Associates team set out again to make a difference in the community of San Diego setting up a ‘Let’s do it caring bag drive’ for the homeless donating over 80 bags, each containing a sleeping bag and miscellaneous personal items, some of which were donated by other businesses supporting this drive Read more
