A discussion on enhancing water fire fighting systems for tall buildings with an anti-terrorism perspective

Abstract

This paper affirms the prime importance of automatic sprinklers in tall buildings and the importance of ensuring operating sprinklers/ fire hydrants/ landing valves in the farthest building corners can be provided with undisturbed water supply of sufficient flow/ pressure. In the worst scenario, all fixed fire pumps inside the building may fail to operate, and the smaller header tank at roof can run out of water. This issue has not been resolved worldwide in normal fires as well as those caused by terrorist and arsonist attack. (6) Portable pumps will be delivered to refuge floors for relaying water into building’s fire fighting systems. It is proposed to install mains for compressed air and water to supply portable/ fixed impulse fire extinguishing devices, to supplement the ordinary fire fighting systems and enable the most effective choice when water shortage becomes critical. These can greatly enhance fire safety of the tallest buildings against attacks from terrorist/ arsonist.