Shake Table Testing of a Full-Scale Five-Story Building: Post-Earthquake Fire Performance

Following the series of shake tests on the full-scale, five-story BNCS building, a set of six live burn tests was conducted on the third floor. The fires ranged in size from about 500kw to 2000kW, depending on compartment configuration, fuel and ventilation controls. Fire duration was limited to less than 15 minutes to avoid structural damage. The focus of the fire tests was to assess the potential for smoke and fire spread given seismic damage to such systems as wall and ceiling systems, doors, window openings, vertical shafts, firestop material and fire sprinkler systems. Tests were conducted with the sprinkler system off. Testing revealed the propensity for horizontal and vertical fire and smoke spread given damage to interior compartment barriers, the elevator system and the external balloon framing system. Data on the fires, temperature profiles, smoke and fire spread will be presented.