A series of small and large-scale tests were performed to measure the radiant transmission of energy and the window breakage characteristics of seven different multi-plane glazing samples. The samples tested included both double and triple-pane glazing specimens with a laminate interlayer between panes for additional strength. These test series were designed to provide the information necessary to assess the hazard from radiant energy to building occupants and contents due to a large fire in close proximity to a structure with a large amount of exterior windows. For incident heat fluxes 30 kW/m 2 or lower, the triple-pane glazing samples had a total transmittance less than 10% of the incident heat flux, back-side surface temperatures did not exceed 100 • C, and the back-side heat flux did not exceed 4 kW/m 2 . For double-pane laminates, the total transmittance was less than 25% of the incident heat flux, the back-side temperature did not exceed 220 • C, and the back-side heat flux did not exceed 5 kW/m 2 . For incident heat fluxes greater than 30 kW/m 2 , the glazing samples degraded very quickly, generally buckling and losing integrity. The time for the first pane to crack decreased with increasing incident flux level. A number of tests included a water deluge system, which served to maintain sample integrity for extended exposures. In these cases, the total transmittance was less than 6% of the incident heat flux, back-side surface temperatures did not exceed 45 • C, and the back-side heat flux did not exceed 1 kW/m 2 .

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This is a study into the ability of the Fire Dynamics Simulator -Version 1.0 (FDS 1.0) to predict smoke detector activation. FDS is a field computer model that has shown promise in the modeling of fire phenomena. Two methods were used to create a first order approximation of the ability of FDS to predict smoke detector activation. First, the fluid transport model of smoke within FDS was tested and compared with full scale UL217 test data. Second, a series of full-scale multicompartment fire tests were conducted to provide a data set to further validate the results obtained from FDS. It was determined that FDS can predict smoke detector activation when used in conjunction with smoke detector lag correlations that correct for the time delay associated with smoke having to penetrate the detector housing.

Klassen et al. recently published a comprehensive study examining the radiant energy transmission properties and breakage properties of multi-pane glazing. That work was conducted at the bequest of code officials who wanted to understand the implications of stipulations in the building and fire codes on safety and weigh these against the need to maximize the construction investment. The present paper reviews the past and current work on the interaction of fire and glazings and also discusses the need for enhanced interaction between code development committees and the fire research community.

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