Amirouche Sadaoui recipient of the « Fire 2024 Travel Award »!
Congratulations to Amirouche Sadaoui, recipient of the prestigious « Fire 2024 Travel Award »! This distinction, awarded by the journal Fire, published by the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), recognizes the excellence of young researchers in the field of fire science. The award, valued at CHF 500 (approx. CAD 802), aims to support the participation of emerging researchers in international conferences. It enables them to present their innovative work, foster academic exchanges, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field.
Amirouche,a Ph.D. candidate in wood engineering and bio-based materials, recently successfully defended his doctoral thesis. His research, conducted under the supervision of Christian Dagenais and co-supervision of Pierre Blanchet, addresses contemporary challenges related to fire prevention and management. It highlights innovative and sustainable solutions to current environmental and technological challenges.
This award is granted to researchers who stand out for their dedication and the quality of their scientific contributions in various fields, such as fire science, policy, and technology. It reflects the importance of their work for academic progress and its societal impact.
Congratulations to Amirouche on this exceptional achievement, which demonstrates the quality of his research and his commitment to tackling major scientific challenges in this field!
Project title: A new approach to classifying the combustibility of materials
Abstract:
Building materials such as wood, concrete and steel are essential for the strength, durability, insulation and finish of structures. Their choice influences the strength, energy efficiency and environmental impact of buildings. However, it is also necessary to consider construction products as part of the fire triangle, a major concept in fire prevention and control.
The classification of materials according to their reaction to fire reflects fire management and the flexibility of building codes. In Canada, the current system is based on a binary classification, meaning that a material is either combustible or non-combustible. This project therefore aims to introduce a more flexible approach, proposing a more precise classification of the degree of combustibility of materials.
The study begins with an analysis of the evolution of building codes and fire testing in Canada, identifying the objectives and challenges of past changes. Next, an international comparative study examines the practices of four recent regulations, offering a benefit-risk balance of current methods. Finally, a new approach, based on measurable data obtained by cone calorimeter, is proposed. This method offers a more accurate assessment of fire behavior, enhancing safety and alignment with regulatory objectives.
The method developed is based on fire dynamics, offering a more accurate assessment of the fire behavior of materials. The results have been compared with existing literature and current standards, validating the reliability and relevance of the proposed new classes. This approach paves the way for harmonization of international practices, while enhancing building safety and performance.