Business from technology

Fire safety technology

Competence

Fire safety technology produces fire safety design and assessment methods for the needs of industries and society. These methods can be used to describe the operation of products and systems in case of fire, as well as the related risks. VTT develops the simulation of fire development, evacuation and extinguishing, as well as other tools for the assessment of fire safety. The fire safety research conducted by VTT has an extensive field of application: the research subjects vary from the ignition and burning of materials to the overall fire safety of large objects and even social aspects. Modelling and simulation competence combined with experimental research and scientific and practical expertise makes holistic fire safety management possible.

Challenges

Climate change and energy efficiency goals induce changes to construction processes. New products, structures and building methods lead to new fire technology issues and fire risks. The overall functionality of products and buildings always requires consideration of fire performance. The production, storage, transfer and use of new forms of energy set new challenges for fire safety management. Minimising the fire risks related to human behaviour requires interdisciplinary research.

Solutions

• Simultaneous simulation of fire development and evacuation
  
• Probability based fire risk analysis
  
• Development of concepts for fire safety assessment for various premises
  
• Experimental fire safety research in laboratory and in field conditions
  
• Calculational and experimental methods in product development
  

Benefits

• Fire safety assessment and management of large objects using calculational methods
  
• Performance-based fire safety design enables innovative construction solutions
  
• Reasonable product development costs
  
• Close cooperation with the authorities and the industry enhances safety, well-being and the smooth running of society.
  

References and merits

• Nine of our fifteen researchers have completed a doctoral degree.
  
• Membership and representation in international (e.g. CEN, IMO, IAFSS, Forum) and Finnish (e.g. the Fire Research Board) organizations, expert roles (EU Commission) and membership of the editorial boards of scientific journals (Fire and Materials).
  
• We participate in EU projects (e.g. FireParadox, TransFeu), other international projects (e.g. FireInTimber, SURSHIP), and research networks (e.g. Fire Safe Use of Wood).
  
• Our customers represent many sectors, including the construction product industry, transport industry, nuclear power industry, insurance business, the service sector, and the authorities.