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FDS-Based Study on Fire Spread and Control in Modern Brick-Timber Architectural Heritage: A Case Study of Faculty House at a University in Changsha

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  • Simian Liu

    (School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
    Health Building Research Center, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China)

  • Gaocheng Liang

    (School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
    Health Building Research Center, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China)

  • Lei Shi

    (School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
    Health Building Research Center, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China)

  • Ming Luo

    (School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China)

  • Meizhen Long

    (School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
    Health Building Research Center, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China)

Abstract

The modern Chinese architectural heritage combines sturdy Western materials with delicate Chinese styling, mainly adopting brick-timber structural systems that are highly vulnerable to fire damage. The study assesses the fire spread characteristics of the First Faculty House, a 20th-century architectural heritage located at a university in China. The assessment is carried out by analyzing building materials, structural configuration, and fire load. By using FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator (PyroSim version 2022)) and SketchUp software (version 2023) for architectural reconstruction and fire spread simulation, explores preventive measures to reduce fire risks. The result show that the total fire load of the building amounts to 1,976,246 MJ. After ignition, flashover occurs at 700 s, accompanied by a sharp increase in the heat release rate (HRR). The peak ceiling temperature reaches 750 °C. The roof trusses have critical structural weaknesses when approaching flashover conditions, indicating a high potential for collapse. Three targeted fire protection strategies are proposed in line with the heritage conservation principle of minimal visual and functional intervention: fire sprinkler systems, fire retardant coating, and fire barrier. Simulations of different strategies demonstrate their effectiveness in mitigating fire spread in elongated architectural heritages with enclosed ceiling-level ignition points. The efficacy hierarchy follows: fire sprinkler system > fire retardant coating > fire barrier. Additionally, because of chimney effect, for fire sources located above the ceiling and other hidden locations need to be warned in a timely manner to prevent the thermal plume from invading other sides of the ceiling through the access hole. This research can serve as a reference framework for other Modern Chinese Architectural Heritage to develop appropriate fire mitigation strategies and to provide a methodology for sustainable development of the Chinese architectural heritage.

Suggested Citation

  • Simian Liu & Gaocheng Liang & Lei Shi & Ming Luo & Meizhen Long, 2025. "FDS-Based Study on Fire Spread and Control in Modern Brick-Timber Architectural Heritage: A Case Study of Faculty House at a University in Changsha," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-27, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:6773-:d:1709944
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yuheng Chen & Yanming Wu & Xueyun Sun & Naubada Ali & Qi Zhou, 2023. "Digital Documentation and Conservation of Architectural Heritage Information: An Application in Modern Chinese Architecture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-23, April.
    2. Yanfen Xiang & Bohong Zheng & Jiren Wang & Jiajun Gong & Jian Zheng, 2024. "Research on the Spatial-Temporal Evolution of Changsha’s Surface Urban Heat Island from the Perspective of Local Climate Zones," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-28, September.
    3. Fupeng Zhang & Lei Shi & Simian Liu & Jiaqi Shi & Cong Shi & Tansheng Xiang, 2022. "CFD-Based Fire Risk Assessment and Control at the Historic Dong Wind and Rain Bridges in the Western Hunan Region: The Case of Huilong Bridge," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-23, September.
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