Advancing Fire Safety in Sustainable Developments with SHEVS IFT Consultants

Singapore is making advancements in sustainable development, blending modern design with eco-conscious materials to create greener spaces. An example of this vision in action is Geneo, CapitaLand’s life sciences and innovation cluster at the Singapore Science Park. The project features a Mass Engineered Timber (MET) canopy at the event plaza, a material that supports green building initiatives. Its use requires specialised fire safety strategies to ensure occupant safety.

Challenge 1: Fire Engineering with MET

Mass Engineered Timber (MET) is a type of engineered wood that is manufactured using layers of timber to create large, strong panels. Unlike traditional materials like concrete or steel, it is combustible and thus necessitates rigorous fire safety evaluations.

In addition, advanced simulation tools and risk assessment methods were employed to meet regulatory standards. For example, three different methods were employed to determine the charring rate and depth of the timber elements:

• Parametric Temp-time Curve

  Using Eurocode 1 – BS EN 1991-1-2:2002: Actions of structures – Part 1-2: General actions – Actions on structures exposed to fire.

• Standard ISO834 Temp-time Curve

  Using Eurocode 5 – BS EN 1995-1-2:2004: Design of timber structures – Part 1-2: General structural fire design.

• CFD Temp-time Curve

  Using CFD Modelling as recommended in Clause 3.1.2 of PD 6688-1-2:2007 “Background paper to the UK National Annex to BS EN 1991-1-2”.

The insights gathered helped shape the development of fire safety measures designed to maintain structural integrity during a fire. This included the integration of advanced water and flame monitoring systems alongside automatic sprinklers. These proactive measures would be essential in providing crucial time for safe evacuation and enabling efficient emergency response.

Challenge 2: Effective Smoke Management in POPS

The open design of the POPS also presented another challenge: maintaining clear evacuation routes while effectively controlling smoke during emergencies. To address this, the project needed an innovative smoke control system capable of facilitating safe egress for occupants.

SHEVS IFT developed a custom-engineered Engineered Smoke Control System (ESCS) that provides day-to-day natural ventilation provisions coupled with smoke venting provisions. This cost-effective solution effectively directs smoke away from evacuation routes, ensuring clear visibility for building occupants during an emergency.

A sustainability and engineering milestone

Geneo demonstrates how sustainability and fire safety can be effectively integrated through careful engineering. While the adoption of MET marks a pivotal step towards low-carbon construction, SHEVS IFT Consultants’ work underscores the value of expert guidance in ensuring safety in sustainable buildings. Through their development of an advanced ESCS and comprehensive fire safety assessments, SHEVS IFT has helped position Geneo as a benchmark for future initiatives. More importantly, this collaboration has set a precedent for balancing eco-friendly design with high fire safety standards in modern construction.

About SHEVS IFT

SHEVS IFT Consultants Pte Ltd is a trusted name in performance-based fire engineering, offering tailored solutions for complex fire safety challenges. With expertise spanning various sectors and specialised services in MET assessments and smoke control systems, we ensure the highest standards of fire safety across diverse projects.

For more information on our services and fire safety solutions, contact us.