Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Classes of fire
Class A - fires of ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber
and many plastics
Method of extinguishing - water, water based chemicals, dry chemicals, carbon dioxide
Class B - fires due to inflammable liquids, oils, greases, tars, oil-base paints, lacquers,
and flammable gases
Method of extinguishing - form, dry chemicals
Class C - fires that involve energized electrical equipments
Method of extinguishing - using electrically non-conductive chemicals, multipurpose
chemical compounds, carbon dioxide agents
Class D - fires due to combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium,
sodium, lithium, and potassium
Method of extinguishing - using heat-absorbing extinguishing medium: purple k,
monnex, super k
Dry riser - is a vertical pipe which is dry (without water) and with hydrant valve
attached and located at each floor. This vertical pipe shall function only when the fire
department channels water through it during the outbreak of fire
Wet riser - is a vertical pipe which is always full of water. Its function is to supply
water to the hydrant valve located at each floor of a tall (high-rise) building, when there
is a fire
Shop extractor and Mall extractor: are two types of fire protection system in a
shopping central complex
FIRE DETACTORS
Fire door: - a door assembly that provides protection against the passage of fire
Fire wall: - fire resistant wall that extends continuously from the foundation of the
building up to or through the roof. Fire walls are related in hours, depending on the use
of the building and the "fire separation distance", required fire resistance ratings vary
from 1 hour to 4 hours
Fire separation distance: - the distance in feet or meters measured from the face of a
building to the adjacent building or the nearest public path/walkway.
Fire partition: - refers to the vertical assembly of a wall material designed to limit the
spread of a fire. The overall assembly shall have a fire resistance rating (in hours) equal
to a greater than that specified in the governing code. Depending on the use of the
building and whether it has a sprinkler system, a fire partition shall have a rating up to 2
hours.
Apparent ignition temperature: - is the temperature required to begin or cause
burning at a rate which is sufficiently rapid so that the burning will continue when the
heat source is removed.
Combustion: - is a chemical process that involves oxidation sufficient to produce heat
and light
Explosion: - is the result of rapid combustion with a sudden, violent change of pressure
involving the liberation and expansion of a large volume of gas.
Smoke detectors and Automatic sprinkler.
Introduction:
• Fire detections are an active fire protection measure subject to stringent buildings
• They are connected to a fire suppression system that consists of over head pipes fitted
with sprinkler heads throughout the coverage area
• Fire detection systems for high-rises are usually also equipped with a fire pump and a
jockey pump and are tied into the fire alarm system.
• Although historically only used in factories and large commercial buildings, home
and small building systems are now available at a relatively cost effective price.
Based on the buildings functions and occupancy, there exist various types of
sprinkler systems.
• Wet sprinkler
• Dry sprinkler
• Alternate wet and dry sprinkler
• Tail-end sprinkler
• Pre-action sprinkler
• Recycling sprinkler
Usage
• Sprinklers required in all new high rise and under ground buildings generally 75 feet
(23 m) above or below fire department access
• Sprinklers may also be required in hazardous storage spaces by building codes or may
be required by insurance companies where liability due to potential property losses or
business interruptions can be reduced by adequate automatic fire protection.
• Building codes for places of assembly, generally over 100 persons and places with
overnight sleeping accommodations such as hotels, nursing homes, dormitories, and
hospitals usually require sprinklers to fight, and subsequently suppress high challenge
type fires
Water sprinkler
• To control outbreak of fire
• Sprinkler head can be attached to rising main supply
• Types of sprinkler head
Fusible link sprinkler head
Glass bulb sprinkler head
Chemical sprinkler head
Open sprinkler head
Safety: is the state of being relatively free from harm, danger, injury or damage.
Danger. A situation which is capable cause injury to someone and destroy a property.
Accident: A happening or an event which is not expected foreseen or intended.
General duties
Provisions related to the general duties of employers, employees, self-employed,
designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of plant and substances are clearly
defined under the act.
Definitions
Unsafe Acts: are acts which may cause or lead to danger or harm to oneself as well as
to others. e.g.
• Fooling around
• Smoking in "no smoking area"
• Not completing a routine checklist
• Not wearing a proper personal protective equipments
• Climbing a ladder with broken rungs, etc
Unsafe Situations: refers to any situation or condition that may cause or lead to danger
or harm to oneself as well as to others. e.g.
• Working on slippery or very rough floors
• Falling and flying objects
Direct system
• Supplies water directly to our homes (houses) through service pipes
Indirect system
• Supplies water to our homes (houses) through a water tank
• From the water tank the water is supplied through various piping devices. E.g.
communication pipes and distribution pipes
Important related definitions
Service pipe: this pipe connects the water to the water tank and piping to the kitchen
Communication pipe: this pipe connects the main pipe with the water meter
Distribution pipe: this pipe supplies water from the water tank to the piping
equipments in the house like sinks, wash basins and showers
Scour pipe: this pipe is installed at the base of the water tank. Its function is to let
water flow out of the water tank during cleaning or maintenance works
Overflow pipe: this pipe is fixed slightly above the full water mark of the water tank.
Its diameter size is bigger than that of the service pipe. Its function is to let overflow
when the ball valve is malfunctioned or damaged.
Water closet
• It is water flushed plumbing fixture designed to receive human waste directly from
the user.
• Water closets are rated at 6 drainage fixture units of waste discharge and require a
75mm waste pipe and a 50mm vent.
Urinal
• It is water flushed plumbing fixture designed to receive urine directly.
• Urinals are manufactured from vitreous china or enameled cast iron.
• Urinals, like water closets, are available with a variety of different flushing actions:
washout, siphon jet and blowout.
Wash basin
• It is a plumbing fixture designed for washing of the hands and face.
• It is commonly found in bathrooms and restrooms or toilets.
• Wash basins are sometimes called vanity lavatories
• They are rated at 1 drainage fixture unit of waste discharge and require a 31mm vent
pipe.
• Wash basins are commonly made from vitreous china, enameled cast iron, enameled
pressed steels, stainless steel and plastics.
• Various models are available, e.g. wall-hung, vanity and vanity-top
Bath tub
• It is a receptacle for water that is shaped to fit a human body and is used for bathing.
• Bath tubs are rated at 2 drainage fixture unit of waste discharge and require a 38mm
waste pipe and a 31mm vent pipe
• Bath tubes are identified as right hand or left hand according to the location of the tub
waste opening. A right hand bathtub has a drain on the right end of the tub as you
face the length of the tub. A left hand bath tub has the drain on the left.
• Bath tubs are manufactured from enameled. That is enameled pressed steel, and
fiberglass in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.
Kitchen sink
• It is a shallow, flat bottomed plumbing fixture used in cleaning dishes and in
connection with food preparations.
• Kitchen sinks are related at 2 drainage fixture units of waste discharge and require a
38mm waste pipe and 31mm vent pipe.
• Kitchen sinks are available in various sizes and shapes. The most popular is the
double-compartment double-bowl type, installed on a kitchen cabinet counter top.
• Kitchen sinks are manufactured from enameled. That is enameled pressed steel and
stainless steel.
Advantages
• Water supplied is clean and fresh
• Water pressure supplied is high
• With this system, losses can be overcome because it does not undergo overflow at the
water storage tank
• Water storage tank is not to be provided
Disadvantages
• If damage occurs at the main pipe, the main valve shall be closed, hence the water
supply to the entire building shall be disrupted
• Damage or leakage is quite difficult to be detected
• There is no water supply kept if there is water disruption
Indirect system of water supply
Advantages
• If there is disruption to the water supply, there is still water supply for a period of 12
to 24 hours
• Loading to the main pipe can be lightened during peak demand
• Water supply is always constant
• If damage occurs to any of the sanitary equipment fixtures, only nearest valve shall be
closed, hence the water supply to the remaining sanitary fixtures can continue.
Disadvantages
• Water storage tank and its space for positioning need to be provided
• Water supplied from the storage tank may not be that clean. Contamination may be
due to the storage tank itself. E.g. from joints/connections, rust, etc
• Water wastage may happen if the ball valve at the storage tank is not functioning
• The provision of water storage tank need to comply to the rules/requirements of the
relevant authorities
• Water supply will be disrupted when the storage tank is being cleaned or when
maintenance work is in operation.
Direct system
Supply fresh and clean water to bathrooms and kitchen
Lack constant water pressure, therefore may require pump
Inconsistent water supply, especially when water cut or rationing occurs
Inexpensive because less pipe work, and no storage tank
Only suitable for low-rise buildings which require low water pressure
Any defect in the pipe work can cause water cut to the system
Indirect system
Supply fresh water to the bathrooms and wash basins only
Constant water pressure and does not require pump
Constant water due to provision of storage tank
Expensive because more pipe work, and need storage tank
Suitable for high-rise buildings
Defect to the service pipe does not effect the entire system because it can be segregated
by valves
For modern buildings, Mechanical and Electrical systems are classified into three (3)
major categories:
Mechanical systems
Electrical systems
• Electrical power- normal, stand by, emergency power supply and distribution
• Lighting- interior, exterior and emergency lighting
• Auxiliary- telephone, signal, data, audio/video, sound, fire alarm, security systems,
etc
• Special systems
Building operation systems
• Transportation- refers to elevators, lifts, escalators, moving walkways, etc
• Processing- production, food services, etc
• Automation- environmental controls, management, etc
• Special systems.
The Mechanical and Electrical space affects the gross floor area, the size and the shape
of the building's ground floor, floor-to-floor height, geometry and architectural
expressions
Reasonable allocations made during the space planning phase allow Mechanical and
Electrical space to be approximately sized and strategically located.
What is "Air-conditioning"?
It is the process of controlling and treatment of all the air contents in a room or
enclosed space. Mechanical treatment is conducted on the temperature, air humidity,
and cleanliness and air distribution in order to obtain the requirements and functions of
a particular room or enclosed space.
Fan
• To move air inside the space/room. (all outside air, all inside air within the room-
recycling, contamination of outside air)
Supply duct
• Direct air from the fan into the room/space
Supply outlets
• Distributes air uniformly inside the room/space
Space to be cooled
• Allows air within space/room to enter the return ducts. (OR. Allows air to escape
from the space or room
Return air ducts
• Transports used air to the filter
Filter
• Filters are before being distributed for the following purposes.
Protects health and comfort of the occupiers of the room.
Keeps the cleanliness of the surface and furniture of the room
Protects equipments especially sensitive ones like PC, etc
Protects devices within the air conditioning unit
Cooling air
• Absorbs heat from the room or space in order to obtain comfortable temperature.
Factors that influence on the choice of Air-conditioning system for any building
• Space size
• Space layout
• Space utilization
• Capacity in the room
Space size: The space (room) size needs to be known in order to determine the heat
loads and the capacity of the air-conditioning units to be used in that room (enclosed
space)
Space layout: Need to know whether the spaces (rooms) are grouped together or are
distant apart. If the rooms are grouped (close to each other), a centralized system is
more suitable. If the rooms are distant apart, centralized system is not economical
because it will require the use of longer ducting
Space utilization: Space (or rooms) utilization can be divided into three:
Utilization by time: There exist spaces (or rooms) which are utilized on different
"timings". E.g. rooms in hotels
Activities inside (human activities): Different activities within the room create
different situations. E.g. a sports club requires extra ventilation compared to that of
recreation or leisure rooms. A suitable temperature will depend on the requirements
of the occupants as well as on the equipments present in that room. E.g. electrical
devices (computer components), height that emit extra heat, etc
Capacity in the space (room): This refers to human capacity or occupancy inside the
rooms within the building.
1. Unitary system
• This type of air-conditioning unit is used to cool the air at specific sections of rooms
within the building (or house). E.g. to cool a particular room or various rooms within
the building
• A single unit of this system can be used to cool more than one room
• There exist three types of this unitary system
window type
split type
multi-split type
Unitary system / window type
• This system is suitable for rooms or offices which have part of the wall outside. This
is because some section of the unit is installed outside
• The wall where this unit is to be installed has to be drilled first
• The initial cost of installation of this unit is rather high.
2. Central system
• A central air-conditioning system is used to cool the air for the entire building
• The equipments for a central air-conditioning system are large and capable of cooling
large spaces (or rooms)
• This system requires the use of ducts. Ducts shall carry the cooled air produced from
the air-conditioning plant to the enclosed spaces (rooms) that need to be cooled inside
the building. Usually the ducts (or ducting) are installed above the ceiling within the
building
• In the central system, there are two methods of how the condenser units are cooled:
Air cooled
Water cooled
Ventilation
Ventilation is any air circulation or air movement within a building. It is a process to
maintain a comfortable environment on temperature, humidity, and oxygen in an
enclosed space (or rooms) by having clean air flowing from one room to another room
in order to replace contaminated or used air inside that room. Ventilation is measured in
air volume.
Purposes of ventilation
In general the main purpose of ventilation is to get cooling, drying, and circulation of
clean air. Human requires ventilation for comfort, i.e. to remove "uneasy feelings" due
to warm circulated air in the surrounding. To be more specific, ventilation:
• Prevents the entry of heat from outside
• Maximizes heat loss inside the enclosed space or room
• Removes unpleasant odor and unclean air content, (like ducts, etc)
• Prevents heat intensity machines, lightings and the occupants themselves
• Reduces the increase of carbon dioxide contents and humidity within the enclosed
space or room.
The scale used to measure wind space is called the Branford scale
• Ground area where wind speeds > 5m/s - uncomfortable for human occupations
• Ground area where wind speeds > 10m/s - unpleasant
• Ground area where wind speeds > 20m/s - dangerous
• For wind speeds < 5m/s - OK, considered as comfortable
INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRICITY
Conductors
Conductors are materials that allow electricity to pass through them. (Conducting
materials vary in the degree to which they can conduct electricity; good conductors are
required for connecting leads in electric circuits so that they may carry the current with
minimum lost of voltage)
Examples of conductors
• Copper , Aluminum, Carbon, Brass, Eurika, Tungsten, Manganin, Nichrone, Human
body
Insulators:
Insulators are materials do not allow the free passage of an electric current pass
through. (insulators are used combine electric currents to the conductors in which they
are intended to flow and to prevent leakage of electricity to adjacent conducting
materials which are not intended to become "Alive" )
Example of insulators
• wood, rubber, plastic, glass, paper, Asbestos, PVC, Mineral insulation eg MgSO4 ,
Mica, paxolin, bakelite, etc:
Factors that influence the number and size of lift for building
• Population of the building
• Type of building occupancy
• The starting and finishing time of the population whether staggered
• The number of floors and heights
• The position of building in relation to the public transport service.
Note: the choice, numbers and sizes of lifts usually lies between the convenience of the
user and the overall building loading times, and a compromise is usually required to
obtain safe factory balance between those 2 factors. Several small lifts will provide a
better service than larger lifts but the installation cost of the lift is lower.
Escalators:
• Are continuous conveyer designed for moving large number of people quickly and
effectively from one floor to another.
• Unlike a normal lift installation, if requires no waiting time and order to get a similar
service, a large number of lifts occupancy more floor space would be required.
• It have advantages of being reversible to suit the main floor of traffic during peak
time and unlike lifts, they may be used when stationary
Usage of Escalators
Bank, departmental stories, sport stadium, exhibition halls airport terminal, railway
station.
The carrying capacity depend on the speed along the line of inclination and the width
of the thread 0.45m/s to 0.1m/s
Variable influencing the comfort of the occupants of building are . temperature …
humidity …airflow ..air quality ..radiation .. lighting ..
4. VSR
VSR=V/s where v is volume of the building / s is total external surface area of the
building.
5. APR
APR= A/P where A is typical or representative floor area of building , P is linear
dimension of perimeter of a typical floor.