The devastating ‘chimney effect’ that contributed to the rapid spread of smoke and fire at London’s Grenfell Tower in 2017 is being tackled by an enterprising research project between specialists at the University of Hertfordshire and construction firm, Ambar Kelly Ltd.
Scientists from the University’s School of Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science (SPECS) will provide expertise in thermodynamic analysis and simulation, structural design, heat transference modelling, and optimised fire safety materials and engineering within a riser shaft.
Ambar Kelly, which is based in Welwyn Garden City already produces a range of industry-leading fire safety products for risers in multi-story buildings.
By working together, Herts and Ambar Kelly plan to tackle one of the construction industry’s most overlooked safety problems: the chimney effect. This is when hot gases, fire and smoke rise rapidly through vertical shafts in a building, spreading upwards, downwards and horizontally. In high-rise buildings, lift shafts, stairwells, service risers, cladding cavities and ductwork can act like chimneys if they are not properly sealed, maintained, compartmentalised and fire-stopped. Every multi-storey building contains at least one riser, a vertical shaft for essential building services.
Fire safety engineers and expert witness for the Grenfell Tower Inquiry examined fire routes and the impact of construction material combustibility on smoke and flame spread, identifying combustible materials around columns as a key factor in rapid fire spread*.
Dr. Antonis Kanellopoulos, Director of the Centre for Engineering Research at the University of Hertfordshire, said:
“This partnership will leverage Herts’ proven expertise in structural engineering, construction materials science, and thermofluids for commercial problem-solving.
“It provides comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach, that aims to deliver a product which will provide a step-change in managing fire hazards within riser shafts.
“Long-term knowledge integration and future collaborative innovation are at the core of this partnership as this state-of-art project evolves.”
Dr Kanellopoulos and his team use state-of-the-art facilities include a high-performance computing cluster for advanced thermodynamic simulations, materials characterisation equipment and provide for structural testing at elevated temperatures.
Alex Bardett, Managing Director of Ambar Kelly, said: “Currently, fire safety in riser shafts is poorly understood. The Grenfell Tower fire tragedy led to the removal of combustible cladding, but riser shafts remain overlooked, despite their role in vertical fire spread.
“This project will significantly advance fire safety in high-rise buildings by addressing critical gaps in current regulations. Ambar Kelly will gain advanced expertise in fire behaviour within riser shafts, particularly the ‘chimney effect’, influencing building safety standards.
“Through this approach we will embed advanced fire simulation, materials, test and manufacturing capabilities, leading to growth for ourselves and the local economy and it will also provide the industry with the skills, knowledge and products it needs to ensure that the conditions at Grenfell and elsewhere are never replicated again.”
The partnership between the University and Ambar Kelly is known as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). The University has already delivered more than 112 KTPs across diverse sectors – electronics, digital health, agriculture, manufacturing, management science, and more.
Professor Tim Vorley OBE Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire and lead executive for its Research and Enterprise, said:
“This partnership demonstrates how university research can help address real-world challenges with significant public benefit. By combining our expertise in engineering, materials science and advanced modelling with Ambar Kelly’s industry knowledge, we have an opportunity to tackle a critical but often overlooked aspect of building safety.
“The ultimate measure of success will be creating safer buildings and helping to prevent the kind of fire and smoke spread that has had such devastating consequences in the past. We are proud to be working with an innovative Hertfordshire business on a project with the potential to deliver meaningful impact both locally and nationally.”