Objective
CFD Analysis was used to optimize the performance of the smoke ventilation system of the Reem Mall, Atrium. Smoke removal system includes smoke extraction fans placed at the roof of the atrium and strategically placed smoke screens to prevent smoke from escaping to other zones. The location/ flow rate of exhaust fans & the depth of the smoke screen that is required for effective containment of smoke zones were studied & optimized using the analysis.
Multiple CFD Smoke simulations were carried out on all the zones of the atrium with different fire locations.
The simulations have validated the effectiveness of the smoke ventilation system in maintaining tenable conditions above 1.83m above the highest walking surface open to the atrium for a duration of 2 times the calculated egress time in the event of a smoke scenario.
The simulations considered a fire size of 5MW, t-square(ultra fast) fire curve as per NFPA. The methodology to evaluate the tenability conditions are as per NFPA 101 & UAE Fire & Life Safety Code of Practice.