SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN

BUILDING SERVICE BLD 60903 /ARC 2423

CASE STUDY & DOCUMENTATION OF BUILDING SERVICES SYSTEMS

AR SATEERAH

CLEMENT CHEN KIT SEONG 0319574

AFIQAH ZAHRA BT ZAINOL RASHID 0315857

ALAN KOO KA LOK 0318757

KHOO MING SEN 0319659

DANNY TONG 0323484

IZZAT ABDUL MUHAYMIN BIN JAFRI 0319437

LIEW YU XIAN 0319173

Table of Contents1. ABTRACT

2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

3. INTRODUCTION

4. AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Literature Review

4.3 Case Study

4.4 Split Unit Air Conditioning System

4.4.1 Outdoor Unit

4.4.2 Indoor Unit

4.5 Conclusion

5. MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Literature Review

5.3 Case Study

5.4 Exhaust Vents

5.5 Conclusion

6. MECHANICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Literature Review

6.3 Case Study

6.3.1 Types Of Elevators

6.3.2 Drawings

6.4 Elevator components

6.4.1 Geared Machine

6.4.2 Wrapping for Traction Sheave

6.4.3 Governor

6.4.4 Door System

6.4.5 Counterweight

6.4.6 Safety Break

6.4.7 Elevator Control Panel

6.5 Conclusion

7. FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Literature Review

7.3 Active Fire Protection System

7.3.1 Smoke Detector

7.3.2 Manual Call Point

7.3.3 Alarm Bell

7.3.4 Fire Panel

7.3.5 Portable Fire Extinguisher

7.4 Passive Fire Protection System

7.4.1 Fire Wall

7.4.2 Fire Rated Door

7.4.3 Separation of Fire Risk Area

7.4.4 Emergency Light

7.4.5 Escape Routes/Emergency Floor Plan

7.4.6 Emergency Exit Signage

7.5 Conclusion

8.0 References 1. ABTRACT

This research paper is intended to look in-depth into the details in building services system of

Freedom elderly center, Old Klang Road. The building services system discussed in this research

paper is divided into 4 part. Air conditioning system, Mechanical ventilation system, Mechanical

Transportation system and Fire protection system. Components of each system will be further

broken down and analysed to ensure building system installation meets UBBL (Uniform

Building By Law) and MS1525 (Malaysian Building Standards Requirements) building

requirements.

2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Our team would like to express our deepest gratitude and thanks to everyone that has helped out

in this research paper. Their continued support from all sort of way guided us the right way. We

would also like to extend our appreciation to our tutor, Ar Sateerah for her helpful advice

throughout the research. Our sincere appreciation is extended to all our Studio lecturers that

guided us to building and designing the elderly home.

3. INTRODUCTION

In the future, a greater proportion of houses, apartments and institutional accommodations will

be built for the elderly persons than at any previous time in our history. This is because the life-

span of mankind has increased through advances in medical and science; thus making the

proportion of older people in the population increased. Therefore, accommodations are needed to

provide necessary facilities and services for the elderly to live as normally as possible.

4.0 AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM

4.1 INTRODUCTION

Air conditioning can refer to any form of cooling, heating, ventilation or disinfection that

modifies the condition of air, typically for thermal comfort. The main function of air

conditioning system is to alter the temperature, purity and humidity of air to more comfortable

conditions in an occupied space, as of an office, theatre, laboratory, or house. Malaysia

categories as a country under tropical climate with high temperature and humidity, therefore

heating systems are not appropriate or applicable.

This research paper aims to create a deeper understanding or air conditioning system in Freedom

Elderly Centre through intense analysis. Throughout the research, rules and standards will be

investigated to ensure that proper thermal comfort and indoor air quality is being achieved via

the air conditioning system. Malaysian Standard (MS 1525) and Uniform Building B-Laws

(UBBL) standards will be used during the examination.

4.2 LITERATURE REVIEW

Air-conditioning system is a system which includes total control of room temperature, related

humidity, heat gain and also the air movement in an enclosed space. It is also the process of

altering the properties of air in order to achieve thermal comfort and good indoor air quality.

Malaysia is considered as a tropical rainforest climate with high temperature range and humidity.

Thus, in order to determine the usage of air-conditioning, the design for a building should

considers the orientation, material usage, site context and also the activity present within the

space.

In common use, air conditioner is a device that helps to lower the air temperature by removing

the air inside room and also releasing heat to outdoor. The capacity of air conditioner, cooling

system, air distribution will influence the cooling effect of space. Besides, the cooling process is

typically achieved through a refrigeration cycle. However, the air cycle is sometimes used as

treated air distribution into the indoor room. The refrigerant cycle is used to transfer the heat

from one area, to another, cooling the space efficiently. While they expel the heat by using

compressor. During the air cycle, the latent heat inside the room is removed when returned air

was absorbed by the evaporator. The medium used to absorb heat are air and water. Therefore,

air distributed through duct surround by insulator or chilled water pipes. Heat inside the room is

removed and slowly the internal air will eventually become cooler.

4.3 CASE STUDY

The type of air-conditioning system used in Freedom Elderly Centre is ‘’Split Unit air-

conditioning system’’.

The component of split unit air-conditioning system includes:

1. Outdoor unit

2. Indoor unit

4.4 SPLIT UNIT AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM

Due to limited space in Freedom Elderly Centre, split unit air-conditioning system is utilized.The

system is a more appropriate choice as other systems are unable to be installed due to the

structure of building.The system basically separate into outdoor and indoor unit. The outdoor

unit acts as condenser and indoor unit will acts as evaporator and AHU.

OUTDOOR UNIT

The outdoor unit is like a smaller type of chiller, it basically contains important part in air

conditioning system such as compressor, condenser, expansion valve etc. Freedom Elderly

Centre’s split unit are using 1 HP and 2 HP (horse power), which depends on the space required.

It actually operates with minimum noise to minimize the sound pollution to the area. The

refrigerant cycle is similar to the chiller. However, it is not connected by duct work but connect

to indoor unit by copper tubing with insulation. It consist of 2 tube : one for supply refrigerant to

cool coil, and another one for returning of refrigerant to compressor, which are used in minimum

distance to ensure cooling effect and reduce the possibility of leakage. Other than that, the

distance between outdoor and indoor unit will also influence the installation cost of air

conditioning.

According to MS1525,8.10 ACMV system equipment

ACMV system equipment provides, in one (single package) or more (split unit) factory

assembled packages, means for air-circulation, air cleaning, air cooling with controlled

temperature and dehumidification. The cooling function may be either electrically or heat

operated, and the refrigerant condenser may be air, water or evaporatively-cooled.

INDOOR UNIT

Wall mounted type Ceiling mounted type

There are two types of indoor unit air conditioner being installed in the Freedom Elderly

Centre : wall mounted type unit and ceiling mounted type unit. The indoor units are as similar as

AHU(air handling unit).However, the cool air doesn’t need to be distributed. The air is blown to

throughout the room where cooling effect is produced. Besides, the indoor units contain

evaporator such as cooling coil, blower fan and filter etc. The blower will draws warm air pass

through filter and evaporator will leads the cooling air. The direction of air flow is restricted by

horizontal and vertical louvers.

Analysis:

Split unit air-conditioning system is a better and wiser choice for Freedom Elderly Centre. It is

because the spatial arrangements of the building, which are mostly separated in smaller rooms.

Thus, by using split unit air-conditioning system, the cooling system will function more

efficiently and also helps reduce the installation cost of the air conditioning system.

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

4.5 CONCLUSION

In a nutshell, Freedom Elderly Centre has used the appropriate air-conditioning system for whole

building. By using split unit air-conditioning system, the cooling mechanism within space in the

building will be better utilized. Other than that, the components of air conditioning system are

also appropriately placed. For example, the outdoor units were placed at the side of buildings

where it is less reachable by users in order to reduce noise production and also ensure the system

function smoothly. Moreover, different types of split unit air conditioning system such as wall

mounted and ceiling mounted air conditioner were placed specifically at different space

according to their size. The larger the space, the air conditioner used will be ceiling mounted as

they help cool the room more efficiently. The smaller the space, the air conditioner used will be

wall mounted by the size of conditioner is smaller, and it is sufficient to utilize and produce

cooling effect to the smaller room.

Last but not least, Freedom Elderly Centre were complies with Malaysian Standard 1525 with

well management of energy consumption. The air-conditioning system had maintained thermal

comfort throughout the building while achieving other consideration

5.0 MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM

5.1 INTRODUCTION

Mechanical Ventilation is a vital element in a building to facilitate air exchange to replace stale

air with fresh air in an enclosed space throughout the building. The process of the cycle works by

withdrawing the indoor air with external fresh air with the assistance of external ventilation

devices and source. Mechanical ventilation also helps to reduce the accumulation of moisture,

odors, bacteria, dust, carbon dioxide, smoke and other contaminants that can build up during

occupied periods. It creates air movement in the room which improves the comfort of occupants

where it includes the use of heating, cooling and humidity control which is also referred to as

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC).

This research paper aims to create a picture of the objectives, function and circulation of

mechanical ventilation system in Freedom Elderly Center analysis. Throughout the research,

rules and standards will be investigated to check if building opening dimensions, mechanical

vent dimension and installations meet the building space requirements and regulations. Uniform

Building B-Laws (UBBL) will be used for the examination.

5.2 LITERATURE REVIEW

Mechanical ventilation is a system which removes stale air inside the building with fresh air,

applied where natural ventilation is not suitable and effective enough. The basic function of

mechanical ventilation system is to remove smoke and odours, which is normally found in

bathrooms and kitchen in the domestic industry. While in larger internal spaces like auditoriums

and offices, mechanical air extraction system will be located at the ceiling of buildings either

exposed or concealed above the ceiling.

There are two types of mechanical ventilation system, mainly spot ventilation, which includes

supply system, extract system or a balanced system; and also energy-recovery ventilation system.

In a supply system, fresh air is supplied by a central supply fan and stale air goes outside

naturally. This system is usually used in boiler plants and factories. On the other hand, an extract

system creates a negative pressure inside the building, causing air to move in naturally, though

stale air is channeled out using exhaust fans. This system usually functions in basements, indoor

toilets or bathrooms. For a combination system, it consists of both supply and extract system,

therefore the building's goes through slight air pressurization by using an extract fan smaller than

an inlet fan. Fresh air is supplied and stale air is picked up from multiple points. This system

usually works in cinemas, theatres, sports centers and so on. For an energy recovery ventilation

system (ERV), it includes a controlled heat exchanger, with one or more fans pushing air through

the machine. However, it is less cost-effective and not commonly used in Malaysia as it is

mainly made for countries with extreme summer and winter climates.

5.3 CASE STUDY

The mechanical ventilation used in Freedom Elderly Home is kept to it’s minimal as to provide

natural ventilation. However, in enclosed areas such as the reception, library, office, and

bathrooms, ventilation is used and is listed as follows:

Exhaust Vents

Fan

5.4 EXHAUST VENTS

Exhaust vents are responsible in extracting stale air form the building while the diffusers supply clean air into the building space. Exhaust fans as shown in Figure 5.10 are located above the ceiling of the building floors. These exhaust fans are connected to a ductwork that will be attached to louvered openings installed on the wall.

ANALYSIS

The openings of the mechanical vents abide to the UBBL for being installed 1.5m above the

ground levels. Exhaust vents installed are able to withdraw stale air from the building interior

efficiently while fresh air is distributed by the air diffuser.

UBBL Section 41 - Mechanical Ventilation & Air-Conditioning

5. Where mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning is provided

(b) The underside of openings for the entry of air into any mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning plant shall be no less than 1 metre from any external pavement, road , ground level or similar external surface

Figure 5.4.1

The figure above shows the diagram of exhaust vents installed in the bathroom and changing rooms. They function to suck out unpleasant odour and also draw out gases during a fire.

ANALYSIS

The presence of exhaust system draws stale air, replacing it with fresh air complementing the passive ventilation of the toilet

UBBL 1984 Section 4.1

10. Water closets, toilets, lavatories, bathrooms, latrines, urinals or similar rooms or enclosure used for ablutions which are situated in the internal portions of the buildings and in respect of which no external walls are present, shall be provided with mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning having a standard amount of fresh air change rate

5.5 CONCLUSION

Freedom elderly home is a well naturally ventilated space requiring less mechanical ventilation and uses less energy consumption. However, in the Malaysian Climate, it is crucial to have some sort of mechanical ventilation in a building so that comfort is not affected by the climate. Thus, the components are installed at appropriate location to allow maximum performance and to prevent inconvenience to the users while it abides to the UBBL and MS1525 requirements.

6.0 MECHANICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

6.1 INTRODUCTION

Vertical transportation is a phrase used to describe the various means of travelling between floors in a building. All buildings with more than one storey of course have at least one set of stairs and the provision of stairs is a very important consideration when designing buildings in order to ensure all the occupants of the building can escape safely in the event of a fire.

In buildings with more than four storey, a lift is desirable as there is a limit to how far people are willing to walk up stairs.

This research paper aims to create an understanding of mechanical transportation system in this building, Elderly Center that been build for subject design studio 4through intense analysis. Throughout the research, rules and standards will be investigated to check if building transportation system is installed meeting building planning requirement. Uniform Building ByLaws (UBBL) will be used during the examination.

6.2 LITERATURE REVIEW

Mechanical transportation are advance automatic vertical and horizontal transportation tools for human to travel between floors to get to designated levels with ease.

In a building with more than four stories, mechanical transportation system should be implemented with the introduction of elevator. An elevator is a type of vertical transport. These transportation system benefit as they save time, save energy consumption of building while it organizes circulation of human and goods, ensuring smooth transition between transportation. The idea of mechanical transportation is also to aid the disabled, transferring mobility impaired people inside the building.

For high-rise buildings, there is elevator zoning for the purpose of efficiency in reducing wait time by zone. For mid-rise building, zoning is usually not required as the wait time is lesser than high-rise building. Efficiency of the transportation system also depends on the speed and capacity of the elevator, and different type of elevator has different function and must be chosen carefully before installing to maximize the usage and increase efficiency. Besides, factors such as the smoothness of ride, degree of noise and accuracy of floor levelling also can affects the quality of ride.

Elderly Center, there is only one type of mechanical vertical transportation which is elevator. There are a few types of elevators that can be found, like Passenger Elevator, Service Elevator and Loading Bay Elevator.

The research focus on the mechanical transportation system in Elderly Center and compiled with the details referencing conformance to UBBL Mechanical Transportation System Requirements. The literature review as our beginning of the research, explains the mechanical transportation and elaborates on the types of mechanical transportation in such building. The research also conduct with an analysis and recommendations for improvements to mechanical transportation system at Elderly Center in term of safety and control of circulation.

6.3 CASE STUDY

The types of elevator that is commonly used which consists of hydraulic elevators, Machine-Room-Less (MRL) Elevators, Geared and Gearless Traction Elevators with Machine Room. The type of elevator system used in Elderly Center is Hydraulic Elevators.

Hydraulic Elevators (Push Elevators)

Hydraulic elevators are supported by a piston at the bottom of the elevator that pushes the elevator up as electric motor forces oil or another hydraulic fluid into the piston. The elevator descends as a valve releases the fluid from the piston. They are used for low-rise applications of 2-8 stories and travel at a maximum speed of 200 feet per minute. The machine room for hydraulic elevators is located at the lowest level adjacent to the elevator shaft.

6.3.2 DRAWING

From the ground floor plan of the building, we can clearly see that all the stairs are located closely to the elevators, for emergency purposes. Beside, the location of the elevators has fulfilled the minimum standard of service, in terms of maximum walking distance of 45m to the elevator lobby.

6.4 ELEVATOR COMPONENT

How Hydraulic Elevator Works:

In Elderly Center, The concept of an elevator is incredibly simple -- it's just a compartment attached to a lifting system. Tie a piece of rope to a box, and you've got a basic elevator.

Of course, modern passenger and freight elevators are a lot more elaborate than this. They need advanced mechanical systems to handle the substantial weight of the elevator car and its cargo. Additionally, they need control mechanisms so passengers can operate the elevator, and they need safety devices to keep everything running smoothly.

There are two major elevator designs in common use today: hydraulic elevators and roped elevators.

Hydraulic elevator systems lift a car using a hydraulic ram, a fluid-driven piston mounted inside a cylinder. You can see how this system works in the diagram below.

The cylinder is connected to a fluid-pumping system (typically, hydraulic systems like this use oil, but other incompressible fluids would also work). The hydraulic system has three parts:

A tank (the fluid reservoir) A pump, powered by an electric motor A valve between the cylinder and the reservoir

The pump forces fluid from the tank into a pipe leading to the cylinder. When the valve is opened, the pressurized fluid will take the path of least resistance and return to the fluid reservoir. But when the valve is closed, the pressurized fluid has nowhere to go except into the cylinder. As the fluid collects in the cylinder, it pushes the piston up, lifting the elevator car.

When the car approaches the correct floor, the control system sends a signal to the electric motor to gradually shut off the pump. With the pump off, there is no more fluid flowing into the cylinder, but the fluid that is already in the cylinder cannot escape (it can't flow backward through the pump, and the valve is still closed). The piston rests on the fluid, and the car stays where it is.

To lower the car, the elevator control system sends a signal to the valve. The valve is operated electrically by a basic solenoid switch. When the solenoid opens the valve, the fluid that has collected in the cylinder can flow out into the fluid reservoir. The weight of the car and the cargo pushes down on the piston, which drives the fluid into the reservoir. The car gradually descends. To stop the car at a lower floor, the control system closes the valve again.

This system is incredibly simple and highly effective, but it does have some drawbacks. In the next section, we'll look at the main disadvantages of using hydraulics.

Analysis:

The reason why Hydraulic Elevator is used in Elderly Center is because Hydraulic elevators are elevators which are powered by a piston that travels inside a cylinder. An electric motor pumps hydraulic oil into the cylinder to move the piston. The piston smoothly lifts the elevator cab. Electrical valves control the release of the oil for a gentle descent.

Hydraulic elevators are used extensively in buildings up to five or six stories high. Sometimes, but rarely, up to 8 stories high. These elevators, which can operate at speeds up to 61 meters (200 ft) per minute, do not use the large overhead hoisting machinery the way geared and gearless traction systems do.

6.4.1 WRAPPING FOR HYDRAULIC ELEVATOR

With the hydraulic type driving system, the hydraulic power unit forces oil into the hydraulic jack (a combined plunger and cylinder) and the plunger pushes the car upwards using energy stored in the oil under pressure. The car descends automatically as the oil returns to the cylinder along the same route. Car-and-jack combinations are described in the table below.

Following the introduction of the machine-room-less traction method elevator, production figures for hydraulic-type elevators have been falling each year.

A.) Direct Acting (direct plunger driving)Plunger pushes up car directly at a 1:1 ratio of plunger-to-car movement.

B.) Indirect Acting (suspended type or roped hydraulic drive)Plunger is connected to car by roping using a deflector and suspension sheave, moves car up and down at a 1:2 ratio of plunger-to-car movement.

6.4.2 DOOR SYSTEM

Elevators use two different sets of doors: doors on the cars and doors opening into the elevator shaft. The doors on the cars are operated by an electric motor, which is hooked up to the elevator computer.

The electric motor turns a wheel, which is attached to a long metal arm. The metal arm is linked to another arm, which is attached to the door. The door can slide back and forth on a metal rail.

When the motor turns the wheel, it rotates the first metal arm, which pulls the second metal arm and the attached door to the left. The door is made of two panels that close in on each other when the door opens and extend out when the door closes. The computer turns the motor to open the doors when the car arrives at a floor and close the doors before the car starts moving again. Many elevators have a motion sensor system that keeps the doors from closing if somebody is between them.

6.4.5 ELEVATOR CONTROL PANEL

Elevator control panel (system) can be found at the machine room together with Geared Machine which usually located at the top of the lift. The main function of the panel system is to act as the control brain to the entire elevator system that generate or receive signals from users or operator. It also sends out signal to respectively components in the elevator.

Elevator control panel is the system that is able to coordinates all aspects of elevator service such as, levelling, travelling, speed, door opening and delay, and hall lantern signals. In emergency case, when the elevator breaks down, only authorize person has the qualification to repair from the control system.

There are two main safety indicator which works together with control system which is overload and fire service indicator.

Overload Indicator will illuminate and a buzzer will sound, when the load in the elevator is exceeding the contract load. Under overload operation, control system will send out the signal and elevator will be removed from normal service and door remain open until the load is less than the contact load.

Fire service indicator will illuminate and a buzzer will sound during building fire emergency operation. Under fire service operation, fire service indicator will send signal to control panel and control panel will send signal to the elevator. Elevator received signal and will home to the

main/ground floor, door will remain open until trained firefighter activate the Fire Service Key switch in the elevator and gain back the control of the car.

With the use of elevator control panel and fire service indicator, Freedom Elderly Center has met the requirement of UBBL to make sure the car moves to ground floor with doors open during emergency case.

According to UBBL 1984

154 (1) - On failure of main powers all elevators shall return in sequence directly to the designated floor, commencing with the fire elevators, without answering any car or landing calls and park with doors open.

With the use of smoke detector at every lift lobbies in Freedom Elderly Center and locates fire staircase with firewall beside every elevator, the building has met the requirement of UBBL.

According to UBBL 1984

152 (1) - Every opening in an elevator shaft or elevator entrance shall open into a protected lobby unless other suitable means of protection to the opening to the satisfaction of the local authority is provided. These requirements shall not apply to open type industrial and other special building as may be approved by D.G.F.S.

153 (1) - All elevator lobbies shall be provided with smoke detectors

During the event of fire, no one should use the elevator. People are recommended to use Fire stairways with firewall is always located beside the elevator, including in Freedom Elderly Center.

6.5 CONCLUSION

The selection of Hydraulic Elevator system fits perfectly for the small or medium rise building like Freedom Elderly Center due to its volume of traffic, lower installation cost, number of floors and lower maintenance cost. Beside that, Hydraulic elevators are elevators which are powered by a piston that travels inside a cylinder. So it will be more saver for the elderly in this building because it does move that fast compare to other types of elevators. The location of elevator system helps to bring convenience and efficiency to the building user while complying the UBBL accordingly.

7. FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM

7.1 INTRODUCTION

Fire protection systems are being categorized into two categories which is active fire protection

system and passive fire protection system. The main analysis for this chapter is mainly about

these two categories of fire protection system in Freedom Elderly Center. Both systems are being

applied in this big building because it was important as it was mainly to ensure the user’s safety

and security and it was also for emergency purpose to decrease the damage of the building to the

minimum when fire occurred in the building.

Through this chapter, active and passive fire protection system is being studied and explained

here in detail to show how these systems work to ensure the users in the building’s safety and

security. They are being discussed and compared to the rules and regulation that was set by

UBBL. This research paper had been concluded and finalizes the analysis. Recommendation and

improvement that was discussed are also suggested in the research paper.

7.2 LITERATURE REVIEW

Outbreaks of fire within a building can be extremely dangerous in which lives are in stakes.

Which is why the understanding and overcoming unwanted fire outbreaks are very crucial in

building design to provide the best safety fire protection for the users. Fire protection system can

be categorized into two major types: active fire protection system and passive fire protection

system. Active fire protection system is the usage of both mechanically activated and manually

engaged by the users. Mechanical active systems are only activated when fire is already present

within the building as the smoke and heat triggers the mechanism. Some of the key mechanical

active fire protection systems are fire alarms, sprinklers, carbon dioxide fire suppression system

and many more. When the mechanical active fire protection system is not triggered during a fire

incident, manual active fire protection system is the next option for the user to manually put out

the unwanted fire. Examples such as the commercial fire extinguisher and fire alarm trigger can

be used to delay and notify the fire command center to activate the mechanical fire protection

system.

Passive fire system protection plays the role of preventing and delaying the spread of fire and

smoke during a fire incident for users to escape the building with speed and ease through

implanting fire resistance elements in the building design. This can be categorized into two

major parts as well, one is to design the means of fire escape while the other is to prevent the fire

spreading. Escape routes that consists of high efficiency flow is crucially necessary during an

emergency to avoid congestion and speed up circulation out of the building. Such consideration

can be placed at fire escape staircases, efficient travel distance and exit signage at emergency

exits. Retarding the speed of fire spreading is also considered a major element in passive fire

protection system. It provides more time for users to escape and decrease property damages from

space to spaces. Examples such as firewall, fire rated door and ceiling are crucially considered

during the safety design phase.

Active fire protection system

Smoke detector

A smoke detector is a device that senses smoke. In another word as an fire indicator. The device issue a signal to a fire alarm control panel as a part of a fire alarm system, where as household smoke detectors, generally issues a local audible or visual alarm from the detector itself.

Smoke detectors are used in almost every building both for commercial and residential. It is very important device incase of a fire. There are two types of smoke detector, Ionization Detector & Photoelectric Detector:

Ionization Detector

An ionization smoke detector uses a radioisotope, characteristically americium-241, to ionize air due to smoke is detected and an alarm is generated the battery will then send voltage to the plates. When smoke enters in between the plates, it disrupts the ionization process between the 2 plates, cutting of the 2 plates , triggering the alarm.

Photoelectric Detector

A photoelectric smoke detector contains the source of infrared and a photoelectric receiver. The infrared will impulse a beam of light into the sensor chamber for every 10 seconds to check for smoke particles. When smoke enters, the smoke disrupts and scatters the light onto the photoelectric light receptor, signal will then sent to the integrated circuit that is connected to the alarm , triggering it and causing the alarm to go off.

According to UBBL 1984 Section 153: Smoke detectors for lift lobbies. (1) All lift lobbies shall be provided with smoke detectors. (2) Lift not opening into a smoke lobby shall not use door reopening devices controlled by light beam or photo-detectors unless combined with a force close feature which after thirty seconds of any interruption of the beam causes the door to close within a preset time

figure : Break Glass Alarm

Alarm bell

The alarm bell is a device that creates loud alert when it is triggered. It functions by means of an electromagnet, consisting of coils of insulated wire wound round iron rods. Once electric is applied, the current will flow through the coils. The rods will then become magnetic and attracted to the piece of iron attached to a clapper. Once the clapper hits the bell, it will create a repetitive loud ringing.

According to UBBL 1984 Section 237: Fire alarms.

(1) Fire alarms shall be provided in accordance with the Tenth Schedule to these By-laws.

(2) All premises and buildings with gross floor area excluding car park and storage areas

exceeding 9290 square metres or exceeding 30.5 metres in height shall be provided with a twostage

alarm system through evacuation (continuous signal) to be given immediately in the affected

section of the premises while an alert (intermittent signal) be given in adjoining section.

(3) Provision shall be made for the general evacuation of the premises by act of a master

control.

Fire Panel

the fire panel easy for firemen or guards to identify the location of fire. The panel operates zonally, thus making it easy for fireman to identify the location of a fire. The specific zone indicator light will light-up on both the main fire alarm panel and the repeater indication panel.

This alarm system must be installed based on UBBL (1984), Clause 225 (1) [9]. MATEC Web of Conferences06002-p.4

Portable Fire Extinguisher

Portable fire extinguishers apply an destroying agent that will cool burning fuel, displace or remove oxygen, or stop chemical reactions, so that a fire cannot continue to burn. The portable fire distinguishers must be installed at every block. Carbon dioxide and dry powder fire extinguishers were installed on the ground floor, but on the first and second floors, only powder fire extinguishers were installed. They were situated near getaway routes, thus making it easier for occupants to fight. Dry powder fire extinguishers were installed in this building and both family houses. Even though in UBBL, Jadual Kesepuluh

does not need portable fire extinguishers to be installed in dorms, for safety, this system was installed

7.4 PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM

Passive Fire Protection System

COMPARTMENT MEANS OF ESCAPE

FIRE WALL ESCAPE ROUTES

FIRE RATED DOOREMERGENCY EXIT

SIGNAGE

SEPARATION OF FIRE RISK AREA

FIRE EMERGENCY STAIRCASE

7.4.1 FIRE WALL

A fire resistance barrier used to preclude the spread of fire for a rated period of time is called a

firewall. It is a part of passive fire protection system in building design. The function of firewalls

is to subdivide a building into separate fire areas. These walls are constructed in accordance with

the locally applicable building codes and usually are made of drywall/gypsum board partitions

with wood or metal framed studs. The purpose of these fire barrier walls is to have a fire

resistance rating equal to or greater than the required rating for the application by build the wall

continuous from a floor below to a floor or roof above and/or from one firewall to another

firewall.

7.4.2 FIRE RATED DOOR

According to UBBL 1984 Section 162: Fire doors in compartment walls and separating walls

(1) Fire doors of an appropriate FRP shall be provided.

(2) Openings in compartment walls and separating walls shall be protected by a fire door having a FRP in accordance with the requirements for that wall specified in the Ninth Schedule to these By-laws.

(3) Openings in protecting structures shall be protected by fire doors having FRP of not less than half the requirement for the surrounding wall specified in the Ninth Schedule to these By-laws but in no case less than half hour.

(4) Openings in partitions enclosing a protected corridor or lobby shall be protected by fire doors having FRP of half-hour.

(5) Fire doors including frames shall be constructed to a specification which can be shown to meet the requirements for the relevant FRP when tested in accordance with section 3d of BS 476:1951.

Fire doors are a passive fire protection system that provides fire resistance rating. The fire rated

doors is an ideal fireproofing device as it can delay the fire from spreading. In order to ensure

safety while the occupants are escaping the fire, the architects usually build the fire doors along

the escape routes and fire escape stair's corridors. Some fire doors are designed to stay open

under normal circumstances and will close automatically in the event of a fire, but most of it are

intended to be shut at all times.

7.4.3 SEPARATION OF FIRE RISK AREA (FIRE ESCAPE)

In order to prevent occupants from escaping without sufficient human space, the width of all

escaping routes should be the same based on the law stated in UBBL. In addition, fire spread can

be prevented quickly from one point to the other point if the separations of fire risk area get

involved in the spatial planning of the building. The risk of fire will be reduced greatly and the

amount of injuries and accidents will decrease drastically by planning it wisely.

According to UBBL 1984 Section 169: Exit route.

No exit route may reduce in width along its path of travel from storey to final exit.

7.4.4 EMERGENCY LIGHT

The purpose of the emergency lighting is to give illumination of a necessarily high level to

enable users to evacuate the building safely during a fire emergency. This light is normally

required to automatically fully function and most of new buildings nowadays have emergency

light installed during construction. When the power supply to the normal lighting provision fails,

a backup lighting will automatically come on as it is a part of the fire safety facility of a building.

A possible danger to the users inside the building, either through physical danger or panic if the

emergency lights failed to operate as it may lead to a sudden darkness during fire emergency.

7.4.5 ESCAPE ROUTES/EMERGENCY FLOOR PLAN

According to UBBL 1984 Section 178: Exits for institutional and other places of assembly.

In building classified as institutional or places of assembly, exits to a street or large open space, together with staircases. Corridors and passages leading to such exits shall be located. Separated or protected as to avoid any undue danger to the occupants of the place of assembly from fire originating in the other occupancy or smoke there from.

Emergency floor plans should be located in every single floor and are all drawn according to the

plan of that floor. Normally, this emergency floor plan is located outside of the elevator, fire

doors or anywhere where the users can easily see it. In the plan, fire exit and emergency staircase

must be stated very clearly and every possible shortest escape routes must be stated in the plan,

so that during a fire emergency, users inside the building can get to the safety by follow the plan.

\7.4.6 EMERGENCY EXIT SIGNAGE

According to UBBL 1984 Section 172: Emergency exit signs.

(1) Storey exits and access to such exits shall be marked by readily visible signs and shall not be obscured by any decorations, furnishings or other equipment.

(2) A sign reading "KELUAR" with an arrow indicating the direction shall be placed in every location where the direction of travel to reach the nearest exit is not immediately apparent.

(3) Every exit sign shall have the word "KELUAR" in plainly legible letters not less than 150 millimetres high with the principal strokes of the letters not less than 18 millimetres wide. The lettering shall be in red against a black background.

(4) All exits signs shall be illuminated continuously during periods of occupancy.

(5) Illuminated signs shall be provided with two electric lamps of not less than 15 watts each.

Fire Escape Signage is located on top of the all the doors that directs to a safety area outside the

building, normally to the outdoor or the assembly area and this Fire Escape Signage usually can

be seen with the word "KELUAR" (meaning Exit). In case the electricity source was cut off

during a fire, emergency lights will be installed within the sign to provide light. Furthermore, to

give a clear signage to the occupants, the bright neon green colour and big block letters written is

provided.

7.4.7 FIRE DOOR OPEN/CLOSE SYSTEM (MAGNETIC SWITCH)

According to UBBL 1984 Section 164: Door closers for fire doors.

(1) All fire doors shall be fitted with automatic door closers of the hydraulically spring operated type in the case of swing door and of wire rope and weight type in the case of sliding doors.

(2) Double doors with rabbeted meeting stiles shall be provided with co-ordinating device to ensure that leafs close in the proper sequence.

(3) Fire doors may be held open provided the hold open device incorporates a heat actuated device to release the door. Heat actuated devices shall not be permitted on fire doors protecting openings to protected corridors or protected staircases.

A device that is wired to a fire alarm system and is attached to the fire door is called the

Magnetic Switch. During fire emergency, the coil will de-energized and will repulse the other

magnet attached to the door if the electric power fails or the fire alarm is activated, where it will

pushing the door to close on its own. Wireless, battery operated fire door retainers legally hold

fire doors open and can also be used to safety.

7.4.8 FIRE EMERGENCY STAIRCASE

According to UBBL 1984 Section 168: Staircases.

(1) Except as provided for in by-laws 194 every upper floor shall have means of egress via at least two separate staircases.

(2) Staircases shall be of such width that in the event of any one staircase not being available for escape purpose the remaining staircases shall accommodate the highest occupancy load of any one floor discharging into it calculated in accordance with provisions in the Seventh Schedule to these Bylaws.

(3) The required width of staircase shall be the clear width between walls but handrails may be permitted to encroach on this width to a maximum of 75 millimetres.

(4) The required width of a staircase shall be maintained throughout its length including at landings.

(5) Doors giving access to staircases shall be so positioned that their swing shall at no point encroach on the required width of the staircase or landing.

During a fire emergency, the Fire Emergency Staircase is really important as it will leads the

users of the building to escape to safety or an assembly area. All the building should not have at

least two means of different exits base on the law. These exits consist of separate exits or doors

that lead to a passage or other space giving access to separate exits in different directions. The

thread of the stairs should not be more than 255mm and the riser should be lesser than 180mm

according to the standards.

7.5 CONCLUSION

Through thorough

investigation, it is

safe to say that the Freedom

Elderly Center has an

effective and efficient fire

protection system, no more no

less. The building obeys the

Universal Building By-Laws

with strict detail for maximum protection, and it is built and installed with minimum occupant

disturbances. In conclusion, Freedom Elderly Center is using simple but effective fire safety

systems to ensure the safety of the users.

8.0 References

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Heating,R.(1992). ASHRAE handbook (Inch-Pound ed.). Atlanta, Ga.: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers

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Elevator control system, (n.d.). Retrieved from http://elevation.wikia.com/wiki/Elevator_control_system

Elevator installation and service technology, (n.d.) Retrieved from http://elevatordirectory.com/classified