12/3/2019
In 2016, Morocco launched the construction of a 27-storey tower for the main use of offices (bank and corporate offices) at the heart of ANFA’s new financial hub.
A particular feature of this tower is that it shelters three levels of facades (low, median and high) of different natures and configurations (e.g. glazed, simple skin). Efectis was asked firstly to investigate the non-propagation of fire across the facade and then to evaluate the effect of solar breezes on the medial glazed facade.
Several points were verified: fire resistance, structural arrangements, structure-facade junction, insulation, reaction to fire, mobilisable fuel mass, C + D, etc. The impact of solar breezes has been studied by means of numerical calculation tools to simulate the chimney effect that may result. The purpose is to verify that these elements do not cause excessive spread of fire and smoke to higher levels in comparison with the same configuration without solar shading.
The most restrictive facade configuration was selected and the temperature and flow criteria were used as the basis for the evaluation.
The study has shown that the implementation of solar shading in the middle of the slab is not likely to promote the spread of smoke or fire to higher levels in comparison with a naked facade.
The facades as defined by the applicant have been estimated to meet the requirements of articles GH 12, GH13 and GH14 within the meaning of the decree of 30 December 2011 of the Ministry of the Interior (French regulation).
This study was presented at several conferences and seminars attended by Efectis in Morocco.