FIRE HAZARD RISK ASSESSMENT OF CLADDING MATERIALS USED IN FACADE SYSTEMS IN MALAYSIA
Main article
Abstract
In the era of modernization, the façade construction industry places increasing emphasis on producing buildings that are visually appealing to consumers. To meet these aesthetic demands while ensuring constructability, engineers have developed a range of lightweight façade materials, among which aluminium composite panels (ACP) are particularly prominent. ACPs are widely used and highly valued for their customizability, allowing them to be tailored to the specific requirements of clients. However, achieving a lightweight design often involves trade-offs in material composition. One such compromise is the incorporation of a polyethylene (PE) core a cost effective and low-density alternative to more fire-resistant materials. This substitution has been linked to several
catastrophic façade fire incidents globally, as the PE core can significantly accelerate fire propagation across building exteriors. In light of these concerns, this study conducts a thermal performance analysis of ACPs
manufactured from various combinations of two grades of aluminium 3000 series and 5000 series and three types of PE cores: low-density (LD), high-density (HD), and fire-retardant (FR). The thermal analysis was conducted
in accordance with the British Standard BS 8414 Part 1 (2017) using Finite Element Modelling (FEM) through the ABAQUS software platform. The results reveal that none of the tested ACP configurations satisfied the
thermal performance criteria established in BS 8414 Part 1 (2017), regardless of the aluminium grade or PE core type. This finding highlights the urgent need to integrate additional fire-preventive layers or materials in ACP cladded façade systems to ensure compliance with safety standards. Furthermore, the study explores the prevalent use of ACP in ongoing construction projects, as well as the preventative strategies implemented by BOMBA Malaysia (the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department) to mitigate the risks associated with flammable façades. These insights were gathered from a local façade consultancy firm, offering a practical perspective on how the construction industry in Malaysia is responding to the ongoing fire safety challenges posed by ACP systems.
