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Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
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9

Building and Fire Research Laboratory

PANEL MEMBERS

Arthur E. Bergles, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Chair

James B. Comly, General Electric Corporate Research and Development, Vice Chair

Mihran S. Agbabian, University of Southern California

Thomas L. Anderson, Fluor Daniel

Marsha L. Coleman, E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc.

E. Douglas Dickens, Jr., B.F. Goodrich R&D Center

Larry D. Donner, Fire Department, Boulder, Colorado

Raymond Friedman, Factory Mutual Research Corporation

Irvin Glassman, Princeton University

David T. Grimsrud, University of Minnesota

Marshall G. Jones, General Electric Corporate Research and Development

Daniel D. Kana, Southwest Research Institute

John R. Lloyd, Michigan State University

Anthony O'Neill, National Fire Protection Association

Theodore Provder, The Glidden Company/ICI Paints

James R. Quiter, Rolf Jensen and Associates, Inc.

Jan P. Skalny, Consultant

Hans O. Spauschus, Spauschus Associates, Inc.

Glenn S. Tarbox, Bechtel Corporation

William G. Travers, Stone & Webster Engineering

Forman A. Williams, University of California, San Diego

Submitted for the panel by its Chair, Arthur E. Bergles, and its Vice Chair, James B. Comly, this assessment of the fiscal year 1993 activities of the Building and Fire Research Laboratory is based on site visits by individual panel members, a formal meeting of the panel on June 2-3, 1993, and the annual report of the laboratory.

LABORATORY OVERVIEW
Mission

The Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL; Figure 9.1) is dedicated to improving life-cycle quality of constructed facilities by increasing the usefulness, safety, and economy of constructed facilities and reducing the human and economic costs of unwanted fires and earthquakes. The BFRL increases the international competitiveness of U.S. building services and products by advancing building and fire technology. The BFRL performs and supports field, laboratory, and analytical research on the performance of construction materials, components, systems, and practices and on the fundamental processes

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×

FIGURE 9.1 Organization and structure of the Building and Fire Research Laboratory.

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×

underlying the initiation, propagation, and suppression of fires. The BFRL provides technological assistance to governmental, industrial, and other private standards-making, regulation, and decision-making bodies.

Strategy

BFRL's vision for the construction and fire safety communities includes (1) high-quality constructed facilities supporting international industrial competitiveness and quality of life for the U.S. public, (2) U.S. leadership in global markets for construction products and services, (3) engineered fire safety providing major reductions in losses from fire and in the costs of fire safety, and (4) increased mitigation of the consequences of natural disasters. The goal of the laboratory is to provide the technical basis for substantial improvement in the life cycle performance of constructed facilities by 2010. To achieve this goal the laboratory is planning the following critical program thrusts:

  • Computer integration of construction processes and life cycle stages;

  • High-performance construction materials;

  • Advanced technologies for building operation and control;

  • Reduced fire loss and costs;

  • Reduced impacts of disasters;

  • Energy-efficient, reduced-waste, and recyclable “green” buildings;

  • Metrics for life cycle quality and performance;

  • Advanced construction technologies; and

  • Affordable housing technologies.

Work has begun on all but the last three thrusts, and each ongoing thrust involves new activities, cutting across the five divisions of the laboratory.

The objectives of the laboratory are (1) world-class measurement and performance prediction technologies to facilitate advances in the construction industry, (2) open systems to enhance the benefits of new technology, (3) knowledge systems to reduce fragmentation, delays, and regulatory burden in the industry, (4) U.S. leadership in setting key international standards, (5) performance standards and conformity assessment for acceptance of beneficial innovations, (6) dissemination of advances through technology transfer centers to aid small- and medium-sized firms, (7) vital collaborations with academic and industrial research colleagues, (8) joint ventures with industry to ensure that customer needs are known and expectations are met, and (9) effective research-to-practice education interfaces to enhance customer service. The BFRL strategy is to deliver maximum impact in these areas from available resources.

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×
Resources

BFRL has a staff of 194 full-time employees, including 120 research professionals (55 percent of whom hold a Ph.D.), 39 research associates, and 32 guest researchers. During fiscal year 1993, estimated NIST funding was $11.0 million, with over 30 federal agencies providing an additional $10.1 million and private-sector sponsors an additional $1.4 million. The laboratory commissions 24 academic research grants, mostly in the fire research area.

STATUS OF THE LABORATORY

BFRL programs support (1) industrial growth based on continuous generation and commercialization of innovations, (2) technology development for constructing high-quality affordable housing, (3) infrastructure services required to regain an economic edge for the United States, (4) innovation and technology development that satisfy regulations at the lowest possible cost, and (5) federal procurement that facilitates commercialization of advanced technologies and minimization of life cycle costs, including environmental, health, and safety costs borne by the public.

BFRL programs are in the mainstream of areas targeted by NIST's extramural programs. NIST's Advanced Technology Program (ATP) provides cost-shared grants to industry-led projects in high-risk, high-payoff research developing new, precompetitive generic technologies. Three ATP awards have been made in construction-related areas (lighting, microstructure of thermal insulation, and advanced refrigeration cycles). Further construction-and fire-related ATP proposals are being developed by commercial concerns. NIST's Manufacturing Extension Partnership provides technical assistance to small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies. Construction and fire community organizations are considering proposing manufacturing technology centers within this program.

The panel is concerned that the level of other-agency funding in BFRL remains at nearly 50 percent of BFRL's total funding. Such a relatively large commitment to other-agency requirements combined with extensive involvement in outside activities would seem to distract BFRL from focusing on NIST's primary goals and objectives.

BFRL has excellent prospects for budget growth in fiscal year 1994. NIST is reprogramming to BFRL a $1 million increase for earthquake hazard reduction ($0.5 million in 1993 and $0.5 million in 1994) and $0.5 million for advanced refrigeration cycles for alternative refrigerants. The Clinton administration's fiscal year 1994 budget proposal provides increases of $1 million for high-performance materials and systems for infrastructure (as part of the federal Advanced Materials and Processing initiative) and $1.5 million for

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×

computer-integrated construction (as part of the federal High Performance Computing and Communications initiative). In total, increases exceed 30 percent over beginning 1993 base funding. These increases provide opportunities for modest enhancements of the Fire Program. Both the Building Program and the Fire Program are well positioned for further growth in fiscal year 1995 to contribute strongly to meeting administration goals.

NIST reported to Congress the successful merger of the Center for Building Technology and the Center for Fire Research to form the Building and Fire Research Laboratory.

HIGHLIGHTS OF FISCAL YEAR 1993 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Significant accomplishments since the last (fiscal year 1992) panel meeting, as reported in BFRL's “Laboratory Director's Report” (Program Report, Building and Fire Research Laboratory, NIST, June 1993), including the following:

  • Led the private-sector planning group and provided the secretariat for the multiagency Infrastructure-Construction Task Group, working under the auspices of the President's Office of Science and Technology Policy, that prepared the nation's High Performance Construction Materials and Systems Program for private-sector and presidential initiatives. The research (to be) involved is estimated to total $2 billion to $4 billion over 10 years.

  • Developed and validated a model for simulating the elastic properties of random porous materials and confirmed that these properties are crucial in understanding the performance of new high-strength concrete.

  • Revised the legislatively mandated Plan for Developing and Adopting Seismic Design and Construction Standards for Lifelines to the satisfaction of the Advisory Committee for the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program. The plan will become a basis for the fiscal year 1995 budget proposals of the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program.

  • Developed a rational, integrated seismic design procedure for design and retrofit of spirally reinforced bridge columns for the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials and the California transit authority (Caltrans) that accounts for time histories of bedrock motions, amplification effects of soil deposits, and nonlinear response of structural elements.

  • Verified the new Consolidated Fire and Smoke Transport (CFAST) model for the spread of fire and the transport of smoke that includes flows through floors and ceilings. Developed and verified in response to user requests, the model includes Navy ship-fire simulation and is based on full-scale fire tests.

  • Put in place a multimillion-dollar, multiyear program (funded by the Air Force) to develop replacements for halogenated

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×

fire suppressants that will provide fire safety in aircraft and buildings while avoiding damage to the environment.

  • Demonstrated in the course of a series of laboratory and mesoscale experiments that burning is a rapid and cost-effective method of removing oil spills from the surface of water. This work was done for the U.S. Minerals Management Service and the Environmental Protection Agency. Also, a large-eddy-simulation computer model was developed to understand the dynamics of smoke plume motion and smoke particle deposition.

  • Through laboratory experimentation validated MOIST, a computer model for predicting moisture and heat transfer through multilayer walls or roofs. MOIST has been used to define moisture control practices for manufactured housing and for hotels and motels.

  • Represented the American National Standards Institute in the management of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for construction standards. Arranged for U.S. leadership in ISO standards committees for building performance, concrete, timber, masonry, structural design loads, and building environment design.

ASSESSMENT OF BFRL'S STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

The assessment below is organized according to BFRL's critical program thrusts rather than its structure.

Computer-Integrated Construction

Engineering and construction industries and their clients (owners and operators) need to integrate and automate information on design and construction throughout the life of a facility. Under funding from the fiscal year 1994 federal High Performance Computing and Communications initiative, BFRL will collaborate with NIST's Manufacturing Engineering and Computer Systems laboratories in the study of information and system interfaces. BFRL's approach is based on the special perspectives of the engineering and construction industries and reflects the panel 's fiscal year 1992 recommendation to retain the Computer-Integrated Construction Group as part of BFRL.

The ISO Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (STEP) is critical to integrating and automating the design and automation information. The budget increase projected during fiscal year 1993 will more than double the Computer-Integrated Construction Group 's efforts on information technology for product data exchange. This technology will help the engineering and construction industries design and construct better-performing facilities more rapidly and cost-effectively and improve operating and maintenance efficiency.

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×

Additional funding would provide an opportunity to attract younger staff members to supplement the high-caliber staff already in place.

In fiscal year 1992 the panel recommended that BFRL develop strategies to increase collaboration with the U.S. engineering and construction industries. The process industry has now been identified as a partner in developing information models, system interfaces, and exchange protocols. A key element in the planned activities is the creation of an Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Network Testbed. The testbed will be used to develop, test, and demonstrate technologies in process industry applications. This will further strengthen ties with industry.

Because these emerging concepts are much more abstract than the computer techniques now typically used, the number of people in the engineering and construction industries who understand them is extremely small and the level of understanding is low. It remains important that BFRL provide intellectual leadership in this field. The recently completed “Guidelines for the Development and Approval of STEP Application Protocols, Version 1.1” for ISO TC184/SC4/WG4 is a good example of this type of leadership.

Over the last year the U.S. engineering and construction industries have shown a marked increase in awareness of the importance of STEP technology to their worldwide competitive position and to future economic strength. BFRL's strategy to develop protocols for concurrent engineering applications, shared integrated product databases, and construction automation practices using STEP coincides perfectly with this heightened interest.

High-Performance Construction Materials
Strategy and Planning

The long-term strategy and planning embodied in the High-Performance Construction Materials research have time-based specific milestones and are a major improvement over the strategy document provided to the panel at the fiscal year 1992 program review. The improved planning highlights program goals and product delivery. Milestones should be updated annually.

Project Management

Anticipated abrupt changes and increases in funding are expected to present major management challenges. Skilled management will be required for increased internal and external funding resources (e.g., industry, consortia, and academia). Care must be taken to avoid the assignment of effective scientists without management aptitude and training to demanding management positions.

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×
Economic Analysis

There is a strong need for economic analysis to show program value to industry and Congress. Used successfully in the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program to assess economic loss from acid rain on materials, such an analysis would produce quantitative evidence of returns from successful programs. BFRL plans to use economists to perform such analysis. BFRL's Prediction of Service Life of Coatings Program is an excellent candidate for economic analysis. Quantified benefits should include faster product development and introduction, since these factors lead to improvements in the competitiveness of the industry.

Program Leadership and Visibility

BFRL needs to ensure the visibility of its work to diverse groups. To do so, BFRL needs to decide more clearly in which programs to lead aggressively and in which to simply follow rapidly. The accreditation and standardization program of the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory and the Automated Manufacturing Research Laboratory is well accepted and appreciated by the industry. BFRL is clearly a leader in this area. The Lead Paint Program is another example in which BFRL was a technological leader with high visibility for its customer, the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Prediction of Service Life of Coatings Program has significant potential for high visibility within the coatings industry.

Organic Materials

The strategy for the Prediction of Service Life of Coatings Program is well conceived and includes yearly milestones and plans for a consortium to facilitate technology transfer. There is a good balance between reliability theory and the study of basic degradative failure mechanisms. International competitiveness is an open issue that needs to be carefully considered and resolved. Using the Consortium on Service-Life Prediction and Coatings Defects as an example, the important questions include, for example, whether U.S.-based and non-U.S.-based multinational companies should be allowed to join the consortium. Coatings are becoming a truly global business.

In order for the Prediction of Service Life of Coatings Program to be successful, the industrial consortium being formed must succeed. The Consortium on Service-Life Prediction and Coatings Defects should invite academic involvement in specific program segments, select very capable program managers, and not underestimate the level of effort needed to effectively coordinate internal and external projects. If the Prediction of

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×

Service Life of Coatings Program succeeds, it would be a jewel in BFRL's collection of technical thrusts.

The service-life prediction efforts under way seem sufficient to achieve the 1993 milestones; the measurement methodology and damage mechanism study is progressing well. However, in general, progress is incremental and slow, and additional resources are needed to meet the program's goals.

The Lead Paint Program shows excellent technology transfer. BFRL's customer, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, seems to be well satisfied, and BFRL has good visibility as the technical leader.

In its fiscal year 1992 report, the panel recommended development of a timely user-friendly computer software package for service-life prediction. BFRL included such a package as part of the Prediction of Service Life of Coatings Program. The panel also recommended that BFRL anticipate when technology will be economically viable for transfer to industry. In response, BFRL is forming a prediction thrust in a proposal that may be funded by an industry consortium. The thrust and the related consortium proposal have specific time-based milestones and deliverables throughout the proposed 10-year program. As of now, the economic advantages claimed are qualitative, but an economist will assess these benefits quantitatively. Finally, the panel questioned the future of such a thrust for Advanced Roofing Materials and Systems. BFRL is continuing to maintain the program until 1995, in order to build tangible industry interest.

Inorganic Materials

In the Inorganic Building Materials Program the following deserve special mention: (1) The concrete modeling effort is making good progress and is using workshops for technology transfer. (2) The project on concrete durability for nuclear waste storage is a good practical application of BFRL knowledge. (3) The reinforcing bar (rebar) damage study appears to be a good example of quick response to industry's problems, and there is significant potential for economic impact. (4) The rebar study of zinc loss versus protection shows good practical application of BFRL's knowledge and some unique experimental innovation.

The quality of the cement and concrete research is high, and its emphasis is well balanced between short- and long-term projects. The long-term plan for concrete modeling should be to extend the research. Outside funding is necessary for the short term. The technical goal needs redefining because the current goal is strictly scientific and has no direct industrial applications. The research should continue to support groups such as the Civil Engineering Research Foundation and the Interagency Committee on Materials, but a technical focus for BFRL's participation should be selected.

The program's performance is excellent, as is its coordination with professional societies (for example, the

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×

American Society for Testing and Materials and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials) and industry. The concrete and asphalt industries support continuous growth of the program. The program's management approach should be a model for other materials programs.

Additional emphasis on technology transfer is called for. Even though the U.S. construction industry has been unreceptive to BFRL's new generation of high-performance concrete, U.S. international trading partners in Europe and elsewhere are adopting BFRL's innovation in their own construction industries. The panel proposes that the same priority be given to “end-use” technology transfer in high-performance concrete as was given to BFRL's computer fire modeling. Every BFRL program plan should have a built-in end-use technology transfer objective.

In its fiscal year 1992 report, the panel recommended that a model be developed for specialized concrete formulations. That model would have to be validated by testing over a broad range of formulations. A panel recommendation also called for full-scale testing of the fire resistance of high-performance concrete for high-rise buildings. These tests have not been done. Until they are completed, industry will be unlikely to adopt the high-performance concrete work.

Reduced Fire Loss and Costs

BFRL performs and supports field, laboratory, and analytical research on the fundamental processes underlying the initiation, propagation, and suppression of fires. The driving purpose is to reduce the human and economic costs of unwanted fires.

Program Visibility and Technology Transfer

The importance of technology transfer for fire research has been emphasized in previous panel assessments, and BFRL had designated a specific individual responsible for this important function. However, as a result of reorganization and the retirement of key personnel, there is no longer a person who is clearly responsible for technology transfer.

Clearer goals for technology transfer need to be established, with definition of targeted audiences such as the building code community, fire services community, and the architectural and building engineering community. Also, the Fire Program's visibility could be increased through participating in educational events at meetings, establishing input to curricula, and providing technical evaluations for hearings on code changes.

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×
Proactive Pursuit of Performance Codes

Much of the operating plan for the Fire Program revolves around the important goals of improved fire safety and reduced fire loss. BFRL 's Fire Program also enhances the international competitiveness of U.S. industry. However, several other countries are currently ahead of the United States in transferring from prescriptive building and fire codes to performance-related codes. Much of the technology and the basis for computer modeling for performance codes used by other countries were developed at BFRL. The use of performance codes helps eliminate unnecessary redundancies, allows use of technical alternatives, and permits decreases in cost with no related decreases in safety. Countries with advanced fire practices are able to build facilities at a lower, more competitive cost. Even though other countries have applied BFRL's research in innovative ways, the U.S. construction and code enforcement communities have made little progress in the use of performance codes.

Fire Modeling

Fire modeling has become a keystone of BFRL's Fire Program. There is a good balance and interaction between zone modeling and field modeling. The two approaches are complementary in that the relatively simple and user-friendly zone models can be upgraded to more accurately account for key physical effects described by the more complete field models. Modeling research offers the opportunity for cooperation between laboratories as various modules are developed for inclusion in both the zone and field models. The extension to three dimensions, and the inclusion of full surface, gaseous radiation, and chemical reactions in the field model, will help in the development of similar models for the zone code. The field model code originated in the Harwell Laboratory, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, and the zone model was developed at NIST, an indication of international cooperation.

Education

The fire models developed by BFRL are used for fire-safe design as well as in the development of fire scenarios. Users generally need to be trained in the use of the models and to be made aware of the bounds of validity.

Fire Prediction with HAZARD and CFAST

HAZARD, BFRL's flagship program for predicting fire hazards, is undergoing major revisions that are expected to be complete in fall 1994. Upgrades include an improved graphics and data entry package and the addition of Fireform, a program allowing a quick

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×

calculation prior to a full HAZARD run. The modular approach is encouraging, as is BFRL's collaboration with other NIST laboratories in developing new algorithms.

The panel continues to be concerned, however, about the lack of validation available for HAZARD's algorithms. In addition, there is little documented use of HAZARD; therefore the accuracy, reliability, and sensitivity of the model are still in question. This concern is exacerbated by HAZARD's extensive distribution to users with no prior fire or computer experience. This marketing strategy requires further consideration. As the panel has noted in previous years, further validation of HAZARD would probably require additional personnel.

The panel also cites, as it has in past years, the need to add a sprinkler algorithm to the CFAST model. As more sprinklers are installed in buildings, the lack of a sprinkler algorithm becomes a more serious model deficiency.

Large Fires Program

The Large Fires Program has a promising future but needs to be better integrated into the overall mission of BFRL, which is centered on constructed facilities. In addition to the obvious, much-needed prediction tools that are being developed to solve real-world problems, benefits of this project include its potential to provide greater visibility for BFRL.

Halon Replacement

The objective of the Halon Replacement Program is to provide data and expertise for selecting a small number of chemicals to replace Halon in engine nacelle and dry (electronics) bay fire suppression. The program has an unusually tight timetable in order to guide full-scale testing for the retrofitting of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in fiscal year 1996.

The strategy is to screen specified replacement candidates for performance during extinguisher discharge and flame interaction, to support these screenings with numerical model studies, and to provide data for appraisal of the compatibility of specified candidates with flight systems, people, and the environment, using experimental and modeling techniques to extrapolate the effects of long-term exposure.

This approach is based on fundamental research and not only offers the highest probability of correct candidate selection but also should advance the science underlying high-performance fire suppression systems. The research is interdisciplinary and ambitious.

BFRL is uniquely capable of executing a program of this complexity and urgency in fire science. This major program involves 30 staff members and $5.8 million over 3 years. BFRL's resources are adequate, but the demanding time deadlines preclude

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×

extensive scientific investigation of important issues. The program would benefit from the addition of perhaps two young Ph.D. researchers, one in chemical and one in mechanical engineering.

The Halon Replacement Program demonstrates how good science can quickly solve complicated technical problems of national importance and the effectiveness of NIST's intralaboratory and interlaboratory programs.

Research on Fire Resistance in Polymers

Research is under way to discover methods of slowing flammability in polymers without using halogens. Experimental measurements and computer modeling of the decomposition process are applied on a simulated molecular level. The emphasis is on char formation. Current results show that the yield of char, obtained by additives or cross-linking followed by heat, is less important than the nature of the char. A variety of techniques are being used to delineate the nature of char produced in various cases.

This research promises new insights into the fire resistance of polymers. The researchers are highly competent and are equipped with excellent tools. The research is well connected with and partially funded by industry.

Research on Smoke Dynamics

Smoke dynamics research includes studies of carbon monoxide production and prediction, and various studies on soot formation and evolution.

Well-controlled experiments and analyses are performed based on the use of model flames. The research provides methods for predicting smoke formation and burnout histories in larger turbulent flames and is well focused in order to bring fundamental studies to practical fruition. Recent advances in the understanding of soot production and evolution can be attributed to the combination of BFRL's internal program, BFRL-funded research at five universities, and research at a half-dozen other well-respected groups worldwide that are not associated with the BFRL programs. As an example of the caliber of the research, a member of BFRL received NIST's Condon Award for a paper on chemical growth processes in flames and the Combustion Institute 's Silver Medal in recognition of the excellence of his research.

It would be a great loss to science if the fundamental soot studies at BFRL were not to continue. Many unknowns remain in the fundamental chemical mechanisms leading to soot. The overall program at BFRL is well conceived and offers an excellent paradigm of fundamental research leading to useful results.

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×
Special Comments on the Fire Program

One member of the panel had some special concerns about the changing visibility of BFRL's Fire Program in the academic fire research community. The panel did not reach a general consensus on this issue, but the concerns raised have been judged worth quoting here.

“At one time NIST's Fire Program was the premier program of its kind in the world. It no longer is. Most university people no longer think of the program as a significant potential source of research support. Although there are a few isolated areas in which the program has managed to maintain low-level funding of notable work, coverage of expertise is spotty. The U.S. university research base in fire has nearly disappeared in most of the fundamental research areas of fire physics, fire chemistry, toxicology, etc. Perhaps projected increases in NIST budgets could be used to revive the program. A staged increase to a level about 5 times the present size could revitalize the program, reestablish U.S. research in the area at the basic level, and reinstitute a background for advances in future generations.

“The Center for Fire Research has evolved into part of the Building and Fire Research Laboratory and now may be poised to become part of the Building Systems Laboratory, even though there are plenty of fire problems that do not involve buildings. Fire has become part of accident, earthquake, fire, wind, etc. Although, at least in dollars unadjusted for inflation, fire funding has not deteriorated, visibility [in the academic fire research community] of the Fire Program at NIST has crashed.”

Reduced Impacts of Disasters
Structures and Earthquakes Program

In general, the program's studies of the impact of earthquakes on structures continue at a good pace. Structures such as bridge columns, seismic isolation systems, lightly reinforced concrete frames, and precast concrete structures are receiving special attention. The program keeps informed on and complements the work being done by external groups in order to best direct its own work toward standardized procedures. For example, in the case of bridge columns, special attention is being given to work at Caltrans, and the implications of designing in accordance with the standards of the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials.

The program needs in-house research on lightly reinforced concrete frames. Alternate strengthening methodologies are being considered under the program on the basis of test data compiled from work performed outside BFRL. It would be premature for the program to attempt to draw definitive conclusions before conducting its own tests to verify the externally derived data.

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×
Earthquake Engineering Program

The Earthquake Engineering Program is developing stronger ties to professional societies with interests in standards and codes related to earthquake engineering. The program's staff members are serving on committees and have accepted secretariat duties. Since the panel 's fiscal year 1992 meeting, the Earthquake Engineering staff met with the Seismological Committee of the Structural Engineers Association of California, a principal committee for providing the guidelines for earthquake-resistant design that are generally incorporated, with minor changes, in the Uniform Building Code. However, these activities do not provide the program with sufficient visibility among its various customers.

Building Contents

The continued operability of emergency equipment and the potential hazards of loose objects and inoperative equipment during earthquakes were noted previously by the panel as receiving inadequate attention. Although the contribution of inoperative equipment to fire hazards is being addressed, no similar priority for addressing earthquake hazards has yet been established.

Research in Chaotic Dynamics

The 5-year exploratory research program on chaotic dynamics is about to end. External support for this program is difficult to find at this time.

Green Buildings: Energy Efficiency, Waste Reduction, and Recycling
General Comments about the Green Buildings Initiative

On the basis of a congressional mandate, BFRL has embarked on a new initiative aimed at helping the building industry produce facilities with lower life cycle environmental impact. The initiative's salient features include guidance of the design of four demonstration buildings, including one at NIST, support for an American Society for Testing and Materials “Green Building Design Guide,” and collaboration with the U.S. Green Building Council, a recently formed industry association with 21 charter members.

This initiative organizes several BFRL programs focused on in-building technologies. It helps guide program decisions and provides a theme to assist interested outside parties in understanding the program elements. It also points out the

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×

difference between the BFRL initiative and the energy-focused work of the Department of Energy's Office of Buildings Technology and the Environmental Protection Agency's building-related global climate change activities.

The work on the four demonstration buildings will have high visibility. BFRL should provide (1) assistance in design for energy efficiency and for indoor air quality, and (2) an assessment of the renewability and recyclability of the materials used in the construction process.

Design Assistance

Programs for providing assistance in the design of “green buildings” have been initiated in several states. In Minnesota, building designs have been produced that reduce energy use by 30 percent relative to the state energy code (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers 90.1). Design assistance provides outside consulting help to the building design team to enable it to make the most informed judgment possible about the life cycle cost implications of design choices. The consultants analyze the building design as early as possible in the design process and perform Department of Energy-2 or equivalent simulations of systems and envelope options that affect a building's energy use. The consultants' recommendations are optional. Incremental costs for the additional time that the design team spends in examining the options and incremental costs for any building changes accepted by the team, as well as the consulting fees, are borne by the supporting program. All contractual responsibility remains with the original design team.

Assistance in designing for indoor air quality, an equivalent process, could also be developed. Such a program has not been developed in the United States. Examination of these implications could provide the basis for the “Green Building Design Guide” that is scheduled for delivery later in the program.

Strategy for Materials Use

The examination of the global environmental implications of materials chosen for construction, currently a major issue in the architecture community, is another part of the green buildings effort.

Refrigeration Machinery Program

It is hoped that some of NIST's anticipated increase in intramural funding will be used in support of the Refrigeration Machinery Program. In the recent past, funding for the program

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
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has come largely from industrial sources. With enhanced internal support, program activities can focus on longer-term goals with the potential of enhanced impact on the U.S. refrigeration and air-conditioning industries.

A comprehensive plan to investigate environmentally acceptable refrigerants has been developed, including evaluation of hydrofluorocarbon mixtures, “fourth-generation” refrigerants including ethers and fluorinated propanes, and “natural” refrigerants such as carbon dioxide and water. If implemented, this plan should provide a comparative advantage for U.S. industry.

Program personnel are dedicated and experienced. The program leader has a national and international reputation and makes excellent use of student assistants, visiting engineers, and technicians. The addition of a young scientist or engineer with a background in a complementary field, such as chemical engineering, would be of considerable benefit.

Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation

The Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation Program has two activities, ventilation assessment and whole-building analysis. The first activity provides reliable tools for assessing ventilation system performance in indoor air quality investigations and research projects. The second activity develops and applies models for use by NIST researchers and others working with the complex phenomena of the effects of multizone airflow in indoor air quality and energy analysis.

Significant progress has been made in both of these activities. The BFRL ventilation work is the best in the United States and ranks with that of the best European laboratories. Significant achievements during fiscal year 1992 include:

  • A report characterizing the impact of building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning on indoor air quality investigations in commercial buildings, with the support of the Environmental Protection Agency. The report provides a protocol of measurement procedures for characterizing the ventilation systems of commercial buildings that will be used widely in the study of the “sick building” syndrome.

  • A study, supported by the Bonneville Power Administration, of ventilation measurement in an office building. A complete ventilation analysis was made, including a comparison between ventilation rates measured with tracer gas and those measured by sampling carbon dioxide concentrations.

  • A report that compared the above ventilation measurements with those in another new office building that illustrated the difficulties and subtleties associated with ventilation measurements. The ventilation effectiveness was close to unity in both buildings, a significant result for ventilation systems that are distinctly different.

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
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Targeting an array of different audiences, the reports were, respectively, a broad and general tutorial, an engineering report, and a scientific review. Collectively, the reports demonstrate the program's unique ability to provide both high-quality research results to a narrow audience and tutorial guidance in the ventilation area to a wide spectrum of customers.

Indoor air quality is broader in scope than ventilation. In fiscal year 1992, the panel urged BFRL management to create a new staff position to examine source characteristics of materials used within buildings. Fundamental improvements in the understanding of emission processes of materials may change the way concentrations of pollutants in buildings are controlled. A new staff person has been hired and will help reduce the workload carried by the program leader. The new staff person, a mechanical engineer, can expand the sophisticated but narrow work of this group into a wider range of indoor air quality problems and address these problems in a different, and potentially more productive, way. The program now has a part-time position to expand a pollutant transport model to a set of building types that will assume high visibility in the next several years. A contact has been made with the Building Materials Division and the Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory to examine indoor pollutant sources in a more fundamental way than has currently been done. Both the modeling and fundamental studies are good efforts.

It is distressing, however, that 70 to 75 percent of the funding for the Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation Program is external. Core funding would allow expansion of the program into an even wider class of indoor air quality issues.

BFRL RESPONSE TO FISCAL YEAR 1992 RECOMMENDATIONS

In its presentations to the panel, BFRL management responded to all of the panel's FY 1992 recommendations. BFRL's responses were often either general or took the form of proposals for action, rather than a formal report on specific actions and results. Responses to laboratory-wide recommendations are reviewed in this section. Comments under the section below, “Major Findings and Recommendations--Fiscal Year 1993,” also bear on many of these responses. Responses to recommendations addressed to a specific division or program thrust have been considered in the section “Assessment of BFRL's Strategic Directions” above.

Planning Issues

BFRL has initiated a reasonable strategic planning process but has yet to document a detailed strategic plan or an outline of such. Useful advice was provided by an ad hoc strategic planning committee; however, plans and criteria for redirecting

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
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programmatic effort are pending. The next logical actions for the remainder of fiscal year 1993 are to add “business” elements to the strategic planning process (as described below in “Major Findings and Recommendations--Fiscal Year 1993”), which includes defining the customer base for strategic elements of the program, and to begin implementation of the plan.

Sharpening the Metrics of Strategic Planning

Quotations in this section are taken from the board's report, An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs, Fiscal Year 1992 (National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1992), beginning on page 219.

  • "Measurable goals, bounded by time, are required.” The laboratory is currently developing well-defined, quantitative goals for the major thrusts of its programs, using a revised road map format that schedules achievement milestones.

  • "Strategic results must be produced within a critical time frame to have a significant impact.” BFRL has identified and visited key customers in order to understand customers' real-time needs. Each of the joint industry-government programs--for example, those on earthquakes, coatings, high-performance materials, mist fire suppression, and advanced detectors--by their nature involve development of program plans with specific milestones based on user needs. In addition, road maps have been developed for each of BFRL's major thrusts.

  • "Realistic impact statements are needed” for both planned and completed work. The laboratory has documented the impact of completed work and has initiated a coordinated effort with NIST's senior economist in the Program Office to develop a model for assessing impacts of the Fire Program and the Building Program. Ultimately, the laboratory expects to quantify impacts of collaborating with key customers.

  • "The work of BFRL should be more clearly linked to the issues determining international competitiveness in the construction industry and [to] how the Laboratory will lead in enhancing competitiveness.” This panel recommendation has been addressed in the laboratory's new mission statement. To address competitiveness, the laboratory needs to influence measurement technology, emerging technologies, and performance measurements for quality in the building and fire aspects of the construction industry. BFRL has intensified contacts with domestic customers that will help identify specific targets of opportunity within these broad areas.

  • "An ad hoc strategic planning committee . . . should be established. ” On May 5 and 6, 1993, the laboratory met with leaders in the construction and fire industries to discuss strategic directions for the construction and fire safety community and the implications for BFRL. This Ad Hoc Industry Task Group made a number of suggestions and challenged the

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
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leadership of the laboratory to work more directly with BFRL's customers in research and development related to the life cycle processes in constructed facilities.

Criteria and Plans for Redirecting Programs

The laboratory is sharpening its mission statement and criteria for gauging the relevance of specific projects to laboratory priorities. As criteria are applied, the laboratory anticipates that some ongoing activities will be emphasized, while others will be curtailed or redirected.

Synergy Yet Separation Between Programs in Building and Fire

BFRL has begun to address the strategic balance required between the Fire and Building programs. For example, a modest project on structural fire resistance has been started involving both the Structures Division and the Fire Safety Engineering Division. As part of a study on balanced design for fire safety, the laboratory is required by recent legislation to perform research over a 30-month period. The laboratory expects to extend its analysis of strategic balance to earthquake engineering once funding for the program is resolved. Another interdivisional group is addressing joint needs for a wind tunnel facility. The Building Environment Division and Fire Science Division are collaborating on a study of the flammability of candidate chlorofluorocarbon replacements. Finally, the Fire Safety Engineering Division and Building Environment Division are seeking to establish a joint project to integrate fire sensing and detection systems into building control system emulators. Some of these collaborations are expected to become full joint projects in fiscal year 1993. Also, the laboratory is working within the building and fire communities on several issues that will heighten BFRL's visibility and leadership.

Customer Categories

The laboratory now classifies customers under the following broad categories: (1) manufacturers; (2) architects, engineers, and contractors; (3) other federal agencies; (4) professional societies, standards bodies, and regulators, and (5) the scientific and technical community. (Note that for the Ad Hoc Industry Task Group meeting on May 5 and 6, 1993, the laboratory used the following customer categories: (1) construction; (2) architectural and/or engineering firms; (3) materials and manufacturing; (4) housing and home builders; (5) codes, standards, and fire services; and (6) insurance.) Further

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
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identification of specific relationships with BFRL's customers is needed.

Although the needs of the first two categories--manufacturers, and architects, engineers, and contractors--are the most critical in increasing the competitiveness of the construction industry, the third category, federal agencies, has been and continues to be the largest source of funding. The fourth group, professional societies, standards bodies, and regulators, historically has been the most active channel for transfer of the laboratory's products, i.e., standards and practices adopted in codes and regulations. The last category, the scientific and technical community, was identified because peer review and peer stimulation are essential for BFRL's success in influencing product and process standards and technology.

BFRL management personnel have stepped up their visits with counterparts and customers in the first three categories.

Strategic Use of Other-Agency and Industry Funding

BFRL recognizes that constant vigilance is necessary to coordinate other-agency services with core programs, and also recognizes that strategic priorities should be set for all programs, including those funded by other agencies. Because enhancing the competitiveness of the U.S. construction industry is a goal that BFRL has in common with most other agencies with which it works, this goal is being used as a basis for joint strategic planning. Joint strategies are evolving in the infrastructure materials program, with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the General Services Administration, in the housing and building technology areas, and with the Minerals Management Service, regarding large, open fires. Other possibilities are being explored. BFRL has close relationships with the industries involved, unrivaled measurement technology expertise, and research strength in the underpinning generic and emerging technologies.

Other BFRL-wide Issues
Should BFRL Shift Emphasis from Measurement and Standards to Generic Technology?

The laboratory has shifted some of its emphasis toward generic technology; however, determining the optimal mix is difficult. Added insight will be gained within the next fiscal year. The laboratory is being challenged by increasing demands for performance prediction as well as related new measurement methods. The current emphasis on applications of emerging technologies will press BFRL further in the direction of technology development.

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×
Is Industry Aware of What NIST Is Doing?

To address the panel's concern that industry is not sufficiently aware of BFRL's activities, the laboratory's management has begun an aggressive outreach effort to establish contacts with its industrial customers. For example, a brochure was being prepared for a fall 1993 open house to illustrate how BFRL relates to industry needs. Also, BFRL is seeking to enhance its industrial contacts through increased numbers of research associates, industrial guest workers, and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs).

The panel posed two additional questions in its fiscal year 1992 report. First, it questioned whether industry can exploit technology available in the public domain. The answer given is yes, if industry participates early in the process of development, adoption, and adaptation and/or use of the technology. This requires close relationships beginning at the conception of projects, not only at the time of their completion. Second, the panel questioned whether BFRL can participate in the ATP. There are already a number of ATP recipients in the construction industry, and a number of others are being encouraged. As these projects materialize, BFRL is likely to be asked to make unique contributions.

Do BFRL's International Activities Give U.S. Industry a Comparative Advantage?

The panel was not given a clear answer to this question. Currently, laboratory research involving international cooperation is probably picked up and used more effectively by industry in other countries than in the United States. The laboratory's new emphasis on working more directly with U.S. industry should help turn this situation around. On the other hand, international standards activities--in particular, efforts to gain U.S. sponsorship for key ISO committees--are working to U.S. industry's advantage. BFRL has helped secure new U.S. secretariats on key ISO standards committees, which will give U.S. firms a better perspective on international opportunities.

Can BFRL's Fire Program Enhance the Construction Industry's Competitiveness?

BFRL's contribution is unique though modest, given the overall size of the construction industry; however, BFRL can enhance the industry 's competitiveness. BFRL is a world leader in fire safety research, engineering, and technology. By adopting BFRL's research products, U.S. industry could gain a comparative advantage. Industrial developers of products for fire safety also benefit when their products are tested for

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
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conformance to international standards that are increasingly based on BFRL's fire science.

BFRL's Definition of Customers Is Not Clear

Through the efforts noted above, the laboratory has been seeking to narrow and sharpen the focus of its activities and link them more directly to the expressed needs of specific customers, to work jointly with these customers, and to encourage them to participate in the ATP and to develop end-to-end agreements on programs that extend through to product implementation and evaluation. The laboratory should collaborate with and serve not only paying customers and end users but also many of the intermediary organizations that serve these groups.

Total Quality Management Should Be Adopted

The laboratory is moving toward total quality management (TQM) by seeking to extend staff empowerment, continuous improvement, and other principles of TQM.

What Impact Does BFRL's Involvement in the National Research Council's Building Research Board and the National Institute of Building Sciences Have on BFRL Programs?

Both organizations are viewed as providing valuable perspectives on user needs. They also provide access to meaningful contacts in industry and other government agencies.

Is BFRL Effective in Transferring Information?

The laboratory has not been as effective as it would like in transferring information; however, as more resources become available, the laboratory intends to build up its capabilities in this area by setting up a small group devoted to working directly with end users and by encouraging more visiting professionals to work with the laboratory.

Are BFRL Staff Participating in Efforts to Promote Mathematics and Science Education?

Examples noted by BFRL are the local “Engineers' Week” activities that the laboratory director has led for the past several years. Also, the staff has continued to work with students in a number of educational programs in the region.

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
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Does BFRL Participate in Joint Programs with Other Laboratories?

The laboratory has identified participation in joint programs with other NIST laboratories as crucial to its growth and has made real progress in the form of joint budgetary initiatives with the Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory (MSEL), the Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory (MEL), the Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory (CSTL), and the Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory (EEEL). BFRL expects to gain substantial support for its effort in high-performance infrastructure materials from MSEL. BFRL is working with CSTL and MSEL in the coatings consortium, and with the MEL, the Computing and Applied Mathematics Laboratory, and others on the Product Data Exchange Specification/Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data, and on virtual manufacturing. There is the possibility of work with EEEL in areas related to small-particle characterization.

How Are BFRL's Accomplishments Useful to Other Industries?

BFRL has demonstrated that the competencies and technologies of its programs can be useful to industries beyond those generally associated with building and fire. Two recent examples are coatings in the automotive industry and the fire safety of aircraft. Funding from these industries and their constituencies is being sought, with the recognition that care must be taken to ensure that such efforts do not diminish BFRL 's service to its primary customers and constituents.

MAJOR FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS--FISCAL YEAR 1993

There is a sense of new possibilities among the BFRL staff, caused by the new attention the National Institute of Standards and Technology is experiencing and by the prospects for new mandates. These offer the possibility of new resources for the first time in many years. The laboratory management has developed an initial formulation of strategy. Their challenge now is to transform this initial formulation into a concrete, workable strategic plan.

Other challenges exist. For example, the laboratory will experience inevitable strains as larger, industrially oriented projects requiring time-phased program control become more common and as interactions with industrial firms increase. Also, there are antiquated and decaying facilities that need renovation or renewal. Three major facilities are in urgent need of upgrades: the large-scale fire test facility in Building 205, the 53-meganewton machine, and seven 25-year-old environmental test chambers.

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
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The panel's detailed findings and recommendations regarding NIST-wide issues, BFRL-wide issues, and individual BFRL programs are presented below.

Findings and Recommendations Concerning NIST-wide Issues
Data Programs

Finding. There are no evident gaps to be addressed in BFRL's use of data programs. BFRL uses data programs from other NIST laboratories (e.g., data on properties of alternative refrigerants) and uses NIST data management systems to manage reference data it generates itself (e.g., data on advanced cement-based materials).

Research Balance

Finding. BFRL has maintained a reasonable balance between fundamental, standards, and generic technology research. However, the panel fears that overemphasis by BFRL on developing commercially attractive generic technology may divert attention from important fundamental efforts. For example, results from the fundamental soot research are now ready for application to large-flame modeling. However, it is essential that fundamental soot research continue as application proceeds.

Recommendation. BFRL should use new core funds partly to maintain its fundamental work, and partly to reduce the necessity to seek other-agency funds that might divert the laboratory from its own strategies.

Interaction of Intramural and Extramural Programs

Finding. BFRL's client industries have been slow to propose extramural projects to the ATP and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. These programs provide opportunities for BFRL to work more closely with industry. BFRL now plans to encourage ATP proposals in its areas of interest.

Strategic Planning

Finding. BFRL has made a respectable start toward serious strategic planning. The current BFRL formulation of strategy is an excellent high-level overview; however, more detail is needed to make it an operational strategic plan. Recommendations on strategies and tactics made by the Ad Hoc Industry Task Group convened by BFRL in spring 1993 need to be implemented.

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
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Specific, scheduled milestones and estimation of economic impacts should be included. The strategic plan must address all areas of potential impact, not only impact on the development of technology.

Recommendation. BFRL management and staff should collaborate to produce an operational strategic plan covering all of BFRL's activities for fiscal year 1994. Strategies should explicitly address (1) other-agency funding; (2) improved contacts with critical industrial organizations, increased CRADAs, and ATP and other external alliances, and a more proactive role in establishing performance codes and standards; (3) balanced support of industrial competitiveness and public safety; and (4) responses to specific legislative (statutory) requirements (such as the Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 and the recent Earthquake Mitigation Act).

Technological Collaboration with Industry

Finding. BFRL has many collaborations with industry; however, it could increase its technological collaborations with industrial counterparts and other customers.

Interlaboratory Teams

Finding. BFRL is adept at participating in and leading interlaboratory teams. Examples include Halon replacement, materials applications, and computational modeling and simulation.

Total Quality Management

Finding. Total quality management has several elements: (1) identification and dedicated pursuit of key customers, (2) continuous improvement of products, and (3) empowerment of employees to take the initiative with independent decisions and actions. BFRL does reasonably well with the first two elements, although further improvement is still the goal. The third is a complex subject that BFRL is thus far addressing via its all-functions planning team. Experimenting with TQM of its programs is one more mechanism by which BFRL can respond to the expansion of its charter to include industrial competitiveness and to manage any future growth in funding.

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
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Findings and Recommendations Concerning BFRL-wide Issues
Full-Scale Fire Test Facility

Finding. There is an urgent need to upgrade NIST's fire test facility, Building 205, to allow for full-scale testing to validate technology used in modeling. It is in the competitive interest of the nation to move from prescriptive building and fire codes to performance-based codes as soon as the equivalent levels of effectiveness and public safety can be demonstrated. Local officials and design professionals will not accept performance codes without full-scale demonstration of the models behind them and of their effectiveness.

Recommendation. BFRL should upgrade and expand NIST's fire test facility in Building 205. Numerous BFRL programs, including the flagship HAZARD software and various building materials and techniques projects, require full-scale testing before industry and other users will accept BFRL's results. BFRL should seek private or public partnerships in financing if NIST is unable to allocate funds for the upgrade.

Mission Statement

Finding. As the merger of the former Center for Fire Research and the former Center for Building Technology continues to mature, there is the possibility that support by public safety groups in the fire and building communities will decline. Such a decline would cause reduced political support for programs and reduced acceptance of BFRL's products and services. The fire service community does not automatically link performance prediction, measurement technologies, and industrial competitiveness with enhanced public safety.

Recommendation. BFRL should revise its mission statement to feature its major role in enhancing public safety as well as its role in enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. industry. (Featuring “public safety” in BFRL's mission would help the fire service community link enhanced public safety with BFRL's concerns.)

Other-Agency Funding

Finding. A high percentage of BFRL's funding continues to come from other agencies. Although other-agency funding supports BFRL's technical base, provides a window on national needs, and maintains important strategic relationships, the management of

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
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such funding takes substantial staff effort that could be better used in direct work with industry or on scientific projects.

Recommendation. As the panel has recommended in previous years, BFRL should reduce its dependence on other-agency funding if direct funding (STRS) from Congress becomes available.

Economic Impact Estimates

Finding. The panel encourages BFRL to continue to use economic studies to show the potential benefit of its programs. A possible focus for an economic study is the Prediction of Service Life of Coatings Program.

Program Management

Finding. Increased funding in NIST and BFRL, coupled with an increased focus on influencing industrial competitiveness, will require greater emphasis on program management.

Recommendation. BFRL should recruit, select, and train program managers so that it can avoid turning effective scientists into mediocre program managers. Also, BFRL should properly reward scientists, engineers, and program leaders for their strategy development, program management, and technology transfer as well as for their scientific and engineering contributions.

Program Visibility, Educational Programs, and Technology Transfer

Finding. BFRL's programs are not as widely known as is necessary to optimize their impact on industry and other customers.

Recommendation. BFRL should sponsor and train additional selected staff to participate in critical interactions with industry.

Recommendation. BFRL's Fire Program should establish a set of strong tutorial programs to reach potential users of its technology and students. The programs should (1) emphasize education in the use of computer products, such as HAZARD, to reduce the likelihood that they will be used incorrectly or inappropriately, (2) be made available at major technical and industrial conferences; and (3) be incorporated into the curricula of universities with provisions to recognize

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
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outstanding insight in the use of BFRL's design guides and computer programs. For example, BFRL could make HAZARD available to engineering schools, issue an annual problem in which HAZARD could be used, and award prizes and trips to NIST for the top regional winners.

Recommendation. As recommended in previous years, BFRL should increase technology transfer by implementing a specific technology transfer strategy for each program and should create software following the model of HAZARD in other areas (e.g., specialized concrete formulations).

Findings and Recommendations for Individual BFRL Programs

The panel's recommendations for specific BFRL programs are given in this section, organized according to critical thrusts. Additional discussion of programs can be found in the section “Assessment of BFRL's Strategic Directions.”

Computer-Integrated Construction

Finding. Computer-integrated construction, one of the most promising programs in BFRL, plans a strategic focus on the process industries in the next phase of work on STEP. This program expects a significant increase in funding in fiscal year 1994.

Recommendation. The Computer-Integrated Construction Program should strengthen its industrial interactions through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements and Advanced Technology Program projects.

Finding. Consistent with the panel's fiscal year 1992 recommendations, the work on the Advanced Roofing Materials and Systems was delayed. The assessment of the viability of this program should continue.

Recommendation. BFRL should continue to maintain a low level of activity on the Advanced Roofing Materials and Systems thrust while seeking industry interest and support. If no such support develops by the end of fiscal year 1994, the program should be abandoned.

Finding. The goal of the Inorganic Building Materials Program, “to advance the science and technology of cement and concrete,”

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
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needs a tighter program description, a better focus on the user industry it serves, and an indication of anticipated impact. The quality of the cement and concrete research is high, and emphasis is well balanced between short- and long-term projects.

Recommendation. BFRL should extend the current focus of the Cement and Concrete Program to include projects of direct importance to U.S. industry. This should include such projects as the validation of the model for specialized concrete formulations over a wide range of formulations, and full-scale testing of fire resistance of high-performance concrete in high-rise buildings. The science should be maintained, but a technical focus should be chosen and the technology be made available to code-and standards-making committees.

Reduced Fire Loss and Costs

Finding. BFRL's fire modeling codes should be more widely used.

Recommendation. To ensure wider use of its fire modeling codes by intended customers, BFRL should strengthen its efforts to (1) validate codes (including full-scale tests), (2) define the bounds of validity of the codes, and (3) make the models more user-friendly.

Finding. Several other countries are currently ahead of the United States in transferring from prescriptive building and fire codes to performance-related codes, although much of the technology and the basis for computer modeling for performance codes used by other countries were developed at BFRL.

Recommendation. The Fire Program should provide leadership in converting the United States to performance-based building and fire codes. Leadership would involve forging necessary alliances and scheduling achievements.

Finding. The Halon Replacement Program is a large, multilaboratory, rapidly paced program to determine the best fire suppressants to replace Halon 1301 for aircraft fire-suppression systems. This program is a model of how to approach and manage solutions to complex technology problems.

Recommendation. BFRL should consider whether the techniques and understanding developed in the Halon replacement research have

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
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utility for other strategic or commercially important fire scenarios and have implications for future research.

Finding. The soot studies in BFRL are excellent science that can be used in models and estimates (of turbulent combustion. The applications, which should be carried out without reducing the basic scientific work, will have a high payoff for years to come. This research provides an opportunity to hire a new Ph.D. researcher to work with world-leading researchers in this program.

Recommendation. BFRL should explore ways to increase its promising soot research, including providing additional instrumentation and hiring a young Ph.D. researcher.

Reduced Impacts of Disasters

Finding. Research on lightly reinforced concrete frames is based on data compiled from tests made elsewhere.

Recommendation. BFRL should conduct its own tests on lightly reinforced concrete to verify external data before issuing conclusions.

Finding. BFRL has established stronger ties to professional societies and other groups with interests in earthquake engineering. However, these activities do not provide sufficient visibility among BFRL's customers.

Recommendation. BFRL should assign a staff person to coordinate a special program for improving the visibility of its programs at selected structural and engineering mechanics conferences. Greater emphasis should be placed on workshops at NIST where leaders from industry are invited to participate in tutorial sessions and are given access to BFRL results.

Finding. The Building Materials Division has embarked on a significant program in high-performance concrete and steel. There is worldwide interest in the prospects of standardizing their use for structures in seismic regions. However, there are insufficient data for standardization, and industry is reluctant to use the new technology without adequate codes and standards.

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
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Recommendation. Staff working on high-performance concrete and steel should collaborate with the BFRL's Structures Division to demonstrate the effectiveness of these advanced materials in real structures. Programs in the Structures Division continue to investigate the applications of traditional materials in structures to be constructed in seismic regions. Incorporation of high-performance materials (steel and concrete) in these studies is recommended, with an emphasis on technology and economics.

Finding. Following the panel's fiscal year 1992 recommendation, BFRL began to plan a study on the effects of loose objects and inoperative equipment in earthquakes. However, this study does not appear to have high priority and might be cut in subsequent budget sessions.

Recommendation. BFRL should place high priority on a 1994 initiative to assess hazards posed by loose objects and inoperative equipment in buildings during earthquakes.

Finding. The Chaotic Dynamics Program, funded as exploratory research for 5 years, is now ready for practical application.

Recommendation. BFRL should explore industrial interest in a joint endeavor in the practical application of chaotic dynamics. An Advanced Technology Program project might be appropriate.

Finding. The 20-year-old 53-meganewton loading machine for large-scale structural tests is unreliable for some studies. The machine's utility could be extended for another 10 to 20 years--in terms of reliability and its capability to serve various anticipated programs--by a renovation estimated to cost up to $200,000.

Recommendation. BFRL should renovate the 53-meganewton loading machine, rather than invest in a much more expensive extension of the machine's capability. A renovated machine could service near-term (in this case approximately 10-year) programs in structures and materials while BFRL plans the design and acquisition of new test machines for longer-term applications.

Green Buildings

Finding. In the Design Assistance Program pioneered by some state governments (e.g., Minnesota), a private building team has

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×

access to a design-assistance consulting team that helps it work through designs for low-energy use and improved recyclability. The consulting team is funded by a government agency, and its recommendations are not mandatory; they assist the design team, which retains full project responsibility.

Recommendation. BFRL should be the lead NIST laboratory in initiating a Design Assistance Program for energy, materials, and ventilation as an element of its new green buildings initiative.

Finding. The global environmental implications of the materials chosen for construction are currently a major issue in the architecture community.

Recommendation. Professional societies such as the American Institute of Architects should be asked to participate in the green buildings initiative in order to provide their experience with the practical aspects of building materials, and perhaps their endorsement of the initiative 's recommendations.

Finding. BFRL's laboratory equipment for building environment research is unique and of high quality, and it has been assembled over time. The research and testing space is crowded and marginal. Facilities for thermal studies using environmental chambers are antiquated (25 years old) and inefficient, and they need new compressors and modern controls. These seven large chambers serve not only refrigeration machinery but also other activities of the division, such as research on the lighting and thermal environment of buildings.

Recommendation. BFRL should refurbish the seven large environmental chambers immediately. An investment of about $2 million will be required to extend the usefulness of the facilities for another 10 to 20 years.

Finding. BFRL would benefit from a review of national and international efforts in refrigeration and air conditioning.

Recommendation. The division director responsible for the refrigeration and air-conditioning work should be encouraged to visit leading refrigeration and air-conditioning research facilities in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Such a visit would provide benchmarks and technology for BFRL's programs and enhance BFRL's national and international reputation.

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×

Finding. The BFRL ventilation work is important in building energy and “sick building” research and is being pursued with world-class technical ability. About 75 percent of its funding comes from other agencies, a factor that reduces BFRL's freedom to redirect research toward its own mission.

Recommendation. The core funding for ventilation research should be increased if other-agency control interferes with BFRL's ability to pursue its own mission.

Suggested Citation:"9 BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY." National Research Council. 1994. An Assessment of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs: Fiscal Year 1993. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9192.
×
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×
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