Fire protection in high-rise buildings

Fires in high-rise buildings present significant challenges due to their design and the large number of people they house. Incidents like the Grenfell Tower fire in London in 2017 and the Ámbar Tower fire in Madrid in 2020 have highlighted the importance of implementing specific fire protection measures to prevent the rapid spread of flames and smoke.

In this article, we will analyze the main challenges and spaces that require specific protection, as well as Tecnitex solutions to ensure safety in high-rise buildings.

Specific challenges in fire protection for high-rise buildings

High-rise buildings, due to their size and structure, face challenges that are not usually present in smaller or lower buildings. Below, we address two of the most important ones.

Evacuation at height

Evacuation in high-rise buildings is one of the greatest challenges in the event of a fire, mainly because of the vertical distance that occupants must travel and the physical limitations of the escape routes. As the height of the building increases, the time required to evacuate increases considerably, which can put occupants’ safety at risk if adequate protection systems are not in place.

One of the main problems is that, in many cases, occupants cannot use conventional elevators to evacuate during a fire due to the risk of being trapped between floors or exposed to smoke. This means that emergency staircases become the only safe exit route. However, these staircases can quickly become compromised by the spread of fire or smoke, preventing a safe evacuation if they are not properly compartmentalized.

The design of evacuation routes must also consider the possibility that not all people can evacuate at the same speed, so the presence of temporary shelters on certain levels of the building, equipped with fire protection systems, can provide a safe option while rescue teams work to control the fire.

Smoke propagation

In high-rise buildings, airflows and the chimney effect are critical factors in the propagation of smoke. The chimney effect occurs when hot air and smoke rise quickly through vertical shafts, such as stairwells or ventilation ducts, drawing in cold air from the lower floors and pushing smoke to the upper levels. This can affect areas that are far from the initial fire, exposing occupants to toxic gases.

Furthermore, pressure differences and ventilation systems can cause smoke to move unpredictably between floors, complicating evacuation and intervention by emergency teams.

Key spaces that need protection in high-rise buildings

Unlike other types of buildings, high-rise buildings have critical areas that require special attention to prevent the spread of fire.

Telecommunications and service distribution areas

In high-rise buildings, areas where telecommunications systems, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), electricity, and other infrastructure are concentrated are especially vulnerable, especially if they are located in the attics, places where installation machinery is often housed. These systems are usually distributed vertically throughout the building via ducts and technical shafts, making it easier for fire to spread if not properly compartmentalized.

Common areas and high-traffic zones

In high-rise buildings, common areas and high-traffic zones, such as lobbies, atriums, waiting rooms, and commercial areas, are critical points. These spaces are often designed to house large concentrations of people. Furthermore, their open architectural design facilitates the rapid spread of fire and smoke, especially in areas with high ceilings or interconnected spaces across multiple floors.

Elevators and freight lifts

In high-rise buildings, elevators and freight lifts are essential for the efficient distribution of people and goods. However, in the event of a fire, these vertical shafts can become rapid routes for the spread of fire and smoke. Elevator shafts, if not properly protected, allow flames and toxic gases to move freely between floors.

The role of facades in fire protection in high-rise buildings

The facades of buildings play a crucial role in preventing the spread of fire, especially in high-rise structures. An inadequate facade design or the use of non-fire-resistant materials can allow flames to spread quickly from one floor to another.

Advantages of Tecnitex solutions in protecting these spaces

Tecnitex compartmentalization solutions offer an advanced and efficient option for fire protection in high-rise buildings. Our fire curtains and smoke control barriers are made with high-strength technical fabrics, such as fire-resistant fiberglass, which provides excellent protection without adding significant structural load—essential in this type of construction.

These curtains are designed to remain hidden until activated in the event of a fire, allowing the building’s aesthetics and functionality to be maintained without compromising available space. Their ability to compartmentalize different levels and contain fire and smoke reduces the need for rigid barriers, optimizing the use of vertical and horizontal space while ensuring compliance with fire protection regulations specific to skyscrapers and large buildings.

If you are working on a high-rise project and would like more information about our compartmentalization solutions, feel free to contact us.