SMA Devices for Mitigation of Property Damage and Protection of First Responders in Structural Fires

Given the extreme thermal environments and specifically the distinct relationship between high temperatures and adverse conditions, firefighting operations represent a unique opportunity for the application of the shape memory effect. With their very high actuation work density and their ever-broadening range of transformation temperatures, SMA actuators could be capable of affecting a wide variety of mechanical actions triggered by the thermal swings characteristic of fire growth and decay. As a commercial construction solution, any SMA actuator technology intended for such purposes would need to be affordable and highly scalable. This talk addresses progress on two concepts in this area, both of which are in support of and in collaboration with firefighting professionals. The first is a system for providing emergency high-volume venting to trussed roof structures for tilt-slab buildings, where roof failure at high temperatures is known to cause instant catastrophic collapse without warning to first responders inside. The second, known as the SMA-Actuated Deluge Interrupter (SADI), is an augmentation to existing sprinkler installations that would prevent the highly damaging but ultimately unnecessary water damage associated with sprinkler operation after a fire has already been extinguished. Computational analysis and physical prototyping studies associated with each will be reviewed.