Characterization and MODEling of smoldering FIRE behavior in bio-based insulation materials – MODEFIRE

The building sector is showing increasing interest in the use of bio-based materials. These materials derived from renewable natural resources have a low carbon footprint and help to limit the environmental impact of construction. In addition, most of these materials have excellent insulation properties and help to regulate the indoor climate of buildings. These materials must meet fire behavior requirements. Especially, they are subject to the smoldering fire phenomenon, which is the cause of many residential fires and is particularly common in porous fuels such as bio-based insulation materials. The aim of MODEFIRE project is to improve understanding of smoldering phenomenon in bio-based insulation materials, particularly agro-concretes, to anticipate and reduce its incidence, and consequently the risk of fire in buildings. To achieve this, the project has four main objectives. The first objective is to identify the thermo-physical properties and their dependence on temperature and thermal degradation. The second objective focuses on experimental tests to deeply understand the mechanisms governing the propagation of smoldering fire in these bio-based insulation materials. The development of a multiphysics model to predict the mechanisms governing smoldering fire is the third objective of the project. The model developed will be validated by the experimental tests mentioned above. Finally, the fourth objective is to study and conceptualize the fire barriers to limit the propensity of smoldering fires. The underlying aim of the MODEFIRE project is to provide deep scientific knowledge on smoldering fire to contribute to technical recommendations to improve the use of bio-based insulation materials in buildings considering fire risk constraints.