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This course examines the fire safety implications of plastics used in modern building construction, focusing on how polymer-based materials influence ignition, fire growth, smoke production, and toxic gas release. The course explores common thermoplastics and thermosets used in insulation, facades, piping, electrical systems, and interior finishes, with emphasis on their combustion behavior and heat release characteristics. The course integrates fire testing methods, building code requirements, and real-world case studies - including facade fires, concealed insulation fires, and cable-tray incidents - to illustrate system-level risks and regulatory controls. Overall, this course examines how plastics can both enhance building performance and introduce critical fire hazards that must be managed through design, testing, and code compliance. |
