Published Paper Details:

The building industry has seen a shift towards energy efficiency in last few decades. This shift in combination with requirements of aesthetics, low cost, easy installation, and low maintenance have resulted in the use of claddings (such as ACP) and ventilated (rainscreen) fa�ade system. It is evident from recent fire events globally that vertical spread of fire through these claddings and facades can be extremely rapid leading to insignificant time for evacuation, ultimately to loss of lives and property. There has been considerable research on the topic. However, the available knowledge is not being implemented and there is insignificant work regarding codes and regulations in many counties. Indian building industry has outgrown in last few decades with many high-rise buildings coming-up and Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) has become a popular material for cladding. Production and use of ACP is increasing in an unregulated manner. Furthermore, Indian climate has promoted the use of ventilated fa�ade in many of its cities, which in combination with the ACP can intensify the rapid vertical spread of fire in high-rise buildings. All of these presents sufficient fire risks in near future, which must be considered. This paper examines the sufficiency of Indian building codes and regulations to tackle the issue and presents its comparative analysis with codes and standards of other countries (UK, UAE, Australia, and International Building Code) where regulatory changes and code modifications have been carried out regarding flammable facades and cladding. The paper ultimately presents a set of suggestive guidelines that can address the issue in India. The guidelines have been drafted on the basis opinion, comment and suggestion of experts from Bureau of Indian Standards, fire committee of National Building Code of India, fire safety service consultant, academic experts involved in similar research in the form of semi-structured interview. The guidelines also incorporate learnings taken from review of other codes.