FireNet: Wildfire Property Damage Mitigation System
Undergraduate Category: Engineering & Technology Degree Level: BSME Abstract ID# 1103 Abstract Each year, homes continue to be built in areas at high risk for wildfires, in spite of billions of dollars in annual property damage. Families are left devastated without much warning or sufficient time to prepare. These wildfires can spread through areas extremely fast, producing embers which travel vast distances by wind. Embers are carried onto the exterior of surrounding property that would otherwise be considered in a low risk area. This project aims to develop a cost effective system to bolster firebreaks by protecting property from windblown embers. A structure will be erected onsite, utilizing aluminum poles fit together with joints. A net is attached to the frame, and subsequently raised upwards with custom skids and a winch. The design can be deployed quickly, easily, with minimal tools, and requiring no more than two people. The system is adaptable to various property types, including different shapes and sizes of homes or structures. A modular design allows multiple frames to be connected together, forming an array to enclose the perimeter of a home for maximum protection. The net will be designed with strong focus on its ability to withstand high winds and temperatures.
FireNet: Wildfire Property Damage Mitigation System Method The best way to strengthen firebreaks is to provide a barrier from these embers and the corresponding structure. A frame to support this barrier will be built and erected at the location of needed protection. The system involves 4 steps:
Transportation → Assembly → Erection → Positioning and Staking
FEA Analysis Finite Element Analysis was performed in Solidworks Simulation. The frame is able to withstand estimated forces from high winds at 60 mph and temperatures of 300 deg F , with the hinges experiencing the highest amount. Further analysis regarding thermal stress will be performed in the coming weeks.
Upon customer request, a truck will be quickly loaded with all the necessary components of the FireNet, including frame poles, net, and required tools and connectors. This truck will be fitted with a rack able to easily store and organize the components in preparation for assembly. Once the truck arrives, the poles will be laid out on the ground and connected with joints. The net will be attached to the frame using steel wire rebar ties. Custom skid plates will be placed beneath the poles, allowing the structure to be raised with a drill winch. This proprietary deployment method allows for minimal time between customer inquiry and property protection, which is key in a wildfire scenario.
Red section experiencing highest force, but still has safety factor of 8, signifying a sound design
The FireNet can then be staked into the ground using tent stakes, or ballasts such as sandbags and concrete. Multiple nets can be arrayed to form an enclosure around the structure, providing protection from all directions for optimal defense.
A C
Background The primary defense method against property damage is a firebreak. This is an area surrounding a structure, cleared of brush, leaves and other fuel, to stop a fire from progressing forward. While inexpensive, firebreaks are only proven to be successful about 46% of the time. Other protection methods exist, but are either impractical, or cost too much money. What is needed here is an inexpensive, quickly deployable system of preventing a structure from windblown embers, thereby bolstering the effect of firebreaks.
Cost
B
Design Features/Specs • A: Aluminum hinged Joint for adjustable height • B: Steel skid plate with locking mechanism for winch attachment/staking • C: Connector sleeve secured with pins
Cost of Wildfires for U.S Government
TEAM MEMBERS: BRIAN BERNSTEIN, JONATHAN BROWN, DALE JORDAN, MAX SOBEL
• Frame Material: 4” 6061 Aluminum Tubing • Section Height: 0-6.5m dependent upon application requirements • Section Width: 6m • Assembly Weight: 215 kg (470 lbs) • Recommended Net Material: 304 stainless steel woven mesh
Conclusion We are confident that our FireNet design will be a successful, practical, and reliable solution to the unrelenting issue of wildfire property damage. Its simple setup, versatile application, and quick deployment set it apart from existing solutions. REFERENCES http://headwaterseconomics.org/wildfire/homes-risk/fire-cost-background https://www.firescience.gov/projects/08-1-1-19/project/08-1-1-19_final_report.pdf http://www.corelogic.com/research/wildfire-risk-report/2015-wildfire-hazard-riskreport.pdf
FireNet: Wildfire Property Damage Mitigation System Method The best way to strengthen firebreaks is to provide a barrier from these embers and the corresponding structure. A frame to support this barrier will be built and erected at the location of needed protection. The system involves 4 steps:
Transportation → Assembly → Erection → Positioning and Staking
FEA Analysis Finite Element Analysis was performed in Solidworks Simulation. The frame is able to withstand estimated forces from high winds at 60 mph and temperatures of 300 deg F , with the hinges experiencing the highest amount. Further analysis regarding thermal stress will be performed in the coming weeks.
Upon customer request, a truck will be quickly loaded with all the necessary components of the FireNet, including frame poles, net, and required tools and connectors. This truck will be fitted with a rack able to easily store and organize the components in preparation for assembly. Once the truck arrives, the poles will be laid out on the ground and connected with joints. The net will be attached to the frame using steel wire rebar ties. Custom skid plates will be placed beneath the poles, allowing the structure to be raised with a drill winch. This proprietary deployment method allows for minimal time between customer inquiry and property protection, which is key in a wildfire scenario.
Red section experiencing highest force, but still has safety factor of 8, signifying a sound design
The FireNet can then be staked into the ground using tent stakes, or ballasts such as sandbags and concrete. Multiple nets can be arrayed to form an enclosure around the structure, providing protection from all directions for optimal defense.
A C
Background The primary defense method against property damage is a firebreak. This is an area surrounding a structure, cleared of brush, leaves and other fuel, to stop a fire from progressing forward. While inexpensive, firebreaks are only proven to be successful about 46% of the time. Other protection methods exist, but are either impractical, or cost too much money. What is needed here is an inexpensive, quickly deployable system of preventing a structure from windblown embers, thereby bolstering the effect of firebreaks.
Cost
B
Design Features/Specs • A: Aluminum hinged Joint for adjustable height • B: Steel skid plate with locking mechanism for winch attachment/staking • C: Connector sleeve secured with pins
Cost of Wildfires for U.S Government
TEAM MEMBERS: BRIAN BERNSTEIN, JONATHAN BROWN, DALE JORDAN, MAX SOBEL
• Frame Material: 4” 6061 Aluminum Tubing • Section Height: 0-6.5m dependent upon application requirements • Section Width: 6m • Assembly Weight: 215 kg (470 lbs) • Recommended Net Material: 304 stainless steel woven mesh
Conclusion We are confident that our FireNet design will be a successful, practical, and reliable solution to the unrelenting issue of wildfire property damage. Its simple setup, versatile application, and quick deployment set it apart from existing solutions. REFERENCES http://headwaterseconomics.org/wildfire/homes-risk/fire-cost-background https://www.firescience.gov/projects/08-1-1-19/project/08-1-1-19_final_report.pdf http://www.corelogic.com/research/wildfire-risk-report/2015-wildfire-hazard-riskreport.pdf
