OBITUARIES
T.T.
Lie
 |
Tiam
T. Lie, considered a world leader in structural fire
protection, died in Ottawa, ON, Canada on October 25,
2005. Known to his colleagues simply as Lie, his most
significant contributions are in the development of
models to calculate structural fire resistance for heavy
timber, protected steel, reinforced concrete and concrete/steel
composite structural members. Those models changed the
manner in which design professionals determine structural
fire resistance and have been incorporated into building
codes throughout North America.Lie began his career
in 1954 in the Netherlands where he worked as a Scientific
Officer for the Brandveiligheids Institute (later TNO),
publishing a number of papers in the field of heat transfer
and structures. In 1967, he moved to the National Research
Council of Canada (NRCC) and began working on the development
and validation of models for structural fire resistance.
In recognition of his significant contributions to research
at NRCC, he was promoted to the rank of Principal Research
Officer, an honour bestowed on only a small number of
NRCC researchers. His distinguished career at NRCC continued
until his retirement in 1996. In addition to his research
at NRCC, Lie designed and oversaw the construction and
commissioning of a full-scale fire resistance furnace
for testing fully loaded structural columns –
the first in North America. |
As
well as developing models for heavy timber, reinforced concrete,
protected steel and concrete-filled steel members, Lie was
a prime mover in having these models accepted in practice
through their incorporation into the National Building Code
of Canada and the SFPE/ASCE Structural Fire Protection Design
Manual. As Editor (and chief contributor) of that Manual,
he oversaw the development of what has become the "bible"
of engineering methods for structural fire protection engineering.
Few
people in the fire protection world know that Lie was the
author of one of the first ever technology-based books for
use by fire protection engineers. This 1972 book, “Fire
and Buildings”, included calculation methods for estimating
fire severity and structural behaviour under fire conditions
as well as fire spread by radiation and the impact of roof
vents. The book included some of Lie's earliest calculation
techniques for determining fire resistance.
In
addition to the ASCE/SFPE Handbook, Lie has left a legacy
of over 75 peer reviewed papers and many more technology/industry
publications. As well, he contributed to numerous editions
of Chapters in both the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection
Engineering and the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook. In the
2003 book, "History of Fire Protection Engineering",
Lie was highlighted as one of the 40 individuals who have
shaped fire protection engineering. The profession has indeed
lost one of its most influential contributors.
J.K.
Richardson
Frank
Albini
I
must sadly report that Frank Albini (1936 - 2005) died in
December of lung cancer. He was the pre-eminent forest fire
scientist in the U.S. and many will fondly remember the
outstanding keynote lecture he delivered in Melbourne at
the IAFSS symposium in 1997. He started his career originally
with the U.S. Forest Service, but his mathematical talents
soon let him earn a doctorate and then to join Montana State
University at Bozeman, where he taught classes on forest
fires and eventually retired from.
Vytenis
(Vyto) Babrauskas, Ph.D.
Alicje
Cornelissen
We
are saddened to report that Alicje Cornelissen passed away
On December 12 in Ottawa, Canada. Alicje had dedicated much
of her career to development of fire safety codes and standards
at home and abroad. Her enthusiasm and intellect will be
sorely missed by the Canadian fire safety engineering committee.
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RESEARCH-POSITION
OPENINGS
Tenure-track
faculty position at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
The
Department of Fire Protection Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic
Institute invites applications for a tenure-track faculty
position beginning in the 2006-2007 academic year. Required
qualifications include: an earned doctorate in Mechanical
Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical
Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, or a closely related
field; a strong commitment to teaching; a demonstrated record
of, or potential for, scholarly research, and excellent
communication skills.
The
position is in the general area of Fire Protection Engineering
and the primary areas of specialty interest include industrial
fire protection and explosions; forensic analysis; structural;
building fire safety; fire protection systems; computational
modeling; and combustion. Candidates in other areas will,
however, be considered.
The
successful candidate will be responsible for teaching courses
and advising projects in traditional areas of fire protection
engineering. In addition, the candidate will be expected
to develop and sustain externally funded research programs
that are accompanied by scholarly activities. Applications
from women and minority candidates are especially encouraged.
For full consideration, applications should be received
by February 15, 2006. Applicants must send curriculum vitae,
statement of teaching and research interests, and a list
of five professional references to: Kathy A. Notarianni,
Professor and Head, Department of Fire Protection Engineering,
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester,
MA 01609 (USA)
Assistant/Associate
Professor at Carleton University
The
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carleton
University (Ottawa, Canada) invites applications for a tenure-track
faculty position in Structural Engineering at the Assistant
or Associate Professor level. Candidates should have a Ph.D.
degree in civil engineering with expertise and experience
in concrete structures and fire safety engineering. The
successful candidate will be expected to develop and lead
a strong independent research program in the targeted or
relevant research areas, to teach both undergraduate and
graduate level courses, and to participate in the governance
of the university as well as community outreach. Synergy
to establish collaborative research links with the existing
members of the Department, especially in the area of fire
safety, is highly desirable. The Department has an intensive
research enterprise including an NSERC Industrial Research
Chair in Fire Safety Engineering. Candidates will have access
to the Department's world-class laboratories for conducting
experimental research, including a structural laboratory
with strong floor, a new $10 million state-of-the-art fire-testing
laboratory and a new high performance cluster computing
facility. Further information on the Department is available
from the web site http://www.cee.carleton.ca.
Applications
with curriculum vitae including educational background,
employment history, research and teaching experience and
interest, and the names of at least three referees, should
be sent to: Professor Abd El Halim, Chair, Department of
Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carleton University,
1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1S 5B6.
Applications will be accepted until 28 February 2006 or
until the position is filled.
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Postdoctoral
Position at the University of Newcastle
The
University of Newcastle has an opening for a postdoctoral
researcher to study the chemistry of spontaneous combustion.
The research will be directed at developing detailed kinetic
mechanisms of low-temperature (i.e., <100?C) oxidation
of lignocellulosic materials and coals. The work has practical
applications to self-heating and spontaneous ignition. The
scope of the investigation necessitates careful experiments
involving isothermal and adiabatic reactors, TGA/DSC/MS,
XPS and FTIR in conjunction with ab-initio modelling of
reaction pathways.
The
appointment will be initially for one year, with option
for renewal for additional one or two years. A successful
candidate would (i) be output oriented, (ii) have undergraduate
and doctoral degrees in chemistry, chemical engineering,
physics or mechanical engineering, (iii) possess strong
track record of publications in leading international journals
and (iv) have excellent written and oral communication skills.
Please send your CV as an attachment by 31 January 2006
to Professor Bogdan Z Dlugogorski, Chemical Engineering,
University of Newcastle, Australia Bogdan.Dlugogorski@newcastle.edu.au.
Doctoral
Students at University of Ulster
The
Institute of Fire Safety and Engineering Research (FireSERT)
at the University of Ulster is looking for two exceptional
PhD candidates to study and work in the area of Fire Dynamics
and Material Flammability. The Material Flammability and
Fire Dynamics Group is at the forefront of fire science
and engineering and the facilities at FireSERT are unique.
One person will work in measuring soot and smoke concentrations
in enclosure fires and the other person will work in advancing
the modeling of soot and radiation in fires. This research
will be done in cooperation with the Tokyo University of
Science (TUS)’s Centre of Excellence in Fire. A complete
application with a CV including achievements, publications,
background and two references should be forwarded to: Prof.
Michael A. Delichatsios, Acting Director of FireSERT, University
of Ulster, M.delichatsios@ulster.ac.uk.
Doctoral
Student: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
The
Fire Protection Engineering (FPE) Department at WPI has
multi-year funding for a doctoral student in the area of
fire performance of composite materials. The funding consists
of a renewable 12 month stipend and full tuition. This doctoral
position is part of a cooperative research agreement that
WPI FPE has with FM Global Research. The candidate will
have the opportunity to work with FMGR research staff.
Modern
building construction presents many new opportunities for
use of composite materials. Current practices, however,
present “apparent” barriers to the wide spread
use of composites. This position will involve inspired fundamental
research towards developing knowledge to overcome these
barriers. Initially the research (empirical, theoretical
and computational) will focus on reaction to fire characteristics
of composites.
Well
qualified candidates for this doctoral position will have
an MS degree (exceptional persons with a BS degree will
also be considered) and a background in one or more of the
of the following areas: fire science, combustion science,
materials science, polymer science, applied mathematics,
thermal science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering,
civil engineering materials and structures, or fire protection
engineering.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume
and one publication (archival preferred) to: Nicholas A
Dembsey, FM Global Scholar, Associate Professor, WPI –
Fire Protection Engineering, 100 Institute Road, Worcester,
MA 01609 USA. Tel: (508) 831 – 5971, Fax: (508) 831
– 5862, ndembsey@wpi.edu. Well qualified candidates
will then be encouraged to formally apply to WPI FPE (rolling
admissions).
Principal
Fire Suppression Consultant: British Research Establishment
BRE
has a vacancy for a senior/principal fire suppression consultant
within BRE’s Fire Safety business based near Watford,
UK to deliver research, consultancy and experimental projects
and to provide expert input
to fire engineering activities.
Applicants should be fully
qualified professionals in engineering, physics, fire engineering
or other scientific disciplines, have an extensive knowledge
and understanding of fire suppression systems and fire safety
with at least 5 years relevant experience.
The
successful candidate will be required to provide technical
direction and leadership, be self motivated and an original
thinker, identify and exploit new business opportunities,
manage client relationships and undertake technical analysis
and produce reports. The successful candidate will have
experience in planning and prioritising work to meet deadlines,
client and financial management experience, excellent interpersonal,communication,
report writing and presentational skills and a working knowledge
of Word, Excel and Power Point.BRE
is owned by the BRE Trust, a research and education charity
located near Watford, UK. It is the UK’s leading centre
for research, consultancy, testing and approvals associated
with the built environment operating under the BRE and LPCB
brands. For more information about our work, see www.bre.co.uk
and ww.redbooklive.com
Interested
candidates should send a covering letter, attaching a current
CV, to Gillian Cleaveley, BRE Certification, Bucknalls Lane,
Garston Watford WD25 9XX or by e-mail to cleaveleyg@bre.co.uk.
The closing date is 17 February 2006.
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12th
Flame Retardants Conference
The 12th Flame
Retardants Conference will be convened February 14 &
15 in London. The Conference will provide an unprecedented
forum for the flame retardants industry. The Programme includes
papers that address ecological matters, new product developments,
novel applications; changes in assessment or methods or
regulations that will affect those working in the flame
retardants, the plastics industries or industries manufacturing
products incorporating these materials. Presenters include
pioneering workers in the area of fire research. These include
Vytenis Babrauskas - inventor of the cone calorimeter and
recent author of the authoritative textbook - Ignition Handbook;
Mark Janssens, Director of SwRI; Koichi Yoshida, the marine
fire safety expert from NMRI, Japan; and Richard Lyon of
the US Federal Aviation Administration. Sessions are dedicated
to construction products and international developments.
A special discussion forum is dedicated to developments
in the electric cable making industry which will include
debate of the current issues relating to combustion product
irritancy and toxicity. Details can be found at http://www.intercomm.dial.pipex.com/html/events/fr2006z.htm.
Developments
in Calorimetry Workshop
The International
Heat Release Association (IHRA) will be hosting a 1-day
Workshop in London on 16th February (immediately following
the Flame Retardants conference), to discuss recent advances
and challenges in fire calorimetry. Leading calorimetry
experts will be speaking but the seminar is convened for
the benefit both of established and new researchers and
calorimeter users or for those wishing to learn of the technique.
It is the sole forum in this area at which workers can meet
and discuss developments and problems. More details can
be found at the website http://www.intercomm.dial.pipex.com/html/events/hr06.htm.
2nd
International Symposium on Tunnel Safety and Security
The 2nd International
Symposium on Tunnel Safety and Security will be held March
15-17, 2006 in Madrid. Tunnels are an increasingly important
part of the infrastructure network. They create challenges
for incident prevention and management, fire protection
and security against attacks or sabotage. These aspects
will be the main focus of this Symposium. More details can
be found at the Symposium website www.istss2006.com.
6th
International Fire Sprinkler Conference & Exhibition
The International
Fire Sprinkler Association (IFSA) 6th International Fire
Sprinkler Conference & Exhibition is scheduled for 28
- 29 March, 2006 at the Le Meridien Park Atlantic hotel
in Lisbon, Portugal. This is the largest trade show in Europe
dedicated solely to the fire sprinkler industry. To receive
registration information for both the conference and exhibition,
contact should be made by email with Debby Somers at somers@nfsa.org.
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Workshop
on Assessment of Calculation Methods in FSE
ISO TC92 SC4
is organising a workshop addressing “Fire Safety Engineering
– Examples on Assessment, Verification and Validation
of Calculation Methods.” The workshop will be hosted
by Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
on Monday, April 10, 2006 (full day). The objective of the
workshop is to explore the utility of ISO CD 16730 Fire
Safety Engineering – Assessment, Verification and
Validation of Calculation Methods. Papers have been solicited
addressing assessments of zone models, field models, structural
models, heat transfer models, evacuation/behavioural models
and risk assessment models. ISO TC92 SC4 wishes to determine
whether there are difficulties following the procedures
outlined in ISO CD 16730.
4th
International Workshop on Structures in Fire, SiF’06
The Fourth International
Workshop on Structures in Fire, SiF’06, will be held
May 10-12, 2006 at the University of Aveiro in Portugal.
Prof. Paulo Vila Real (pvreal@civil.ua.pt), Chairman of
the Organizing Committee, is pleased to invite IAFSS members
to participate in SiF’06. SiF Workshops provide an
international forum where experts in fire resistance research
can present their research activities and receive feedback
from their colleagues. One-page abstracts must be submitted
to jm.franssen@ulg.ac.be by January 31. Notification of
acceptance will be made by February 15. Accepted papers
must be submitted in word-file and pdf-file formats to pvreal@civil.ua.pt
before March 31, 2006. Further information on SiF’06
can be found at the Workshop website http://www.civil.ua.pt/sif06.htm.
Approaches have recently been made to the Editor of Fire
Safety Journal (the official journal of IAFSS), Prof. Drysdale,
resulting in a decision to publish a special issue of Fire
Safety Journal containing some of the papers from the meeting.
Fire
Safety Engineering International Conference 2006 (Australia)
The Society of
Fire Safety will host the Fire Safety Engineering Australia
2006 International Conference May 24-25, 2006 on the Gold
Coast in Queensland. Papers were solicited in the following
areas: redundancy and reliability in fire safety engineering
(FSE) solutions; standards and guidelines for FSE; role
of building codes; role of enabling legislation; accreditation
and policing; and role of education. Full details are available
at http://www.sfs.au.com/Events.shtml
ECMM
2006: Behaviour of Structures Submitted to Extreme Events
The Laboratory
of Structures of the Department of Civil Engineering of
the University of Coimbra, will organise on the behalf of
the “3rd European Conference on Computational Mechanics
– ECMM 2006” a Mini-Symposium on "Behaviour
of Structures Submitted to Extreme Events". In the
context of this Mini-Symposium, extreme events: fire, earthquakes,
hurricanes, tornados, floods, etc. More information can
be found on the Mini-Symposium (MS 68) at http://www.eccm2006.org/miniSymposia.php.
34th
North America Thermal Analysis Society Meeting
The 34th North
America Thermal Analysis Society meeting will be held August
6-9, 2006, on the campus of Western Kentucky University
in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A featured symposium will be
Wood Products. As modern society increasingly looks to advanced
wood based products as the prime green materials for building
construction, biomass, and specialties, they require ever
more sophisticated thermal analysis to accommodate their
hygroscopic, anisotropic, cellular, and multi-component
nature. Scientists working with exotic applications such
as woodceramic, biofiltration, nano-fire-retardant or biopulping
are also encouraged to present their specialized thermal
analysis methods and results. Presentation titles and 1
to 2 page abstracts for organizational purposes and for
the program booklet are due by March 31, 2006. The website
http://natasinfo.org/ has details for the authors. Please
email copies and any pertinent questions to Mark Dietenberger,
Ph.D., Session Chair; mdietenberger@fs.fed.us. Deadline
for manuscript submission is June 1, 2006.
6th
International Symposium on Hazards, Prevention, and Mitigation
of Industrial Explosions
The 6th International
Symposium on Hazards, Prevention, and Mitigation of Industrial
Explosions will be held August 27 - September 1, 2006 at
Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Details
of the symposium can be found at http://che.chemicalengineering.dal.ca.
3rd
International Fire Ecology and Management Congress
The call for
oral and poster papers is now open for the 3rd International
Fire Ecology and Management Congress, to be held at the
Town and Country Resort, San Diego, November 13-17, 2006
(http://emmps.wsu.edu/firecongress/ ). The Congress provides
a week long focus on the science and technology that are
the basis for the management of wildland fire. The theme
of the opening plenary session is “Changing fire regimes:
Context and consequences,” featuring invited speakers
who will further explore this topic that is so significant
for fire management. We have accepted proposals for over
30 special sessions on specific fire ecology and management
themes. We now would like to complete the program with oral
presentations and posters submitted by individuals within
the fire ecology and management community.
We invite abstracts
for oral and poster papers in these general categories:
fire history/fire regimes, fire ecology and effects, fire
and climate change, smoke management, fire modeling, remote
sensing, wildland fire and fuels planning and management,
social, political, economic and cultural aspects of fire
and fuels management, and post-fire rehabilitation. All
abstracts will be reviewed, and notification of acceptance
will be made by June 23, 2006. More specific categories
for abstracts are found in the ‘Paper and Poster Topic
List’ that is linked from the above web site. Submitters
are asked to identify a category with their submission,
which we will use to organize papers into sessions. Detailed
information about the call for papers and an online submission
form can be found at http://emmps.wsu.edu/firecongress/papers.html
.
Extended abstracts
will be requested for accepted papers. These extended abstracts
and all poster abstracts will be available on a compact
disk that will be distributed to Congress participants.
Abstracts will also be available on the web. Selected papers
will be published in the online journal “Fire Ecology.”
Melanie Miller,
BLM Fire Ecologist, Conference Co-Chair, Rocky Mountain
Research Station,
5775 U. S. Highway 10 West, Missoula, Montana, 59807 melaniemiller@fs.fed.us
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