To ensure safety and resilience against fire hazards, Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Faculty of Engineering is making significant strides through its innovative research and industry partnerships. At the forefront of this effort is a team of academics including Prof Richard Walls, Dr Natalia Flores Quiroz and (almost Dr) Courtney Devine.
A notable example of SU’s commitment to fire engineering is its collaboration with Ignis Fire Testing, a premier fire testing facility in South Africa known for its advanced technology and sustainable practices. This partnership provides SU students with invaluable hands-on experience and bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world application.
Ignis Fire Testing’s state-of-the-art equipment enables comprehensive analysis and experimentation, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical settings. This collaborative environment fosters a unique learning experience that prepares graduates for successful careers in fire engineering. Also, the owner of Ignis Testing, Dirk Streicher, is now an adjunct staff member of the Faculty and has been heavily involved in helping students and with research projects.
Under the guidance of the academic team, students engage in pioneering research projects that explore innovative solutions to fire safety challenges. These projects enhance the academic experience and have practical implications for improving fire safety standards and practices.
Recent collaborative research initiatives between SU and Ignis Fire Testing have focused on various aspects of fire engineering, including the development of fire-resistant materials, fire safety at recycling facilities and optimisation of fire suppression systems and assessment of fire risks in different building types. These projects have produced significant advancements, showcasing the potential of industry-academia partnerships in driving innovation and progress.
One recent standout project involved testing novel fire-resistant sustainable materials with ground-breaking testing and analysis performed by PhD student Yohannes Shewalul. These materials included hempcrete, recycled plastic masonry units and waste tyre rubber construction systems. The promising results highlighted how such sustainable products can be safely used, but also showed various challenges for certain products (e.g. smoke emissions), underscoring the importance of ongoing research and collaboration in addressing the evolving challenges of fire engineering.
The partnership also emphasises the importance of sustainability in fire engineering. Both SU and Ignis Fire Testing are committed to promoting green practices and minimising the environmental impact of fire safety measures. This shared vision aligns with broader sustainable development goals and highlights the role of fire engineering in creating a safer and more sustainable future.
Looking ahead, SU aims to strengthen its collaboration with Ignis Fire Testing and expand the scope of joint research initiatives. By formalising this partnership, the University hopes to create more opportunities for students and researchers to contribute to the field of fire engineering, attract top talent and foster a new generation of fire engineers equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and skills.
Prof Walls remarked: “The partnership with Ignis Fire Testing has been instrumental in advancing our research and providing our students with invaluable practical experience. Together, we are making significant strides in fire engineering, developing innovative solutions that enhance fire safety and contribute to the sustainability of our built environment.”
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The Masters in Engineering degree specialising in Fire Safety and Fire Protection Engineering is a structured hybrid online master’s degree, which has been designed to upskill engineers from different backgrounds with the knowledge they require to understand, analyse and design for different types of fire risks. Note that the number of students is limited, hence it is advisable to apply as soon as possible: https://fire.sun.ac.za/
