Smoke development and engineering aspects of smoke‐extraction systems for atria in Hong Kong

The smoke‐filling process in an atrium is studied in this paper using the plume equation of Thomas et al. A time constant is proposed to describe the smoke‐filling time of the atrium space. This parameter is recommended to be used as a guideline for local projects in determining whether a smoke‐extraction system has to be installed. Finally, the engineering aspects to be noted in designing smoke‐extraction systems for an atrium space are introduced.