AFM recently hosted brokers from around the world at the FM Global Research Campus as part of its annual Broker Engineering Forum. During the program, participants experienced firsthand how AFM uses research to help clients protect their businesses from property loss.
In the Natural Hazards Laboratory, brokers watched the large missile cannon fire simulated windblown debris at various protection schemes. In this image, the missile penetrated the ½-inch plywood often used to protect windows or building openings. However, the 1-inch plywood was able to protect against the same impact.
Next, brokers witnessed a shake table demonstration to learn how properly securing contents like storage racks, sprinkler systems, compressed gas cylinders and gas-powered heaters can prevent earthquake property loss.
Also in the Natural Hazards Laboratory, participants saw the potentially damaging effect severe wind can have on a roof. This wind uplift test demonstrated the need to reinforce roofing systems.
Pictured here is the modular roof uplift apparatus. This machine allows clients to test their roof nondestructively to make sure that it has been properly installed to withstand its designated wind speeds.
Later, participants gathered on the floor of the Large Burn Laboratory and listened to a description of the upcoming fire test they were about to witness. Two identical storage arrangements—one with sprinkler protection and one without—would soon be set on fire.
From a safe distance—and behind glass—participants felt the heat from both fires. After several minutes, the fire in the storage arrangement with a single sprinkler was nearly extinguished, while the fire in the unprotected rack (pictured) continued to grow. The temperature measured at the ceiling neared 1,000 degrees F, which is the temperature at which structural steel begins to lose integrity.
The tour of the Research Campus ended with a bang…in the form of a dust explosion. Even a small amount of dust can lead to a large explosion. AFM works with our broker partners to help clients understand dust exposures and make recommendations to manage and control those exposures.
Every May, AFM hosts brokers from around the world to experience "Research in Action" as part of its Broker Engineering Forum. If you think you or someone from your company can benefit from this experience, please contact your production underwriter.
