The purpose of this paper is to describe and demonstrate the potential of a new and unique fire engineering design tool, which for discussion purposes in this paper has been given the name of "BFD Curve". The research for this paper revealed four important facts. Firstly, BFD curve is a natural fire curve in that it fits the results of actual fire tests closer than previous known fire modelling methods. Secondly, the shape of the curve bears a strong relationship to both the pyrolysis coefficient (R/A(x)h(v)(0.5)) and the opening factor F-O2.. Thirdly, contrary to a number of other fire modelling curves, BFD curve does not need the use of time shifts. Finally, it uses a single equation to model the temperature of both the growth and decay phases of a fire in a building whereas the well publicised Eurocode 1 and Swedish curves require two equations. Only three factors are required: maximum gas temperature, the time at which this temperature occurs, and a shape constant for the curve. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
