Coopers Fire manufacture and install the longest smoke curtains in the world.
Background
Coopers Fire embarked on a transformative project to bolster fire safety measures within the intricate network of tunnels beneath the Great Mosque of Mecca, revered as Al-Masjid al-Haram. Given the significant foot traffic, particularly during the Hajj pilgrimage, the need for robust fire safety infrastructure was paramount.
Drawing on its legacy of innovation, Coopers Fire engineered a suite of advanced smoke curtains tailored to the unique requirements of the Mecca Tunnels project. These cutting-edge solutions, including the SmokeStop D600A Smoke Curtains, were meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate with the tunnels’ architecture while ensuring optimal functionality.
Challenges faced
The project presented formidable engineering challenges, notably the undulating nature of the tunnels’ ceilings and floors, spanning approximately 1 kilometre each. Coopers Fire’s Technical and Engineering Team devised a bespoke solution capable of accommodating the intricate contours of the tunnels, ensuring a perfect fit for each curtain ascent and descent.
- Total tunnel length, including lead-in sections: 927 metres
- Maximum deviation from horizontal: 9.5 metres
- Steepest section angle: 3.5% (equivalent to a 25-meter-long headbox with a 872-millimetre height difference)
Navigating tight deadlines and access constraints, Coopers Fire collaborated closely with Energy and Building Masters (EBM) to deliver and install approximately two kilometres of bespoke smoke curtains within a compressed timeframe. Despite logistical hurdles, proactive planning and meticulous coordination enabled the seamless execution of the project.
The success of the project is underscored by its impact on fire safety and operational efficiency within the Great Mosque of Mecca. By deploying state-of-the-art SmokeStop D600A Smoke Curtains, Coopers Fire significantly mitigated the risk of smoke propagation in the event of a fire, safeguarding the millions of worshippers and visitors who frequent the sacred site annually.
ASFP Award
The ASFP Awards aim to recognise excellence within the passive fire protection industry. For the second consecutive year, Coopers Fire were awarded best installation project of the year, as agreed by the ASFP judging panel. Coopers Fire worked closely with our Saudi Arabian partners, Energy & Building Masters – EBM to win the project and deliver multiple smoke curtains in a short period of time.
Conclusion
Coopers Fire’s pivotal role in enhancing fire safety at the Great Mosque of Mecca epitomizes its unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in the realm of fire protection. Through bespoke solutions, meticulous craftsmanship, and unwavering dedication, Coopers Fire continues to set new benchmarks for safety in critical environments worldwide.
