Apparatus for large-scale cable fire experiments

The design and fabrication of an apparatus for the performance of large-scale fire experiments on vertical cable arrays are described. On the basis of field surveys and previous experiments, the decision was made to use a vertical cable run with opposing horizontal runs at the top and bottom. To minimize interference with the burning process, and effort was made to keep the mass surrounding and supporting the cable specimens to a minimum. In order to accommodate these requirements and provide a means of measuring mass loss, a support apparatus had to be designed and fabricated. This apparatus was found to be a simple, reliable, and effective means of supporting the cables while minimizing the amount of mass surrounding them.