Visibility experiments in Leipzig
Impressions from the experiments.
In December 2025, we had the opportunity to conduct an extensive series of experiments in collaboration with BCL (Brandschutz Consult Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH Leipzig (GmbH)) in the context of visibility in the event of a fire.
The focus was on investigating visibility conditions during real fire events in an empty building in Leipzig. Using a variety of different measurement techniques (LEM, LEDSA, ELPI), we analysed smoke propagation, optical density and visibility under various fire and ventilation scenarios. The combination of experimental research and practical expertise made this collaboration particularly valuable.
Artificial smoke and real fires were used over a period of two full weeks. This enabled us to create realistic conditions and obtain high-quality measurement data. The experiments provide important insights into smoke behaviour and its influence on visibility in buildings.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to lwb (Leipziger Wohnungs- und Baugesellschaft mbH) for providing the building and for their on-site support. We would also like to thank the VIB (Verein zur Förderung von Ingenieurmethoden im Brandschutz e. V.) for the financial support that made this intensive test campaign possible.
