What is the primary purpose of a smoke barrier in building construction?

The primary purpose of a smoke barrier in building construction is to prevent smoke transmission between areas. Smoke barriers are critical safety features designed to compartmentalize smoke within a building, thereby helping to control its spread during a fire. This containment is essential because smoke can be more dangerous than flames themselves, as it poses significant health risks and can hinder evacuation and firefighting efforts. By restricting the movement of smoke, these barriers improve the safety of occupants by enhancing visibility and reducing inhalation hazards.

In the context of building safety and design, other considerations such as aesthetics, structural support, or electrical insulation play significant roles but do not pertain to the specific functionality of smoke barriers. Smoke barriers are intended strictly for smoke control, differentiating them from features employed for structural integrity or design enhancement.