Fire | Special Issue : Performance-Based Design in Structural Fire Engineering

Research

Jump to: Review

25 pages, 4216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Residual Axial Behavior of Restrained Reinforced Concrete Columns Damaged by a Standard Fire

by Mohamed Monir A. Alhadid and Maged A. Youssef

Fire 2022, 5(2), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire5020042 - 23 Mar 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3156

Abstract

A simplified procedure to predict the residual axial capacity and stiffness of both rectangular and circular reinforced concrete (RC) columns after exposure to a standard fire provides the means to replace the current descriptive methods. The availability of such a procedure during the [...] Read more.

A simplified procedure to predict the residual axial capacity and stiffness of both rectangular and circular reinforced concrete (RC) columns after exposure to a standard fire provides the means to replace the current descriptive methods. The availability of such a procedure during the design phase provides engineers with the flexibility to come up with better designs that ensure safety. In this paper, finite difference heat transfer and sectional analysis models are combined to determine the axial behavior of RC columns with various end-restraint conditions at different standard fire durations. The influence of cooling phase on temperature distribution and residual mechanical properties is considered in the analysis. The ability of the model to predict the axial behavior of the damaged columns is validated in view of related experimental studies and shown to be in very good agreement. A parametric study is then conducted to assess the axial performance of fire-damaged RC columns. A procedure is proposed to determine the residual strength and stiffness of fire-damaged RC columns in typical frame structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance-Based Design in Structural Fire Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 20722 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parametric Analysis of a Steel Frame under Fire Loading Using Monte Carlo Simulation

by Ragad Almadani and Feng Fu

Fire 2022, 5(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire5010025 - 14 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4463

Abstract

In this paper, the parametric analysis of the thermal and structural response of a two-storey, single-zone steel frame building on fire is made considering different parameters Monte Carlo simulation is used to generate random variables for the opening factor, fire compartment area and [...] Read more.

In this paper, the parametric analysis of the thermal and structural response of a two-storey, single-zone steel frame building on fire is made considering different parameters Monte Carlo simulation is used to generate random variables for the opening factor, fire compartment area and finally the beam flange thickness. Using the random parameter generated, a sequential thermal and mechanical analysis was conducted using the finite element software ABAQUS. The first step was a heat transfer analysis, followed by mechanical analysis. The effect of different parameters on the thermal and mechanical response of the structure was studied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance-Based Design in Structural Fire Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 5510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation of Evacuation from Stadiums and Entertainment Arenas of Different Epochs on the Example of the Roman Colosseum and the Gazprom Arena

by Marina Gravit, Ekaterina Kirik, Egor Savchenko, Tatiana Vitova and Daria Shabunina

Fire 2022, 5(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire5010020 - 1 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5275

Abstract

Space-planning decisions of two sports and entertainment arenas with large crowds—the Roman Colosseum (Italy) and the modern Gazprom Arena stadium (St. Petersburg, Russia)— were analyzed to compare the flow of people during evacuation by simulation. It was shown that the space-planning decisions of [...] Read more.

Space-planning decisions of two sports and entertainment arenas with large crowds—the Roman Colosseum (Italy) and the modern Gazprom Arena stadium (St. Petersburg, Russia)— were analyzed to compare the flow of people during evacuation by simulation. It was shown that the space-planning decisions of the Colosseum seem more advantageous compared with the Gazprom Arena in calculation of evacuation time and evacuation organization process: the capacity of the stairs of the Colosseum with a width of 2.8 m is comparable with the capacity of the Gazprom Arena’s stairs (4 m). In the Colosseum the average specific flow is q_average = 1.14 person/s/m, while in the Gazprom Arena the average specific flow is q_average = 0.65 (with a march width of 2.6 m) and q_average = 0.8 person/s/m (with a march width of 4 m). It was found that the Colosseum complies with current standards for on-time evacuation; while modern sports and entertainment arenas are currently designed with additional services, infrastructure, comfort and, in general, high commercialization. The antique arenas are currently being reborn and used for concerts and other public events, so the obtained results have practical significance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance-Based Design in Structural Fire Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Fire Resistance for Steel Structures of Ships and Offshore Platforms

by Marina Gravit and Daria Shabunina

Fire 2022, 5(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire5010009 - 16 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5178

Abstract

The requirements for the fire resistance of steel structures of oil and gas facilities for transportation and production of hydrocarbons are considered (structures of tankers and offshore platforms). It is found that the requirements for the values of fire resistance of structures under [...] Read more.

The requirements for the fire resistance of steel structures of oil and gas facilities for transportation and production of hydrocarbons are considered (structures of tankers and offshore platforms). It is found that the requirements for the values of fire resistance of structures under hydrocarbon rather than standard fire conditions are given only for offshore stationary platforms. Experimental studies on the loss of integrity (E) and thermal insulating capacity (I) of steel bulkheads and deck with mineral wool under standard and hydrocarbon fire regimes are presented. Simulation of structure heating was performed, which showed a good correlation with the experimental results (convective heat transfer coefficients for bulkheads of class H: 50 W/m²·K; for bulkheads of class A: 25 W/m²·K). The consumption of mineral slabs and endothermic mat for the H-0 bulkhead is predicted. It is calculated that under a standard fire regime, mineral wool with a density of 80–100 kg/m² and a thickness of 40 to 85 mm should be used; under a hydrocarbon fire regime, mineral wool with a density above 100 kg/m² and a thickness of 60–150 mm is required. It is shown that to protect the structures of decks and bulkheads in a hydrocarbon fire regime, it is necessary to use 30–40% more thermal insulation and apply the highest density of fire-retardant material compared to the standard fire regime. Parameters of thermal conductivity and heat capacity of the applied flame retardant in the temperature range from 0 to 1000 °C were clarified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance-Based Design in Structural Fire Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4793 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical and Impact Properties of Engineered Cementitious Composites Reinforced with PP Fibers at Elevated Temperatures

by Raad A. Al-Ameri, Sallal Rashid Abid and Mustafa Özakça

Fire 2022, 5(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire5010003 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3627

Abstract

The repeated impact performance of engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) is not well explored yet, especially after exposure to severe conditions, such as accidental fires. An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the degradation of strength and repeated impact capacity of ECCs reinforced with [...] Read more.

The repeated impact performance of engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) is not well explored yet, especially after exposure to severe conditions, such as accidental fires. An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the degradation of strength and repeated impact capacity of ECCs reinforced with Polypropylene fibers after high temperature exposure. Compressive strength and flexural strength were tested using cube and beam specimens, while disk specimens were used to conduct repeated impact tests according to the ACI 544-2R procedure. Reference specimens were tested at room temperature, while three other groups were tested after heating to 200 °C, 400 °C and 600 °C and naturally cooled to room temperature. The test results indicated that the reference ECC specimens exhibited a much higher failure impact resistance compared to normal concrete specimens, which was associated with a ductile failure showing a central surface fracture zone and fine surface multi-cracking under repeated impacts. This behavior was also recorded for specimens subjected to 200 °C, while the exposure to 400 °C and 600 °C significantly deteriorated the impact resistance and ductility of ECCs. The recorded failure impact numbers decreased from 259 before heating to 257, 24 and 10 after exposure to 200 °C, 400 °C and 600 °C, respectively. However, after exposure to all temperature levels, the failure impact records of ECCs kept at least four times higher than their corresponding normal concrete ones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance-Based Design in Structural Fire Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 7871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal–Mechanical Coupling Evaluation of the Panel Performance of a Prefabricated Cabin-Type Substation Based on Machine Learning

by Xiangsheng Lei, Jinwu Ouyang, Yanfeng Wang, Xinghua Wang, Xiaofeng Zhang, Feng Chen, Chang Xia, Zhen Liu and Cuiying Zhou

Fire 2021, 4(4), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire4040093 - 9 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3000

Abstract

The panel performance of a prefabricated cabin-type substation under the impact of fires plays a vital role in the normal operation of the substation. However, current evaluations of the panel performance of substations under fire still focus on fire resistance tests, which seldom [...] Read more.

The panel performance of a prefabricated cabin-type substation under the impact of fires plays a vital role in the normal operation of the substation. However, current evaluations of the panel performance of substations under fire still focus on fire resistance tests, which seldom consider the relationship between fire behavior and the mechanical load of the panel under the impact of fires. Aiming at the complex and uncertain relationship between the thermal and mechanical performance of the substation panel under impact of fires, this paper proposes a machine learning method based on a BP neural network. First, the fire resistance test and the stress test of the panel is carried out, then a machine learning model is established based on the BP neural network. According to the collected data, the model parameters are obtained through a series of training and verification processes. Meanwhile, the correlation between the panel performance and fire resistance was obtained. Finally, related parameters are input into the thermal–mechanical coupling evaluation model for the substation panel performance to evaluate the fire resistance performance of the substation panel. To verify the correctness of the established model, numerical simulation of the fire test and stress test of the panel is conducted, and numerical simulation samples are predicted by the trained model. The results show that the prediction curve of neural network is closer to the real results compared with the numerical simulation, and the established model can accurately evaluate the thermal–mechanical coupling performance of the substation panel under fire. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance-Based Design in Structural Fire Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 7770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Residual Stress-Strain Relationship of Scoria Aggregate Concrete with the Addition of PP Fiber after Fire Exposure

by Bin Cai, Yu Tao and Feng Fu

Fire 2021, 4(4), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire4040091 - 5 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3503

Abstract

Scoria aggregate concrete (SAC) as new green material has been gradually used in some construction projects for its lightweight and high strength, which can reduce the environmental impact of construction materials. In this paper, the residual mechanical properties and intact compressive stress-strain relationships [...] Read more.

Scoria aggregate concrete (SAC) as new green material has been gradually used in some construction projects for its lightweight and high strength, which can reduce the environmental impact of construction materials. In this paper, the residual mechanical properties and intact compressive stress-strain relationships of polypropylene (PP) fiber-reinforced Scoria aggregate concrete after high-temperature exposure at 20, 200, 400, 600, and 800 °C were investigated. The failure modes of PP fiber-reinforced Scoria aggregate concrete specimens and the effect of high temperatures on the peak stress, secant modulus, and peak strain were obtained. The results showed that the residual compressive strength of heated concrete is significantly reduced when the temperature exceeds 400 °C. The residual strength and residual secant modulus of PP fiber-reinforced Scoria aggregate concrete are significantly higher than those of ordinary concrete. The Scoria aggregate concrete specimens with PP fibers exhibited fewer surface cracks and fewer edge bursts under high temperatures. The residual stress-strain equation of the Scoria aggregate concrete was established by regression analysis, which agreed well with the experimental results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance-Based Design in Structural Fire Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 9721 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nonlinear Analysis of a Steel Frame Structure Exposed to Post-Earthquake Fire

by Alaa T. Alisawi, Philip E. F. Collins and Katherine A. Cashell

Fire 2021, 4(4), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire4040073 - 15 Oct 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4156

Abstract

The probability of extreme events such as an earthquake, fire or blast occurring during the lifetime of a structure is relatively low but these events can cause serious damage to the structure as well as to human life. Due to the significant consequences [...] Read more.

The probability of extreme events such as an earthquake, fire or blast occurring during the lifetime of a structure is relatively low but these events can cause serious damage to the structure as well as to human life. Due to the significant consequences for occupant and structural safety, an accurate analysis of the response of structures exposed to these events is required for their design. Some extreme events may occur as a consequence of another hazard, for example, a fire may occur due to the failure of the electrical system of a structure following an earthquake. In such circumstances, the structure is subjected to a multi-hazard loading scenario. A post-earthquake fire (PEF) is one of the major multi-hazard events that is reasonably likely to occur but has been the subject of relatively little research in the available literature. In most international design codes, structures exposed to multi-hazards scenarios such as earthquakes, which are then followed by fires are only analysed and designed for as separate events, even though structures subjected to an earthquake may experience partial damage resulting in a more severe response to a subsequent fire. Most available analysis procedures and design codes do not address the association of the two hazards. Thus, the design of structures based on existing standards may contribute to a significant risk of structural failure. Indeed, a suitable method of analysis is required to investigate the behaviour of structures when exposed to sequential hazards. In this paper, a multi-hazard analysis approach is developed, which considers the damage caused to structures during and after an earthquake through a subsequent thermal analysis. A methodology is developed and employed to study the nonlinear behaviour of a steel framed structure under post-earthquake fire conditions. A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model of an unprotected steel frame is developed and outlined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance-Based Design in Structural Fire Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 7426 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hotspot Analysis of Structure Fires in Urban Agglomeration: A Case of Nagpur City, India

by Priya P. Singh, Chandra S. Sabnani and Vijay S. Kapse

Fire 2021, 4(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire4030038 - 21 Jul 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4418

Abstract

Fire Service is the fundamental civic service to protect citizens from irrecoverable, heavy losses of lives and property. Hotspot analysis of structure fires is essential to estimate people and property at risk. Hotspot analysis for the peak period of last decade, using a [...] Read more.

Fire Service is the fundamental civic service to protect citizens from irrecoverable, heavy losses of lives and property. Hotspot analysis of structure fires is essential to estimate people and property at risk. Hotspot analysis for the peak period of last decade, using a GIS-based spatial analyst and statistical techniques through the Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) and Getis-Ord Gi* with Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation is performed, revealing fire risk zones at the city ward micro level. Using remote sensing, outputs of hotspot analysis are integrated with the built environment of Land Use Land Cover (LULC) to quantify the accurate built-up areas and population density of identified fire risk zones. KDE delineates 34 wards as hotspots, while Getis-Ord Gi* delineates 17 wards within the KDE hotspot, the central core areas having the highest built-up and population density. A temporal analysis reveals the maximum fires on Thursday during the hot afternoon hours from 12 noon to 5 p.m. The study outputs help decision makers for effective fire prevention and protection by deploying immediate resource allocations and proactive planning reassuring sustainable urban development. Furthermore, updating the requirement of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to build urban resilient infrastructure in accord with the Smart City Mission. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance-Based Design in Structural Fire Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 5416 KiB

Open AccessReview

Influence of Natural Fire Development on Concrete Compressive Strength

by Robert Kuehnen, Maged A. Youssef and Salah F. El-Fitiany

Fire 2022, 5(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire5020034 - 28 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3972

Abstract

With increasing acceptance of performance-based design principles in the field of fire safety, it is imperative to accurately define the behaviour of materials during fire exposure. Real-world fire events, otherwise referred to as natural fires, are defined by four characteristics: heating rate, maximum [...] Read more.

With increasing acceptance of performance-based design principles in the field of fire safety, it is imperative to accurately define the behaviour of materials during fire exposure. Real-world fire events, otherwise referred to as natural fires, are defined by four characteristics: heating rate, maximum temperature, exposure duration, and cooling rate. Each of these four characteristics influences concrete’s behaviour in a different manner. In this paper, the available experimental work for concrete, tested at elevated temperatures, is examined to identify the influence of the four natural fire characteristics on concrete compressive strength. This review focuses on normal strength concrete tests only, omitting parameters such as unique additives and confinement. The intent is to provide a fundamental understanding of normal strength concrete. The findings show that maximum temperature and cooling rates have a significant influence on concrete strength. Exposure duration has a moderate impact, particularly at shorter durations. Variable rates of heating have minimal influence on strength. Detailed conclusions are provided along with review limitations, practical considerations for designers, and future research needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance-Based Design in Structural Fire Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Performance-Based Design in Structural Fire Engineering

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI