Predicting the response of the structure

The response of the structure depends not only on the temperature it reaches in the fire but also on the applied loads and the effects of any composite action, restraint and continuity from the remainder of the structure. Once it is known, protection requirements can be specified to meet the fire hazard.

This design concept proves most cost effective when it can be shown that the structure, or parts of the structure, has sufficient inherent fire resistance to avoid the need to apply fire protection.

Typical of the type of situation where structural fire engineering is of considerable value is the design of sports stadia. Modern developments incur considerable investment and clients are seeking alternative means of attracting revenue on capital outlay. This means that some sports stadia can no longer be describes as simple steel, concrete and blockwork structures for the sole purpose of watching sport. Instead they are mixed occupancy often containing shops, restaurants and conference facilities. This can create difficulties in developing fire safety policies consistent with the approaches assumed in documents such as the Approved Document. A solution can often be found for such situations using fire engineering. Examples are given in Stadium Engineering (34).

Other structures designed using modern fire engineering techniques include offices, industrial buildings, airport terminals, leisure centres hospitals, shopping centres and car parks.