•Research studies on mechanical characteristics of aluminium alloys in and after fire are reviewed.•Structural fire behaviour of members, connections, joints and overall systems is discussed.•Passive ...and active fire protection measures for aluminium alloy structures are presented.•An outlook for the future research in this field is presented.
Aluminium alloys are gaining increasing use in the construction industry, underpinned by extensive research and the growing availability of codified structural design rules at room temperature. More recently, considering that the material properties of aluminium alloys degrade significantly at elevated temperatures, a substantial number of studies have also been conducted to investigate the behaviour and design of aluminium alloy structures exposed to fire. This paper presents a review of recent studies on the mechanical characteristics of aluminium alloys in fire and after fire, as well as the structural behaviour of aluminium alloy structures in fire conditions, considering members, connections, joints and overall systems. In addition, possible passive and active fire protection measures for aluminium alloy structures are introduced and discussed. Lastly, recommendations for future work on the structural fire behaviour of aluminium alloy structures are set out, providing insight into aspects that require further investigations to promote the more widespread use of aluminium alloys in structural applications.
Wind turbine fires pose a significant global problem, leading to substantial financial losses. However, due to limited open discussions and lax regulations in the wind power industry, progress in ...addressing this issue has been hindered. This study aims to shed light on the fire risks associated with wind turbine nacelles and blades, while also exploring preventive measures and the latest fire detection and extinguishing technologies. The research conducted in this study involves a comprehensive investigation of various case studies, utilizing causal examination to identify common failure forms and their roles in fire incidents. Additionally, typical hazards, with a focus on fire incidents, in wind turbines are diagnosed. The primary causes of these fires were determined to be lightning strikes and hydraulic faults, often exacerbated by the presence of combustible materials. To conclude, the study includes a survey that encompasses education, knowledge analysis, and real-life accident experiences to assess fire risks and prevention measures in wind turbines. The participation of experts from wind farms, including those from the People's Republic of Bangladesh and other countries, adds valuable insights. The findings from this study serve as a crucial resource for enhancing safety standards and mitigating fire incidents within the wind power industry.
Fires can lead to costly building damage as well as loss of lives and injuries. Installed to protect buildings from fire, or to limit the damage from such outbreaks, fire protection measures are a ...common feature in buildings. However, these features come at a cost. Although quite ubiquitous in buildings, the value of these features to private individuals and to society is not fully understood. To understand their value, a cost benefit analysis detailing the costs and benefits of fire protection measures is needed. Carrying out such an analysis requires methods for computing both the cost of these fire protection measures, and losses from fires (including both direct and indirect losses). This study outlines methodologies for evaluating those costs and losses. An exhaustive collection of available data necessary for estimating both costs and losses is presented. Several limitations in current methodologies and data constraints were identified, with recommendations proposed to address these shortcomings. Relevant sections of a study by the authors that refines fire protection cost estimation at national and sub-national levels are emphasized, including updated building categories, guidance on computing multipliers, and detailed cost calculation methods for installation and maintenance costs. The calculation uses regularly updated U.S. Census Bureau construction data, ensuring timely multiplier updates. The insights and suggestions presented in this study will ultimately refine the process of selecting fire protection strategies that maximize the net benefit of fire protection measures for both private stakeholders and society at large.
Concrete-filled steel plate composite walls are increasingly used in high-rise buildings; their mechanical properties at room temperature have produced fruitful results. However, research on their ...mechanical properties in fire and at high temperatures is scarce. Moreover, published studies on the fire resistance of concrete-filled steel plate composite walls have not considered the impact of fire protection measures. Based on previous fire resistance research, a fire resistance test was designed in this study for four walls under the combined action of axial compression and a single-sided fire under the ISO-834 standard heating curve. Apart from that, the existing fire protections have the disadvantages of too thick, easy falling off and cracking or difficult to install. In order to eliminate the disadvantages of existing fire prevention measures, new composite fireproof structure using a rock wool board and a thin fire-retardant coating is proposed. The effects of no fireproof structures, autoclaved lightweight concrete plate fireproof structures, thick-coated fire-retardant structures, and new composite fireproof structures on the fire resistance of concrete-filled steel plate composite walls were studied experimentally. The results show that the fire resistance of the four test specimens meets the 3 h fire resistance limit of the primary load-bearing component in the specification. Based on the experimental results, reasonable fire protection methods are suggested for concrete-filled steel plate composite walls in actual projects, and an experimental basis is provided for further numerical simulation.
Abstract Der bauliche Brandschutz und die Heißbemessung von Stahl‐ und Verbundbauteilen besitzt in der Schweiz eine Tradition, die bis in die 50er‐Jahre des letzten Jahrhunderts zurückreicht. Im ...Aufsatz wird ein Überblick über aktuelle Regelungen bezüglich des erforderlichen Feuerwiderstands, den Umgang mit passiven Brandschutzmaßnahmen sowie neuere Entwicklungen bei der Heißbemessung von Stahl‐ und Verbundkonstruktionen gegeben.
Abstract Structural fire protection of steel and composite construction in Switzerland. Structural fire protection and the design of steel and composite structures in case of fire has a tradition in Switzerland dating back to the 50s of the last century. The article gives an overview of current regulations regarding the required fire resistance, the handling of passive fire protection measures as well as recent developments in fire design of steel and composite structures.
Der bauliche Brandschutz und die Heißbemessung von Stahl‐ und Verbundbauteilen besitzt in der Schweiz eine Tradition, die bis in die 50er‐Jahre des letzten Jahrhunderts zurückreicht. Im Aufsatz wird ...ein Überblick über aktuelle Regelungen bezüglich des erforderlichen Feuerwiderstands, den Umgang mit passiven Brandschutzmaßnahmen sowie neuere Entwicklungen bei der Heißbemessung von Stahl‐ und Verbundkonstruktionen gegeben.
Structural fire protection of steel and composite construction in Switzerland. Structural fire protection and the design of steel and composite structures in case of fire has a tradition in Switzerland dating back to the 50s of the last century. The article gives an overview of current regulations regarding the required fire resistance, the handling of passive fire protection measures as well as recent developments in fire design of steel and composite structures.
There is a seemingly continual erosion of our cultural heritage due to fires in historic buildings. Some of these fires result in partial loss of the asset, some result in total loss - in all cases ...irreplaceable historic fabric is destroyed. Accurate recording for fires in historic buildings is problematic, but such data as have been collated indicate that the level of loss is high. One of the key factors in achieving robust fire safety in historic buildings is the upgrading of physical fire protection measures. It has been suggested that we should assume a fire event is probable, and together with a context in which outside help might be some time in arriving, such measures are considered crucial in containing the fire and raising the alarm as quickly as possible. This article considers passive and active fire protection measures, using case study material to provide illustrative examples. Where it might be expected that conservation requirements, aiming to avoid negative impact to character and significance, might hinder disruptive physical interventions to improve fire protection, in fact a great deal can be achieved. Such a pragmatic approach is arguably necessary for the safety and preservation of built heritage, when the alternative might otherwise be yet another burnt-out shell.
This paper describes the fault tree model of progress of the fire phases from a point of view of lifesafety in building fire and the modes of progress which are defined with the model. I analyzed ...processes of the actual building fires with the fault tree, and understood characteristics of the processes of the fires. These buildings had faults about structure of fire protection measures, these were the types of progress connected between the fire phases by some basic factors. I propose the idea of planning of firesafety with the fault tree model.
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