Subjective Assessment of the Potential Loss of Load-Bearing Capacity in Buildings Exposed to a Fire
Journal Title: Safety & Fire Technology - Year 2016, Vol 43, Issue 43
Abstract
Aim: This article presents results from surveys on the subjective assessment of the potential loss of load-bearing capacity in building structures, which are exposed to a fire. The purpose of the study is to refine the model estimating the loss of load-bearing capacity of building structures by taking into account the experience of firefighting personnel, gained during firefighting operations. Methods: Research was performed by survey to determine the criteria for evaluating symptoms, which develop during a building fire incident. The survey was conducted anonymously among the officers of the Polish State Fire Service, within a varied group of respondents encapsulating length of experience and exposure to work in different regions. This approach facilitated the identification of regions where building structures collapsed most frequently. The questionnaire was reviewed and approved by a group of experienced specialists in the field of fire safety engineering. Results: The survey allowed for an initial identification of symptoms associated with the loss of load-bearing capacity in structures during fire incidents. By taking account of initial symptoms, further action is possible at the risk determination stage of structural collapse. Subjective evaluation of symptoms, which may reduce the risk of structural collapse is the last element of the diagrammatic operations model used for estimating the potential loss of load-bearing capacity. Respondents indicated that prior to a structural collapse most frequent symptoms revealed buckling of structures, cracks in walls and unusual noises such as crackling and creaking. The authors consider that the above mentioned symptoms should be taken into account when assessing the potential loss of load-bearing capacity of building structures during fire incidents. Moreover, an explosion, tilt of a building , flames enveloping a building by more than 80% as well as roof and ceiling collapse should also be taken into account. Conclusions: Symptoms identified by respondents match the symptoms described in literature. Because of an increase in the number of fires, where building structures have collapsed, the authors recommend further research in this area. The limited size of the group exposed to the survey precludes, at this stage, an allocation of precise weightings to specific symptoms, which could be incorporated within the proposed model. The authors consider that the above mentioned symptoms, if present, would significantly increase the measure of risk level. Proper risk assessment of potential construction failure will improve the safety of rescuers involved in firefighting operations.
Authors and Affiliations
mgr inż. Urszula Garlińska, mgr inż. Paweł Michalak, mgr inż. Tomasz Popielarczyk
Keywords
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- EP ID EP234586
- DOI 10.12845/bitp.43.3.2016.3
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