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Article
Publication date: 21 September 2021

Hemanth Kumar Chinthapalli and Anil Agarwal

Earthquake tremors not only increase the chances of fire ignition but also hinder the fire-fighting efforts due to the damage to the lifelines of a city. Most of the international…

Abstract

Purpose

Earthquake tremors not only increase the chances of fire ignition but also hinder the fire-fighting efforts due to the damage to the lifelines of a city. Most of the international codes have independent recommendations for structural safety against earthquake and fire. However, the possibility of a multi-hazard event, such as fire following an earthquake is seldom addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an experimental study of Reinforced Concrete (RC) columns in post-earthquake fire (PEF) conditions. An experimental approach is proposed that allows the testing of a column instead of a full structural frame. This approach allows us to control the loading and boundary conditions individually and facilitates the testing under a variety of these conditions. Also, it allows the structure to be tested until failure. The role of parameters, such as earthquake intensity, axial load ratio and the ductile detailing of the column on the earthquake damage and subsequently the fire performance of the structure, is studied in this research. Six RC column specimens are tested under a sequence of quasi-static earthquake loading, followed by combined fire and axial compression loading conditions.

Findings

The experiment results indicate that ductile detailed columns subjected to 4% or less lateral drift did not lose significant load-carrying capacity in fire conditions. A lateral drift of 6% caused significant damage to the columns and reduced the load-carrying capacity in fire conditions. The level of the axial load acting on the column at the time of earthquake loading was found to have a very significant effect on the extent of damage and reduction in column load capacity in fire conditions. The columns that were not detailed for a ductile behavior observed a more significant reduction in axial load carrying capacity in fire conditions.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to columns of 230 mm size due to the limitations of the test setup. The applicability of these findings to larger column sections needs to be verified by developing a numerical analysis methodology and simulating other post-earthquake-fire tests available in the literature.

Originality/value

The experimental procedure proposed in this paper offers an alternative to the testing of a complete structural frame system for PEF behavior. In addition to the ease of conducting the tests, the procedure also allows much better control over the heating, structural loading and boundary conditions.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 May 2014

Behrouz Behnam and Hamid Reza Ronagh

Post-earthquake fire (PEF) can lead to a rapid collapse of structures partially damaged by earthquake. As there is almost no established PEF provisions by codes and standards, PEF…

Abstract

Purpose

Post-earthquake fire (PEF) can lead to a rapid collapse of structures partially damaged by earthquake. As there is almost no established PEF provisions by codes and standards, PEF investigations are therefore needed for those buildings. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A non-linear PEF analysis comprises three steps, which are the application of gravity loads, earthquake loads and then fire loads. As a fire generally initiates on one floor and then spreads to other floors, applying a sequential fire is more realistic than applying a concurrent fire on several floors. Hence, in this study, the fire is applied sequentially to the floors with a time delay.

Findings

The results indicate a substantial reduction in the resistance of the damaged frame when subjected to PEF. In addition, the results of applying the PEF sequentially is more realistic than the concurrent fire.

Research limitations/implications

It was better to perform an experimental test to have a better understanding of the issue.

Originality/value

PEF can potentially result in a catastrophe in areas located in seismic regions. Thus, investigating the effect of PEF on previously damaged structures is of importance.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2012

Mohamadjavad Mahdavinejad, Mohammadreza Bemanian, Ghazal Abolvardi and Seyed Mohammadmehdi Elhamian

Earthquakes are a serious threat to life; they claim many casualties and cause huge damage to people's properties. Seismic design provisions are added to building codes in…

Abstract

Purpose

Earthquakes are a serious threat to life; they claim many casualties and cause huge damage to people's properties. Seismic design provisions are added to building codes in response to the lessons learned from past earthquakes. However, despite all successes, many challenges are still faced and there are still deficiencies, especially in the field of architectural non‐structural components (ANSCs). In spite of their significance in the seismic performance of the building, ANSCs are mostly neglected from the viewpoint of seismic design. The purpose of this paper is to explain a proper state for the seismic consideration of ANSCs in the designing and construction process.

Design/methodology/approach

The key aim of this research is explaining a proper state for the seismic consideration of ANSCs in designing and construction process. For this purpose, first, their state is analyzed based on the conventional seismic design and construction process. Then, the insufficiencies of this approach are discussed through studying the consequences in the past earthquakes. Finally, based on the results obtained, the article tries to offer useful strategies to bring the potential threats of ANSCs to minimum.

Findings

It is found that ANSCs are considered only in a very small part of the design and construction process. In most cases, their executed details are allocated to a minor part of the design process or left to be chosen in the last stage of construction, as finishing details. As a result, despite all code provisions and practical guidelines, we still see many damages to and from ANSCs. The paper shows that the only way that the success of ANSCs' seismic restraints can be anticipated is by considering them in all stages of the design and construction process. To achieve this goal, collaboration is needed throughout all parts of the design and construction process, namely an interactive system design.

Originality/value

The paper, from the viewpoint of the design process, analyzes the seismic consideration of ANSCs, offering a new model for placing these components in a systematic design and construction process.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 June 2012

Jeng Hsiang Lin

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of building codes in earthquake risk mitigation in Taiwan.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of building codes in earthquake risk mitigation in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

Using probabilistic risk analysis tools with available data, this study assesses the exceedance probability of extensive damage limit for general buildings in their 50‐year useful lives. The buildings were classified into 15 categories according to their construction materials and building height. Then, the effects of construction materials, building height and construction years are detected.

Findings

The exceedance probabilities of extensive damage limit for all of the investigated buildings in their 50‐year useful lives are on the order of 10−2. The effect of construction materials and building height on seismic risk of buildings is decreasing with the development of a seismic design code. Significant discrepancy of seismic risk still exists among some buildings.

Research limitations/implications

Seismic risk analysis requires quite restrictive statistical idealizations for the relevant probabilistic terms in the mathematical formulation. The problem of imperfect simplification and lack of sufficient empirical data has shown the research needs for improvements of seismic risk assessment. The questions of what constitutes acceptable risk for various performance levels and how safe is safe enough remain context‐specific.

Originality/value

Although probabilistic risk analysis provides a tool for quantifying the probability of structural failure, current earthquake‐resistant design procedures do not relate performance levels to probability. The paper explores some probability information for current earthquake‐resistant design for general buildings during their 50‐year useful lives and the information may provide some valuable information for future code calibration.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 June 2019

Virendra Kumar

The occurrence of multiple hazards in extreme conditions is not unknown nowadays, but the sustainability of the reinforced concrete structures under such scenarios form…

Abstract

Purpose

The occurrence of multiple hazards in extreme conditions is not unknown nowadays, but the sustainability of the reinforced concrete structures under such scenarios form competitive challenges in civil engineering profession. Among all, fire following earthquake (FFE) is categorized under multiple extreme load scenarios which causes sequential damages to the structures. This paper aims to experiment a full-scale RC frame sub-assemblage for the FFE scenario and assess each stage of damage through the nondestructive testing method.

Design/methodology/approach

Two levels of simulated earthquake damages, i.e. immediate occupancy (IO) level and life safety (LS) level of structural performance were induced to the test frame and then, followed by a realistic compartment fire of 1 h duration. Also, the evaluation of damage to the RC frame after the fire subsequent to the earthquake was carried out by obtaining the ultimate capacity of the frame. Ultrasonic pulse velocity and rebound hammer test were conducted to assess the structural endurance of the damaged frame. Cracks were also marked during mechanical damages to the test frame to study the nature of its propagation.

Findings

Careful visual inspection during and after the fire test to the test frame were done. To differentiate between concrete chemically affected by the fire or physically damaged is an important issue. In situ inspection and laboratory tests of concrete components have been performed. Concrete from the test frame was localized with thermo-gravimetric analysis. The UPV results exhibited a sharp decrease in the strength of the concrete material which was also confirmed via the DTA, TGA and TG results. It is important to evaluate the residual capacity of the entire structure under the FFE scenario and propose rehabilitation/retrofit schemes for the building structure.

Research limitations/implications

The heterogeneity in the distribution of the damage has been identified due to variation of fire exposure. The study only highlights the capabilities of the methods for finding the residual capacity of the RC frame sub-assemblage after an occurrence of an FFE.

Originality/value

It is of find kind of research work on full-scale reinforced concrete building. In this, an attempt has been made for the evaluation of concrete structures affected by an FFE through nondestructive and destructive methods.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2019

Mayank Shrivastava, Anthony Abu, Rajesh Dhakal and Peter Moss

This paper aims to describe current trends in probabilistic structural fire engineering and provides a comprehensive summary of the state-of-the-art of performance-based…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe current trends in probabilistic structural fire engineering and provides a comprehensive summary of the state-of-the-art of performance-based structural fire engineering (PSFE).

Design/methodology/approach

PSFE has been introduced to overcome the limitations of current conventional design approaches used for the design of fire-exposed structures, which investigate assumed worst-case fire scenarios and include multiple thermal and structural analyses. PSFE permits buildings to be designed in relation to a level of life safety or economic loss that may occur in future fire events with the help of a probabilistic approach.

Findings

This paper brings together existing research on various sources of uncertainty in probabilistic structural fire engineering, such as elements affecting post-flashover fire development, material properties, fire models, fire severity, analysis methods and structural reliability.

Originality/value

Prediction of economic loss would depend on the extent of damage, which is further dependent on the structural response. The representative prediction of structural behaviour would depend on the precise quantification of the fire hazard. The incorporation of major uncertainty sources in probabilistic structural fire engineering is explained, and the detailed description of a pioneering analysis method called incremental fire analysis is presented.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 October 2020

Gulden Gumusburun Ayalp and Ilhami Ay

Prefabricated construction technology enables relatively faster and easier construction of building structures at a lower project cost, providing improved quality control with…

Abstract

Purpose

Prefabricated construction technology enables relatively faster and easier construction of building structures at a lower project cost, providing improved quality control with minimal material waste. Despite the advantages of prefabricated construction systems, they are not extensively used in Turkey because of specific yet largely undefined challenges. Therefore, the purpose of this study aims to determine the factors currently affecting the extensive use of prefabricated construction systems in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

The reasons for such systems not being used extensively in Turkey were examined using responses to a questionnaire distributed amongst architects working at design firms, prefabricated-building manufacturers and contractors. The obtained survey data were statistically analysed using the SPSS 22 and LISREL 8.7 software to rank the severity of the identified challenges and determine the most critical factors.

Findings

Eight critical factors groups affecting the use of prefabricated construction systems and their associated factors were identified according the responses provided by the participants. Potential solutions and recommendations were proposed based on these factor groups that are expected facilitate the implementation of prefabricated construction systems in Turkey.

Originality/value

Little previous research has provided insight into the specific factors limiting the use of prefabricated construction systems. This study accordingly approaches the subject considering all phases of prefabricated construction systems and presents a structural model of the factors obtained by a confirmatory factor analysis for application to expand the use of prefabricated construction systems.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 28 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2011

H. Kit Miyamoto, Amir S.J. Gilani and Akira Wada

School buildings have suffered disproportionate damage during past and recent earthquakes. For example, during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, many school buildings collapsed…

Abstract

Purpose

School buildings have suffered disproportionate damage during past and recent earthquakes. For example, during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, many school buildings collapsed, resulting in loss of life. School buildings in many other parts of the world are also susceptible to this type of widespread damage because of inadequate design, detailing, or poor construction quality. The purpose of this paper is to show how these fatal flaws can be mitigated prior to future catastrophe by using good engineering practice to retrofit vulnerable schools.

Design/methodology/approach

Conventional and innovative, cost‐effective, and reliable tools are available to prevent damage to schools. It is often necessary to examine a group of buildings or all structures in a locality and develop a comprehensive risk management plan for the vulnerable buildings. As an example, a comprehensive evaluation and retrofit project, under the auspices of the World Bank, is currently under way in Istanbul, Turkey, to address vulnerable school and hospital buildings as discussed in the paper. As part of this effort in Turkey, a guideline that relies on state‐of‐the‐art evaluation and retrofit methods has been developed to assist the local engineers.

Findings

Implementation of the program based on the uniform standards developed in the retrofit guidelines, has significantly reduced the seismic risk to schools in Istanbul.

Practical implications

The proposed evaluation and implementation technique can be utilized by governments worldwide to prevent further damage to key infrastructure and save millions of lives.

Originality/value

Innovative retrofits can be used to provide enhanced performance and provide seismic resiliency for cluster of school buildings.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 April 2017

Negar Elhami Khorasani and Maria E.M. Garlock

This paper aims to present a literature review on the problem of fire following earthquake (FFE) as a potential hazard to communities in seismically active regions. The paper is…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a literature review on the problem of fire following earthquake (FFE) as a potential hazard to communities in seismically active regions. The paper is important to work toward resilient communities that are subject to extreme hazards.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper lists and reviews the historical FFE events (20 earthquakes from 7 countries), studies the available analytical tools to evaluate fire ignition and spread in communities after an earthquake, discusses the available studies on performance of individual buildings under post-earthquake fires and summarizes the current literature on mitigation techniques for post-earthquake fires.

Findings

FFE can be considered a potential hazard for urban communities that are especially not prepared for such conditions. The available analytical models are not yet fully up to the standards that can be used by city authorities for decision-making, and therefore, should be further validated. Limited structural analyses of individual buildings under FFE scenarios have been completed. Results show that the drift demand on the building frame increases during post-earthquake fires. Despite the mitigation actions, there are still urban cities that are not prepared for such an event, such as certain areas of California in the USA.

Originality/value

The paper is a complete and an exhaustive collection of literature on different aspects of FFE. Research in earthquake engineering is well advanced, while structural analyses under fire load and performance of communities under FFE can be further advanced.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 8 no. 02
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Hesam Ketabdari, Amir Saedi Daryan, Nemat Hassani and Mohammad Safi

In this paper, the seismic behavior of the gusset plate moment connection (GPMC) exposed to the post-earthquake fire (PEF) is investigated.

Abstract

Purpose

In this paper, the seismic behavior of the gusset plate moment connection (GPMC) exposed to the post-earthquake fire (PEF) is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, for the sake of verification, first, a numerical model is built using ABAQUS software and then exposed to earthquakes and high temperatures. Afterward, the effects of a series of parameters, such as gusset plate thickness, gap width, steel grade, vertical load value and presence of the stiffeners, are evaluated on the behavior of the connection in the PEF conditions.

Findings

Based on the results obtained from the parametric study, all parameters effectively played a role against the seismic loads, although, when exposed to fire, it was found that the vertical load value and presence of the stiffener revealed a great contribution and the other parameters could not significantly affect the connection performance. Finally, to develop the modeling and further study the performance of the connection, the 4 and 8-story frames are subjected to 11 accelerograms and 3 different fire scenarios. The findings demonstrate that high temperatures impose rotations on the structure, such that the story drifts were changed compared to the post-earthquake drift values.

Originality/value

The obtained results can be used by engineers to design the GPMC for the combined action of earthquake and fire.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

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