Get Fired Up: Better Safety, Economy, and Aesthetics for Performance-Based Structural Fire Engineering [E12]

Performance-based structural fire engineering (PBSFE) is at the cusp of much wider adoption in the US, especially with the introduction of Appendix E in ASCE 7, followed by the publication of a manual of practice and exemplar designs of benefits and opportunities. While the benefits of PBSFE apply to all materials and types of construction, steel structures provide a unique opportunity. Benefits of PBFSE typically include improved safety and resilience, elimination or reduction of unnecessary fireproofing, improved schedule and cost of projects, better aesthetics, and improved flexibility for the design of structures. Showing these benefits in clear and tangible ways to architects, designers, fabricators, and code officials encourages further adoption of PBSFE. This presentation will exhibit these benefits through several case studies including airports, cultural buildings, high-rise buildings, and existing structures. The audience will walk away with a clear image of when and how to implement PBSFE to improve economy, resilience, and aesthetics of projects.

Track: Architecture, Design Analysis

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