The building code of the jurisdiction, which is usually based upon (or refers to) the IBC or NFPA 5000 model building code (or one of the older model codes) specifies the fire resistance requirements for the structural system.

There are many ASTM standards related to fire engineering. Those of most direct relevance are specifications pertaining to combustibility, ignition and flammability characteristics, heat and smoke release parameters, and fire resistance. ASTM E119 specifies standard test procedures to establish the fire resistance (endurance) ratings for construction elements (beams, columns) and assemblies (walls, floors, roofs). There are several other ASTM tests that establish fire resistance ratings for windows, doors, fire-stops, etc. Many ASTM specifications ensure the quality performance of relevant products. For example, spray-applied fire resistive materials, commonly used to protect structural steel, would be tested for:

• ASTM E 84 "Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials"
• ASTM E 605 "Standard Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) Applied to Structural Members"
• ASTM E 736 "Standard Test Method for Cohesion/Adhesion of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRM) Applied to Structural Members"
• ASTM E 759 "Standard Test Method for Effect of Deflection on Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) Applied to Structural Members"
• ASTM E 760 "Standard Test Method for Effect of Impact on Bonding of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) Applied to Structural Members"
• ASTM E 761 "Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) Applied to Structural Members"
• ASTM E 859 "Standard Test Method for Air Erosion of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRM) Applied to Structural Members"
• ASTM E 937 "Standard Test Method for Corrosion of Steel by Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) Applied to Structural Members"

The Specification provides a general outline of procedures for engineered structural fire-protection design that include steel properties at elevated temperatures, expected fire exposures, heat transfer calculations, load combinations for fire limit states, analysis of heated structures, etc.

Performance-based design consists in part of well-defined set of performance goals, objectives, and criteria for an expected fire event. Thereafter, a corresponding set of systems is designed to achieve these performance objectives and criteria. In many cases, performance-based designs include evaluations of candidate designs against a series of fire design scenarios.

It is still a design option that is typically reserved for use on certain high profile projects. At this point, it is best described as a design alternative rather than a prevalent design methodology.

AISC has developed a single source, Design Guide 19: Fire Resistance of Structural Steel Framing, for engineers and architects, on the fire resistance of structural steel. AISC is also undertaking research to add the routine capability to engineer structural fire resistance for steel structures as an alternative to current prescriptive solutions.