Structural Design for Fire Safety

Presenting a comprehensive overview of the fire resistance ofbuilding structures, this key text brings together a large volumeof material from many sources on this increasingly important topic.Starting with the fundamentals of fires and fire safety, the bookgives an introduction to real fire exposure and the response ofstructures to such fires, outlining the important contribution ofstructural fire resistance to overall fire safety. Methods ofcalculating fire severity and achieving fire resistance aredescribed, including fire performance of the main structuralmaterials including structural steel, reinforced concrete andtimber construction. Particularly valuable elements of the book areits design sections (incorporating international methods), wherethe earlier material is synthesised and recommendations are madefor rational design of building structures exposed to fires.

Structural Design for Fire Safety provides expert guidance on:

? Interpreting code requirements for fire safety
? Understanding the concepts of fire severity and fire resistance
? Estimating time-temperature curves for fully developedcompartment fires
? Understanding the behaviour of structural elements and buildingsexposed to fires
? Designing steel, concrete and timber structures to resist fireexposure
? Assessing the fire performance of existing structures

In addition, the book includes valuable calculations and workedexamples, unavailable elsewhere.

This is an essential book for structural engineers who wish toimprove their understanding of buildings exposed to severe fires.It is also an ideal textbook for introductory courses in firesafety in a civil or structural engineering degree programme, andis vital reading for final year students in fire protection andfire safety engineering. Furthermore, it successfully bridges theinformation gap between fire safety engineers, structural engineersand building inspectors, and will be of significant interest toarchitects, code officials, building designers and firefighters.

Andrew H. Buchanan, University of Canterbury, New Zealand.