Structural Fire Resistance and the Use of Engineering Judgment

This presentation focuses on structural fire resistance. Performance-based design is explored through a discussion of the acceptable use of fire models. Alternative means and construction methods are also presented which involves an overview of engineering judgments. Case studies are presented to show the benefits of engineering judgments and structural fire models. Cautionary situations are presented as well as specification recommendations to avoid design errors. Learning Objectives -Understand the code requirements and methods for determining fire resistance of structural members. -Understand the purpose of prescriptive requirements in the building code and how performance-based design can be utilized in certain situations. -Understand how to select appropriate design bases. -Understand the sophisticated methods available to address uncommon field conditions and the technical bases for same.