Abstract
Wildfires have always been a threat to forests and areas of high combustible vegetation. When they are not kept under control, they can spread to residential areas, creating severe damage and destruction. This paper examines the effects of the extreme heat conditions that developed during a wildfire on buildings as a function of their construction type. One of the deadliest wildfires in Greece (July 2018) is considered as a case study, and the damage that occurred to buildings during this event is presented. The temperature of the various structural subsystems in extreme heat conditions was estimated using the finite element method. Parameters that influenced the corresponding temperature distribution were identified. Simple guidelines are given to prevent or reduce damage in buildings exposed to wildfires.
Highlights
Every year during dry seasons, wildfires start in areas of combustible vegetation all over the world
Opening security roads in the forest area, creating fire breaks, and limiting available fuel with prescribed burns and vegetation thinning; Monitoring and detecting the ignition of a fire in its early stages based on human surveillance and/or advanced detection and monitoring techniques, including satellite remote sensing, forest animals as biological sensors, image processing, etc. [1]; Educating people in the community to avoid the initiation of fires when high winds are expected, especially in areas with combustible vegetation; Acquiring all necessary equipment and personnel for fire suppression and having a plan of action to reduce fire spread and to direct people who are being evacuated from areas of danger
There are several factors that influence the vulnerability of a building to wildfires, including its location, the flammability of the materials outside and inside the structure, and the design and construction materials used [3]
Summary
Every year during dry seasons, wildfires start in areas of combustible vegetation all over the world. Under extreme weather, these fires can spread uncontrollably, destroying everything in their path, including vegetation and structures, and endangering human lives. Passive fire protection adopts structural design strategies (i.e., the usage of fire-resistant materials) that prevent the spreading of a fire and protect buildings from collapsing. Wald et al [9] investigated the temperature development and distribution of internal forces within various structural elements of a compartment on a steel–concrete composite frame building during a large-scale fire test. A numerical analysis was performed to identify the temperature of structural subsystems exposed to fire conditions using the finite element method. Simple guidelines are given to prevent or reduce damage in buildings exposed to extreme heat conditions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
