Role of insulation effectiveness on fire resistance of steel structures under extreme loading events

Fire performance of steel structures is highly dependent on the effectiveness of applied fire insulation. However, insulation materials are susceptible to damage under extreme loading events. A state-of-the-art review on the role of insulation damage on fire resistance of steel structures is presented. Parametric studies on a six-story steel-framed building were carried out to illustrate the effect of insulation damage on fire response of a steel structure. In the analysis, realistic fire scenarios, loading, and failure criteria were taken into consideration. Analysis results indicate that the fire resistance of a steel-framed structure is significantly influenced by the extent of insulation loss, type of fire scenario, and level of lateral load. Insulation damage causes faster deterioration in the structural response of framed buildings under the combined effect of fire and lateral loading. The need for accounting for any insulation damage, arising under extreme loading events, in fire design of steel-framed structures is highlighted, and a performance-based design strategy incorporating fire resistance analysis is discussed.