Analysis of the Fire Behavior of an Industrial Warehouse Structure

Client: SOCOTEC Smart Solutions
Location: France
Dates: 2023 – 2024
Photo Property: SOCOTEC Smart Solutions

Within fire engineering, thermomechanical studies are carried out to analyse the behaviour of structures in fire situations. This project focuses on studying the fire behaviour of an existing structure of industrial buildings in France, with the aim of ensuring that, in the event of collapse, the structure falls into the interior of the warehouse, complying with French regulations.

Why has a fire consultancy been carried out?

The analysis of the collapse mode seeks to prevent damage to adjacent buildings and ensure the structural independence of each unit. The main challenges in these calculations are both physical and technical. Physically, the propagation of fire depends on many scenarios and is not linear, while the response of the structure is also nonlinear due to the variability of the properties of the materials at high temperatures and the large deformations they undergo. Technically, there are currently no programs that offer a holistic approach to this process.

Talk to our experts

José González

Fire & wind engineering specialist

jose.gonzalez@socotec.com

Lara Pellegrini

General Manager Cities, Building & Energy

Steps Taken in the Fire Consulting Study

Different fire scenarios are defined based on the characteristics of the stored elements and their location with respect to the load-bearing elements of the structure.

For each defined scenario, the development of the fire is simulated following a specific curve, also considering the spread of the fire. Temperatures are extracted from structural elements using linked devices, taking into account material and thickness.

The temporal evolution of the temperature in the structural elements is determined by means of calculation models defined in the Eurocodes.

The fire behaviour of the load-bearing structure in a real fire situation is evaluated using thermo-elasto-plastic finite element software (SAFIR), following the behavioural laws of Eurocode 3 Part 1-2. The structure is modelled in representative parts and its behaviour in the fire is studied for each predicted scenario.

The requirements of non-debris to the outside are examined based on the results obtained, using a non-linear, plastic and high deformation structural analysis.

Contribution to the Study of Fire

A key contribution is the qualitative determination of a collapse mechanism, since calculations usually stop right at the generation of the last plastic ball joint. At that time, a different mechanical analysis is initiated where the resistance of the materials is nonlinear and discontinuous, presenting bifurcations in the solutions.

The detailed study and the application of advanced techniques make it possible to ensure that the structure of the industrial buildings complies with safety regulations and minimises the environmental and economic impact in the event of a fire, ensuring a high standard of protection and sustainability.

SOCOTEC is a leader in structural engineering and fire engineering consulting, offering accurate diagnostics, advanced testing and robust solutions that minimise the economic and environmental impacts of projects. With extensive experience and a comprehensive approach, SOCOTEC guarantees high standards of protection and sustainability in each study, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance in fire situations.