Residual strength after a fire

It burnt. What now?

A fire is a bad event. After the first shock has been overcome, the next questions immediately arise. Is the building still usable? And sure? There is a big financial difference between renovating and replacing a building. Especially since a new building requires a new building permit and can result in production losses in industrial companies.

How can the residual capacity of a structure be determined?

So much in advance: the question is not easy to answer. It is clear that the usual building materials steel, concrete and wood suffer from the fire. The strength and rigidity are lower after a fire than before. The extent to which the material parameters decrease depends not only on the maximum temperature reached, but also on the duration of the fire. Even after the fire, concrete, for example, can suffer further damage: the outer areas of a cross-section want to cool down and contract. The inner areas of the cross-section are still significantly warmer and therefore want to stretch. This leads to internal constraints and can cause cracks in the concrete, which reduces the rigidity of the component.

Using software, I can simulate the essential parameters of a fire (max. temperature and duration of fire). Accompanying investigations on site allow me to draw conclusions about the maximum temperature reached, e.g. the softening and melting point of existing materials as well as the degree of sooting. Material samples are also helpful.

How can a building be renovated after a fire?

The deformations of the structure after the fire are also important. In a static recalculation, I check whether the building can still be used safely with reduced material parameters and any deformations that may be present. If not, I can also develop an economical restructuring concept.

My initial consultation for your project

In order to clarify your specific task, it is best to give me a call. Or you can send me an e-mail with a few key data. On this basis, I can discuss the general conditions with you and make you an attractive offer.