In the wake of devastating earthquakes, the risk of subsequent fires poses a significant threat to urban infrastructure, particularly to buildings designed without considering this sequential hazard. A groundbreaking study, published in ‘Annals of Construction’ (Annals of Construction), led by Ismail Haouach from the Laboratory Fire Safety Engineering of Constructions and Protection of their Environment (LISICPE) at Hassiba Benbouali University of Chlef, sheds light on this critical issue. The research focuses on the post-earthquake fire (PEF) capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) frames, a common structural element in modern construction.
Haouach and his team investigated the vulnerability of RC frames designed according to Algerian building codes, which, like many international standards, do not account for the combined effects of earthquakes and subsequent fires. The study begins with a non-linear seismic analysis to assess the frame’s bearing capacity post-earthquake. The damaged frame is then subjected to high temperatures mimicking post-earthquake fire scenarios, using ANSYS APDL software to model material and geometric nonlinearities.
“We found that structures previously damaged by seismic action exhibit increased vulnerability when exposed to post-earthquake fires,” Haouach explains. “This is a significant concern for urban areas, where the density of buildings and infrastructure can exacerbate the spread of fires following an earthquake.”
The research highlights the need for advanced design considerations and potential retrofitting strategies to mitigate the risk of structural collapse in such scenarios. The findings suggest that current building standards may not adequately address the sequential impact of earthquakes and fires, particularly in regions prone to seismic activity.
“Our results indicate that the mode of collapse—whether global or local—can differ significantly between structures exposed to post-earthquake fires versus those exposed to fires alone,” Haouach notes. “This underscores the importance of reevaluating existing structures and designing new ones with these dual hazards in mind.”
The commercial implications for the energy sector are substantial. Energy infrastructure, including power plants and distribution networks, often relies on robust concrete structures. Ensuring these structures can withstand the combined effects of earthquakes and subsequent fires is crucial for maintaining operational continuity and preventing catastrophic failures. The insights from this research could influence future building codes, retrofitting practices, and insurance policies, driving a more resilient and prepared energy sector.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, integrating these findings into design and maintenance protocols could significantly enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure. This research not only advances our understanding of structural behavior under extreme conditions but also paves the way for more robust and reliable energy systems in earthquake-prone regions.