Structural Fire Risk for Heritage Buildings by the Performance-Based Engineering Format

A novel probabilistic framework for assessing fire risk in heritage buildings, exemplified by the Duomo of Modena Cathedral, reveals that structural damage to wooden roofs can be quantified with precision using performance-based engineering methods. The study employs event-tree analysis, numerical thermo-fluid dynamics models, and advanced nonlinear finite element simulations to evaluate fire dynamics and structural behavior. Results, expressed as risk curves for fixed return periods, demonstrate how different damage levels may occur probabilistically, offering a compatible approach with established hazard assessment frameworks like those for earthquakes. This method addresses unique challenges in applying fire risk analysis to heritage structures, providing a robust tool for conservation planning.

Petrini, F., Aguinagalde, A., & Bontempi, F. (2022). Structural Fire Risk for Heritage Buildings by the Performance-Based Engineering Format. International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 17(7), 1171–1194. https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2021.2022249