CHAPTER 13 General discussion 13.1. Introduction The design methodologies presented in the structural Eurocodes provide a framework to facilitate the performance-based design of structures in fire while enabling accepted prescrip- tive solutions to be adopted where required. ‘The calculation methods provide a more rational basis for the fire engineering design of structures and provide greater flexibility to engineers, architects and end users in relation to the design of new buildings and the refurbishment/reuse of the existing building stock. In general, this increased flexibility is achieved at the cost of increased design effort. Struc- tural fire engineering covers a wide spectrum of approaches to the nature and effects of the loading and the means of ensuring adequate resistance for the required duration. On the one hand there is a simple reliance on values from published tables based on a simplified assess- ment of both the effects of the fire and the load acting on the structure at the time of the fire. At the other extreme the designer may choose to model the fire using complex computational fluid dynamics techniques and analyse the entire building using non-linear finite-element analysis. The design solution adopted will depend on the particular circumstances of the project and the requirements of the client and regulatory authorities. It is necessary to con- sider the financial implications of adopting a more sophisticated approach to the design of structures in fire, Such methods can only be justified where significant savings in material or enhanced levels of safety (over and above those required by National regulations) are required. The general recommendation is to use the simplest approach commensurate with the requirements for the building. Although the Eurocodes only set out the general principles associated with advanced fire engineering methods, more detailed guidance is now available.” ‘The minimum fire resistance requirements are defined in National regulations based on a consideration of life safety of building occupants, those in the vicinity of the building and the fire service. Other issues such as property protection, protection of the environment and business continuity are not considered. Therefore, in certain cases, a level of safety over and above that required by National regulations may be appropriate. 13.2, Guidance on selection of appropriate de: The hierarchy in terms of complexity of design methods is tabulated data followed by sim- plified calculation methods followed by advanced calculation methods. For the des tabulated approach should be the first port of call. This is particularly relevant in relation to concrete and composite structures. Simplified calculation methods are appropriate for steel and composite buildings and concrete buildings where the dimensions or cover required do not meet the specified fire resistance period or where renovation of an existing structure involves a change of use resulting in a new fire resistance category being applied to theDESIGNERS’ GUIDE TO EN 1991-1-2, 192-1-2, 1993-1-2 AND 1994-1-2 122 building. Caleulation methods can be used to demonstrate performance under specific con- ditions and may provide substantial savings (for example in applied passive fire protection to steel structures) in certain circumstances, Advanced calculation methods (typically non- linear finite-element models) may be used where the structure is very complex and where the provisions of the National regulations are not applicable. Examples of such structures would include sports stadia, exhibition halls and airport terminals.References 1, British Standards Institution (2000) Structural Use of Steelwork in Building — Part 1 Code of Practice for Design ~ Rolled and Welded Sections. BSI, London, BS 5950-1 British Standards Institution (1990) Structural Use of Steelwork in Building — Part 3: Design in Composite Construction ~ Section 3.1: Code of Practice for Design of Simple and Continuous Composite Beams. BSI, London, BS 5950-3.1. 3. British Standards Institution (1994) Structural Use of Steelwork in Building ~ Part 4: Code of Practice for Design of Composite Slabs with Profiled Steel Sheeting. BSI, London, BS 5950-4. 4. British Standards Institution (1997) Struetural Use of Conerete~ Part 1: Code of Practice for Design and Construction, BSI, London, BS 8110-1 5. British Standards Institution (1985) Structural Use of Concrete ~ Part 2: Code of Practice for Special Circumstances. BSI, London, BS 8110-2 6. 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