Performance-Based Fire Protection of Historical Structures.
Performance-Based Fire Protection of Historical
Structures.
(1039 K)
Bukowski, R. W.; Nuzzolese, V.; Bindo, M.
Protection of Cultural Heritage Buildings From Fire
International Symposium. Proceedings. April 6-7, 2003,
Kyoto, Japan, 79-91 pp, 2003 AND Fire Safety in
Buildings. Forum 2001 Symposium. Forum for
International Cooperation on Fire Research. Proceedings.
October 23, 2001, Milan, Italy, Fiameni, C., Gallina,
G., Editors, 39-51 pp, 2001, 2003.
Keywords:
fire safety; historic buildings; fire protection; fire
models; fire hazard analysis; fire resistance; building
codes
Abstract:
Performance-based Regulatory Systems (PBRS) are being
implemented in many countries, replacing the traditional
prescriptive systems. These PBRS are especially
attractive for addressing in a rational way the special
needs of unique buildings, and there are no more unique
buildings than those of historical or cultural
significance. Thus, performance approaches are well
suited to finding the balance between the need to
protect often-irreplaceable buildings and their contents
and the desire to preserve the significant historical or
cultural aspects of the building. In this paper the
authors will discuss some important considerations in
using performance approaches in the development of a
fIre protection strategy for historical structures and
will cite examples of how this was done in a recent
restoration design of a historic theater in Bari, Italy.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899