EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE STANDARD FIRE RESISTANCE CALCULATION METHODS IN THE VERIFICATION OF CONCRETE WALL BUILDINGS

Abstract

It is necessary, in order to carry out the assessment of concrete structures in a fire situation, to know the Standard Fire Resistance of the structural elements. Both the ABNT NBR 14432 (2001) and the ABNT NBR 15200 (2012) allow the determination of the Standard Fire Resistance by the Tabular Method or by the Equivalent Time Method. Even though both are accepted, it is commonly found in the technical and scientific field, discussions and applications of the Tabular Method, which frequently leads to higher figures of Standard Fire Resistance. The application of methods that lead to a lower Standard Fire Resistance is justified by the analysis of more economical structures, since the methods of verification of structures in fire conditions are based on these, to define the minimum dimensions of the structural elements. Therefore, the present research aimed to evaluate the influence of the application of the results of the two methods of Standard Fire Resistance determination in the verification of a multifamily residential building with concrete walls. Initially the Standard Fire Resistance was calculated by both methods and then, the building was verified according to the specifications of the ABNT NBR 15200 (2012). The usage of the Equivalent Time Method ensured a reduction of 12.5% in the concrete consumption, outlining the importance of its application.