Overview
ISO/TR 24679-2:2017 - “Fire safety engineering - Performance of structure in fire - Part 2: Example of an airport terminal” is a technical report that illustrates the application of the methodology in ISO 24679-1 to assess the fire resistance and structural performance of an airport terminal. It provides a step‑by‑step engineering example using real fire test data, fire modelling and thermomechanical analysis. The case study incorporates specific Chinese building regulation considerations and explicitly accounts for a dedicated fire brigade response (assumed at 10 minutes after ignition). Fire suppression systems and smoke extraction are not modelled in the thermal action in this example.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Methodology alignment: Follows the stepwise approach of ISO 24679-1 for performance-based fire assessment (Steps 1–8: scope, objectives, trial design, fire scenarios, design fires, thermal response, mechanical response, assessment, documentation).
- Design fire scenarios and heat release: Definition of design fires using real fire test data and quantified heat release rates (HRR) for different terminal zones.
- Fuel load quantification: Classification and measurement of combustible contents (dead, live, temporary loads) and fuel load densities for terminal areas.
- Fire brigade intervention: Inclusion of fire service response time in the design fire (unique regulatory consideration in this example).
- Fire modelling: Use of advanced models (e.g., FDS for smoke and temperature distribution) to determine thermal actions in different volumes.
- Thermal response calculations: Calculation of smoke temperatures and steel element temperatures under fire exposure.
- Mechanical response analysis: Deformation and strength assessment of structural steel elements (e.g., roof and columns) subjected to elevated temperatures.
- Factors influencing performance: Material properties at elevated temperatures, continuity/restraint effects, use of test results, and fire spread routes.
- Documentation and verification: Reporting requirements for demonstrating compliance with fire safety objectives.
Practical applications
- Performance-based assessment of airport terminal structures and large public buildings.
- Design verification for steel and composite roof/column systems under realistic fire scenarios.
- Development of design fire scenarios and fire modelling inputs for structural engineers.
- Supporting evidence for regulators and owners when applying alternative (non-prescriptive) fire resistance solutions.
- Case-study template for training, research and consultancy in fire safety engineering.
Who should use this standard
- Fire safety engineers and structural engineers performing performance-based fire resistance assessments
- Airport designers and facility managers
- Fire safety consultants, code authorities and building control bodies
- Researchers and educators in fire engineering
Related standards
- ISO 24679-1 (methodology for quantification of performance)
- National standards referenced in the report (examples in the case study include GB 50009, GB 50017)