Evaluating Fire Damage in Concrete Structures

The Construction Engineering and Management Department at PUA’s Faculty of Engineering, hosted a specialized seminar titled “Evaluating Fire Damage in Concrete Structures,” aimed at enhancing engineering awareness of structural safety. The seminar explored the profound effects of fire on structural elements, highlighting the physical and chemical changes in concrete under high temperatures, such as loss of strength, surface cracking, and spalling, while also analyzing the thermal impact on reinforcement steel.

The event featured real-world case studies of buildings affected by fire, analyzing structural damage and outlining methods to assess whether a structure remains serviceable or requires restoration or demolition. In addition, Dr. Mostafa Hassan Marzouk discussed a series of precautionary measures to mitigate these risks, notably the use of fire-resistant materials, adherence to engineering designs that meet safety standards, and the implementation of thermal insulation and early suppression systems to ensure structural durability and public safety.