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Heritage on Fire – Complexities, Potential Solutions and Current Regulations: An Exploratory Study

Coutinho, Bianca LU (2021) In LUTVDG/TVBB VBRM05 20211
Division of Fire Safety Engineering
Abstract (Swedish)
This study aims to investigate, understand and explore issues related to the appropriateness of the existing fire protection solutions in historical buildings and their effectiveness in avoiding catastrophes. Therefore, recent papers, case studies, statutory documents, and
guidelines are reviewed. An explanation of the rationale is provided and potential fire safety solutions for historic buildings, without conflicting with the main conservation principles, are presented. The inadequacy of applying modern codes in old buildings is also discussed in contrast with a risk-based approach, which has been proven to be more appropriate.
Moreover, in an attempt to propose stronger research contributions, a closer analysis into real-life... (More)
This study aims to investigate, understand and explore issues related to the appropriateness of the existing fire protection solutions in historical buildings and their effectiveness in avoiding catastrophes. Therefore, recent papers, case studies, statutory documents, and
guidelines are reviewed. An explanation of the rationale is provided and potential fire safety solutions for historic buildings, without conflicting with the main conservation principles, are presented. The inadequacy of applying modern codes in old buildings is also discussed in contrast with a risk-based approach, which has been proven to be more appropriate.
Moreover, in an attempt to propose stronger research contributions, a closer analysis into real-life context was developed through an online questionnaire for collection of primary data, along with a practical application. The questionnaire aimed to analyze specific issues regarding the application of fire safety methods for historic buildings within the boundaries
of different national legislations through the perspective of experienced professionals. The practical case study was designed to explore, compare and demonstrate the application of different approaches in a sample building. It was concluded that, to deliver appropriate solutions that respect the uniqueness of the building, it is of paramount importance to critically evaluate the conditions and hazards of each building in a case-by-case basis. Where possible fire engineers, government and conservative bodies should combine responsibilities and join efforts to engage communities, increase research contributions, gather financial
resources and develop efficient management strategies to ensure that effective solutions are provided to buildings of special interest. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Coutinho, Bianca LU
supervisor
organization
course
VBRM05 20211
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Fire safety, heritage on fire, fire safety in heritage, historic buildings, heritage buildings.
publication/series
LUTVDG/TVBB
report number
5641
other publication id
LUTVDG/TVBB—5641--SE
language
English
id
9051087
date added to LUP
2021-06-16 09:48:37
date last changed
2021-06-16 09:48:37
@misc{9051087,
  abstract     = {{This study aims to investigate, understand and explore issues related to the appropriateness of the existing fire protection solutions in historical buildings and their effectiveness in avoiding catastrophes. Therefore, recent papers, case studies, statutory documents, and 
guidelines are reviewed. An explanation of the rationale is provided and potential fire safety solutions for historic buildings, without conflicting with the main conservation principles, are presented. The inadequacy of applying modern codes in old buildings is also discussed in contrast with a risk-based approach, which has been proven to be more appropriate. 
Moreover, in an attempt to propose stronger research contributions, a closer analysis into real-life context was developed through an online questionnaire for collection of primary data, along with a practical application. The questionnaire aimed to analyze specific issues regarding the application of fire safety methods for historic buildings within the boundaries 
of different national legislations through the perspective of experienced professionals. The practical case study was designed to explore, compare and demonstrate the application of different approaches in a sample building. It was concluded that, to deliver appropriate solutions that respect the uniqueness of the building, it is of paramount importance to critically evaluate the conditions and hazards of each building in a case-by-case basis. Where possible fire engineers, government and conservative bodies should combine responsibilities and join efforts to engage communities, increase research contributions, gather financial 
resources and develop efficient management strategies to ensure that effective solutions are provided to buildings of special interest.}},
  author       = {{Coutinho, Bianca}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{LUTVDG/TVBB}},
  title        = {{Heritage on Fire – Complexities, Potential Solutions and Current Regulations: An Exploratory Study}},
  year         = {{2021}},
}