Author(s)

I. Wouters & M Mollaert

Abstract

Natural fire simulation in 19th century fireproof buildings I. Wouters & M. Mollaert Department of Architecture, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (l! U.B.), Belgium Abstract In the past the fire resistance of structural elements was determined by IS0 standard fire tests. For historical elements such destructive laboratory tests are excluded. In 'fire engineering' it is possible to simulate fires and to calculate the resistance to fire of structural elements. In this paper the use of the 'natural fire concept' is explained and demonstrated by calculating the fire resistance of cast iron columns in 19th ceniury fireproof buildings. 1 Renovating 'fireproof buildings In the 19th century many industrial buildings were erected 'fireproof. The main characteristic of such a 'fireproof building is the use of 'incombustible' construction materials. So the combustible wood was banned and replaced by brick and iron. In the factories the wooden floors were replaced by brick jack arches carried by iron beams. The

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