Evaluation of Old and Historic Buildings Subjected to Fire
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 27, Issue 2
Abstract
Buildings with historic and cultural significance are part of the national heritage and must be preserved for future generations. Preservation of historic buildings depends upon usage consistent with their structural capacities and regular maintenance. Most of the old and historic buildings built in previous centuries are constructed mainly of masonry, timber, and steel. These materials have different mechanical properties and fire-resistance capabilities. Fires can cause significant nonstructural or structural damage within a matter of minutes or hours. An overview of the fire-related damages in bo2th old or historic buildings with respect to the types of materials, causes of fire, history of fire accidents, fire safety codes, and fire protection measures along with visual evaluation details of fire-affected historic buildings that were built nearly 200 years ago in Harpers Ferry, WV are presented and discussed.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to greatly acknowledge the invitation and support from the Harpers Ferry Town authorities, fire-damaged building owners, WVU President Gordon Gee and his office, former WVU Civil Engineering Department Chairman Dr. Radhey Sharma, Prof. Hota Gangaro, Mr. Chad Proudfoot of WVU extension service, fire-affected Harpers Ferry residents, and WV-State fire marshal officials for their help in accessing these buildings for photographing, evaluating, and discussing the personal experiences and losses of various individuals and entities in the State of WV and beyond. WVU extension service Dean Steven Bonanno offered valuable help to the author in coordinating the access to the fire-affected individuals and his office was further involved in the recovery and rebuilding operations, which are beyond the scope of this case study. Care is taken to avoid any information or images of personal nature being shown or discussed in this paper.
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Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 27 • Issue 2 • June 2021
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© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Apr 9, 2018
Accepted: Oct 30, 2020
Published online: Mar 19, 2021
Published in print: Jun 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Aug 19, 2021
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