On the role of the numerical analyses in forensic investigations of fire-induced progressive collapses of tall buildings

Fire safety engineering is introduced in the forensic context, and responsibilities of various actors operating for fire safety in buildings are defined in relation to the different available fire safety strategies. The responsibility of the designers concerning the structural behaviour is highlighted with specific reference to the requirement of structural robustness in high-rise buildings. In case of complex structures, the robustness assessment can be made by the avail of advanced structural numerical analyses, which are nowadays the most reliable tools for understanding, governing and addressing this kind of problems. In addition, the same importance is given to the numerical analyses in case where these are used in forensic investigation for obtaining a back-assessment of the occurred fire-induced collapse in tall buildings. The complexity of the problem, the correct approach to this kind of analyses and the correct interpretation of the obtained results are discussed with reference to a high-rise steel building.

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