Towards a Performance-Based Fire Design Framework for Composite Steel Deck Construction in Canada

In Canada, buildings are designed for fire safety in a predominately prescriptive manner, especially the structural design of those buildings for the fire limit state. The research presented herein first assessed the Canadian literature to determine if performance-based fire design (PBFD) could be implemented nationally and then analyzed what precedents existed in Canada. Next, benchmark modelling was performed to transparently demonstrate the competency that is needed to assess a structure for a real fire. Building on this, a novel alternative solution was proposed which incorporated PBFD to achieve quantifiable benefits in robustness, economy, and resilience, as well as identify mechanisms in the response of the floor. Finally, a framework is proposed for progressing PBFD responsibly in Canada. This is sorely lacking in the Canadian literature if PBFD is to see more development and implementation for structural fire solutions.