Post Fire Assessment of RCC Buildings Through Rapid Visual Screening

Abstract

The effectiveness of rapid visual screening (RVS) in determining the fire risk of reinforced concrete (RCC) buildings is examined in this review. RVS provides a quick and practical approach to evaluate fire risks, addressing the shortcomings of traditional methods. Through a comprehensive examination of methodology, advantages, limitations, and future directions, this study aims to enhance understanding and application of RVS in fire assessment. The study employs a systematic approach to evaluate the effectiveness of RVS, analyzing its application in assessing fire vulnerability in RCC structures. Key aspects of RVS methodology, including visual inspection, identification of structural vulnerabilities, and categorization of damage, scrutinized. A case study of the Chopasani Housing Boards building in Jodhpur provides empirical evidence of RVS's utility in identifying fire-related structural vulnerabilities. The concluded, the analysis reveals that RVS effectively categorizes fire-induced damage in RCC buildings, facilitating prioritization of mitigation efforts. Damage classifications, ranging from mild to extreme, are discerned through RVS, underscoring its ability to swiftly assess structural vulnerabilities. Additionally, RVS analysis elucidates the residual strength of RCC components post-incident, providing valuable insights for retrofitting and maintenance efforts. Overall, this study highlights the pivotal role of RVS in bolstering structural fire safety measures, emphasizing its practicality, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. However, limitations such as subjectivity and inadequate assessment of complex structures necessitate ongoing refinement and integration with advanced technologies. The findings underscore the importance of RVS in enhancing fire safety assessment practices and mitigating fire risks in urban buildings, particularly in the context of reinforced concrete structures.