Probabilistic fire-risk-assessment function and its application in fire resistance design

This paper describes a probabilistic approach to fire resistance design. The theoretical foundation of the approach is explained. The design parameters of fire resistance level and fire severity are treated as random variables. The failure probability is then analyzed using the convoluted integration of the probability density distribution functions governing the two random variables. The method is applied to both a deemed-to-satisfy building design solution and an alternative solution. The failure probability of the deemed-to-satisfy solution is used as a risk criterion for the acceptance of the alternative solution. The method is also compared with the empirical approaches available in the literature.