# Modeling the behavior of reinforced concrete walls under fire, considering the impact of the span on firewalls

**Authors:** Nadia Otmani Benmehidi, Meriem Arar, Imene Chine  
**arXiv:** [1401.6759](https://arxiv.org/abs/1401.6759)  
**Date:** 2014-01-27  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/1401.6759v1/

## Key points

- Study title: "Modeling the Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Walls under Fire: The Impact of Span on Firewalls"
- Authors: Nadia Otmani Benmehidi, Meriem Arar, Imene Chine
- Approach: Numerical modeling using computers to analyze reinforced concrete walls in fire scenarios
- Advantages over experimental testing: Cost and time efficiency
- Focus: Fire behavior and impact of different sections of reinforced concrete walls in a residential building with porticoes and sails
- Analysis based on mechanical loading factors from a cold study
- Software used: Safir compliant with Eurocode laws
- Influence of loading, heating, and sizing on structural integrity under fire conditions
- Role of reinforced concrete walls as firewalls to contain and prevent fire spread between structures
- Findings: Walls can provide over 10 hours of fire resistance depending on loading considerations
- Contribution: Enhancing structural design strategies for improving fire safety measures in residential buildings

## Summary

In their study titled "Modeling the Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Walls under Fire: The Impact of Span on Firewalls," Nadia Otmani Benmehidi, Meriem Arar, and Imene Chine delve into the realm of numerical modeling using computers to analyze the behavior of reinforced concrete walls in fire scenarios. They highlight the advantages of this approach over experimental testing, citing cost and time efficiency as key factors driving its development. The research focuses on studying the fire behavior and impact of different sections of reinforced concrete walls within a residential building braced by a system comprising porticoes and sails. The authors base their analysis on mechanical loading factors such as compression forces and moments obtained from a cold study. Utilizing Safir software compliant with Eurocode laws, they explore how loading, heating, and sizing influence the structural integrity of walls under fire conditions. The findings underscore the critical role played by reinforced concrete walls acting as firewalls to contain and prevent the spread of fire between adjacent structures. The study reveals that these walls can provide significant fire resistance exceeding 10 hours depending on various loading considerations. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into enhancing structural design strategies for improving fire safety measures in residential buildings.