Assessment of Fire-Damaged Kuwaiti Structures

Abstract

The fire damage inflicted upon Kuwaiti structures following the August 2, 1990, Iraqi occupation left behind many types of structural damage. This study includes a field assessment of the damaged structures where an investigation of 222 buildings was conducted. The field investigation concentrates on damage to commercial buildings, apartment buildings, residential houses, and public buildings, whereas the data obtained by other agencies cover all types of structures. The fire-damaged Kuwaiti structures demonstrate building-material behavior when subjected to severe temperatures. Technical data on material behavior was documented to show the changes in material properties under actual field conditions for other scientists to benefit from the Kuwaiti experience. The inspected structures showed fire damage ranging from heavy smoke to major destruction, such as distortion, buckling, and collapse of structural steel frames, disintegration of reinforced concrete, yielding of steel reinforcements within concrete (causing large deflections), and buckling of structural elements, as well as damage to a variety of interior elements. The different effects resulted in reduction in the integrity and strength of the affected Kuwaiti structures.