Webinar

Assessing Fire-Damaged Metals: Metallurgical Approaches for AEC Professionals

Assessing Fire-Damaged Metals: Metallurgical Approaches for AEC Professionals

Metallurgy plays a crucial role in evaluating structures and systems exposed to fire, yet its importance is often overlooked in the broader AEC industry. After a fire, assessing the safety and integrity of metals—from structural steel and fasteners to piping and fire suppression systems—is complex, requiring deep knowledge of how elevated temperatures and environmental conditions affect material properties. In this webinar, we will share insights from real-world investigations to highlight key considerations in fire damage assessment from a metallurgical perspective. We will also explain how metallurgical analysis helps determine whether components should be repaired or replaced, and what failure modes can tell us about the origin and progression of a fire. We will also explore common causes of fire suppression system failures, including corrosion and mechanical stress, and offer a framework for evaluating fitness for service.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Identify how fire exposure alters the mechanical properties of metals in structural systems.
  • Recognize indicators of fire-induced damage versus damage caused by suppression efforts.
  • Understand common causes of fire suppression system failures, including corrosion mechanisms.
  • Learn how metallurgical investigations contribute to determining fire origin and assessing fitness for service.

Participants will earn 1.0 AIA CES Learning Unit (LU/HSW) for attending the webinar. Registration is free. Please note that space is limited – email events@sgh.com to join our waitlist if the session is closed when you register. 

About the Speaker

Dustin Turnquist
Dustin Turnquist | Project Director

Dustin Turnquist has extensive technical expertise in metallurgy, engineering investigations, failure analysis, and testing. He has a proven track record in managing large, complex, multidisciplinary projects. His specialties include fatigue and fracture characterization, corrosion analysis, and damage assessment of components and systems. Dustin has been involved in investigations across a range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, marine, rail, power generation, medical, mining, plumbing, construction, firearms, recreational products, and HVAC. Additionally, he actively participates in mechanical systems analysis, motor vehicle, fire, and aircraft accident investigation and reconstruction, as well as product liability investigations.