Metallurgical Analysis of Fire-Exposed Structures: Is the Metal Still Usable?

Metals are crystalline materials whose structure and properties can be changed by heat treatment. Metallic components are typically processed to provide specific properties for an application. In the event of a fire, however, these components undergo an unplanned heat treatment that can significantly alter those properties. In this webinar, we will outline the different classes of metal alloys typically found in a building and share how they can be affected by fire exposure. We will discuss how metal properties like strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance can change after these events and explore the impact of thermal distortion. We will also review methods of assessing fire-damaged components, including non-destructive and laboratory testing, and discuss how fire-damaged metallic components can be rehabilitated for future use.