Introduction to Structural Fire Engineering

About the event

Structural Fire Engineering (SFE) is a specialised workstream within the Structural Engineering discipline (even though it is commonly known as a Fire Engineering workstream) that adopts a holistic approach to assessing the performance of structures under realistic fire scenarios.

The primary objective is to design structures by integrating inherent structural fire resistance with active and passive fire protection measures. Through SFE applications, prescriptive requirements for structural fire protection can be optimised while ensuring a high standard of life safety, structural robustness, and compliance with functional requirements of Building Regulations.

SFE also supports architectural vision, cost efficiency, and sustainability goals through the application of Performance-Based Design.

This presentation will showcase practical examples of SFE applications and serve as a resource for fire engineers, structural engineers, and architects to identify potential project challenges that can be addressed using SFE principles. Finally, key SFE methodologies will be briefly discussed.

Refreshments are provided by Design Fire Consultants (DFC).

About the speaker

Iolanda is a Chartered Engineer and a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE). She holds a PhD in Structural Fire Engineering, awarded via a collaboration with University of Naples and the University of Edinburgh.

Prior to joining DFC, Iolanda acquired ten years of experience as a key member of a Structural Fire Engineering team within an international multidisciplinary engineering consultant based in London. During this time, she developed extensive expertise in applying Performance-Based design methodologies for Structural Fire Engineering assessments across a diverse range of project types.

Her portfolio includes large assembly buildings, sports and entertainment venues, educational institutions, mixed-use developments, multi-storey buildings, and industrial facilities. Notably, Iolanda’s recent involvement includes Structural Fire design for iconic developments such as the Battersea Power Station redevelopment, the Everton Stadium, and the Manchester City Football Club.

Qualifications: BEng, MSc, PhD, CEng, MICE, AIFireE