An Integrated Credit Based Framework for Fire Safety Assessment, Structural Verification and Retrofit Prioritization of Existing Buildings

Abstract

Fire safety assessment of existing buildings is essential for improving occupant protection, structural reliability, and resilience, particularly in aging buildings with occupancy and safety conditions. This study develops an integrated credit-based framework for fire safety assessment, structural verification, and retrofit prioritization of existing buildings. The framework combines a review of fire safety codes and standards, visual inspection, targeted non-destructive and partial-destructive testing (NDT), structural verification, and retrofit recommendations. The assessment comprises 9 fire safety domains, with each domain assigned a four-level score from 0 to 3, producing a maximum score of 27. The framework was applied to 3 RCC buildings representing residential, institutional, and commercial occupancies. Building A obtained a score of 7/27 and was classified as Low performance; Building B scored 16/27 and achieved a Moderate rating, while Building C achieved the highest score of 22/27, corresponding to a high rating. Targeted NDT was conducted to verify structural conditions, and the findings were consistent with deficiencies identified through visual inspection and credit-based assessment. Based on the identified deficiencies, retrofit and maintenance measures were recommended. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework provides an approach for differentiating fire safety conditions, supporting structural verification, and prioritizing retrofit interventions in existing buildings.