Comparative analysis of fire curves and structural performance: ISO 834, hydrocarbon, and electric vehicle (EV) fires

Alseid, Bara and Lublóy, Éva (2025) Comparative analysis of fire curves and structural performance: ISO 834, hydrocarbon, and electric vehicle (EV) fires. Concrete Structures, 26 (1). pp. 10-17. ISSN 1586-0361

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Abstract

The increasing complexity of fire hazards in modern infrastructure, particularly in industrial environments and parking garages, demands a comprehensive understanding of fire behavior and its impact on structural materials. This study provides a detailed comparison of three critical fire curves: ISO 834, Hydrocarbon (HC), and Electric Vehicle (EV) fires, focusing on their effects on concrete, steel, and composite materials. While ISO 834 remains the standard for typical building fires, the rapid temperature rise of hydrocarbon fires, reaching 1100 °C in under five minutes, and the prolonged heat exposure of EV fires, exceeding 1200 °C, pose significant challenges for modern construction. Notably, the similarity between HC and EV fire behaviors allows for the adaptation of HC fire parameters for evaluating EV fires, offering a practical and efficient approach for assessing their effects on concrete structures. The findings reveal that hydrocarbon fires result in rapid spalling of concrete and buckling of steel, particularly in confined environments such as tunnels and industrial facilities, where heat buildup exacerbates structural vulnerabilities. EV fires, driven by the thermal runaway of lithium-ion batteries, cause prolonged material degradation, increasing the risk of structural collapse in parking garages and similar settings. To address these challenges, this study recommends the implementation of fireproof coatings, heat-resistant additives for concrete, and advanced ventilation and fire suppression systems. Furthermore, building codes and fire safety standards must be updated to reflect the unique risks posed by these fire scenarios, ensuring that modern structures are adequately equipped to withstand their demands. By adapting HC fire parameters for EV fire evaluations, engineers can streamline safety assessments while maintaining robust structural integrity, paving the way for safer and more resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding the evolving fire hazards of the modern world.

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