Inspiration

The Problem

The Outline of a Solution

The Main Cooling System and its Essential Elements

A Protected Room and its External Shield

The Fluid Pressure

Headers and Downcomers

Natural or Assisted Circulation

Isometric Outline of the Main Structure Cooling System

Isometric Outline of a Protected Room

Some General Conditions

References

Steel structures can be efficiently protected against fires using water, steam, or a mixture of both, that circulates through inside channels within the structural elements or within barriers that envelop such elements. In particular, a collapse of structures protected in this way can be avoided, even in case of unusually prolonged and intense fires. Additional cost of such protection is estimated as insignificant, if any. No sacrifices in internal comfort or external appearance of buildings are necessary. The suggestions presented in this paper do not include an intention to replace the known fire protection means, at least not unless and until they are adequately proven. In the meantime both means can coexist and contribute to increasing of security of high-rise buildings.