Aspects of the Restoration and Maintenance of Architectural Structures Taking into Account Fire Risks

Citation: Valentyn Ishchenko, "Aspects of the Restoration and Maintenance of Architectural Structures Taking into Account Fire Risks", Universal Library of Engineering Technology, Special Issue.

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

Fires at cultural heritage sites (OKH) result in irreplaceable losses of civilizational significance. The problem is complicated by a fundamental contradiction between the necessity of integrating a modern suite of fire safety measures and the requirement to preserve the historical authenticity of forms, structures, and materials. The aim of this study is to develop and theoretically substantiate an integrated three-level fire risk management model applicable at all stages of the OKH life cycle, with targeted attention to the stages of restoration and scheduled maintenance. The methodological basis includes a systems analysis of the scholarly literature, content analysis of key international standards (primarily NFPA 914) and guidelines (UNESCO, ICOMOS), as well as a retrospective study of emblematic fire incidents using a case-study approach. As the principal result, a conceptual model is proposed, integrating processes at the strategic level (risk identification and assessment, formulation of targets), the tactical level (engineering and technical solutions and their adaptation to heritage specifics), and the operational level (management of procedures, competencies, and personnel discipline). The central linking mechanism of the model is interdisciplinary expertise, which ensures continuity and coherence of decisions across levels. The conclusions confirm that a systemic, risk-oriented approach makes it possible to achieve a balance between safeguarding the authenticity of OKH and attaining the regulatory level of fire safety required, overcoming the limitations of purely prescriptive requirements. The information presented will be of interest to restoration specialists, fire safety engineers, managers of OKH, and representatives of supervisory authorities.

Keywords: Fire Safety, Cultural Heritage Sites, Restoration, Risk Management, Integrated Approach, Historic Buildings, Passive Fire Protection, Active Fire Suppression Systems, Interdisciplinary Expertise, NFPA 914.

https://doi.org/10.70315/uloap.ulete.2023.003