1. The Hidden Risks of Post-Fire Steel Structure Damage: Why Systematic Treatment is Essential
In March 2025, a steel structure factory in Zhejiang, China, suffered an electrical fire. Though the building did not collapse, localized beams and columns deformed three months later, causing losses exceeding 100 million RMB. This case highlights the latent and delayed nature of post-fire steel damage, proving that visual inspections alone are insufficient. This guide aligns with the latest 2025 industry standards (GB 51249-2025) to detail a full-process solution from emergency assessment to long-term protection.
2. Four Core Steps for Post-Fire Steel Structure Treatment
Step 1: Emergency Safety Assessment and Site Securing
•Safety Zoning: Establish a 20-meter danger perimeter with warning signs to prevent secondary collapses.
•Preliminary Damage Evaluation:
- Visual Inspection*: Observe steel surface discoloration (dark red at >500°C, flaky oxidation at >600°C).
- Magnetic Testing*: Use portable residual magnetism detectors; >30% magnetic reduction indicates strength loss.
- Temporary Reinforcement*: Support deformed components with steel bracings rated for 1.5× original loads (per CECS 252-2025).
Step 2: Advanced Damage Detection Technologies
2025 mainstream inspection methods include:
Technique | Application | Advantages |
Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement | Measures steel thickness loss | ±0.1mm precision, detects internal voids |
Infrared Thermography | Maps historical temperature under coatings | Non-contact, 30-second full-site scan |
Microhardness Analysis | Identifies crystal lattice changes from heat | Accurately estimates heating temps (±10°C error) |
Note: GB/T 38924-2025 mandates cross-validation using ≥2 complementary techniques.
Step 3: Graded Repair and Reinforcement Strategies
Repair plans vary by damage severity:
•Mild Damage (Heating 600°C or >20% deformation):
- Segment Removal: Cut with diamond wire saws to minimize vibration impact.
- Foundation Recheck: Use ground-penetrating radar to assess fire-induced地基 damage; grout加固 if penetration >1.5m.
Step 4: Post-Repair Monitoring and Insurance Optimization
•Digital Monitoring*: Deploy wireless strain sensors (e.g., HBM Gen7i) for real-time stress tracking via cloud platforms.
•Insurance Claims*: Submit inspection reports and repair records to qualify for post-fire specialized insurance (2025 premiums reduced by 15%–30%).
3. Case Study: Shanghai Data Center Roof Fire Repair (2024)
•Background: Lithium battery fire caused 200㎡ roof truss damage in December 2024.
•Process:
Drone infrared scans within 72 hours pinpointed 3 critical deformation zones.
Hybrid "partial replacement + carbon fiber reinforcement" ensured uninterrupted server operations.
Applied nano-ceramic fireproof coating (1300°C resistance) and upgraded sprinkler systems.
•Outcome: Repair costs totaled 35% of rebuild expenses, extending structure lifespan to 40 years.
4. Pitfall Avoidance: "3 Dos and Don’ts"
•Do: Hire CMA/CNAS-certified inspectors, document全过程影像证据, use high-temp adhesives (e.g., Araldite 2028).
•Don’t: Manually remove oxidation layers (risk microcracks), water-cool hot steel (induces brittleness), skip post-repair fire tests (mandatory ISO 834 compliance).
5. Future Trends: Smart Tech and Advanced Materials
•AI Damage Prediction: Machine learning models (e.g., FireResNet) predict steel performance decay from fire curves (92% accuracy).
•Self-Healing Coatings: 2025’s EPiCoat series autonomously repairs microcracks within 48 hours post-fire.
Conclusion: Scientific Treatment Extends Structural Lifespan
Post-fire steel treatment transcends mere "rust removal and repainting." Adhering to the "assess-detect-repair-monitor" cycle is critical. With 2025’s smart inspection tools and high-performance materials, repair costs have dropped 40% since 2020. Prioritize suppliers offering end-to-end solutions.