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Assessment of Damage to Structures and Equipment Resulting from Explosion, Fire, and Heat Events

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Abstract

This article addresses the effects of damage to equipment and structures due to explosions (blast), fire, and heat as well as the methodologies that are used by investigating teams to assess the damage and remaining life of the equipment. It discusses the steps involved in preliminary data collection and preparation. Before discussing the identification, evaluation, and use of explosion damage indicators, the article describes some of the more common events that are considered in incident investigations. The range of scenarios that can occur during explosions and the characteristics of each are also covered. In addition, the article primarily discusses level 1 and level 2 of fire and heat damage assessment and provides information on level 3 assessment.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge those individuals who worked on API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 Fitness-for-Service, and NFPA 921. The documents provide a good resource and guidance for fire and heat damage assessments. The authors also acknowledge those who have quantified the understanding of blast effects at BakerRisk and other companies. Finally, the authors recognize those who seek to understand the causes and extent of damage from unexpected events to put equipment back into service and to avoid another event.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Baker Engineering and Risk Consultants, Inc., San Antonio, TX, USA

    Adrian Pierorazio, Nicholas E. Cherolis, Michael Lowak, Daniel J. Benac & Matthew T. Edel

Authors
  1. Adrian Pierorazio
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  2. Nicholas E. Cherolis
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  3. Michael Lowak
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  4. Daniel J. Benac
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  5. Matthew T. Edel
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Matthew T. Edel.

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© 2021 ASM International. This article is reprinted with permission from Analysis and Prevention of Component and Equipment Failures, Vol 11A, ASM Handbook, Brett A. Miller, Roch J. Shipley, Ronald J. Parrington, Daniel P. Dennies, editors, ASM International, 2021, p 134–145, https://doi.org/10.31399/asm.hb.v11A.a0006804.

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Pierorazio, A., Cherolis, N.E., Lowak, M. et al. Assessment of Damage to Structures and Equipment Resulting from Explosion, Fire, and Heat Events. J Fail. Anal. and Preven. 22, 139–153 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-021-01330-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-021-01330-4

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