# Post-Earthquake Fire Resistance in Structures: A Review of Current Research and Future Directions
## 9 Conclusions  
Earthquake-damaged structures exhibit heightened susceptibility to fire, as seismic events significantly compromise their fire resistance. This increased vulnerability results in a greater likelihood of structural collapse during subsequent fires. The extent of earthquake-induced damage directly influences fire resistance, with more severe damage leading to faster structural failure. Concrete structures are particularly vulnerable in post-earthquake fire (PEF) scenarios. Seismic damage often causes spalling and cracking, removing the protective concrete cover and exposing the reinforcement to direct heat, which weakens the structural components. Similarly, steel structures, even when fireproofed, face challenges due to the potential damage to fireproofing materials. Brittle fireproofing layers can delaminate under seismic loads, reducing their effectiveness in a subsequent fire. Existing building codes lack specific provisions for PEF scenarios. More comprehensive guidelines are necessary to account for the combined effects of earthquakes and fire, ensuring adequate structural resilience. The current approach of treating seismic and fire hazards separately fails to address the synergistic effects of these events, increasing structural risks. The combination of reduced strength and stiffness due to earthquake damage significantly weakens structures, making them more susceptible to fire-induced failure. Additionally, seismic events can compromise fire protection systems, such as sprinklers and fireproofing, rendering them less effective. Earthquake damage can also obstruct access for firefighters and emergency responders, delaying fire suppression efforts and exacerbating structural damage. This poses a severe threat to occupant safety by reducing evacuation time and increasing the risk of injury or fatality. Current performance-based design philosophies inadequately address PEF scenarios. Most frameworks consider seismic or fire events in isolation, failing to account for the compounded effects of an earthquake-damaged structure exposed to fire. This gap increases the likelihood of underestimating structural failure risks in multi-hazard conditions. Addressing the PEF threat requires advanced analytical tools and numerical models capable of accurately simulating damage mechanisms and fire behavior in earthquake-damaged structures. Full-scale experimental tests are essential for validating these models and improving our understanding of real-world PEF behavior. Additionally, investigating the interaction between concrete and rebar at high temperatures, along with long-term effects such as creep and shrinkage, will improve PEF modeling. Establishing a comprehensive PEF fragility database is essential for assessing structural vulnerabilities under PEF conditions. Expert opinions can serve as an interim solution, but advanced numerical models and experimental research are required to develop accurate fragility assessments. Furthermore, current PEF ignition models often focus on limited triggers, such as damaged utility systems. Expanding these models to include additional ignition sources, such as overturned flammable objects or damaged electrical and gas systems, will enhance PEF risk assessment. Future building codes must incorporate explicit provisions for PEF scenarios, outlining performance requirements and design methodologies to enhance structural resilience. Fire safety regulations should distinguish between structures in seismic and non-seismic regions, requiring more stringent fire resistance criteria for buildings exposed to potential seismic actions. Tall buildings, which house large numbers of occupants, must be designed to withstand a specified duration of fire exposure even after an earthquake. Additionally, irregular structures--due to their increased vulnerability--require more stringent fire resistance measures. The complexity of PEF scenarios necessitates continued research and innovation in engineering solutions.