# Post-Earthquake Fire Resistance in Structures: A Review of Current Research and Future Directions
## 10 Future Research Needs and Potential Directions for Advancement in PEF Engineering  
There is a significant need for expanded research on the impact of post-earthquake fire (PEF) on full-scale structures, particularly multi-story buildings [52; 65; 98]. Most existing studies focus on individual structural elements or materials, leading to a gap in understanding the behavior of entire building systems under PEF conditions [65; 98]. Further investigation is required to comprehend the complex interaction between concrete and rebar at high temperatures in PEF scenarios. The long-term effects on concrete, such as creep and shrinkage, also demand more attention, as they can significantly influence the accuracy of PEF analysis [65]. Future research should prioritize the following areas:Developing a deeper understanding of mechanical and thermal effects on reinforced concrete elements, ensuring that both physical and numerical models account for a sufficient number of mechanical and thermal degrees of freedom [65];
* Conducting additional studies on hybrid fire simulation for PEF effects, as this domain remains relatively underexplored [101];
* Expanding PEF research to include a broader spectrum of building types and fire scenarios, considering the influence of traveling fires and non-uniform temperature distribution [52; 67];
* Investigating localized damage phenomena in PEF events to enhance the understanding of site-specific effects [67];
* Developing more sophisticated numerical models and conducting experimental tests to examine earthquake-induced damage on structural members and passive fire protection systems [63]. Further research is also essential in the following areas:
* PEF ignition probability: Future studies should explore various causes of PEF ignition beyond damaged utility systems, including factors such as electrical appliances and internal gas piping. Establishing a robust database for probability estimation is critical for accurate risk assessment [15].
* Structural analysis methods: There is a need for improved numerical analysis methods tailored to PEF scenarios, focusing on incorporating uncertainties related to fire growth, spread, suppression, and the performance of active fire protection systems. This will lead to more efficient and effective analysis techniques [15].
* PEF fragility: Expanding the PEF fragility database is a crucial research area. Collaborative efforts are required to conduct experimental research on various structural engineering systems, fostering consensus within the engineering community and enabling accurate consequence assessments [15]. Additional research needs are as follows:
* Performance Criteria: Existing research highlights the absence of clearly defined performance criteria for structures under PEF scenarios. Future work should focus on establishing clear performance objectives for PEF-resistant design, considering factors such as evacuation time and fire suppression capabilities [72].
* Code Integration: Current building codes lack sufficient provisions for PEF scenarios [50]. Future research should aim to develop specific regulations and guidelines for PEF-resistant design, integrating these provisions into existing fire and earthquake codes [66; 75].  
The existing literature underscores the necessity of a comprehensive and multi-faceted research approach to advance PEF engineering. Addressing these identified research gaps is crucial for enhancing building resilience, ensuring occupant safety, and bolstering community preparedness in the face of PEF events.  
Writing--original draft, S.D.; Supervision, B.O.C.; Writing--review, N.D. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This research received no external funding.  
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.