A Delphi study to identify and prioritize research gaps for the incorporation of a fire into life cycle assessment of structures

The current life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology used in structural engineering does not consider hazards like fires within its scope. Various efforts have been made to identify research gaps that need to be filled in order to accomplish a Fire-LCA. This study presented research gaps from literat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Fire safety journal Vol. 129; p. 103571
Main Authors: Thorp, Tiana Noelani, Fischer, Erica C., Sinha, Arijit
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Lausanne Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2022
Elsevier BV
Subjects:
Delphi
Delphi method
Fire
Fire hazards
fire safety
fire spread
Fires
Hazard assessment
Life cycle analysis
Life cycle assessment
Life cycles
Methodology
probability
questionnaires
Statistical analysis
Structural engineering
Life-cycle assessment
Delphi
Fire
ISSN:0379-7112, 1873-7226
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The current life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology used in structural engineering does not consider hazards like fires within its scope. Various efforts have been made to identify research gaps that need to be filled in order to accomplish a Fire-LCA. This study presented research gaps from literature to experts to determine the research gap's impact, desirability, and probability of occurrence by the year 2030. The study provides insight into what researchers should prioritize to accomplish the proposed Fire-LCA methodology. In each round the experts were asked to evaluate and comment on the impact, desirability, and probability of occurrence by the year 2030 of each identified research gap. The results of the Delphi questionnaire identified high priority research gaps for the implementation of the proposed Fire-LCA methodology. The most prioritized research gap was statistical data that would describe the number and severity of fires, fire origin, and extent of fire spread in different types of building. The results of this study can guide researchers and funding agencies to prioritize research that will fill key gaps in knowledge that prevent the implementation of a Fire-LCA methodology for building structures. •Gaps in knowledge exist and prevent the implementation of a Fire-LCA methodology for buildings.•Statistical data and reporting of real building fires is needed for the implementation of a Fire-LCA methodology.•Experts across the world do not agree on research priorities to fill gaps in knowledge needed to implement a Fire-LCA.
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ISSN:0379-7112
1873-7226
DOI:10.1016/j.firesaf.2022.103571