Which construction features are at high risk of failing due to fire involvement?

Cantilevered canopies are particularly vulnerable to fire involvement due to their structural design and the materials that may be used in their construction. These structures often extend out from buildings without support from below, which can make them susceptible to heat exposure on one side. If a fire occurs, the temperature can become concentrated on the exposed surfaces, leading to rapid degradation of materials, especially if they are made of wood or other combustibles.

Additionally, because cantilevered canopies are often attached to buildings, fire can spread from the canopy to the main structure if not properly protected. This presents a significant hazard, as adverse fire conditions can impair the canopy’s structural integrity and also compromise safety for occupants and emergency responders.

In contrast, brick facades, while not entirely fireproof, tend to have better resistance to flames, and steel roofs can withstand high temperatures longer than combustible materials. Earthquake-resistant walls are designed primarily for seismic stability rather than fire resistance, but they typically integrate materials that do not easily succumb to fire.