Interim Guidance Notes

The Interim Guidance Notes were written at the conclusion of the first phase of the Joint Industry Project on Blast and Fire Engineering for Topside Structures. This document is intended to assist in the design and protection of topside structures against explosion and fire. It is aimed primarily at the structural and safety engineer although there is much information that will be of direct or indirect benefit to other disciplines.

The first phase of the Joint Industry Project on Blast and Fire Engineering for Topside Structures was undertaken during the period May 1990 to July 1991. The principal purpose was to collate, appraise and disseminate information on explosion and fire loads, the response of structures and production facilities to these loads, and the options available to mitigate their effects. The document is divided into five major chapters as follows:

Chapter 1  Introduction
Chapter 2  Design and Assessment Philosophy
Chapter 3  Design Guidance for Explosion Resistance
Chapter 4  Design Guidance for Fire Resistance
Chapter 5  Integrated Design Strategy for Explosion and Fire