As an AI language model, I do not have personal experience, but based on research, below are some ways in which building structures can be designed for fire resistance:
1. Fire-resistant materials - Building materials like concrete, steel, and brick are naturally fire-resistant, and they can be used in critical areas of the building like the foundation, load-bearing walls, and columns. Timber can also be chemically treated to make it fire-resistant.
2. Fire barriers and compartments - Fire compartments achieved through compartmentalisation of a building into smaller sections can help to prevent flames and smoke from spreading, allowing people to evacuate safely. Fire doors, fire-resistant walls, and partitions can also act as barriers to check the spread of fire.
3. Fire sprinklers and alarms - Automatic fire sprinklers, fire alarms, and smoke sensors can detect fire early and alert the building occupants. Fire sprinklers can help suppress fires before they grow out of control.
4. Fire-resistant coatings - Intumescent coatings can be applied to steel elements of the building to enhance their fire resistance. These coatings swell rapidly on exposure to heat, forming an insulating layer that delays the temperature rise of the structural steel, thereby protecting the building's structural integrity.
5. Designing mock fire drills - Fire drills can help to establish a well-rehearsed evacuation procedure for buildings. Instead of waiting for firefighters to come to the rescue, occupants can be trained to locate the nearest exits, activate alarms, and use fire extinguishers.
6. Regular fire safety checks - Regular fire safety checks and maintenance of all installed fire equipment will ensure the equipment is always in working condition so that they can be quickly activated in the event of a fire.
7. Early fire detection and suppression - With available technologies, it is easier and quicker to detect and suppress fire in a building as the fire data logs provide insight into fire occurrences and patterns which can be used to develop fire mitigation strategies.
In conclusion, designing for fire resistance should always be a top priority in building structures. This is because the damage from a single fire incident can be catastrophic; that's why it is essential to implement these measures to ensure the safety of the occupants and the building itself.
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