SteelDays 2026: Structural Steel Fire Protection 101

For many designers, fire protection in steel structures is an understandable afterthought. This commonly results in a lack of understanding of code requirements, specification recommendations, and general performance expectations, which can lead to inefficient designs or deliberations in the midst of construction if a condition is overlooked. However, the safety of structures during a fire is a significant driver of many building code provisions and can impact many decisions in the design and construction process. In this presentation, participants will gain a fundamental understanding of how fire protection for steel structures works, from IBC requirements through the application of fire protection materials. The presentation will enable participants to become more active contributors to the design of efficient, economical, and, most importantly, safe, steel buildings.

Course Schedule

Date: 10/23/2026; Time: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Central

Individual Registration

Register one person. Each registrant has access to the course including the live webinar and a certificate upon satisfactory attendance. Anyone attending from their own connection including LearningPass subscribers should register under this option.

  • FREE

Group Registration

Post-register roster members who attend the presentation at a single connection (e.g. conference room).  Everyone may earn a certificate.

  • FREE

Speaker

      

Michael Drury, PE, PhD is a Senior Engineer in Fire Engineering with the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). He is a licensed professional engineer in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. As part of AISC’s Steel Solutions Center, Mike supports the design of steel structures from a structural fire protection perspective. He works to provide industry guidance through answering technical questions, participating in the development of codes and standards, and promoting efficient design solutions through presentations and publications.

He received his BS in Civil Engineering and his MS and PhD in Structural Engineering from Lehigh University. His doctoral work consisted of large-scale experimental and computational research on steel-concrete composite floor systems subjected to fire, with a focus on developing simplified tools and relationships for implementation in performance-based structural fire design. He is also a member of the ASCE/SEI Fire Protection Committee.

Prior to joining AISC, Dr. Drury worked as a forensic structural engineer with a primary focus on the investigation, analysis, and repair of existing structures. His expertise encompasses structural condition assessments, nondestructive evaluation, on-site construction observation, and the investigation of structural collapse and fire loss events.