The paper presents the assumptions and the issues that arise when developing an
integrated modelling methodology between a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software
applied to compartment fires and a Finite Element (FE) software applied to structural systems
subjected to fire. In particular, a weak coupling approach used to simulate a fire exposed
structure by modelling the fire development in the compartment, the heat penetration in the
structure and the mechanical response is described. The advantages and the disadvantages of
such a technique are highlighted compared to a full coupling that conversely takes into
account all mutual interactions. The favourable aspect of computing the thermal response of
the structure in the FE model in order to avoid modelling the structure in the CFD model is
underlined, namely a sensitive reduction of computational demand. Finally, the study is
enriched by an application of this methodology that concerns the simulation of a pool fire in
an open compartment the results of which are compared with those obtained by employing the
simplified Hasemi model included in the Eurocodes
