"sfb" wrote in message news:Kc8mf.27746$SY.17277@trnddc06...
Did the structural steel actually melt or deform under the loads?

The steel did not melt, but rather lost strength due to the heat. The
fireproofing was not rated for the length of time the burning fuel caused,
nor that high of temperatures. I am also skeptical about the paper claim.
I am sure it contributed, but there was one hell of a lot of fuel, contained
in a relatively small area, burning very hot.
--
Jim in NC