Advanced analysis of 3D steel framework exposed to compartment fire

Abstract

This paper describes the use of advanced analysis that accounts for both material and geometric nonlinearity to assess the performance of steel structures exposed to a natural compartment fire. The advanced analysis is developed based on inelastic beam-column theory which can capture the ultimate strength behaviour of members for global analysis of large structures in fire. The heat transfer is computed using a refined finite element mesh. Compartment fire is simulated in accordance with the latest Eurocode prEN 1991-1-2. Performance-based assessments are carried out on multi-storey space frames subjected to a natural compartment fire. The computed results are compared with those from the conventional approach based on ISO standard fire curve and the advantage of the advanced analysis is highlighted. The effect of fire load and ventilation on the structural response of the frames is studied and the worst-case fire scenarios are identified. The design implications on the requirement of fire protection are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.