Title: Computer Model for Predicting the Fire Response of Reinforced Concrete Columns

Author(s): Nikhil Raut and Venkatesh Kodur

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 279

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1-46

Keywords: Fire resistance, computer program, reinforced concrete columns, biaxial bending, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4 sided exposure, high strength concrete, numerical model.

DOI: 10.14359/51682973

Date: 3/1/2011

Abstract:
A macroscopic finite element model for tracing the fire response of reinforced concrete (RC)columns is presented. The model accounts for critical factors such as fire induced spalling, various strain components, high temperature material properties, restraint effects, different fire scenarios and failure criteria, in evaluating fire resistance of RC columns. The validity of the model is established by comparing the predictions from the computer program with results from full-scale fire resistance tests. Parametric studies are performed to study the sensitivity of model predictions to different discrtization and meshing parameters and based on the results an optimum mesh size and time increment for fire resistance analysis of RC columns is recommended. Through case studies it is shown that macroscopic finite element models are capable of predicting the fire response of RC columns over a wide range of parameters as encountered in practical situations.