Title: Materials Dominated Aspects of Design for Structural Fire Resistance of Concrete Structures

Author(s): John W. Dougill

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 80

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 151-176

Keywords: concrete slabs; continuous beams; fire resistance; pore water pressure; reinforced concrete; spalling; structural design; thermal expansion; thermal stresses.

DOI: 10.14359/6588

Date: 7/1/1983

Abstract:
The behaviour of concrete and reinforced concrete are examined in the context of rational design for fire resistance. Links with plasticity theory are noted together with the requirements for ductility in Structures designed using these concepts. It is concluded that current methods of rational design are most applicable when structural behaviour is determined by the action of the steel in tension at high temperatures. In considering the limitations of the method, doubts are expressed on extensions to compression loading and shear where the problems of detailing the reinforcement for adequate ductility are more difficult. The problem of local failure by spalling is also considered with different mechanisms being identified and results presented for pore pressures developed during heating. The paper concludes with a pragmatic philosophy for design in which a defensive view of bond, local damage and compression failure is to be adopted within an overall framework of rational design and knowledge from full scale tests.