Empirical model for determining fire resistance of Reinforced Concrete columns

Fire resistance of Reinforced Concrete (RC) columns is affected by explosive spalling of concrete. Existing models for determining fire resistance of reinforced concrete columns do not generally account for the effects of spalling. The data from tests conducted in this study and other studies available from the literature have been used to develop an empirical model. This study attempts to develop a model for determining fire resistance of reinforced concrete columns by incorporating the influence of various key parameters including pre-mature spalling of concrete during fire. The model also incorporates the effect of local budding of longitudinal reinforcement triggered by explosive spalling. The model further incorporates the role of reinforcement configuration in determining fire resistance. A standard equation is developed for a full ISO-834 fire scenario in RC columns. The model is seen to predict greater than 75% safe results. These are better predicted for range of influencing parameters. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.