Numerical simulation of a full scale fire test on a loaded steel framework

This paper presents the results of a number of numerical simulations of the behaviour in a real fire of a full-size, loaded, two-dimensional, mainly unprotected steel frame. Data from the fire test, reported in Steel Construction Today 1987, provides the benchmark. The application of one, two and three-dimensional heat flow models is discussed, and the basis of the structural model used is described. The influence of lateral restraint, frame continuity and thermal expansion is quantified using the computer model. In contrast the simple method in draft Eurocode 3 is used to calculate the frame stability assuming that the temperatures of the beam and columns are uniform across their sections, and good agreement with the test result is shown. It is suggested that a rigorous computer program, like that described in the paper, could be usefully employed to identify those types of structure which might be analysed safely by the simplified method.