火灾中采用逆向通道连接的钢梁-钢管混凝土柱结构约束组件的数值模拟

利用有限元软件ABAQUS,采用三维块单元,模拟火灾中钢梁-钢管混凝土柱及其节点约束组件的性能。利用近期英国曼彻斯特大学的采用逆向通道连接的3组耐火试验,对模型进行验证。结果表明:有限元模型能成功进行模拟。利用有限元模型,初步研究改变连接构件以加强结构耐火能力的可行性。对连接方式进行改进,以期使连接梁的链式反应能更好发展。提出外伸-内缩式混合端板连接形式,连接的拉伸部分采用外伸端板,以提高延性;受压部分采用内缩式端板,提高韧性。结果表明:不需任何费用,只要用混合端板连接替代外伸端板连接,就能提高连接梁的耐火能力。     

Resistance of flush endplate connections under tension and shear in fire

This paper presents an experimental and numerical study to the resistance of flush endplate connections in fire. Six transient fire tests were performed on two types of connections with flexible and stiff endplate. For each connection, three load combinations were tested and the test results were reported. The test shows that most connections failed within the range of 500 °C to 650 °C. Extreme bending deformation of the endplate and flexural deformation of the bolt were observed when the plate thickness was 8 mm. When the endplate thickness became 16 mm, deformations occurred to the column flange and the bolts as the endplate became thicker than the column flange. Connection fire resistances were found to decrease with increase of either tension or shear, but the connection deformations were similar regardless of the load combination within the range tested. The three-dimensional finite element simulations of the tests with flush endplate connections were conducted with general-purpose finite element program ABAQUS. The results obtained from analysis showed a good agreement with the experimental responses. Parametric study was performed to the connection failure mechanisms under an extensive range of load combinations of tension and shear in fire using the finite element model. Conclusions were drawn regarding the tension and shear interactive relationships for the two typical connections at different temperatures.     

火灾下梁柱端板式节点研究进展

回顾总结了近年来高温下梁柱端板式连接节点力学性能相关的研究成果。针对三类常用的端板连接形式:外伸式端板、齐平式端板以及内缩式端板连接进行了细致讨论。同时,从试验研究、有限元分析以及组件法的高温运用等方面着手归纳了相应研究成果。首先,对近年来为数不多的端板式节点高温试验进行了回顾,包括针对孤立节点的高温试验以及针对子结构的高温试验。随后,对有限元方法和推广应用的组件法这两种理论研究方法进行了详细的归纳总结,细致讨论了各组件模型实际运用中的优势以及存在的不足。最后,根据已有的研究成果,指出了梁柱端板式连接节点性能分析时还存在的诸多问题,并在此基础上提出了一些研究建议。     

改善钢梁/柱连接节点耐火性能的方法

在有限元分析软件中使用详细的有限元模型,对提升钢梁/柱端板连接部件的耐火性能进行一系列的数值参数研究。对实际使用节点构造的梁柱组件进行研究,重点在于调查如何改进连接件设计,从而使整个结构能在高温下安全。高温下,结构中的梁要经历悬链作用,此作用会造成连接件的破裂并在柱施加附加力。研究了不同的节点构造(螺栓直径、螺栓强度级别、端板厚度、使用防火螺栓和端板使用耐火钢)对其结构性能及高温下耐火性能的影响。结果表明,可通过提高连接件的变形能力特别是使用防火螺栓来改善在高温下的耐火性能。     

Methods of improving survivability of steel beam/column connections in fire

This paper reports the results of a series of numerical parametric studies on methods of improving survivability of steel beam/column endplate connections in fire using a detailed finite element model in ABAQUS. The parametric studies were performed on beam-column assemblies with realistic connection details and the main focus of this research is to investigate methods of improving connection design to enable the structure to survive very high temperatures. At very high temperatures, the beam of the structure experiences catenary action which may fracture the connections and exert additional forces on the columns. This paper investigates how different connection details (bolt diameter, bolt grade, endplate thickness, the use of fire resistance bolt and fire resistant steel for endplate) affect structural behavior and survivability at high temperatures. It is found that improving connection deformation capacity, in particular, using fire resistant bolts, will enable very high temperatures to be resisted.     

Modelling of I-shaped beam-to-tubular column connection subjected to post-fire conditions

This paper presents numerical results of structural post- fire bahaviour of I-shaped beam-to-chord joints in offshore platforms topside. Considering the high risk of fire events in offshore oil/gas platforms, this study focuses on the structural behaviour of these connections at post- fire condition. A highly detailed three-dimensional (3-D) finite element (FE) model of this connection has been created using the ABAQUS software. Steel members and connection components are considered to behave nonlinearly. The results of finite element and experimental tests conducted on I shape beam-to-tubular column connections in furnace fire conditions are compared, and the obtained failure modes and moment-rotation-temperature characteristics are in good agreement with those associated with experimental tests. The validated model has been used to conduct numerical parametric studies to generate theoretical data to help develop detailed understanding of the joint behaviour in post-fire condition.     

Finite element analysis of flush end-plate connections connected to column web

Eurocode 3: Part 1.8 (2005b) does not cover the empirical design for flush end-plate connections connected to column web. Thus, experimental works need to be performed to investigate the behaviour of the minor axis end-plate bolted connection. However, the experimental tests are expensive, tedious and time consuming to be conducted. Alternatively, finite element modelling and analysis can be adopted to predict the behaviour of the connection accurately. Five specimens of flush end-plate connections connected to column web with variable parameters have been tested and the results are compared with finite element analysis. Finite element models with enhanced strain solid and contact joint elements are used to stimulate the connection behaviour. The objective of this paper is to compare and validate the accuracy and reliability of the finite element model by correlating moment rotation (M-Φ) curves between the finite element model and experimental tests. The comparison shows a reasonable agreement between the predicted results from FEA and the experimental tests.     

Finite element modelling of steel fin plate connections in fire

Recent structural collapses caused by fire have focused attention on research concerning fire safety in building design. Steel connections are an important component of any structural steel building, as they provide links between the principal structural members. The evaluation of the performance of steel connections at elevated temperatures has been a topic of several research programmes in the last few years. Determining the behaviour, available strength and stiffness of moment connections in fire conditions has been a dominant theme in these research works; however very little information on the behaviour of simple shear connections in fire conditions has been disseminated. Fin plate shear connections are easy to fabricate and install; as a result, they have gained popularity with fabricators because of their economy. In this research, the robustness of simple fin plate beam-to-column connections is being investigated under catenary tension from highly deflected beams in fire. A highly detailed three-dimensional (3-D) finite element (FE) model has been created using the ABAQUS software. This is a complex model accounting for material and geometric non-linearity, large deformation and contact behaviour. Contact is critical to model the shear behaviour of the joint, and contact elements have been used both at the bolt–hole interface and also at the surface between the web of the beam and the fin plate, taking into consideration friction between the surfaces. The connection model has been analysed through the elastic and plastic ranges up to failure. Bolt shear and bending, and plate and web bearing have been observed as failure modes. A comparison between available experimental data at ambient and elevated temperatures and other analytical results shows that the model has a high level of accuracy. When the connection model was extended to include an attached beam, it was found that it eventually experiences large tensile force when exposed to fire.     

The development of a component-based connection element for endplate connections in fire

This paper describes the development of a component-based element for endplate connections in fire. The reported research is part of an ongoing project aimed at understanding joint behaviour in fire. The paper summarises the derivation of the stiffness matrix of this new element, based on a spring model, and the incorporation of the element into the non-linear finite element program Vulcan. It also states the component characteristics that have been used for the individual zones of deformation in an endplate connection. Furthermore, the additional features of the element, necessary for correct response at elevated temperatures, such as the consideration of the temperature distributions across the connection as well as cooling and unloading, are summarised. The proposed element is then used to predict the moment–rotation curves of connection experiments at ambient and elevated temperatures. Finally, the advantages and limitations of the new high-temperature connection element are listed.     

Nonlinear behaviour of unprotected composite slim floor steel beams exposed to different fire conditions

An efficient nonlinear 3D finite element model has been developed to investigate the structural performance of composite slim floor steel beams with deep profiled steel decking under fire conditions. The composite steel beams were unprotected simply supported with different cross-sectional dimensions, structural steel sections, load ratios during fire and were subjected to different fire scenarios. The nonlinear material properties of steel, composite slim concrete floor and reinforcement bars were incorporated in the model at ambient and elevated temperatures. The interface between the structural steel section and composite slim concrete floor was also considered, allowing the bond behaviour to be modelled and the different components to retain its profile during the deformation of the composite beam. Furthermore the thermal properties of the interface were included in the finite element analysis. The finite element model has been validated against published fire tests on unprotected composite slim floor steel beams. The time–temperature relationships, deformed shapes at failure, time–vertical displacement relationships, failure modes and fire resistances of the composite steel beams were evaluated by the finite element model. Comparisons between predicted behaviour and that recorded in fire tests have shown that the finite element model can accurately predict the behaviour of the composite steel beams under fire conditions. Furthermore, the variables that influence the fire resistance and behaviour of the unprotected composite slim floor steel beams, comprising different load ratios during fire, cross-section geometries, beam length and fire scenarios, were investigated in parametric studies. It is shown that the failure of the composite beams under fire conditions occurred for the standard fire curve, but did not occur for the natural fires. The use of high strength structural steel considerably limited the vertical displacements after fire exposure. It is also shown that presence of additional top reinforcement mesh is necessary for composite beams exposed to short hot natural fires. The fire resistances of the composite beams obtained from the finite element analyses were compared with the design values obtained from the Eurocode 4 for composite beams at elevated temperatures. It is shown that the EC4 predictions are generally conservative for the design of composite slim floor steel beams heated using different fire scenarios.     

Application of fire-resistant steel to beam-to-column moment connections at elevated temperatures

This paper presents a new method of using fire-resistant steel to improve the fire-resistance of beam-to-column moment connections in steel structures. Two full-scale beam-to-column moment connection specimens were tested at elevated temperatures according to the standard ISO-834 fire to verify the feasibility of the proposed method. In addition, a detailed 3-D finite element model was developed to simulate the structural behavior of the column-tree moment connection specimens in fire. The fire test results show that the proposed method can effectively extend the fire endurance time, reduce structural deformation, and raise the critical temperature to failure for the beam-to-column moment connections. The numerical results obtained from the 3-D finite element analyses for the two specimens successfully simulated the fire test results.     

A connection element for modelling end-plate connections in fire

In this paper a robust 2-noded connection element has been developed for modelling the bolted end-plate connection between a steel beam and column at elevated temperatures. The connection element allows the element nodes to be placed at the reference plane with offset and the non-uniform temperature distributions within the connection. In this model the connection failure due to bending, axial tension, compression and vertical shear are considered. The influence of the axial tensile force of the connected beam on the connection is also taken into account. This model has the advantages of both the previous simple and component-based models. A total of 23 fire tests were used to extensively validate the model. It can be seen that the current model is robust and has a capability to predict the behaviour of a bolted end-plate connection under fire attack with reasonable accuracy. Compared to the tested results the predictions of the current model were mainly on the conservative side. Hence, the model can be used for structural fire engineering design on steel-framed composite buildings. The idea described in this paper can also easily be applied to develop other kinds of connections, such as simple connections, column based connections or hollow section connections, and so on.     

Modeling the response of composite beam–slab assemblies exposed to fire

This paper presents the development of a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model for evaluating the response of composite beam–slab assemblies subjected to a combination of gravity and fire loading. The behavior of typical beam–slab assemblies with different shear connection types (welded–bolted shear tab and all-bolted double-angle connection), exposed to different fire scenarios, was modeled using ANSYS. The finite element model accounts for temperature dependent thermal and mechanical properties of constituent materials, connections, and composite action. Transient time domain coupled thermal-stress analysis is performed to obtain the temperature distribution and deformation response of the composite beam–slab assembly. The finite element model is validated by comparing the predicted and measured thermal and structural response parameters of three composite beam–slab assemblies tested under fire conditions. The comparisons show that the proposed model is capable of predicting the fire response of beam–slab assemblies with good accuracy. Research from the analysis clearly shows that the composite action between the beam and slab significantly enhances the fire performance of composite beam–slab assemblies. It is concluded that the proposed finite element model could be used as a feasible tool to evaluate the fire response of composite floor systems.     

Flush Endplate Connections in Fire: Time-Dependent Behavior of Tension Bolts

Steel connections play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and stability of steel building frames especially when exposed to fire temperatures. The behavior of flush endplate connections in fire is shown to be governed by tension bolt failure as bolts lose their strength and stiffness more rapidly at higher temperatures. As a result, the ability to predict the development of stresses in tension bolts of flush endplate connections at different stages of fire is of special importance. One of the factors influencing bolt stresses in fire is the thermal creep or time-dependent inelastic response of steel to elevated temperatures. Therefore, time- and temperature-dependent behavior of tension bolts of flush endplate connections in fire is the focus of this study. Stress-time histories in tension bolts are obtained by explicit consideration of thermal creep of steel in FE models of flush endplate connections at elevated temperatures. To better understand the effect of thermal creep on tension bolt behavior, the correlation between time-dependent rotational deformation of flush endplate connections and bolt stresses is also investigated. Further, the isochronous representation is utilized to study the rotational deformation and the tension bolt stresses under various applied moments ranging from 50% to 95% of the moment capacity and fire temperatures ranging from 450°C to 600°C with 25°C increment. Through such representation, it is indicated that the connection behavior is not only dependent on bolt strength degradation and applied moment, but also affected by the time duration of applied moments and temperatures. Also, with the inclusion of thermal creep of steel, the connection experiences higher rotation and excessive endplate deformation with stress relaxation leading to top tension bolt failure at earlier stages of fire. More specifically, for time exposure greater than or equal to 60 min, the failure temperature of the connection decreases from 600°C to around 550°C. Therefore, neglecting thermal creep of structural steel may result in an unsafe prediction of the overall response of flush endplate connections in fire.     

Response of double angle and shear endplate connections at elevated temperatures

Double angle and shear endplate connections are considered simple-beam end framing connections designed to carry gravity loads only. However, during a fire event, additional thermal induced axial forces might develop in the beam and cause failure of the connection. This paper presents the results of finite element (FE) simulations on double angle and shear endplate connections assemblies in fire. FE simulations are validated against experimental results of double angle and shear endplate connections at elevated temperature. A detailed comparison of the variation of the axial force during the heating and cooling phases of a fire is made between the two connections covering the following parameters: load ratio, beam length, and double angle and shear endplate thickness and location. The results can help future design guidelines to account for the thermal induced forces and deformations in double angle and shear endplate connections during a fire.     

Experimental study of structural fire behaviour of steel beam to concrete filled tubular column assemblies with different types of joints

This paper presents experimental results of structural fire behaviour of steel beam to concrete filled tubular (CFT) column assemblies using different types of joints. The joint types include fin plate, end plate, reverse channel and T-stub. The structural assembly was in the form of a “rugby goalpost”. In each test, loads were applied to the beam and then the structural assembly was exposed to the standard fire condition in a furnace while maintaining the applied loads. In total, 10 tests were carried out. In eight of the 10 tests, fire exposure continued until termination of the fire test, which was mainly caused by structural failure in the joints under tension when the beam was clearly in substantial catenary action. In the other two tests (one using fin plates and one using reverse channels), fire exposure stopped and forced cooling started when the beam was near a state of pure bending and just about to enter into catenary action. The results of the experiments indicate that even the relatively simple joints used in this study were able to allow the beams to develop substantial catenary action so that the final failure times and beam temperatures of the assemblies were much higher than those obtained by assuming the beams in pure bending. At termination of the tests, the beams reached very high deflections (about span/5), even then failure of the assemblies always occurred in the joints. Therefore, to enable the beams to reach their full potential in catenary action, the joints should be made to be much stronger. The results also indicate that reverse channel connection has the potential to be developed into a robust connection characterised by high stiffness, strength, rotational capacity and ductility. The beams in the two cooling tests developed high tension forces, however there was no structural failure in the assemblies. The principal aim of this paper is to present experimental results of joint behaviour in fire (which until now is lacking) to enable development of better understanding and rational design methods for robust construction of joints to resist extreme fire attack.     

高温下耐火钢材梁柱抗弯连接的应用

介绍了使用耐火钢材的一个新方法,以提高钢结构中梁柱抗弯连接的耐火性。按照ISO-834标准,对两个足尺梁柱抗弯连接构件在高温条件下进行试验,以验证该方法的可行性。此外,采用一个详尽的三维有限元模型模拟梁柱抗弯连接在火中的结构性能。耐火试验结果表明:该方法可以有效延长构件的耐火时间,减小结构变形,同时提高梁柱抗弯连接破坏时的临界温度。三维有限元分析得到的数值结果也与试验结果具有很好的一致性。     

Performance of cellular composite floor beams at elevated temperatures

This paper describes an experimental and numerical study at both ambient and elevated temperatures on the behaviour of full-scale composite floor cellular steel beams. A total of four specimens, comprising two different steel geometries and loading conditions were tested under monotonic loading and at elevated temperatures. All beams were designed for a full shear connection between the steel beam and the concrete flange using headed shear studs. The beams were designed to fail by web-post buckling, which was observed in all the tests. Failure temperature observed in the fire tests indicated that failure by web-post buckling of cellular beams in fire cannot simply be estimated by applying temperature dependent reduction factors on stiffness, as given in codes. A finite element model is then established with both material and geometrical non-linearity using shell elements to compare against the experimental results. The comparison between the finite element prediction and actual test results are quite good in terms of failure modes, load deflection behaviour and ultimate loads.