Fire performance assessment of HPLWC hollow core slabs through full-scale furnace testing

High-Performance Light-Weight Concrete (HPLWC) is used for many structural applications when superior strength and low self-weight of the structural components are required. Among these applications there are thin floor structures, like hollow core slabs, that require characteristics of lightness, relatively high resistance and superior durability. Although the fire performance of normal strength concrete hollow core slabs has been extensively studied, the behavior of HPLWC hollow core slabs has not been suitably investigated.The paper reports the results of two full-scale furnace tests on HPLWC hollow core slabs. Each of them involved one panel with an applied load and one without load. The evolution of temperature inside the slabs was measured along with the load bearing capacity under fire conditions. During the first test severe spalling occurred in the loaded slab while during the second one, performed on slabs cured for some months under dry conditions, spalling did not occur. Finite elements simulations were also carried out in order to support the interpretation of the experimental results. Experimental and numerical investigations gave insight into the fire performance of HPLWC hollow core slabs and highlighted the influence of dry curing conditions in reducing the spalling and increasing the fire resistance.     

Effect of Aspect Ratio on Fire Resistance of Hollow Core Concrete Floors

Several factors can affect the behaviour of the hollowcore floor slabs in fire. This paper analytically investigates the relationship between the fire resistance of the overall floor system and the floor length to width ratio as well as the type of side supports. The study uses beam grillage and shell elements to model the hollowcore slabs and the topping concrete under the platform of the non-linear finite element program, SAFIR. Different methods to model precast, prestressed concrete hollowcore floor slabs subjected to fire are also investigated. The results show that side supports can enhance the fire performance of hollowcore floor slabs provided that the spacing of the side supports does not greatly exceed the span length.     

The behaviour of asymmetric slim floor steel beams in fire

Computer software has been developed to predict the structural response of asymmetric slim floor steel beams, used with composite concrete floor slabs consisting of deep profiled steel decking. Comparisons between predicted behaviour and that recorded in standard fire tests, showed that the software is very accurate. By including the rotational stiffness of the beam-to-column connections, the fire resistance of the beam is significantly enhanced. This is mainly due to the connections retaining most of their strength during a fire, since they are fully encased in concrete as a consequence of this type of construction. The analyses presented in this paper indicate that it may be possible to increase the fire resistance of the steel beams from 60 to 90 minutes, by including the connection behaviour. The software has also been used to aid the design of a future large-scale fire test on the asymmetric slim floor system. Predictions of the structural response have been presented. These will enable the fire load and ventilation conditions in the test to be designed. In addition the software has been used to identify the minimum amount of fire protection that is required for the supporting columns.     

Experimental investigation of reinforced concrete and hybrid fibre reinforced concrete shield tunnel segments subjected to elevated temperature

This paper presents a comprehensive experimental study on the comparative behaviour of the reinforced concrete (RC) and the hybrid fibre reinforced concrete (HFRC) shield TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) tunnel lining segments exposed to fire. The tests were conducted using a newly developed test facility, which is capable of accommodating different mechanical loading and boundary conditions under different fire scenarios. Six RC segments and six HFRC segments were tested to the standard Eurocode HC (Hydrocarbon) curve, while two reference specimens, one for each type, were tested in ambient environment to provide benchmark data. Apart from the spalling resistance, the fire effects on the structural behaviour were investigated under different boundary conditions at the segment ends, including free sliding (no horizontal constraint), total horizontal restraint and controlled horizontal reaction. The vertical load capacities were investigated for both under-fire and post-fire scenarios. The experimental results revealed excellent spalling resistance in the HFRC segments under thermo-mechanical loading, while the RC segments exhibited better structural performance. A combination of RC design (with flexural reinforcement) and the use of hybrid fibres is deemed to be effective in providing good spalling resistance while at the same time ensuring a robust structural behaviour.     

Enhancing the fire resistance of composite floor assemblies through the use of steel fiber reinforced concrete

This paper presents a strategy for achieving the required fire resistance in composite floor systems through the use of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC). Both experimental and numerical studies were carried out to evaluate the fire performance of floor systems comprising unprotected steel beams and concrete/SFRC deck slabs. The results from these studies show that SFRC composite deck slabs develop significant tensile forces (through tensile membrane action) that transfer load from fire-weakened steel beams to other cooler parts of the structure. Preliminary results indicate that the combined effect of composite construction, tensile membrane action, and the improved properties of SFRC under realistic fire, loading, and restraint conditions can provide sufficient fire resistance in steel beam-concrete deck slabs without the need for external fire protection on the floor assembly.     

加热和冷却过程中约束复合板的试验及数值研究

在曼彻斯特大学,对约束复合板进行一系列耐火试验。在不同火灾场景下,对6块不同荷载比下的复合板进行试验,观察加热和冷却过程中板内力的变化。设计试验方案,建立两种不同的非线性有限元模型,模拟复合板在加热和冷却过程中的热学和力学性能。在热分析模型中,采用平面单元模拟。在结构分析中,混凝土、钢板、锚钉分别采用实体单元、壳单元、桁架单元模拟。混凝土和钢板间的连接简化为弹簧单元。根据试验结果和有限元计算结果,详细分析了复合板的性能。最后,进行参数研究,分析了混凝土强度、钢板厚度和锚钉尺寸的影响。     

Non-linear structural modelling of a fire test subject to high restraint

The computer code VULCAN has been developed for the three-dimensional structural analysis of composite and steel-framed buildings in fire. In this paper, the main features of the program are outlined, with particular emphasis on the most recent development to the layered procedure for modelling of concrete floor slabs. This development has introduced geometric non-linearity into the modelling of slabs, whose layer structure already allowed temperature distributions and change of material properties through the thickness, as well as modelling the effect of the ribs at the bottom of composite decking slabs. The capabilities of the model are firstly tested at ambient temperature for a uniformly loaded ribbed reinforced concrete slab with simply supported edges, and this is followed by a very detailed modelling of the Cardington restrained beam fire test. In both cases the development of membrane action is demonstrated and the structural behaviour is compared with the geometrically linear case. A number of studies are carried out to demonstrate the influence of the major floor slab details on the behaviour of the structure in fire conditions. These studies provide evidence that when exposed steel temperatures are less than 400°C the concrete slab has little influence, other than to play a part in generating thermal curvature to composite beams. For temperatures higher than about 500°C the effect of the slab progressively becomes much greater, and it is very important to model concrete slabs correctly. The influence of membrane action cannot be ignored, particularly when the fire compartment is subject to high restraint because it is surrounded by cool, stiff structure. At very high temperatures the floor slab becomes the main load-bearing element and the floor loads above the fire compartment are carried by the membrane forces developed in the slab, with tension being carried mainly by the steel anti-cracking mesh or reinforcing bars. However, the effect of the very high in-plane restraint to thermal expansion in the particular Cardington test considered is to enhance the peripheral zone of compressive membrane force and to reduce the extent of the central area of tensile force compared with more usual cases.     

Whole-building behaviour of bonded post-tensioned concrete floor plates exposed to fire

This paper discusses the whole-building behaviour of post-tensioned concrete floor plates under fire conditions. Based on the results of eight fire tests on one-way spanning bonded post-tensioned concrete slab strips, recently conducted by the authors, a nonlinear finite element model was developed to model an entire typical concrete floor plate. The considered floor plate was post-tensioned using bonded tendons and was supported on traditional reinforced concrete columns. The overall objective of the study was to provide an understanding of the structural response and modes of failure of these floor plates under fire conditions. The mechanical and thermal material nonlinearities of the floor’s components, consisting of the concrete, grout, prestressing tendon, and the anchorages, as well as the reinforced concrete columns, have been considered in the model. The interface between the tendon and grout was also considered, allowing the bond behaviour to be modelled and the tendon to retain its profile shape during the deformation of the floor. The model has been validated against published finite element results on a floor plate under normal temperature conditions. The temperature distribution throughout the floor slab and supporting columns, together with the developed displacement and stress due to heating, and the overall fire resistance of the floor were predicted by the model. Furthermore, the variables that influence the structural behaviour comprising different natural fires, applied static load during fire, use of non-tensioned reinforcement, as well the difference between unbraced and braced frames were investigated in a parametric study. The study has shown that the failure mode of the floor under fire conditions is mainly due to tensile splitting along the tendons that extended to the top surface, while at ambient conditions the mode of failure is punching shear. The restraint provided by shear walls in the considered braced frame and the use of non-tensioned flexural reinforcement affected the vertical displacement behaviour under fire conditions, but did not affect the fire resistance due to the predicted tensile splitting failure mode. From the studies presented it is concluded that the design fire resistance of the floor specified in Eurocode BSEN1992-1-2 is acceptable, while that in the UK code BS8110 is unconservative and should be modified.     

高性能硅灰混凝土的高温爆裂与抗火性

采用不同湿含量的５ 种强度等级的混凝土,在ＩＳＯ标准火灾升温条件下进行高性能硅灰混凝土火灾高温行为的试验研究．用１００ ｍｍ ×１００ ｍｍ ×１００ ｍ ｍ 试件进行的爆裂试验结果表明,湿含量与强度等级是影响混凝土高温爆裂的两个主要因素．这一结果也证实了高温爆裂的蒸汽压机理（ｔｈｅ ｖａｐｏｒ ｐｒｅｓｓｕｒｅ ｂｕｉｌｄｕｐ ｍｅｃｈａｎｉｓｍ） ．对火烧后混凝土板的回弹试验表明,板内各点的残余力学性能不再是一个均一的数值,而是呈一空间分布,此空间分布与板内温度场有关．因此,目前常用方法难以准确描述火灾后混凝土的残余力学性能．     

The effects of protected beams and their connections on the fire resistance of composite buildings

According to full-scale fire tests, it is noticed that tensile membrane action within the concrete floor slabs plays an important role in affecting the fire resistance of composite buildings. It is well known that the development of tensile membrane actions relies on the vertical support along the edges of the slab panel. However, there is at present a lack of research into the influence of vertical supports on the tensile membrane actions of the floor slabs. In this paper, the performances of a generic three dimensional 45 m×45 m composite floor subjected to ISO834 Fire and Natural Fire are investigated. Different vertical support conditions and three steel meshes are applied in order to assess the impact of vertical supports on tensile membrane action of floor slabs. Unlike other existing large scale modelling which assumes the connections behave as pinned or rigid for simplicity, two robust 2-node connection element models developed by the authors are used to model the behaviour of end-plate and partial end-plate connections of composite structures under fire conditions. The impact of connections on the 3D behaviour of composite floor is taken into consideration. The load-transfer mechanisms of composite floor when connections fail due to axial tension, vertical shear and bending are investigated. Based on the results obtained, some design recommendations are proposed to enhance the fire resistance of composite buildings.     

Experimental and numerical study on restrained composite slab during heating and cooling

In this paper, a series of fire tests on restrained composite slabs, carried out at the University of Manchester, is presented. A total of six composite slabs were tested under different fire scenarios, with different load ratios. The tests were particularly concerned with the variation of internal forces within the slabs during both heating and cooling phases. In addition to the testing programme, two separate nonlinear finite element models have been developed to simulate the thermal and mechanical behaviour of composite slabs during heating and cooling, which is introduced in detail in this paper. In the thermal analysis model, plane elements were adopted to obtain a detailed thermal behaviour. In the structural analysis model, the concrete, steel deck and mesh were simulated by solid elements, shell elements and truss elements respectively. The interaction between the concrete and steel sheet was simplified to spring elements. According to the experimental results and FE modelling, the behaviour of composite slabs was analysed in detail. At last, the parametric study was performed where the effect of concrete strength, steel deck thickness and mesh size was analysed.     

钢筋混凝土简支板受火性能的有限元分析

针对钢筋混凝土简支板恒载下受火性能进行了有限元分析，并与试验结果进行了对照，解释了试验过程中出现的以前没有被认识的试验现象，进一步了解了火灾下钢筋混凝土简支板截面温度场分布规律及跨中挠度的变化趋势．     

Fire tests on two-way concrete slabs in a full-scale multi-storey steel-framed building

This paper presents the results from two full-scale furnace tests conducted on two-way concrete slabs supported by composite beams in a three-storey steel-framed building. Each floor of the building consisted of nine panels (three by three) supported by composite beams. In two tests, a corner and an interior panel on the top of the building were heated by two specially designed furnaces respectively. Detailed experimental data in the form of describing slab cracking, the furnace temperatures, temperature distributions within the slab, vertical deflections and horizontal displacements are presented. Comparison of the results for the two tests indicates that the structural fire behaviour of two-way concrete slabs supported by composite beams in a multi-storey steel-framed building is highly dependent on the restraint provided by the adjacent structural members. Observations from the tests indicate that in addition to the extensive cracks formed on the top surface of the heated panels, regular cracks also occurred on the top of the adjacent unheated panels due to structural continuity and the interaction between the concrete slabs and the supporting beams. The test results show that both tested panels had good fire performances even under long duration fire conditions.     

Hydrothermal model for predicting fire-induced spalling in concrete structural systems

A one-dimensional numerical model to predict fire-induced spalling in concrete structures is presented. The model is based on pore pressure calculations in concrete, as a function of time. Principles of mechanics and thermodynamics are applied to predict pore pressure in concrete structures exposed to fire. An assessment of the possibility of tensile fracture is made by comparing the computed pore pressure with temperature-dependent tensile strength. The pore pressure calculations are coupled with heat transfer analysis to ensure that the loss of concrete section, resulting from spalling, is accounted for in subsequent heat transfer analysis. The validity of the numerical model is established by comparing temperature, pore pressure, and concrete spalling predictions with results from fire tests. The computer program is applied to conduct case studies to investigate the influence of concrete permeability, tensile strength of concrete, relative humidity in concrete, and heating rate on fire-induced spalling in concrete members. Through these case studies, it is shown that permeability, tensile strength of concrete, and heating rate have a significant influence on fire-induced spalling in concrete. It is also shown that relative humidity has a marginal influence on fire-induced spalling in concrete.     

A numerical investigation of the influence of pore pressures and thermally induced stresses for spalling of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures

Although in past years extensive experimental and numerical investigations have been carried out in order to gain better understanding of the phenomenon of spalling of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures, there still exists controversy as to the driving mechanisms of spalling. This paper presents a numerical investigation aimed at determining the significance of pore pressures and thermally induced stresses for spalling of a concrete. A mathematical model for the coupled hygro-thermal-mechanical-damage behaviour of the concrete is briefly presented together with its finite element solution procedure. Although not intended for design purposes at this stage, the model provides insight into the interactions of the physical process that occur when concrete is exposed to elevated temperatures and can provide impetus for further development of numerical solutions for accurate prediction of spalling. The model is here employed to investigate the significance of pore pressures and thermally induced stresses for spalling of concretes with different initial permeabilities and moisture contents through the numerical simulation of a wall and a square column exposed to fire. The numerical results reveal that thermally induced stresses are a primary factor in causing damage and hence spalling in concrete, while pore pressures, at most, play a secondary role.     

四边简支现浇混凝土空心楼盖二次抗火性能试验研究

为探究火灾后采用聚合物砂浆加固修复混凝土空心楼盖二次火灾下的抗火性能,对四边简支混凝土组合塑料模盒空心楼盖进行两次火灾试验。介绍了试验空心楼盖第一次受火试验及火灾后构件修复情况,重点介绍了加固修复后空心楼盖第二次火灾试验,描述了试验空心楼盖在两次受火下的破坏特征、变形和温度场分布规律,并进行分析和对比。研究结果表明:采用聚合物砂浆修复的空心楼盖在二次火灾作用下,第一次火灾受损较为严重的部位易产生爆裂脱落,从而降低了耐火极限;二次受火下楼盖内混凝土的温度峰值高于一次受火,且距离板底越近,两次火灾作用中温度峰值差值越大;试件在两次火灾作用下跨中处最大竖向位移基本相同,第二次受火作用后的残余位移小于第一次;采用聚合物砂浆对火灾后的空心楼盖进行修复,修复后的楼盖仍具有一定的抗火性能。     

The structural behavior and simplified thermal analysis of normal-strength and high-strength concrete beams under fire

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of concrete compressive strength and cover thickness on the structural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams under fire. For this purpose, four normal-strength and high-strength concrete test beams were fabricated and tested under the ISO 834 standard fire curve to point of the failure. The test set-up was designed to evaluate the heat distribution and displacement changes of simply supported beams subjected to sustained loads under fire. Test results for normal-strength and high-strength concrete beams were compared for each of the test variables. The test results show that the relationships between time and temperature distributions in the beam sections are very similar and are unrelated to the strength of the concrete, with the exception of the upper part of the beam section. They also showed that the rates of deflection increase for both normal-strength and high-strength concrete beams is very similar before spalling but becomes remarkably high for high-strength concrete beams after spalling. A simplified model was proposed to determine the effect of spalling on the temperature gradient of a high-strength concrete beam. The results of finite difference method (FDM) analysis using this proposed model showed a section temperature gradient that was similar to that of the test results.     

Experimental study of tunnel segmental joints subjected to elevated temperature

Segmental joints present a weak link in the tunnel lining both structurally (due to its low stiffness) and non-structurally (high risk of water leakage); therefore the behaviour of the lining joints has a significant effect on the performance of the shield TBM tunnel lining. Segmental joints are thus a particular concern when the tunnel lining is exposed to high temperature in the case of a tunnel fire. This paper presents an experimental study on the behaviour of TBM tunnel joints in fire under different mechanical loading and boundary conditions, and with both the normal reinforced concrete (RC) segments and hybrid fibre reinforced concrete (HFRC) segments. Totally thirteen jointed specimens were constructed at a scale of 1:3 and tested. Eleven specimens were exposed to a HC (Hydrocarbon) curve and mechanically loaded to failure either under-fire or post-fire, while two specimens were tested in ambient temperature to provide benchmark data. The results demonstrate that the initial loading conditions have a significant effect on the jointed segments during and after fire, and this is closely related to different rate of degradation of concrete in different stress state under high temperature. In general, the resistance capacity of both RC and HFRC joints increased with axial force. The use of HFRC material provided good spalling resistance.     

Calculation of the fire resistance of composite concrete floor and roof slabs

A calculation method is described for the determination of the fire resistance of composite floor and roof slabs. Using this method, simple approximate formulas are derived for the calculation of the thermal fire resistance and minimum cover thickness to the steel of reinforced and prestressed concrete slabs, consisting of two layers of concrete, one lightweight and one normal weight. Comparison with test results shows good agreement between calculated and experimental fire resistances.     

Flachdecken aus Stahlfaserbeton

Steel Fibre reinforced concrete Flat Slabs Steel fibre reinforced concrete is a proven and reliable material for slabs on grade of industrial floor systems. Since several years, steel fibre reinforced concrete with additional reinforcement bars is used for free suspended pile supported industrial floors. The load carrying behaviour under service loading conditions is similar to that of elevated flat slabs. Recently, concretes with high fluidity allow higher fibre dosages than before. A full scale loading test on a flat slab of 340 m² at TREFILARBED in Bissen, Luxemburg has proven that elevated slab structures made of steel fibre reinforced concrete with 100 kg/m³ fibre content can compete with traditional reinforced concrete slabs by means of load carrying capacity as well as concerning cost effectiveness. This paper deals with the development of free suspended SFRC slabs based on the performed full scale tests. Formulas for the ultimate limit state design according to the yield line theory are presented. Design criteria at serviceability limit state are provided.