Fire Response of Steel Column Trees with End-Plate Connections
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 147, Issue 10
Abstract
This paper presents the results of experimental research on the fire response of steel beams and their end-plate connections in column-tree moment-resisting frames (CMRFs). Using subframe assembly, full-scale steel beams with different stub-to-link end-plate connections were tested under a standard fire curve. The failure modes as well as the structural and thermal responses of the beam and the end-plate connections were studied. The influence of critical factors, including bolt grade and flange plate’s size, were investigated. The findings of the experimental studies indicate that the beam flexural failure occurs at the temperature of 720°C when deflections surpass the limiting value specified in a relevant British Standard Institution standard. The end-plate connections fail when the temperature exceeds 760°C, while the beam experiences deflections larger than span/20. The results also show that the plate bending, the bolt tensile fracture, and thread stripping control the failure of the end-plate connection in fire conditions. The end-plate connection detail has a considerable effect on the fire performance of the beam, e.g., using Grade 8.8 bolts and thicker plates in the end-plate connection can enhance the fire resistance and rating of the beams and their connections in steel CMRFs.
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Data Availability Statement
All data generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the Research Council of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz (Grant No. SCU.EC98.366) for financial support and providing the necessary facilities to conduct this research project.
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Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 147 • Issue 10 • October 2021
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 26, 2020
Accepted: May 28, 2021
Published online: Aug 6, 2021
Published in print: Oct 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Jan 6, 2022
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Cited by
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