Simplified Method to Predict the Temperature Distribution in Normal- and High-Strength Concrete Circular Cross Sections Exposed to Fire
Publication: Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 26, Issue 4
Abstract
This paper presents a formula for evaluating the temperature distribution in RC circular columns exposed to standard fire scenarios. Unlike the detailed solution to the heat transfer differential equation, the proposed model is simple to use. Application of the proposed formula does not require numerical analysis, and it can be applied to generate, with sufficient accuracy, temperature distributions within a cross section at any specified time and location. Derivation of the formula was based on a regression analysis of a large set of results generated by finite difference calculations. The regression formulas yielded a root-mean-square error of 21.7°C, where most errors within the practical temperature range of 200°C–800°C do not exceed (compared with the numerical results). The proposed model was verified against the results of the finite difference calculations and validated against published experimental results. It can provide predictions for both normal- and high-strength concrete, with different aggregate types and different moisture contents. The simplification and the wide applicability of the proposed model make it worthwhile and useful for structural fire design, as illustrated by the examples given at the end of the paper.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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Published In
Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction
Volume 26 • Issue 4 • November 2021
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 17, 2020
Accepted: May 5, 2021
Published online: Aug 12, 2021
Published in print: Nov 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Jan 12, 2022
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