Fire design of steel columns
How do fire-exposed steel columns behave?
In the case of fire-exposed steel columns, it is challenging to achieve a fire rating without constructive fire protection. This is in contrast to reinforced concrete columns, which usually achieve high fire resistance times without further measures. The reason for this lies in the high thermal conductivity of the steel, resulting in its rapid heating and hence to a rapid degradation of the essential mechanical material parameters of steel (rigidity and strength).
However, there are some cases in which it is worth investigating steel columns more closely as a classification R30 may be possible. For example, it was possible to achieve a fire resistance rating R30 for the column shown on the right from one of our projects. This was realized by oversizing the cross-section to some extent taking the fire-exposure into account. Other cases in which a fire desgn is recommended include:
- No fire exposure on all sides, e.g. because the column is on a wall or is integrated in a wall;
- lightly loaded columns (e.g. columns in arcades);
- columns of steel frames;
- columns made out of stainless steel (research results: Stainless steel in fire);
- hot-dip galvanized steel (research results: fire-protection by galvanizing).
For simple cases, the fire design can be carried out with the simplified level 1 and level 2 procedures according to EN 1993-1-2. In any case a so-called fire design with a general calculation method is possible, which corresponds to a level 3 method.
How I can help you
For such columns, a dimensioning with special programs for the fire design is required, which covers the non-linear relationships and the effects according to the second order theory consider in case of fire. I can offer you a short-term fire design for your given task in the European Union or worldwide. The documentation contains the essential information on the heating of the cross-section, the fire resistance period of the members and the deformations. Further services can of course be provided in consultation with you.
What are your benefits?
The fire design often saves money because more slender and therefore more economical constructions can be constructed.
My initial consultation for your project
To clarify your specific task, it is best to call me. Or you can send me an e-mail with some key data. On this basis, we can discuss the framework conditions and create an attractive offer for you.