Design of stainless steel elliptical hollow sections columns in case of fire: parametric study

Abstract

AbstractThe application of stainless steel as a structural material has been increasing, due to a number of desirable qualities such as its durability, resistance to corrosion and aesthetic appearance. Since it has a higher fire resistance when compared to carbon steel, it allows in some cases the absence of thermal protection. In addition to the aesthetic nature, elliptical hollow sections integrate the architectural attributes of the circular hollow sections and the structural advantages of the rectangular hollow sections. They have a better torsional behaviour than open sections and due to their shape they have a higher bending strength when compared to circular hollow profiles. Hence, the application of the material stainless steel combined with elliptical hollow sections stands as an interesting design option. The main objective of this study is to perform a parametric study to understand the fire behaviour of stainless steel columns subjected to axial compression, with Elliptical Hollow Sections and to analyse the safety and accuracy of the Eurocode 3 design methodology for these members. From comparing the obtained ultimate load bearing capacities with Eurocode 3 prescriptions, it is concluded that this design methodology is not suitable for this type of cross‐section profiles.