Effect of thermal expansion on three-dimensional reinforced concrete frames under high temperature

Abstract

When exposed to high temperatures, reinforced concrete members undergo major changes in their properties which in turn affects their structural performance. Fire accidents in frame structures at local or global level may lead to collapse of structures. Structural fire has dire consequences like collapse of structures, colour changes, spalling of concrete and failure of essential elements. It is essential to study the conduct of reinforced concrete frame under thermal expansion in order to understand fire-induced collapse of concrete structures. This study observes how a three dimensional single-bay single-storey reinforced concrete frame is performed under thermo-mechanical analysis in ABAQUS (FEA). The paper aims to note the effect of slab and infill wall with respect to thermal expansion. The paper also discusses the main findings regarding the structural performance, structural leading conditions and structural stiffness of the reinforced concrete frame with slab and infill wall under thermal expansion. The results found that the infill frame has better stiffness and performs well under fire conditions.