Experimental Research of Corner Joints in Steel-Framed Structures under Fire Conditions

Abstract

The research involved experimental testing of simple steel connections and components (structural 8.8 bolts) at elevated temperatures. High temperature tests on structural bolts demonstrated two modes of failure at elevated temperatures: bolt breakage and thread stripping. In order to prevent the thread stripping in a connection,the manufacturing process of bolts and nuts has been investigated and the ‘over tapping’ of nut threads to accommodate the (zinc) coating layer for corrosion resistance has been indentified as a primary reason resulting in this premature failure between bolts and nuts. Experimental tests on endplate connections revealed the ductility of these connections to decrease at high temperatures, which might hinder the development of catenary actions in fire if plastic hinges are attempted to be formed within the connection zones. Component-based modelling and finite element simulation have been utilized for investigation of the performance of these connections.