Abstract
Experimental research was conducted to study the fire resistance of steel tubular columns used in prefabricated and modular construction. In order to achieve high-efficient prefabrication and fast on-site installation, membrane protections using board products and thermal insulation blankets are adopted as the favorable protection method. Three protected tubular columns were tested in a full-scale column furnace with axial load applied. The study variables were different membranes, including fiber reinforced calcium silicate (FRCS) boards, rock wool and aluminum silica (Fiberfrax) insulations. The results suggest that one layer of 12 mm FRCS board with rock wool insulation has insufficient fire protection. However, steel columns protected with two layers of 12 mm FRCS boards with insulation appeared to have good fire resistances and could achieve a fire resistance rating as high as 2.5~3.0 h.
Highlights
Prefabricated and modular steel structures are gaining more and more popularity in China recently.By prefabricating modular sections or components that are assembled to complete construction, project time and cost can be significantly reduced [1,2,3].A 30-storey hotel building was completed in just 15 days using prefabricated and modular construction technology in China [4]
The specimen was installed in the furnace and both ends were hinged
Based on the experimental work conducted in this research, we can conclude that appropriate fire protection methods are necessary for the steel tubular columns to meet the Chinese code requirements for the fire resistance rating
Summary
Prefabricated and modular steel structures are gaining more and more popularity in China recently.By prefabricating modular sections or components that are assembled to complete construction, project time and cost can be significantly reduced [1,2,3].A 30-storey hotel building was completed in just 15 days using prefabricated and modular construction technology in China [4]. Prefabricated and modular steel structures are gaining more and more popularity in China recently. By prefabricating modular sections or components that are assembled to complete construction, project time and cost can be significantly reduced [1,2,3]. A 30-storey hotel building was completed in just 15 days using prefabricated and modular construction technology in China [4]. The hotel was assembled using modular steel columns, floor assemblies and light-frame walls. Steel columns in the prefabricated and modular construction must be protected [7,8,9,10,11,12,13]. The fire protection must be optimized to fit the process of prefabrication in factory and modular assembly on-site
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
