Numerical assessment of midrise multi-storey reinforced concrete framed structures subjected to fire

Abstract

This research aims at numerical assessment of multistory reinforced concrete framed structures subjected to fire. The Applied Element Method (AEM) was selected for this study so that potential collapse, partial or total, can be predicted. The Extreme Loading for Structures (ELS) software was used in the current study. To consider the material deterioration due to fire, a modification to the constitutive models has been considered in ELS. Firstly, the AEM was validated to be a reliable tool for analyzing structures under the effect of fire loads. AEM was then used to perform a parametric study on a typical mid-rise multistory RC framed residential building, aiming at investigating the effect of different fire parameters on the damage of structural members. The studied parameters were: concrete compressive strength, steel yield stress, columns' reinforcement ratio, edge column orientation, location of fire, and maximum fire temperature. Numerical results revealed that framed reinforced concrete structures have a relatively good resistance to progressive collapse under the effect of fire loads, and that the effect of material deterioration due to fire should be considered in numerical analysis. Material deterioration could lead to an increase in deformation as high as 1000% at high temperatures (900 °C) which may lead to collapse.