Scale test of large space stainless steel structure subjected to natural fire

Abstract

Stainless steel is increasingly being used in architectural structures, especially in large space structures which pursue artistic effects. Although stainless steel has better fire resistance than carbon steel, fire retardant coatings are rarely used for stainless steel structures. Based on the 11th Jiangsu Horticultural Expo, a 1:4 scale model was established to explore the fire behaviour of large space stainless steel structures. The air temperature, structural temperature, thermal radiation and structural displacement were investigated. The research showed that air temperature above the fire source was radial. With distance from the fire source increasing, air temperature dropped faster and faster. The structural temperature showed a linear increase during combustion. For the members not directly exposed to fire, the temperature was generally less than 100 °C. While the temperature of the members directly exposed to fire reached up to 200 °C. During the whole test, the large space stainless steel structure was in an elastic stage. The displacement of both ends of the member directly above the fire source was the largest. The structure on the side where the fire source was placed moved upwards and that on the other side moved downwards. When each test finished, the structural displacement was restored to the original state taking about two hours. The test results showed that the large space stainless steel structure was safe when subject to the natural fire during the normal service. Detailed test methods are provided herein, which offers a significant reference for similar research on large space steel structures.