Abstract
This paper investigates the structural behaviour and design of duplex and ferritic stainless steel stub columns with a circular hollow cross-section (CHS) at elevated temperature. A numerical model is developed to supplement the limited test results on stainless steel CHS stub columns in the literature. Following validation, the numerical approach is employed to gain an understanding of the critical behavioural characteristics which have not previously been studied. In addition, the paper considers and extends the continuous strength method (CSM) to include duplex and ferritic stainless steel for CHS stub columns in fire. The CSM employs a base curve linking the cross-section resistance to its deformation capacity and implements an elastic, linear hardening material model. The cross-sectional resistances obtained from the proposed CSM are compared with those from the numerical analysis, as well as with the standardised procedures in the European, American and Australia/New Zealand design standards. It is demonstrated that CSM can lead to more accurate and less scattered strength predictions than current design codes.
Highlights
The use of stainless steel in structural applications is increasing due, in part, to the material’s aesthetics, ease of maintenance, corrosion resistance, low life cycle costs and fire resistance, as well as the availability of improved design guidance
The current paper focuses on the applicability of this method for the design of duplex and ferritic stainless steel circular hollow sections (CHS) stub columns at elevated temperature
The results indicate that the room temperature design rules given in EN 1993-1-4 (2015) can be safely applied to stainless steel CHS stub columns at all levels of elevated temperature examined in this study
Summary
The use of stainless steel in structural applications is increasing due, in part, to the material’s aesthetics, ease of maintenance, corrosion resistance, low life cycle costs and fire resistance, as well as the availability of improved design guidance. One of the key incentives for using stainless steel is the possibility of improved fire performance, relative to carbon steel, reducing the requirements for expensive fire protection. A reduction or even removal of the need for fire protection on some or all of the structural members has substantial economic incentives. These include lower construction costs, shorter construction time, more effective use of interior space and a better working environment (Baddoo, 2013). Stainless steel is inherently a more expensive material compared with carbon steel in terms of initial costs and any savings and efficiencies that can be found, are important.
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