Studies on the Behavior of Steel Single-Plate Beam End Connections in a Fire

Abstract

This paper summarizes the results of a recently completed research study on the behavior of simple beam end framing connections in steel buildings subjected to fire. Connections are critical elements in maintaining the integrity of a structure during a fire, but there are still many aspects of connection behavior in a fire that are not well understood. In the USA, one of the most common types of simple beam end framing connections is the single-plate connection, which was the subject of this study.In this research investigation, a series of experiments were conducted on connection subassemblies at elevated temperatures to understand and characterize connection stiffness, strength and deformation capacity, and to validate predictions of connection capacity developed by computational and design models. Three-dimensional finite element (FE) connection models were developed and these models were evaluated by comparing with experimental data. The FE models were then used to conduct an extensive series of parameter studies that investigated the impact of several key variables on connection response to the heating and cooling stages of a fire.This paper describes key aspects of this study, including the experiments, development of FE models and parametric studies. The paper highlights the results of the study that provide important insights into connection behavior during a fire and the implications of these results for design.