Abstract
Abstract Openings in reinforced concrete (RC) beams may be required due to building installations (electrical, water, etc.). They weaken its cross-sectional area and, in case of fire, can increase the thermal field of the structure. NBR 15200 does not consider this. The paper evaluated the influence of rectangular openings on the Fire Resistance Rating (FRR) of RC beams by the Simplified Method of NBR 15200. This method combines a non-linear thermal analysis (isotherms) with the evaluation of the flexural strength of the beams using a manual design calculation method. The thermal field were obtained by a thermal model solved by finite element analysis (FEA) with Abaqus software. Thermal parameters of NBR 15200 were used. This FRR was compared with equivalent beams without openings solved by the Tabular Method of NBR 15200. Twelve 60 cm high beams with different widths and dimensions of openings were studied. Beams with openings had a FRR up to 60 min lower than the equivalent beam without openings. The larger the size of the rectangular opening, the greater the mechanical degradation of the beam in fire. NBR 15200 Tabular Method proved to be unsafe in this case. Prescriptions for beams with openings must be shown in NBR 15200.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.