Storey-based stability of unbraced steel frames under piece-linear temperature distributions. (1st September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ma, Terence; Xu, Lei
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 194(2019)
• Page Start: 147
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2019-09-01
• Subjects: Fire -- Stability -- Steel frame -- Unbraced -- Storey-based -- Segment -- Stepped -- Temperature distributions -- Semi-rigid -- Insulation damage; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2019.05.064
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: The proposed method assesses the stability of frames with segmented members in fire. A derivation of the lateral stiffness of a segmented column is presented. Buckling of members with temperature distributions is modeled and validated in FEA. The effect of insulation damage on an example frame's fire resistance is quantified. Worst case locations of insulation damage can be determined in the proposed method. Abstract: There are many cases where the elastic modulus of a structural member will vary longitudinally, such as when a steel column is heated by fire. In such a case, the fire can compromise the integrity of the structural frame. It is therefore necessary in stability analysis to accurately analyze members with longitudinally varying elastic modulus. A new analytical method is derived to evaluate the stability of an unbraced steel frame containing members that each consist of up to three segments of differing elastic modulus. The method is presented in the form of a lateral stiffness equation, which characterises the loss of stability in a frame when its lateral stiffness diminishes to zero. The proposed method is also demonstrated via a numerical example by analyzing the case of a post-blast explosion fire whereby the insulation along a segment of any member is damaged. A scenario analysis was also conducted to identify the most vulnerable location in a frame, whereby the damage to insulation resulting from a blast causes the greatest reduction to the fire resistance. From a design standpoint, the most vulnerable locations can be identified and further protected to improve safety. The proposed method provides more accurate assessments of frame stability in cases where elastic modulus vary longitudinally in members, and is validated via finite element analysis.