Proposal for a new formula to predict the fire resistance of timber connections. (1st February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Audebert, M.; Dhima, D.; Bouchaïr, A.
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 204(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02-01
• Subjects: Timber connections -- Thermomechanical behavior -- Numerical models -- ISO-fire exposure -- Tension parallel to grain -- Tension perpendicular to grain -- Bending -- Design rules EN 1995-1-2 -- Experimental design; 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.2019.110041
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: Experimental results of full-scale timber connections exposed to fire. Numerical model to predict the thermo-mechanical behavior of timber connections. Simplified formula easy to use by engineers. Significant improvement of existing formulas. Abstract: A large experimental and numerical program based on fire tests of timber connections under various mechanical loadings was performed in France since 1999. Numerical models, simulating the thermomechanical behavior of these tested connections were developed and validated on the basis of experimental results. The developed model is sufficiently relevant to realize parametrical studies on timber connections. Then, considering the four main parameters influencing the fire resistance of the connections (type and diameter of fasteners, thickness of timber members and load ratio), the model is used to analyze the combined influence of these factors and to realize a calibration based on the experimental design approach. The commonly used thicknesses of timber elements and diameters of fastener are chosen in the study. The experimental design approach based on numerical results considers the main loading cases in timber connections. It is used to propose a simplified formula to predict the fire resistance of timber connections loaded in tension parallel to grain, perpendicular to grain or bending. The proposed formula is then applied to all the available experimental results to check its accuracy.