Development of a plug-and-play fire protection system for steel columns. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Randaxhe, Jérôme; Popa, Nicoleta; Vassart, Olivier; Tondini, Nicola
• Is Part Of: Fire safety journal. Volume 121(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Steel structure -- Fire protection -- Standard fire -- FE thermal Analysis -- Rock wool board -- Steel sheets; Fire prevention -- Periodicals; Incendies -- Prévention -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Fire prevention -- Research; Periodicals; 628.92205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.firesaf.2020.103272
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-7112

Abstract

Abstract: The paper presents the development of an innovative cost-effective fire protection system for steel columns, which is quick and easy to install and to dismantle. In terms of assembly, this protection is designed to be a plug-and-play system, which is made of two U-shaped half-protections that encapsulate a column. They are composed of high-density rock wool boards arranged in U-shape steel sheets presenting a system of claws to ensure their connection. Small-scale experimental tests were performed to evaluate the insulating efficiency of the system and the thermal behaviour of the connection claws. Numerical models were then developed with the finite elements software ABAQUS and SAFIR and were successively calibrated based on experimental results. Subsequently, full-scale experimental tests were performed according to the European standard of regulation EN13381-4 and the results certified that the fire protection is effective for steel profiles with section factor ranging from 42 to 103 m −1 to maintain the steel temperature below 550 °C when exposed to a standard fire for 120 min. Finally, a cost analysis was performed to attest the competitivity of the plug-and-play fire protection system by considering direct and indirect costs. Highlights: Design of a fire protection made of only two components composed of rock wool boards and steel sheets. Conception of a plug-and-play connection system allowing for short installation times reducing risk exposure for technicians. 2D thermal models were created with FE software SAFIR and calibrated based on experimental tests. System certified against European norms(EN) to protect steel columns presenting box section factors going from 42 to 103 m −1 . System certified against EN to protect steel columns by maintaining their temperature below 550 °C when exposed to ISO834 fire for 120 min.