Analysis of restrained composite perforated beams during fire using a hybrid simulation approach

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the behavior of restrained perforated beams acting compositely with a profiled slab during a fire. These members are increasingly popular in the construction of long-span floor systems because they provide a structurally and materially efficient design solution and provide space for placement of building services. However, their response during a fire has received little attention from the research community until recently. In the current work, a hybrid simulation-type numerical approach is adopted using a combination of the OpenSEES, ABAQUS, and OpenFresco software. The accuracy of the model is validated using available fire test data whereby the temperatures measured during the experiments are directly applied in the numerical model at various locations. The effect of axial and rotational restraint due to the connections between the beams and columns is also investigated following validation of the model. Furthermore, the hybrid simulation approach is employed to study a number of salient parameters, including load ratios, material grade, and the location of the openings. The variation in axial force during the fire is also examined. Various failure modes were observed during the analysis, including flexural and shear failure, failure of the web-post, concrete crushing, and also a Vierendeel mechanism. The fire resistance of the analyzed beams is compared with the values obtained from the most common design codes. Because of the consideration of restraint forces, which are not included in the design codes, the resistances predicted by the finite-element simulations were more favorable. It was found that the location of the openings along the span and also the boundary conditions had a considerable effect on the time-displacement behavior, axial reactions, and web-post buckling behavior, as well as the fire performance of the perforated beam.