Fire performance of fin plate shear connections modelled with component based method and 3D finite elements

Abstract

Steel buildings bring together structural fire problems that are very dangerous especially for structures in large cities. Fire performance of steel structures is ignored in design and construction stage of the buildings. Recently, an innovative mathematical model called Component-Based Method (CBM) has been developed in order to analyze the fundamental behavior of fin-plate shear connections under a realistic fire situation. This approach has achieved popularity because of its advantages compared to the other analytical mathematical methods. It may be used for any joint type, various connections and loading situations. This method also demonstrates the load-deflection and moment-rotation curve of components that is properly de ned in the research. This study aims to evaluate the fire performance of a beam with a fin-plate connection type and to obtain realistic data for the structures with CBM under realistic fire conditions. It also aims to investigate the behavior of the fin plate connections by comparing with the idealized pinned and fixed connections at high temparatures by using the CBM. Firstly, a fin-plate connection is modelled by using CBM. Then, the beam axial force, connection moment, rotation as well as midspan deflection history of CBM model are compared the connection model using 3D nite elements model that is created by using same material properties and loading situations. The results show a semi-rigid connection performs differently compared to idealized pinned or fixed beam end conditions. The results suggest that the CBM model shows good agreement with the computationally expensive 3D nite element model and it can be used to simulate semi-rigid connections under fire conditions.