Fire resistance of RC columns using finite element method

This report investigates the fire resistance of reinforced concrete (RC) columns at elevated temperatures using the finite element programme SAFIR. The thermal and structural analyses for the calculation of fire resistance of columns are explained. For many years, fire resistance issue has been a major concern worldwide, especially for the safety of occupants in a building. Reinforced concrete is the most widely used building material in the world; it is important to know the fire resistance of reinforced concrete when it comes to constructing buildings. The analysis of this report was done using SAFIR, a non-linear finite element program developed at the University of Liege, Belgium. The program for tracing the response of a RC column from the initial pre-loading stage to collapse, due to fire, is demonstrated. The analytical models consisted of columns which were modeled after finite element beams in SAFIR. ASTM E119 was mainly used as a fire curve function for columns in this report. The validity of the numerical model used in the program is established by comparing the predictions from the computer program with results from full-scale fire resistance tests. The FEM program is verified by a few case studies from Kodur and Benmarce. SAFIR is used to predict the fire resistance of columns for any value of the significant parameters, such as load, section dimensions, column length, concrete strength, moisture content and aggregate type. From the analyses, large loadings, small dimensions and siliceous aggregates are proved to have poor influences on the fire resistance of RC columns during the fire.Bachelor of Engineering (Civil