Transient creep analytical modeling for shear endplate assemblies in fire

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop an analytical model that is capable of predicting the behavior of shear endplate beam-column assemblies when exposed to fire, taking into account the thermal creep effect. Design/methodology/approach An analytical model is developed and validated against finite element (FE) models previously validated against experimental tests in the literature. Major material and geometrical parameters are incorporated in the analysis to investigate their influence on the overall response of the shear endplate assembly in fire events. Findings The analytical model can predict the induced axial forces and deflections of the assembly. The results show that when creep effect is considered explicitly in the analysis, the beam undergoes excessive deformation. This deformation needs to be taken into account in the design. The results show the significance of thermal creep effect on the behavior of the shear endplate assembly as exposed to various fire scenarios. Research limitations/implications However, the user-defined constants of the creep equations cannot be applied to other connection types. These constants are limited to shear endplate connections having the material and geometrical parameters specified in this study. Originality/value The importance of the analytical model is that it provides a time-effective, simple and comprehensive technique that can be used as an alternative to the experimental tests and numerical methods. Also, it can be used to develop a design procedure that accounts for the transient thermal creep behavior of steel connections in real fire.