Calibration of a simplified method for fire resistance assessment of partially encased composite beams

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to deal with the evaluation of the bending moment resistance of partially encased composite beams, heated from below by the standard-time temperature curve (ISO 834). Design/methodology/approach EN 1994-1-2 provides two calculation models for evaluating the sagging and hogging moment resistance: the “general simplified rules” and the “simplified models” proposed in the Annex F. Findings In this paper, these simplified calculation models were implemented on several partially encased composite beams, by means of a parametric analysis. Then, the results were compared to those obtained through an advanced calculation model, such as the Moment–Curvature model, by means of a comparative analysis. Originality/value The aim of the “parametric-comparative” analysis is the evaluation of the reliability of the Annex F simplified models. This analysis was conducted by means of both numerical-numerical and numerical-experimental comparisons. This paper provides an alternative simplified calculation model, which is easy to implement and very reliable.