Effectiveness of damaged fireproofing in structural steel members subjected to fire

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the effect of damaged fireproofing on structural steel members. This study will show that a minor damage in fireproofing will reduce the fire rating of members significantly. Damaged fireproofing happens in structures due to various reasons, and the question is always how effective is this fireproofing? This paper presents the results of one type of fireproofing and presents a parametric study on the size of damage and its effect on fire resistance of structural steel members. Design/methodology/approach The study has been performed using numerical methods, thermal and structural finite element analysis. The analysis method has been verified by experimental results. Findings Small fire protection damage or loss leads to significant rise of temperature at the damaged parts and causes severe fire resistance reduction of beams. The higher fire protection damage’s extension at the bottom flange of the steel beams does not have any major influence on the rate of reduction of fire resistance of the beams. Steel beams experience greater fire resistance reduction at higher load levels because of the existing of higher stresses and loads within the steel beam section. Research limitations/implications The study has been performed using finite element analysis, and it covers a wide range of practical sizes. However, experimental work will be performed by the researchers when funding is granted. Practical implications The study provides researchers and practitioners with an estimate on the effect of damaged fireproofing on fire resistance of structural steel beams. Social implications Understanding the effect of the effect of damaged fireproofing helps in estimating the fire resistance of structural steel members, which may protect collapses and disasters. Originality/value The research is original; extensive literature review has been performed, and this research is original.