Design of reinforced concrete beams under fire exposure conditions

Abstract

This paper presents a method for estimating the residual flexural and shear capacities of a reinforced concrete beam, corresponding to its exposure to fire for a certain duration of time. The proposed method is based on assessment of reduction in the initial strengths of concrete and reinforcement, resulting from the high temperatures developed inside the beam. The design rules for flexural and shear capacities are validated with the help of tests on beams representing a practical range of parameters: dimensionsof the beam, the strength of concrete and the strength, amount and location of the reinforcement.