Reliability analysis of the slab panel method (SPM) for the design of composite steel floors in severe fires
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a reliability analysis of the slab panel method (SPM) for the design of composite steel floors in severe fires. Rather than seeking to accurately define failure levels, this paper highlights areas of uncertainty in design and their effect on design results, whilst providing approximate reliability levels.
Design/methodology/approach
A Monte Carlo simulation has been conducted using the SPM design procedure to produce probability density functions of floor capacity for various floor layouts. Statistical input variables were obtained from the literature. Different configurations, geometries and fire severities are included to demonstrate how predicted floor capacities are influenced.
Findings
From the research presented, it is clear that the predicted reliability of SPM systems varies relative to a large number of criteria, but especially parameters related to fire loading. Predicted capacities are shown to be conservative compared to results of furnace and large-scale natural fire tests, which exhibit higher fire resistance. Due to distinct fire hazard categories with associated input values, there are step discontinuities in capacity graphs.
Originality/value
Limited research has been done to date on the reliability of structures in fire as discussed in this paper. It is important to verify the reliability levels of systems to ensure that partial and global factors of safety are adequate. Monte Carlo simulations are shown to be effective for calculating the average floor capacities and associated standard deviations. The presentation of probability density functions for composite floors in severe fires is novel.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank HERA New Zealand and Mr Andrew Pennington for the use of the SPM software and their assistance. Also, this work has been supported in part by the National Research Foundation of South Africa under a Thuthuka grant, Unique Grant No. 99304. Any opinion, finding and conclusion or recommendation expressed in this material is that of the author(s) and the NRF does not accept any liability in this regard.
Citation
Walls, R., Viljoen, C., de Clercq, H. and Clifton, C. (2017), "Reliability analysis of the slab panel method (SPM) for the design of composite steel floors in severe fires", Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 84-103. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSFE-01-2017-0008
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited