Experimental Examination of the Structural Performance of Restrained HSS Steel Beams and their End Connections in Fire

Abstract

This paper describes a series of full-scale tests performed in the fire research facilities of Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. These tests are part of an experimental programme, whose objective is to investigate the structural performance of axially restrained tubular steel beams at elevated temperatures. The primary focus is to determine the effect of the beam end connections on the structural performance of the steel-frame assembly. Four unprotected steel-frame test assemblies, each composed of a hollow structural section (HSS) steel beam restrained between two HSS columns, were subjected to a standard fire while constantly loaded. The main parameters investigated were the end plate thickness and the degree of beam axial restraint. Two different end plate thicknesses were tested, 12.7 mm and 19.0 mm. The experimental results showed a considerable effect of the end plate thickness on the structural behaviour of the connection and the connected beam. Moreover, the fire tests have revealed different connection failure modes, such as excessive end plate deformations, column buckling, and bolts fracture.

Citation

Salem, O., Hadjisophocleous, G. and Zalok, E. (2012), "Experimental Examination of the Structural Performance of Restrained HSS Steel Beams and their End Connections in Fire", Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, Vol. 3 No. 3, pp. 249-266. https://doi.org/10.1260/2040-2317.3.3.249