Analysis of hydrocarbon fire-exposed cold-formed steel columns
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- Written by Dr. Qusay Al-Kaseasbeh
- Category: Civil and Environment Engineering
- Hits: 88
This study examines the fire behavior of cold-formed steel (i.e., CFS) columns exposed to hydrocarbon fire. Using ABAQUS numerical software, the heat transfer, and structural responses of CFS columns were simulated under hydrocarbon fire and axial compression. The research introduces two fire resistance levels: buckling time resistance (i.e., BTR, linked to maximum generated axial compression) and failure time resistance (i.e., FTR, at zero-axial generated force). Validation of the finite element model is achieved through comparison with the testing data reported in the literature. A parametric analysis explores key factors: the axial load level (α), slenderness ratio (λ), radius-to-thickness ratio (Rt), and the failure mode. Findings indicate significant impacts of α and Rt on CFS column behavior in hydrocarbon fire exposure. Increasing α by 60% decreases fire resistance by 30% and increases deformation rate by 63% on average. Adjustments in Rt proportionally affect both buckling and failure time resistance to approximately the same scale. In contrast, while λ has minimal effect on buckling time resistance, it does influence failure time resistance.