Purpose This paper aims to describe the theoretical background and main hypotheses at the basis of SAFIR®, a nonlinear finite element software for modeling structures in fire. The paper also explains how to use the software at its full extent. The discussed numerical modeling principles can be applied with other similar software. Design/methodology/approach Following a general overview of the organization of the software, the thermal analysis part is explained, with the basic equations and the different possibilities to apply thermal boundary conditions (compartment fire, localized fire, etc.). Next, the mechanical analysis part is detailed, including the time integration procedures and the different types of finite elements: beam, truss, shell, spring and solid. Finally, the material laws are described. The software capabilities and limitations are discussed throughout the paper. Findings By accommodating multiple types of finite elements and materials, by allowing the user to consider virtually any section type and to input the fire attack in multiple forms, the software SAFIR® is a comprehensive tool for investigating the behavior of structures in the fire situation. Meanwhile, being developed exclusively for its well-defined field of application, it remains relatively easy to use. Originality value The paper will improve the knowledge of readers (researchers, designers and authorities) about numerical modeling used in structural fire engineering in general and the capabilities of a particular software largely used in the fire engineering community.

SUMMARYThis paper describes an experimental investigation of the charring rates of timber. An experimental procedure was designed for assessing the charring rate of 20 specimens exposed to fire in a single test, with one-dimensional heat transfer conditions.Each test specimen was manufactured by gluing seven laminates together. Four thermocouples were inserted at different depths in four different laminates located in the middle of the test specimen. The test was conducted using a gas-fired furnace and specimens were exposed to the standard ISO 834 fire.In order to evaluate the fire performance of tropical hardwoods, seven different species with densities ranging from 500 to 1000 kg/m 3 were used. For the purpose of verifying the experimental procedure against existing data, two softwood species (spruce and fir) and one European hardwood species (oak) were also examined.Experimental results indicate that the test method and procedure can be used for assessing the charring rate of timber both for softwood and for hardwood species. They also show that the density of wood significantly affects the charring rate and that the values recommended in Eurocode 5 for high densities are somewhat too conservative.

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