Effects of Cross-Section Type and Degree of Utilization on Failure Time and Temperature of Cold-Formed Steel Column under ISO Fire

Abstract

An investigation into fire resistance subjected to the ISO fire standard was conducted on a cold-formed steel (CFS) column. The variables involved were the CFS sections with various cross-section types and service loadings known as the degree of utilization. Three types of cross-section, known as channel, back-to-back (BTB), and box-up (BU) sections, were studied. All supports for the column are in constant condition. To simulate the real fire situation, the column was preloaded at 30%, 50%, and 70% of its ultimate strength. After the load was static, the column was exposed to the ISO fire standard. The column was loaded at the centroid of the section. The temperature at the column surface and the time was recorded until the column became unstable. The results show that the shape did not have any significant effects on the critical temperature of the CFS columns. The higher the applied load—or as used in this study, the higher the degree of utilization of the CFS columns—the greater the negative linear effect on their critical temperature. It is concluded that the minimum limiting temperature is 400 °C and the minimum limiting time is four minutes for the CFS column.