Virtual hybrid simulation of beams with web openings in fire

Abstract

Purpose Perforated composite beams are an increasingly popular choice in the construction of buildings because they can provide a structurally and materially efficient design solution while also facilitating the passage of services. The purpose of this paper is to examine the behaviour of restrained perforated beams, which act compositely with a profiled slab and are exposed to fire. The effect of surrounding structure on the composite perforated beam is incorporated in this study using a virtual hybrid simulation framework. The developed framework could also be used to analyse other structural components in fire. Design/methodology/approach A finite element model is developed using OpenSees and OpenFresco using a virtual hybrid simulation technique, and the accuracy of the model is validated using available fire test data. The validated model is used to investigate some of the most salient parameters such as the degree of axial and rotational restraint, arrangement of the openings and different types of fire on the overall fire behaviour of composite perforated beams. Findings It is shown that both axial and rotational restraint have a considerable effect on time-displacement behaviour and the fire performance of the composite perforated beam. It is observed that the rate of heating and the consequent development of elevated temperature in the section have a significant effect on the fire behaviour of composite perforated beams. Originality/value The paper will improve the knowledge of readers about modelling the whole system behaviour in structural fire engineering and the presented approach could also be used for analysing different types of structural components in fire conditions.

OpenFIRE: An Open Computational Framework for Structural Response to Real Fires

“…Some of the earliest efforts in explaining the findings of the full-scale Cardington tests, primarily through simulation and modelling, were by Bailey [19], Rose et al [20], Wang [21], and Huang et al [22]. The Cardington tests allowed the validation of a number of finite element software packages and simulation approaches such as ABAQUS, Vulcan [22], SAFIR [7], ADAPTIC [23] and hybrid simulation approach [24][25][26]. The collapse of the WTC towers on 11 September 2001 spurred on further studies on progressive collapse of tall buildings in fire.…”

A two-scale method to include essential screw connection behaviour in two-way coupled fire-structure simulations

“…With hybrid testing, this is solved by experiments for the most critical parts, real-time combined by e.g. OpenFresco with simulations for the other (surrounding) parts (see Khan et al ., 2020). Alternatively, also the experiments can be simulated by dedicated models, leading to virtual hybrid approaches (e.g.…”

Response of restrained stainless steel corrugated web beams at elevated temperature

“…Recently, there have been a number of studies conducted to understand the development and contribution that is made by catenary action in restrained beams at elevated temperature [22][23][24][25]. In addition, virtual hybrid simulations were performed by Khan et al [26][27][28] to understand the effect of catenary action on the behaviour of restrained composite beams in fire. Simplified design equations were proposed by Yin and Wang [22] to quantify the catenary effect in steel beams exposed to uniform and non-uniform temperature distribution.…”