Abstract
Introduction: The paper describes problems associated with fire resistance of steel and reinforced concrete columns exposed to fire on less than four sides (such as embedded in firewalls). One-sided exposure is associated with varying temperatures on both sides of the column, which leads to the formation of lateral displacement, causing additional forces in the column, its fixing and in the adjacent structure.
Methodology: Steel columns: It is emphasised that in PN-EN 1993-1-2 there are no simplified methods which allow to calculate the load-bearing capacity of columns exposed to fire on one side. The article describes the most important conclusions of research work carried out in recent years with an indication of a potential method for calculating load-bearing capacity of such elements, which allows to take into consideration the uneven temperature in a given element. This type of heating and uneven temperature within the cross-section resulting from it, is associated with the variation of material parameters such as yield strength and elasticity modulus depending on location in the cross-section. Reinforced concrete columns: Basic division of methods provided by PN-EN 1992-1-2 is described with special emphasis on scope of its application limited by: the type of construction, the length of the element, its slenderness and the load eccentricity. A review of methods was performed in terms of their application when exposed to fire on less than four sides. A method in the German National Annex to DIN EN 1992- 1-2 is described in detail; it allows to calculate the capacity of the load-bearing capacity of cantilever columns exposed to fire from one, three or four sides. Simplified additional methods from literature are briefly described along with their conclusions.
Conclusions: The following can be distinguished among potential solutions to the problem: placing the columns outside the firewall, designing a special connection which allows the roof structure to collapse into the warehouse without causing excessive horizontal forces acting on the column or using bracing of the adjacent structure to transfer horizontal forces. However, due to the complexity of more sophisticated methods, it would be advisable to develop methods taking into account uneven exposure in a simplified manner, based on actual cases of fires in buildings.
Keywords: fire resistance, column exposed to fire, fire wall, fire, temperature
Type of article: review article