Leeds Beckett University

Level 7 MSc Civil Engineering

CENG704 - Advanced Structural Eng & FEM
Structural Analysis & Design

Week 11 Structural Fire Engineering: Load for fire

situations and design for reinforced concrete
members
Dr Kan Zhou
[Link]@[Link]
 Learning outcomes
• Determine the load of structural members for the fire situation, as
compared with ambient temperature situation
• Design of reinforced concrete members for the fire situation using:
–Tabulated data
–Simple calculation method
• Appreciate the issue of concrete explosive spalling and measures to
alleviate it
Design procedure according to the Eurocode
 Range of options available to the designer Take-away
Thermal model Structural model Method of analysis

Nominal (standard) fire curves Single element Tabulated data

Calculation based on standard curve Sub-assembly Simple calculation models

(time equivalent)
Simple calculation based on Entire structure Advanced calculation models
compartment characteristics (non-linear finite elements)
(parametric approach)
Advanced calculation model — —
(computational fluid dynamics)
Hierarchy in terms of complexity
The tabulated approach should be the first
port of call. This is particularly relevant in
relation to concrete and composite
Tabulated data structures.

Simplified calculation methods are

appropriate for steel and composite
Simplified buildings and concrete buildings where the
calculation methods dimensions or cover required do not meet
the specified fire resistance period…

Advanced Advanced calculation methods (typically

calculation methods nonlinear finite-element models) may be
used where the structure is very complex...
Examples of such structures would include
sports stadia, exhibition halls and airport
terminals.
 Methods to be covered

Tabulated data Simplified calculation methods

• Reinforced concrete columns, walls • The 500℃ isotherm method (Annex
(both load-bearing and non-load- B.1)
bearing) • The zone method (Annex B.2)
• Beams (including simply supported
and continuous, and reinforced and
prestressed)
• Slabs (both solid and ribbed)
 Limitations of simplified calculation methods
• For reinforced concrete columns exposed to the standard fire
condition, either method may be used.
• For reinforced concrete columns under parametric fire curves of EN
1991-1-2 (Chapter 3), only the 500℃ isotherm method can be used.
 Empirical Methods - Wickstrom’s method
• With the fire temperature increase of Δθf, the member temperature increase is
• Uniaxial： ∆𝜃 = 𝑛x 𝑛w ∆𝜃f , 𝑛w = 1 − 0.0616𝑡 −0.88 , 𝑡 is in h.
• 𝑛x = 0.18 ln 𝑢x − 0.81, 𝑢x = 𝑎Τ𝑎c ∙ 𝑡Τ𝑥 2
• 𝑎: Thermal diffusivity of the concrete, 𝑎 = 𝜆Τ𝜌𝑐
• 𝑎c : reference value of 0.417 × 10−6 m2 Τs y
x
• Biaxial: Δ𝜃xy = 𝑛w 𝑛x + 𝑛y − 2𝑛x 𝑛y + 𝑛x 𝑛y Δ𝜃f
• 𝑛y = 0.18 ln 𝑢y − 0.81
𝑎 𝑡
• 𝑢y =
𝑎c 𝑦 2
 Example
• Δ𝜃𝑓 = 345 lg 8 × 60𝑡 + 1
0.1m
• 𝑛w = 1 − 0.0616𝑡 −0.88 0.05m
0.67 𝑡
• 𝑢𝑥 =
0.417 𝑥 2
• 𝑛𝑥 = 0.18 ln 𝑢𝑥 − 0.81
𝑡
• Compared with 𝑛𝑥 = 0.18 ln − 0.81
𝑥2
𝒏𝐱 𝒏𝐱
𝒕 ∆𝜽𝐟 𝒏𝐰 chart
(𝒂 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟕 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟔 ) (𝒂 = 𝒂𝐜 )

1.0 925 0.938 307.2 233.1 230

2.0 1029 0.967 476.0 391.1 390

3.0 1089 0.977 587.0 496.1 493

 Example y
B
• For the column section, solve for the x 30 A
30
temperature distribution along line OA and
O 300
OB at 1h standard fire exposure
• Take the location (30,30) as an example, the
fire temperature increase at 1h is 300
Δ𝜃f = 345 log10 ( 8𝑡 + 1) = 925.34∘ C

Use the nominal material properties for the concrete,

𝜆 1.6
𝑎= = = 6.67 × 10−7 𝑛w = 1 − 0.0616𝑡 −0.88 = 1 − 0.0616 × 1−0.88 = 0.9384
𝜌𝑐 2400 × 1000

𝑎 𝑡 6.67 × 10−7 1 Δ𝜃xy = 𝑛w 𝑛x + 𝑛y − 2𝑛x 𝑛y + 𝑛x 𝑛y Δ𝜃f = 698.47℃

𝑢x = = = 1776.36
𝑎c 𝑥 2 4.17 × 10−7 0.032
Temperature at location (30,30) is
𝑛x = 0.18 ln 𝑢x − 0.81 = 0.5368
𝜃xy = 20 + Δ𝜃xy = 718.47
Similarly 𝑛y = 0.5368
 Example y
B
x 30 A
• Repeat the calculation for all other 30
locations along OA and OB gives: O 300

OA OB
X Y 𝜃 X y 𝜃 300
(mm) (mm) (x,y) (mm) (mm) (x,y) 1000
900
0 150 888.3 0 0 888.3 800
700
30 150 467.7 30 30 718.5 600
OB
60 150 242.4 60 60 452.0 500
400
90 150 110.6 90 90 249.2 300 OA
120 150 20 120 120 84.4 200
100
150 150 20 150 150 20 0
0 30 60 90 120 150
LOAD FOR THE FIRE SITUATION
 Why do we need to determine the load?
• An accurate assessment of the performance of a structural member
requires:
–The reduction in material properties at increasing temperature

We talked about it in the Materials Technology module in semester 1

–An accurate assessment of the loads acting on the structure at the time of
the fire

Basically, when a fire occurs in a building, it is unlikely for other loads to take the
maximum values at the same time. Therefore, a reduction in load is considered.
 The incorporation of design codes
• The importance of applied load on fire resistance has long been
recognized and was specifically incorporated into the calculation
models in the fire part of the British Standard for steel structures, BS
5950 Part 8

• The Eurocodes include load effects not only in relation to steel and
composite structures but also for concrete members.
 Partial safety factors for loads
• You will need EN 1990 (basis of design) with EN 1991-1-2 (the fire
part of the Actions code).
• In particular EN 1991-1-2 specifies the partial factor for imposed
(assuming leading variable action) loading for the fire limit state.
• Fire loading is an ultimate limit state accidental design situation
(see EN 1990) of the form:
• 𝑬𝐝 = 𝑬 𝑮𝐤,𝒋 ; 𝑷; 𝑨𝒅 ; 𝜳𝟏,𝟏 𝐨𝐫 𝜳𝟐,𝟏 𝑸𝐤,𝟏 ; 𝜳𝟐,𝒊 𝑸𝐤,𝒊 for 𝒋 ≥ 𝟏; 𝒊 > 𝟏
–Definitions to follow in the next slide
 Design value of the effect of actions
• 𝑬𝐝 = 𝑬 𝑮𝐤,𝒋 ; 𝑷; 𝑨𝒅 ; 𝜳𝟏,𝟏 𝐨𝐫 𝜳𝟐,𝟏 𝑸𝐤,𝟏 ; 𝜳𝟐,𝒊 𝑸𝐤,𝒊 for 𝒋 ≥ 𝟏; 𝒊 > 𝟏
• Where
• 𝐸 is the effect of actions (𝐸d is the design value of the effect of actions)
• 𝐺 is the permanent action (dead load);
• 𝑃 is the relevant representative value of a prestressing action (where present);
• 𝑨𝐝 is the design value of an accidental action;
• 𝛹1 is the factor for frequent value of a variable action;
• 𝛹2 is the factor for quasi-permanent value of a variable action;
• 𝑄k is the characteristic value of a single variable action
• 𝑄k,1 is the characteristic value of the leading variable action – often the
imposed load
 Values for combination factors

EN 1990 allows the use of either 𝛹1 or 𝛹2 with the main variable action
EN 1991-1-2 recommends the use of 𝛹2 ; However, the UK National Annex specifies the use of 𝜳𝟏
 Partial safety factors for loads
• In the fire situation 𝑨𝐝 is the effect of the fire itself on the structure, i.e.
the effects of restrained thermal expansion, thermal gradients,
etc.
• However, EN 1991-1-2 states that:
• Indirect actions from adjacent members need not be considered
when fire safety requirements refer to members under standard fire
conditions.
• This means, effectively, 𝑨𝐝 = 𝟎
 Partial safety factors for loads
• And also that:
• Imposed and constrained expansions and deformations caused by
temperature changes due to fire exposure results in effects of actions,
e.g. forces and moments which shall be considered with the
exception of those where they:
–May be recognised a priori to be negligible or favourable
–Are accounted for by conservatively chosen support models and boundary
conditions and/or implicitly considered by conservatively specified fire safety
requirements.
 Example 1 – Design values of loads
• The concept of reduced partial factors for the fire limit state will be explained
using a design example.
• A column in a six-storey braced frame to resist the loading applied from a
6m×9m floor area. Determine the design axial force in the column at ground
level at ambient temperature situation and at the fire limit state. Suppose
the floor area is for office purpose.
• Permanent actions (g)
–Uniformly distributed load (UDL) over floor area 𝑔k = 6.25 kNΤm2
–Partial loading factor for permanent actions, 𝛾G = 1.35
• Variable actions (q)
–Uniformly distributed load (UDL) over floor area 𝑞k = 3.50 kNΤm2
–Partial loading factor for variable actions, 𝛾Q = 1.50
 Example 1 – Ambient temperature design loads
• Design values of actions – ultimate limit state
• Area UDL per floor 𝑊 = 𝛾G 𝑔k + 𝛾Q 𝑞k = 1.35 × 6.25 + 1.5 × 3.5 =
13.69 kNΤm2
• Design axial force 𝑁Ed = 6 × 9 × 13.69 × 5 = 3695.63 kN
 Example 1 – Fire limit state design loads
• For the fire limit state, partial loading factors (𝛾i ) are not applied to either
permanent actions or variable actions.
• Suppose the floor area is for office purpose:
• Combination coefficient for variable action is 𝛹1 = 0.50 for office area

• Area UDL per floor 𝑊 = 𝑔k + 𝛹1 𝑞k = 6.25 + 0.5 × 3.5 = 8.00 kNΤm2

• Design axial force 𝑁Ed,fi = 6 × 9 × 8 × 5 = 2160 kN

8.00
• Reduction factor, 𝜂fi = 𝑔k + 𝛹fi 𝑞k1 Τ 𝛾G 𝑔k + 𝛾Q 𝑞k = = 0.58
13.69
 Alternatively, reduction factor can also be obtained from chart

Reduction factor, 𝜂fi = 0.58

 Definition of load level, load intensity and degree of utilization

• Their concepts are very similar.

• Load ratio is useful with regard to tabulated data as it allows for generic
solutions
• Throughout all the fire part of the relevant Eurocodes the concept of a
reduction factor for the fire limit state is used:
• Reduction factor, 𝜼𝐟𝐢 = 𝒈𝐤 + 𝜳𝐟𝐢 𝒒𝐤𝟏 Τ 𝜸𝑮 𝒈𝒌 + 𝜸𝑸 𝒒𝒌 for load combination
(6.10) in EN1990. [Eq.2.5 in EN1992-1-2]

• In EN 1992-1-2 two factors related to the applied load are employed, namely
load level and degree of utilization.
 Degree of utilization (Method A for columns)
• This is the ratio of the load applied at the fire limit state to the load applied
under ambient conditions and is dictated by the choice of partial factor for
the fire limit state as discussed above.
• It is used in the design of both columns and load-bearing walls.
𝝁𝐟𝐢 = 𝑵𝐄𝐝,𝐟𝐢 Τ𝑵𝐑𝐝
• 𝑁Ed,fi is the design axial load in the fire situation (kN) and
• 𝑁Rd is the design resistance of the column at normal temperature conditions
(kN).

Question: which is the smaller, the reduction factor 𝜼𝐟𝐢 or

the degree of utilization 𝝁𝐟𝐢 ?
 Load level (𝑛)
• This term is used to determine the fire resistance of reinforced concrete columns
and relates the load imposed at the time of the fire to the ambient temperature
load capacity
𝒏 = 𝑵𝟎𝐄𝐝,𝐟𝐢 Τ 𝟎. 𝟕 𝑨𝐜 𝒇𝐜𝐝 + 𝑨𝐬 𝒇𝐲𝐝
• 𝑁0Ed,fi is the axial load under fire conditions (kN)
• 𝐴c is the area of concrete (mm2)
• 𝑓cd is the concrete design compressive strength (N/mm2)
• 𝐴s is the area of steel (mm2)
• 𝑓yd is the steel design tensile strength (N/mm2)
• For most common cases (domestic and office) the value of the partial factor for
imposed load will be 0.5, i.e. 0.5×the ambient temperature value. As a conservative
assumption when calculating the load level, 𝑁0Ed,fi may be taken as 0.7𝑁0Ed,fi (𝜂fi =
0.7) unless calculated explicitly.
Outline in EN1992-1-2:
5 Tabulated data
5.1 Scope
5.2 General design rules
5.3 Columns
5.4 Walls
5.5 Tensile members
5.6 Beams
5.7 Slabs
TABULATED DATA (EN1992-1-2 SECTION 5)
 Scope
• For the standard fire exposure up to 240 minutes
• Apply to normal weight concrete (2000 to 2600 kg/m3, see EN 206-1)
made with siliceous aggregates
• If calcareous aggregates or lightweight aggregates are used in beams
or slabs the minimum dimension of the cross-section may be reduced
by 10%.
• When using tabulated data no further checks are required concerning
shear and torsion capacity and anchorage details
• When using tabulated data no further checks are required concerning
spalling, except for surface reinforcement
 General design rules
• Separating function (Criterion E and I) may be considered satisfied
where the minimum thickness of walls or slabs is in accordance with
Table 5.3.
• For load bearing function (Criterion R), the minimum requirements
concerning section sizes and axis distance of steel in the tables
follows from: 𝐸d,fi Τ𝑅d,fi ≤ 1.0
–Where, 𝐸d,fi is the design effect of actions in the fire situation. 𝑅d,fi is the
design load-bearing capacity (resistance) in the fire situation.
• Tabulated data in this section are based on a reference load level
𝜂fi = 0.7, unless otherwise stated in the relevant clauses.
 Column: Method A
Second-order effect is not significant
Conditions for validity:
•Braced frame
•𝑙0,fi ≤ 3.0m
•𝑒 = 𝑀0Ed,fi Τ𝑁0Ed,fi ≤ 𝑒max = 0.15ℎ (𝑏)
•𝐴s < 0.04𝐴c
𝑁Ed,fi
𝜇fi =
𝑁Rd
𝝁𝐟𝐢 Degree of utilization in the fire
situation
𝑁Ed,fi : design axial load in the fire
situation
𝑁Rd : design resistance at normal
temperature

Table 5.2a: Minimum column dimensions and axis

distances for columns with rectangular or circular section
 Note to Method A
• Note 1: The value of 𝑒max , within limits 0.15ℎ(𝑏) ≤ 𝑒max ≤ 0.4ℎ(𝑏), for use in a
Country may be found in its National Annex. The recommended value is
0.15ℎ(𝑏).
• Note 2: The effective length of a column under fire conditions 𝑙0,fi may be
assumed to be equal to 𝑙0 at normal temperature in all cases. For braced
building structures where the required Standard fire exposure is higher than
30 minutes, the effective length 𝑙0,fi may be taken as 0.5𝑙 for intermediate
floors and 0.5𝑙 ≤ 𝑙0,fi ≤ 0.7𝑙 for the upper floor, where 𝑙 is the actual length of
the column (centre to centre).
• Note 3: First order eccentricity under fire conditions may be assumed as equal
to that in normal temperature design.
• Note 4: The reduction factor 𝜼𝐟𝐢 may be used instead of 𝜇fi for the design load
level as a safe simplification since 𝜼𝐟𝐢 assumes that the column is fully loaded
at normal temperature design.
Complementary empirical equation [Cl.5.3.2(4)]

Fire rating is 128 min, improved over the table value, R90
 Column: Method B
Only for columns in braced structures
The load level, n, at normal
temperature conditions
𝑵𝟎𝐄𝐝,𝐟𝐢
𝒏=
𝟎. 𝟕 𝑨𝐜 𝒇𝐜𝐝 + 𝑨𝐬 𝒇𝐲𝐝
𝑵𝟎𝐄𝐝,𝐟𝐢 is the axial load under fire conditions,
may be taken as 𝟎. 𝟕𝑵𝟎𝐄𝐝 ，i.e., 𝜂fi = 0.7,
unless it is calculated explicitly.

Table 5.2b: Minimum column dimensions and axis distances for

reinforced concrete columns with a rectangular or circular section
 Example 2 – following Example 1
• Same example: Assume the column
has a 450×450 mm cross-section.
The axis distance is 45 mm, with 8H12
rebars provided. Concrete C35/45.
• Assumed the load level, 𝑛 = 0.48
• Reinforcement ratio is 𝜔 = 0.44

• From Table 5.2b, the fire rating is

below R120, but greater than R90.

Table 5.2b: Minimum column dimensions and axis distances for

reinforced concrete columns with a rectangular or circular section
 Tabulated data: walls

Non load-bearing compartmentation wall

Load-bearing solid walls

 Non load-bearing compartmentation wall
• To meet the thermal insulation criterion I and integrity criterion E
Load-bearing solid walls
 Tabulated data: Simply supported beams
• Tables apply to beams which can be exposed to fire on three sides, i.e. the
upper side is insulated by slabs or other elements which continue their
insulating function during the whole fire resistance period.
Tabulated data: Simply supported beams
bw

3
a3
1 2
a1 asd
a1
a3
bmin

σ 𝐴si 𝑎𝑖
𝑎=
σ 𝐴𝐬i
𝑎 is the average axis distance,
𝑎𝐢 is the axis distance of steel
bar (tendon, wire) "i" from the
nearest exposed surface.
 Activity: Beam – an example
Bar number ai 450
72
1 68
85
2 68 5 𝚽40
3 68
4 132
850
2𝐴𝑠 × 68 + 68 + 68 + 132
𝑎= = 84𝑚𝑚
8𝐴𝑠 𝚽32
𝒃𝐦𝐢𝐧 = 𝟒𝟓𝟎𝐦𝐦 2 4
1 3 132
In R180, bmin=450mm, 68
Therefore, the fire resistance is 3h.
68
173
Tabulated data: Continuous beams
• Simple message: continuous beams
have greater fire resistance than
simple beams.
Simply supported beams vs. Continuous beams
 Tabulated data: Requirement of top reinforcement

This also apply to continuous

slabs! [5.7.3 (2)]

1 Diagram of bending moments for the actions in a fire situation at t = 0

2 Envelope line of acting bending moments to be resisted by tensile reinforcement according to EN 1992-1-1
3 Diagram of bending moments in fire conditions
4 Envelope line of resisting bending moments according to Expression (5.11)
 Tabulated data: slabs

Simply supported solid slabs

Continuous solid slabs

Flat slabs

Ribbed slabs
Tabulated data: simply supported and continuous slabs

Note: The values given in Table 5.8 (Columns 2 and 4) also apply to one-way or two-way continuous slabs.
SIMPLIFIED CALCULATION METHODS
 Simplified Calculation Methods
• Simplified cross-section calculation methods may be used to determine the ultimate
loadbearing capacity of a heated cross section at a certain fire exposure time
• Second order effects may be included with both models.
• The two methods are applicable to structures subjected to a standard fire exposure.
• Method B.1 may be used in conjunction with both standard and parametric fires.
• Method B.2 is recommended for use with small sections and slender columns but is
only valid for standard fires.

500°C Isotherm Method - Annex B1

Zone Method - Annex B2

𝟓𝟎𝟎℃ ISOTHERM METHOD
 𝟓𝟎𝟎°𝐂 isotherm method (EN1992-1-2 Annex B)
• This method is applicable to a standard fire exposure and
parametric fire.
• Minimum width of cross-section required.

Fire resistance R60 R90 R120 R180 R240

In Standard Fire
Min width (mm) 90 120 160 200 280

Fire load density (MJ/m2) 200 300 400 600 800

In Parametric Fire
Min width (mm) 100 140 160 200 240
 𝟓𝟎𝟎°𝐂 isotherm method – Principle
• Concrete over 500°C makes no contribution
• Concrete below 500°C remains at 20°C
500oC isotherm
• Usage
• Capacities of sections subjected to bending
and compression 20oC
 𝟓𝟎𝟎°𝐂 isotherm method – Reduced section

C
T

500oC dfi 500oC dfi d

d

T
C

bfi bfi
b b
Fire exposure on three sides Fire exposure on three sides with
with the tension zone exposed the compression zone exposed
 𝟓𝟎𝟎°𝐂 isotherm method – Reduced section
Think: Reinforcements?
Beams or Columns subjected to
fire in all four sides
Reinforcements stay, but with
strength reduced.

Temperature of reinforcements?
dfi d
500oC

Effect of reinforcements on the concrete

temperature can be ignored.
Reinforcement temperature is the same as
bfi the concrete.
b
 Procedure
• (a) Determine the isotherm of 500℃ for the specified fire exposure
• (b) Determine a new width 𝑏fi and a new effective height 𝑑fi of the cross-
section by excluding the concrete outside the 500℃ isotherm
• (c) Determine the temperature of reinforcing bars in the tension and
compression zones.
• (d) Determine the reduced strength of the reinforcement due to the
temperature.
• (e) Use conventional calculation methods for the reduced cross-section for the
determination of the ultimate load bearing capacity with strength of the
reinforcing bars, as obtained in (d), and
• (f) Compare the ultimate load-bearing capacity with the design load effect or,
alternatively, the estimated fire resistance with the required resistance.
 What about reinforcements?
• If all reinforcement bars are positioned in layers and have the same area:
• The average reduced strength of a reinforcement layer with respect to
increased temperatures, is calculated as:
σ 𝑘 𝜃𝑖
𝑘𝜈 =
𝑛𝜈

• Where,
• 𝜃 is the temperature in reinforcement bar 𝑖
• 𝑘 𝜃i is a reduction of the strength of the reinforcement bar 𝑖 due to the
temperature 𝜃i
• 𝑘𝜈 𝜃 is the average reduction of the strength of reinforcement layer 𝜈
• 𝑛𝜈 is the number of reinforcement bars in layer
 What about reinforcements?
• The axis distance, 𝑎, to the centroid of the reinforcement layers may be
calculated using:
σ 𝑎𝜈 𝑘 𝜈 𝜃
𝑎=
σ 𝑘𝜈 𝜃𝑖
• Where,
• 𝑎𝜈 is the axis distance from the bottom surface of the reduced cross-section to
reinforcement layer 𝜈
Example: how to find out the temperature of a rebar?

For the case shown, the temperature of

the three reinforcing bars are:
710℃ 500℃ 460℃
800℃ 680℃ 650℃

a
 Moment resistance of a reduced section
Both tension and compression reinforcement are included
 Example: 500℃ Isotherm Method
450
72
• Reinforcement, 𝑓yk = 500MPa

85
• Concrete, C25/30 5 𝚽𝟒𝟎
• Self-weight, 25kN/m3

850
• Determine if the fire resistance of this beam exceeds 3h?
𝚽𝟑𝟐
2 4
• Self-weight, 0.45 × 0.85 × 25 = 9.56 kNΤm

132
1 3
• Bending moment at mid-span, 9.56 × 112 Τ8 = 145 kNm

68
68
• Bending moment due to external load, 460kN, is 460 × 173
4 = 1840 kNm
460kN 460kN

• Total moment is 145 + 0.5 × 1840 = 1065 kNm

4m 3m 4m
Step (a): Determine the isotherm of 500℃ for the specified fire exposure
50
Temperature profiles (℃) for
a beam h × b = 800 × 500

The thickness for over 𝟓𝟎𝟎℃

is approximately 50 mm

50
 (b) Determine a new width 𝑏fi and a new effective height 𝑑fi

• The new width 𝑏fi = 450 − 50 × 2 = 350mm 450

• The new effective height 𝑑fi = 850 − 50 = 800mm 72

85
5 𝚽𝟒𝟎

850
𝚽𝟑𝟐
2 4

132
1 3

68
68
173
(c)&(d) Determine the temperature of reinforcing bars and the
reduced strength
5
No. x y θsd ksd,y, θ
1 68 68 600 0.335
2 68 132 440 0.648
3 173 68 400 0.7
4 173 132 185 0.915
5 72 - 350 0.75
2 4
The average reduced strength of reinforcement layer 1&3:

1 3 0.335 + 0.7
𝑘𝜈 = = 0.518
2
The average reduced strength of reinforcement layer 2&4:

0.648 + 0.915
𝑘𝜈 = = 0.782
2
 (c)&(d) Determine the temperature of reinforcing bars and the
reduced strength
• The axis distance, 𝑎, to the centroid of the
reinforcement layers may be calculated using:
σ 𝑎𝜈 𝑘 𝜈 𝜃 450
72
𝑎=

85
σ 𝑘𝜈 𝜃𝑖
5 𝚽𝟒𝟎
68 − 50 × 0.518 + 132 − 50 × 0.782
=
0.518 + 0.782

850
= 56.5mm
𝚽𝟑𝟐
2 4

132
1 3

68
68
173
 (e) Use conventional calculation methods for the reduced cross-section
450
72

85
5 𝚽𝟒𝟎
850

𝚽𝟑𝟐
2 4 132
1 3
68

68
173
• Tension rebars: 𝐹s,t = 4𝐴s 𝑓sd,fi,2&4 + 4𝐴s 𝑓sd,fi,1&3 = 4 × 𝜋 × 162 × 0.782 × 500 + 4 × 𝜋 × 162 ×
0.518 × 500 = 2089 kN
• Compression rebars: 𝐹s,c = 2𝐴s 𝑓sd,fi,5 = 2 × 𝜋 × 202 × 0.75 × 500 = 942.5kN
• Compression force in concrete: 𝐹c = 2089 − 942.5 = 1147kN
• Depth of compression depth of concrete, 𝑥 = 1147 × 103 Τ 0.8 × 350 × 25 = 164 mm
 (e) Use conventional calculation methods for the reduced cross-section
450
72

85
5 𝚽𝟒𝟎
850

𝚽𝟑𝟐
2 4 132
1 3
68

68
173
• The lever arms for concrete and compression rebars are:
• 𝑧 = 850 − 𝑎 − 0.4𝑥 = 850 − 56.5 − 0.4 × 164 = 728.0 mm
• 𝑧 ′ = 850 − 𝑎 − 85 = 850 − 56.5 − 85 = 708.5 mm
• Resistance to bending is 𝑀u,fi = 𝐹c 𝑧 + 𝐹s,c 𝑧 ′ = 1147 × 728.0 + 942.5 × 708.5 = 1503 kNm > 1065 kNm
ZONE METHOD
 Zone Method
• Although more laborious, more accurate than the 500℃ method,
especially for columns
• Applicable to any fully developed fire curve, but EN1992-1-2 provides
data only applicable to standard fire
 Procedure
• The cross-section is divided into a number (𝑛 ≥ 3) of parallel zones of
equal thickness
• The mean temperature and the corresponding mean compressive
strength and modulus of elasticity (if applicable) of each zone is
assessed
• Remove thickness of 𝑎z next to the fire exposed surfaces.
• For the reduced section, the strength at point M is used.

Determination of az The reduced section

kc,(θm) Strength of the section

Reference is made to an equivalent wall,
as boxed.
 The mean reduction coefficient
The mean reduction coefficient for a particular section may be calculated by:

0.2 σ𝑛𝑖=1 𝑘𝑐 𝜃𝑖
𝑘c,m = 1−
𝑛 𝑛

Division of a wall, with both sides

exposed to fire, into zones for use in
calculation of strength reduction and 𝑎𝑧
values
 Width of the damaged zone

For beams, slabs, plates For columns, walls and other constructions

𝑘c,m 1.3
𝑘c,m
𝑎z = 𝑤 1 − 𝑎z = 𝑤 1 −
𝑘c 𝜃M 𝑘c 𝜃M

𝒌𝐜 𝜽𝐌 denotes the reduction coefficient for concrete at point M

Reduction of compression strength for a reduced cross-section
using siliceous aggregate concrete
 Comparison of the two methods
• Therefore, it is recommended that the 500℃ isotherm method be
used wherever possible.
• The zone method should only be used when the column would not
have sufficient resistance when designed using the 500℃ isotherm
method and it is not possible to increase the cross-section size or the
reinforcement
ADVANCED CALCULATION METHODS
 Finite element modelling of a RC beam
Property Beam II
Tested by Dotereppe
Description
et al.
Cross-section 200mm×600mm
Length(m) 6.5
2Φ12mm top bars
Reinforcing bars
3Φ22mm bottom bars
Span/Depth 10.8
fc’ (MPa) 15
fy (MPa) 300
Loading ratio 0.263
Applied total load
65 (2-point loads)
(kN)
Concrete cover
40
thickness (mm)
Aggregate type Siliceous
Fire limit 7200s
tR 0.6
4320
J.C. Dotreppe, J.M. Franssen. The use of numerical models for the fire analysis of reinforced concrete and composite
structures. Engineering Analysis 2 (2) (1985) 61-74.
 Fire resistance of various load level
Mid-span deflection vs. time relationships

displacement / mm 0.263
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9

time / min
 Reference
• Chapter 5, Structural Fire Engineering. ICE Publishing
• EN1992-1-2. Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures — Part 1-1:
General rules and rules for buildings