Time effects on the behaviour of steel structures under elevated temperatures

This paper points out the importance of accurately predicting the temperature of steel members within a structure subjected to fire in relation to their structural performance. A new numerical model simulating the heat transfer mechanism between fire and steel members is presented. When compared with experimental data by others, this model provides realistic results for predicting steel temperatures. This paper also emphasises the use of real fire curves, rather than standard fire curve, in design. The difference of results in using both standard and real fire curves will be shown through examples.