A new numerical model for analysing timber-concrete composite beams under fire conditions

This article presents a new numerical model for the analysis of timber-concrete composite beam exposed to fire. The model is based on a detailed mathematical and physical description of the problem. It accounts for the exact geometrical and material non-linear behaviour of each layer and incorporates a flexible connection between the layers, which is temperature dependent. The numerical model has been validated against experimental results from literature and proven to be accurate. In addition, the numerical formulation has been found to be reliable and computationally efficient. Further parametric studies revealed significant impact of modelling flexible and temperature dependant connection between concrete and timber on the mechanical response of the beam.