A Simple Model for the Fire Resistance of Axially Loaded Members - Comparison with Experimental Results

A general model, i.e. a non linear computer code, has been extensively used to determine the buckling load of axially loaded members, considering that the material model behaves at elevated temperatures according to the hypotheses of Eurocode 3 Part 1.2, and the main results of this numerical investigation are summarised in this paper. The main parameters and the results of 59 experimental tests found in the literature are reported, as well as the results of 21 original tests made within this research project. Those test results are used to evaluate the severity factor of the analytical formula deduced from the numerical simulations. This factor is chosen in order to obtain an analytically calculated ultimate load which is, in the average, the same as the experimental load. The ultimate load or ultimate temperature can be determined by the proposed analytical formula or directly by interpolation in tables which give the ratio between the ultimate load and the plastic load at room temperature.