Computational study of steel-timber composite beam under fire condition
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With the rise of greenhouse gases and the growing global attention on reducing environmental impact, timber buildings have emerged as a crucial element in building a sustainable future. In order to improve the mechanical properties, energy and acoustic performance, fire resistance, and durability of timber structures, the integration of steel and other materials has been necessary, resulting in composite structures. The combination of the benefits of steel and timber maximizes material properties and allows the designer greater design flexibility. Steel beam has higher strength when compared to timber but is susceptible to lateral torsional buckling and fire conditions. While timber members provide lateral restraint and fire protection. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the fire resistance of steel-timber composite (STC) beams. As the temperature increases, changes occur in the physical and mechanical characteristics of timber and steel members, causing loss of strength and stiffness. Therefore, this research aims to exploit the SAFIR® computer program to perform the following two analyses: thermal and thermomechanical analysis of STC beams. By conducting the first analysis, it becomes possible to calculate the temperature field of the cross-section in a transient regime, while obtaining information about the degradation of the material properties. The second analysis provides the displacements, internal forces, critical time and/or critical temperature of the STC beams. The numerical results obtained here are compared and validated with those reported in the literature (experimental results). The numerical methodology developed aims more realistic studies of isolated elements and structural systems of STC, enabling designs based on safety, economy and sustainability.