Fire performance of hybrid mass timber beam-end connections with perpendicular-to-wood grain reinforcement

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwamuyiwa Okunrounmu ◽  
Osama (Sam) Salem ◽  
George Hadjisophocleous
Keyword(s):  
Fire Resistance ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Time To Failure ◽  
Rotational Behaviour ◽  
Fire Performance ◽  
Timber Beam ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Glued Laminated Timber ◽  
Wood Grain ◽  
Mass Timber

PurposeThe fire resistance of timber structures is heavily dependent on the fire behaviour of the connections between its structural elements. The experimental study presented in this paper aimed to investigate the fire performance of glued-laminated timber beam connections reinforced perpendicular-to-wood grain with self-tapping screws (STS).Design/methodology/approachTwo full-size fire experiments were conducted on glulam beam-end connections loaded in flexure bending. Two connection configurations, each utilizing four steel bolts arranged in two different patterns, were reinforced perpendicular to wood grain using STS. The bolt heads and nuts and the steel plate top and bottom edges were fire protected using wood plugs and strips, respectively. Each connection configuration was loaded to 100% of the ultimate design load of the weakest unreinforced configuration. The test assemblies were exposed to elevated temperatures that followed the CAN/ULC-S101 standard fire time–temperature curve.FindingsThe experimental results show that the influence of the STS was significant as it prevented the occurrence of wood splitting and row shear-out and as a result, increased the fire resistance time of the connections. The time to failure of both connection configurations exceeded the minimum fire resistance rating specified as 45 min for combustible construction in applicable building codes.Originality/valueThe experimental data show the effectiveness of a simple fire protection system (i.e. wood plugs and strips) along with the utilization of STS on the rotational behaviour, charring rate, fire resistance time and failure mode of the proposed hybrid mass timber beam-end connection configurations.

Structural fire performance of wood-steel-wood bolted connections with and without perpendicular-to-wood grain reinforcement

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam Roman Petrycki ◽  
Osama (Sam) Salem
Keyword(s):  
Time To Failure ◽  
Bolted Connections ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Structural Fire ◽  
Fire Condition ◽  
Glued Laminated Timber ◽  
End Distance ◽  
Wood Grain ◽  
Mass Timber ◽  
In Fire

Purpose In fire condition, the time to failure of a timber connection is mainly reliant on the wood charring rate, the strength of the residual wood section, and the limiting temperature of the steel connectors involved in the connection. The purpose of this study is to experimentally investigate the effects of loaded bolt end distance, number of bolt rows, and the existence of perpendicular-to-wood grain reinforcement on the structural fire behavior of semi-rigid glued-laminated timber (glulam) beam-to-column connections that used steel bolts and concealed steel plate connectors. Design/methodology/approach In total, 16 beam-to-column connections, which were fabricated in wood-steel-wood bolted connection configurations, in eight large-scale sub-frame test assemblies were exposed to elevated temperatures that followed CAN/ULC-S101 standard time-temperature curve, while being subjected to monotonic loading. The beam-to-column connections of four of the eight test assemblies were reinforced perpendicular to the wood grain using self-tapping screws (STS). Fire tests were terminated upon achieving the failure criterion, which predominantly was dependent on the connection’s maximum allowed rotation. Findings Experimental results revealed that increasing the number of bolt rows from two to three, each of two bolts, increased the connection’s time to failure by a greater time increment than that achieved by increasing the bolt end distance from four- to five-times the bolt diameter. Also, the use of STS reinforcement increased the connection’s time to failure by greater time increments than those achieved by increasing the number of bolt rows or the bolt end distance. Originality/value The invaluable experimental data obtained from this study can be effectively used to provide insight and better understanding on how mass-timber glulam bolted connections can behave in fire condition. This can also help in further improving the existing design guidelines for mass-timber structures. Currently, beam-to-column wood connections are designed mainly as axially loaded connections with no guidelines available for determining the fire resistance of timber connections exerting any degree of moment-resisting capability.

Fire resistance tests on timber beam-to-column shear connections

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Palma ◽  
Andrea Frangi ◽  
Erich Hugi ◽  
Paulo Cachim ◽  
Helena Cruz
Keyword(s):  
Fire Resistance ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Fire Behaviour ◽  
Timber Beam ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Experimental Programme ◽  
Shear Connections ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Full Scale Tests ◽  
Resistance Tests

Purpose This paper aims to present the results of an extensive experimental programme on the fire behaviour of timber beam-to-column shear connections, loaded perpendicularly to the grain. Design/methodology/approach The experimental programme comprised tests at normal temperature and loaded fire resistance tests on beam-to-column connections in shear. Twenty-four full-scale tests at normal temperature were performed covering nine different connection typologies, and 19 loaded fire resistance tests were conducted including 11 connections typologies. Findings The results of the fire resistance tests show that the tested typologies of steel-to-timber dowelled connections reached more than 30 and even 60 minutes of fire resistance. However, aspects such as a wider gap between the beam and the column, reduced dowel spacing, and the presence of reinforcement with self-drilling screws all have a negative influence on the fire resistance. Originality/value The experimental programme addressed the fire behaviour of timber beam-to-column shear connections loaded perpendicularly to the grain in a systematic way testing a wide range of common connection typologies significantly enlarging their experimental background.

Predicting fire resistance of SRC columns through gene expression programming

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-140
Author(s):  
Meisam Hassani ◽  
Mohammad Safi ◽  
Reza Rasti Ardakani ◽  
Amir Saedi Daryan
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Experimental Data ◽  
Reinforced Concrete ◽  
Fire Resistance ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Gene Expression Programming ◽  
Effective Parameters ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Geometrical Properties ◽  
Steel Reinforced Concrete

Purpose This paper aims to predict the fire resistance of steel-reinforced concrete columns by application of the genetic algorithm. Design/methodology/approach In total, 11 effective parameters are considered including mechanical and geometrical properties of columns and loading values as input parameters and the duration of concrete resistance at elevated temperatures as the output parameter. Then, experimental data of several studies – with extensive ranges – are collected and divided into two categories. Findings Using the first set of the data along with the gene expression programming (GEP), the fire resistance predictive model of steel-reinforced concrete (SRC) composite columns is presented. By application of the second category, evaluation and validation of the proposed model are investigated as well, and the correspondent time-temperature diagrams are derived. Originality/value The relative error of 10% and the R coefficient of 0.9 for the predicted model are among the highlighted results of this validation. Based on the statistical errors, a fair agreement exists between the experimental data and predicted values, indicating the appropriate performance of the proposed GEP model for fire resistance prediction of SRC columns.

Fire performance, including the cooling phase, of structural glued laminated timber beams

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 349-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Kinjo ◽  
T. Hirashima ◽  
S. Yusa ◽  
T. Horio ◽  
T. Matsumoto
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Distribution ◽  
Maximum Load ◽  
Strength Reduction ◽  
Fire Performance ◽  
Load Bearing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Standard Fire ◽  
Glued Laminated Timber ◽  
Charring Rate ◽  
Cooling Phase

Purpose Based on heating tests and load-bearing fire tests, this paper aims to discuss the charring rate, the temperature distribution in the section and the load-bearing capacity of structural glued laminated timber beams not only during the heating phase during a 1-h standard fire in accordance with ISO 834-1 but also during the cooling phase. Design/methodology/approach Heating tests were carried out to confirm the charring rate and the temperature distribution in the cross-section of the beams. Loading tests under fire conditions were carried out to obtain the load-deformation behavior (i.e. the stiffness, maximum load and ductility) of the beam. Findings The temperature at the centroid reached approximately 30°C after 1 h and then increased gradually until reaching 110-200°C after 4 h, during the cooling phase. The maximum load of the specimen exposed to a 1-h standard fire was reduced to approximately 30 per cent of that of the specimen at ambient temperature. The maximum load of the specimen exposed to a 1-h standard fire and 3 h of natural cooling in the furnace was reduced to approximately 14 per cent. In case of taking into consideration of the strength reduction at elevated temperature, the reduction ratio of the calculated bending resistance agreed with that of the test results during not only heating phase but also cooling phase. Originality/value The results of this study state that it is possible to study on strength reduction in cooling phase for end of heating, timber structural which has not been clarified. It is believed that it is possible to appropriately evaluate the fire performance, including the cooling phase of the timber structural.

Development of wood structural elements for fire resistant buildings

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-137
Author(s):  
Hirokazu Ohashi ◽  
Shinya Igarashi ◽  
Tsutomu Nagaoka
Keyword(s):  
Fire Resistance ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Structural Elements ◽  
Wood Structures ◽  
Load Bearing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Glued Laminated Timber ◽  
Japanese Law ◽  
Bearing Part

Purpose As forestry contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gases by CO2 fixation, in recent years, use of wood in buildings has attracted all over the world more attention. However, construction of large wood structures is almost inexistent within urban areas in Japan. This is due to the Japanese law on fire protection of wood buildings in cities, which is considered very strict with severe requirements. This paper aims to present a research work relative to the development of one-hour fire-resistant wood structural elements for buildings in cities. The developed elements are composed of three layers made of laminated timber. Design/methodology/approach These wood structural elements, made of glued laminated timber with self-charring-stop, have sufficient fire resistance during and after a fire and comply with the strict Japanese standard for wood structural elements, which stipulates that such elements have to withstand the whole dead-load of concerned buildings after fire. To comply with such requirements, new elements of glued laminated timber with self-charring-stop layer were developed, and their performance was confirmed. Several fire-resistant tests conducted on columns, beams, column-beam joints, connections between beams and walls and beams with holes were carried out. Findings All tests proved that the elements have sufficient fire resistance. No damage was found out at the load-bearing part of the elements after testing. As the developed elements have two layers protecting the load-bearing part, the temperature in the load-bearing part could be retained below 260°C (carbonization temperature) and provide the elements with a sufficient fire resistance for 1 h. Practical implications These wood structural elements have already been applied in six projects, where large-size wooden buildings were constructed in urban areas in Japan. Originality/value The proposed structural elements use a novel technique. Every wooden element is composed of three layers made of glued laminated timber. The elements have a typical performance of self-charring-stop after fire without need for water of firefighters. More technologies related to these elements, including column-beam joints and beams with holes and effect of crack, were also developed to design and construct safe wooden buildings.

Timber beam in virtual furnace

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 437-446
Author(s):  
Kamila Cabová ◽  
Filip Zeman ◽  
Lukáš Blesák ◽  
Martin Benýšek ◽  
František Wald
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Dynamics ◽  
Thermal Effect ◽  
Thermal Behaviour ◽  
Fire Resistance ◽  
Fire Test ◽  
Accurate Prediction ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Timber Beam ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Resistance Tests

Purpose This paper aims to present a part of a coupled numerical model for prediction the fire resistance of elements in a horizontal furnace. Temperatures calculated inside the timber beam are compared to measured values from the fire test. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a part of a coupled numerical model for prediction the fire resistance of elements in a horizontal furnace. The presented part lies in a virtual furnace which simulates temperature environment around tested elements in the furnace. Comparison of results show good agreement in the case when burning of timber is included in the numerical model. Findings The virtual furnace presented in this paper allows to calculate temperature environment around three timber beams. After validation of the fire dynamics simulator (FDS) model, the temperature conditions are passed to the FE model which solves heat transfer to the tested element. Temperatures inside the timber beam which are solved in software Atena Science are compared to measured temperatures from the fire test. The comparison of temperatures in three control points shows good accuracy of the calculation in the point closer to the heated edge. An inaccuracy is shown in points located deeper in the beam cross-section – below the char layer. Research limitations/implications In conclusion, the virtual furnace has a great potential for investigating the thermal behaviour of fire-resistance tests. A huge advantage inheres in the evaluation of the thermal effect throughout the volume of the furnace, which allows an accurate prediction of fire-resistance tests and evaluation of large number of technical alternatives and boundary conditions. However, passing the temperature field from the FDS model into FE model may decrease the level of accuracy. The solution lies in a coupled CFD-FE model. A weakly coupled model including fluid dynamics, heat transfer and mechanical behaviour is under development at Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague. The fluid dynamics part which is presented in this paper is solved by FDS and the thermo-mechanical part is computed by object-oriented finite element model (OOFEM). The interconnection of both software is made owing to MuPIF python library. Practical implications The virtual furnace takes advantage of great possibilities of computational fluid dynamics code FDS. The model is based on an accurate representation of a real fire furnace of fire laboratory PAVUS a.s. located in the Czech Republic. It includes geometry of the real furnace, material properties of the furnace linings, burners, ventilation conditions and tested elements. Gas temperature calculated in the virtual furnace is validated to temperatures measured during a fire test. Social implications The virtual furnace has a great potential for investigating the thermal behaviour of fire-resistance tests. A huge advantage inheres in the evaluation of the thermal effect throughout the volume of the furnace, which allows an accurate prediction of fire-resistance tests and evaluation of large number of technical alternatives and boundary conditions. Originality/value The virtual furnace has a great potential for investigating the thermal behaviour of fire-resistance tests. A huge advantage inheres in the evaluation of the thermal effect throughout the volume of the furnace, which allows an accurate prediction of fire-resistance tests and evaluation of large number of technical alternatives and boundary conditions. However, passing the temperature field from the FDS model into FE model may decrease the level of accuracy. The solution lies in a coupled CFD-FE model. A weakly coupled model including fluid dynamics, heat transfer and mechanical behaviour is under development at Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague. The fluid dynamics part which is presented in this paper is solved by FDS and the thermo-mechanical part is computed by OOFEM. The interconnection of both software is made thanks to MuPIF python library.

Fire resistance of DELTABEAM® composite beams: a numerical investigation

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 338-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chrysanthos Maraveas
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Investigation ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Fire Resistance ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technical Manual ◽  
Manufacturing Company ◽  
Parametric Analyses

Purpose The DELTA® beam composite floor system is a recently developed shallow floor type that has seen many applications in contemporary construction. It involves partially encasing DELTA® steel beams in concrete, with the lower flange remaining exposed. Besides the satisfactory behavior of the system at ambient conditions, understanding its response under elevated temperatures is critical in evaluating its overall performance. Despite certification from the manufacturing company that the system has adequate fire resistance, its behavior under fire conditions has neither been investigated to depth nor reported in detail. The purpose of this paper is the detailed numerical investigation of their behavior in fire. For this reason, the finite element method was implemented in this paper to simulate the response of such beams subjected to fire. Material properties were modeled according to the Eurocodes. The coupled thermal-structural parametric analyses involved four different variations of the “shortest” and “deepest” cross-section (eight case studies in total) specified by the manufacturing company. Other simulations of these cross-sections, in which either the thermal expansion or the structural load were not taken into account, were carried out for comparison purposes. Design/methodology/approach The methodology for simulating such systems, which has been successfully implemented and validated against fire test results elsewhere (Maraveas et al., 2012) was also followed here. To investigate the statement made by Maraveas et al. (2014) and the equations proposed by Zaharia and Franssen (2012) that the insulation is not so effective for “short” cross-sections, two beams, one with a D20-200 (Deltabeam Technical Manual, 2013) cross-section (shallowest section) and one with a D50-600 (Deltabeam Technical Manual, 2013) cross-section (deepest section), were simulated in this paper for comparison purposes. Additionally, reasonable assumptions were made for the cross-sectional dimensions not specified by the manufacturer (Deltabeam Technical Manual, 2013) and parametric analyses were carried out to investigate their effect on the structural response of the system. Findings Composite DELTA® beams can achieve fire resistances ranging from 120 to 180 min, depending on the depth and geometry of their cross-section, with deeper sections displaying a better fire response. The intense thermal bowing that occurs when these beams are heated from below has a more pronounced effect, in terms of thermally induced deflections for deeper sections. The satisfactory fire resistance of these beams is achieved due to the action of the concrete encased web and the reinforcement which compensate for the loss of the exposed lower flange. Increasing the thickness of the web in deeper sections improves their fire rating up to 180 min. The thickness of the lower flange affects the fire rating of the beams only in a minor way. Practical/implications The paper describes a numerical methodology to estimate the fire resistance of complex flooring systems.

scholarly journals Behaviour of restrained steel beam at elevated temperature – parametric studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-339
Author(s):  
Ahmed Allam ◽  
Ayman Nassif ◽  
Ali Nadjai
Keyword(s):  
Axial Force ◽  
Fire Resistance ◽  
Large Deflection ◽  
Elevated Temperatures ◽  
Load Ratio ◽  
Steel Beam ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Catenary Action ◽  
Depth Ratio ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to investigate computationally and analytically how different levels of restraint from surrounding structure, via catenary action in beams, affect the survival of steel framed structures in fire. This study focuses on examining the mid-span deflection and the tensile axial force of a non-composite heated steel beam at large deflection that is induced by the catenary action during exposure to fires. The study also considers the effect of the axial horizontal restraints, load-ratio, beam temperature gradient and the span/depth ratio. It was found that these factors influence the heated steel beam within steel construction and its catenary action at large deflection. The study suggests that this may help the beam to hang to the surrounding cold structure and delay the run-away deflection when the tensile axial force of the beam has been overcome. Design/methodology/approach This paper is part one of the parametric study and discusses both the effect of the axial horizontal restraints and load-ratio on the heated steel-beam. Reliance on the prescriptive standard fire solutions may lead to an unpredicted behaviour of the structure members if the impact of potential real fires is not considered. Findings Variation of the horizontal end-restraint level has a major effect on the behaviour of the beam at high deflection, and the loading on a beam at large displacement can be carried effectively by catenary behaviour. An increase of axial horizontal stiffness helps the catenary action to prevent run-away at lower deflections. The studies also investigated the influence of varying the load ratio on the behaviour of the heated beam at large deflection and how it affects the efficacy of the catenary action. The study suggests that care should be taken when selecting the load ratio to be used in the design. Originality/value In a recent work, the large deflection behaviours of axially restrained corrugated web steel beam (CWSB) at elevated temperatures were investigated using a finite element method (Wang et al., 2014). Parameters that greatly affected behaviours of CWSB at elevated temperatures were the load ratio, the axial restraint stiffness ratio and the span–depth ratio. Other works included numerical studies on large deflection behaviours of restrained castellated steel beams in a fire where the impact of the catenary action is considered (Wang, 2002). The impact of the induced axial forces in the steel beam during cooling stage of a fire when the beam temperature decreases, if thermal shortening of the beam is restrained, large tensile forces may be induced in the beam (Wang, 2005; Allam et al., 2002). A performance-based approach is developed for assessing the fire resistance of restrained beams. The approach is based on equilibrium and compatibility principles, takes into consideration the influence of many factors, including fire scenario, end restraints, thermal gradient, load level and failure criteria, in evaluating fire resistance (Dwaikat and Kodur, 2011; Allam et al., 1998).

Deflection behavior and load-bearing period of structural glued laminated timber beams in fire including cooling phase

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 287-299
Author(s):  
Hitoshi Kinjo ◽  
Yusuke Katakura ◽  
Takeo Hirashima ◽  
Shuitsu Yusa ◽  
Kiyoshi Saito
Keyword(s):  
Shear Strength ◽  
Bearing Capacity ◽  
Shear Failure ◽  
Fire Performance ◽  
Load Bearing Capacity ◽  
Load Bearing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Glued Laminated Timber ◽  
Cooling Phase ◽  
Timber Beams

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the fire performance of glulam timber beams based on their deflection behavior and load-bearing period, which were obtained from load-bearing fire tests under constant load conditions. Design/methodology/approach In this report, the fire performance, primarily deflection behavior and load-bearing period of glued laminated (glulam) timber beams will be discussed from the standpoint of load-bearing fire tests conducted during the cooling phase under constant load conditions. Then, based on the charring depth and the per section temperature transformation obtained from loading test results, the load-bearing capacity of the glulam timber beams will be discussed using the effective section method and the strength reduction factor, which will be calculated in accordance with the European standards for the design of timber structures (Eurocode 5). Findings In the cooling phase, the charring rate is decreases. However, as the temperature in the cross section rises, the deflection is increases. The failure mode was bending failure because of tensile failure of the lamina at the bottom of the beam. Moreover, a gap caused by shear failure in a growth ring in the beam cross-section in the vicinity of the centroid axis was observed. Shear failure was observed up until 1 to 3 h before end of heating. The calculated shear strength far exceeded the test results. Shear strength for elevated temperature of glued laminated timber is likely to decrease than the shear strength in Eurocode 5. Originality/value Unlike other elements, a characteristic problem of timber elements is that their load-bearing capacity decreases as they are consumed in a fire, and their bearing capacities may continue to degrade even after the fuel in the room has been exhausted. Therefore, the structural fire performance of timber elements should be clarified during not only the heating phase but also the subsequent cooling phase. However, there are few reports on the load-bearing capacity of timber elements that take the cooling phase after a fire into consideration.

scholarly journals Fire Performance of Self-Tapping Screws in Tall Mass-Timber Buildings

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 3579
Author(s):  
Mathieu Létourneau-Gagnon ◽  
Christian Dagenais ◽  
Pierre Blanchet
Keyword(s):  
Fire Resistance ◽  
Tall Buildings ◽  
Fire Exposure ◽  
Fire Performance ◽  
Structural Fire ◽  
Standard Fire ◽  
Timber Construction ◽  
Modern Mass ◽  
Mass Timber ◽  
Structural Fire Resistance

Building elements are required to provide sufficient fire resistance based on requirements set forth in the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC). Annex B of the Canadian standard for wood engineering design (CSA O86-19) provides a design methodology to calculate the structural fire-resistance of large cross-section timber elements. However, it lacks at providing design provisions for connections. The objectives of this study are to understand the fire performance of modern mass timber fasteners such as self-tapping screws, namely to evaluate their thermo-mechanical behavior and to predict their structural fire-resistance for standard fire exposure up to two hours, as would be required for tall buildings in Canada. The results present the great fire performance of using self-tapping screws under a long time exposure on connections in mass timber construction. The smaller heated area of the exposed surface has limited thermal conduction along the fastener’s shanks and maintained their temperature profiles relatively low for two hours of exposure. Based on the heat-affected area, the study presents new design principles to determine the residual length of penetration that would provide adequate load-capacity of the fastener under fire conditions. It also allows determining safe fire-resistance values for unprotected fasteners in mass timber construction exposed up to two hours of standard fire exposure.

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