Numerical Modelling for Alternative Solution Designs of Steel and Timber Structures in Fire

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to increase confidence in alternative solution designs, since its use has increased. Through experimental data collection, a better understanding of steel and timber behaviour in fire was gained and the knowledge was transferred to numerical model development. A validated modelling methodology allows designers to predict structural performance in fire which can then be used to justify decision making and as a method to show the design is code compliant. This thesis examined the performance of steel trusses exposed to a localized fire with a complementary heat transfer and thermal deformation model. For timber, cone calorimeter experiments were completed on various timber products with complementary heat transfer models followed by an exploratory study on thermal parameters in modelling. The thesis provides recommendations for best practices and future research regarding finite element modelling of steel and timber to further develop tools for alternative solution designs.