Modeling of Precast Concrete Load-Bearing Walls Exposed to Fire

Abstract

The performance of precast concrete load-bearing walls exposed to fire is investigated using 3-D thermal and structural models. The thermal model is validated by comparing the predicted temperatures with results from the fire tests carried out in the present study, previous experimental studies, and Eurocode 2. The structural model is validated by comparing the predicted displacements and crack patterns with results from the fire tests carried out in the present study. It is found that the results obtained from the thermal model and the structural model are in line with the experimental data and Eurocode 2 results. The validated 3-D model of precast concrete load-bearing walls is used to study the effect of load level, slenderness ratio and boundary conditions on the fire performance of the walls. The results show that the fire resistance rating of load-bearing walls decreases with increasing load level and slenderness ratio, while the fire resistance rating of the walls increases when rotational restraints are imposed at the ends of the walls. Finally, equations are presented for estimating the fire resistance rating of the walls with different support conditions.