Structural behaviour of composite cold formed steel columns under fire condition

Abstract

In this paper, fire resistance experimental tests on members with restrained thermal elongation are presented and described. Different cold-formed steel profiles were used, combined to form tubular built-up sections that were later filled with concrete. These results are compared with identical cold-formed steel solutions without the inclusion of concrete. Also, using advanced finite element software, Abaqus, numerical models capable of reproducing the behaviour observed experimentally are developed and presented. In conclusion it is observed that this innovative composite cold formed steel and concrete member exhibit an enhanced fire resistance compared to bare CFS members. The good results observed in this exploratory investigation will enable a more extensive research on composite members combining cold-formed steel and lightweight concrete.