Comparative study on fire resistance performance of composite slabs with different cross-sections using finite element analysis
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Abstract
The objective of this research is to investigate the behavior of composite slabs under fire conditions using finite element analysis. Firstly, the numerical analysis employed a 3D non-linear coupled thermal-structural ANSYS model. Thermal validation against reference test results yielded a mean relative error below 3.5% and a maximum temperature discrepancy within 12.7 °C, verifying the model's accuracy. This study investigated the effects of cross-sectional shape on the temperature distribution, load-bearing capacity, and thermal insulation of composite slabs exposed to fire. Two profile types, trapezoidal and re-entrant, were analyzed using the ISO 834 standard fire curve. The results revealed that the re-entrant profile exhibited superior thermal resistance, resulting in lower internal temperatures after 50 minutes of fire exposure. Consequently, the residual load-bearing capacity ratios for the trapezoidal and re-entrant profiles were 33.48% and 36.59%, respectively. Under the ISO 834 thermal insulation criterion, the trapezoidal and re-entrant profiles achieved insulation fire ratings of 70 and 100 minutes, respectively. These findings indicate that cross-sectional geometry significantly influences the fire resistance of composite slabs. Ultimately, selecting an appropriate profile can substantially enhance structural safety under fire conditions.
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References
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