Fire endurance analysis of reinforced concrete columns

This paper presents a summary of the fire resistance computer program FRCP developed to analyze the influence of selected parameters on the response and behaviour of axially loaded square reinforced concrete columns subjected to fire. The mechanical and thermal properties of the concrete used in the reinforced concrete column and the variation of the elastic moduli of the concrete and the reinforcing steel with temperature need to be determined experimentally, prior to analysis using the FRCP computer program. Very good agreement (±15%) was obtained between the computed and the experimental responses of prototype and model columns. Key words: axial load resistance, computer program, concrete cover thickness, deterioration of strength and stiffness, direct models, fire endurance, reinforced concrete columns, temperature–time relationships.