Modelling of the collapse of large multi-storey steel frame structures in fire

Publisher Summary The chapter presents results from a number of non-linear finite element analyses of simple two-dimensional (2D) models of multi-storey structural frames subjected to fire. One of the analyses was carried out for a large range of fire scenarios. The chapter advances that work to include a number of different structural configurations and presents a few more collapse mechanisms. The results of this work are based on very simple 2D analyses, and further computational and experimental research should be carried out to confirm these initial findings, which nonetheless show a clear failure mechanism in multiple floor fires. The chapter presents a selection of results obtained from the simpler 2D models and describes the most interesting failure mechanism. The understanding developed in this manner is of enormous benefit to designers and consulting engineers to understand the true effect of fire in their structures and to ensure that the mechanisms discovered are prevented from occurring with appropriate design and detailing.