Numerical Modeling of the Behavior of Concrete Structures in Fire

Finite element thermal and structural computer programs were developed to predict the behavior of three-dimensional reinforced concrete structures in fire. The thermal program uses an implicit recurrence scheme to improve convergence. The structural program was based on recent experimental data obtained at Imperial College on the transient thermal strain behavior of concrete heated for the first time under load. The thermal program was validated against data from an experimental test on a steel ceramic element. The structural model was also validated against data from experimental tests on concrete slabs and a concrete column. Good correlation between predicted and experimental results was obtained for both temperature distribution in the thermal module and deformation in the structural model. The results highlight the important role that transient thermal creep plays, particularly in the column example.