Rise in structural steel temperatures during ISO 9705 room fires

An experimental programme was undertaken to study the temperature rise of protected and unprotected structural steel during a fire within a small enclosure (an ISO 9705 room). The fuel (wood crib) was placed at two locations (front and back) within the ISO room. Each location had two fire scenarios present: the first fire scenario was for recording the temperatures of protected steel members within the enclosure, and the second fire scenario was to measure the temperatures of the directly exposed members. Six steel columns and two steel beams were strategically placed, and their temperatures were measured. Other data recorded were gas temperatures and heat release rates (HRRs). Thermocouples were kept in identical locations during the tests with protected and unprotected steel members to facilitate direct comparison. Despite the natural variability in fire development in identical situations, data up to ≈20 min were found suitable for direct comparison between protected and unprotected steel members. Comparison of these results with Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) version 5.3.1 modelling (with prescribed HRRs) results is presented to show the usefulness of the data collected.

► Study of the temperature rise of protected and unprotected structural steel in an enclosure fire.
► Comparable protected and unprotected steel temperature data presented.
► Beam temperature along a beam not constant, increasing uncertainty with zone model calculation.
► More adverse effects on steel beams while fire-load burning at the end of an enclosure.
► Useful experimental data for CFD fire modelling generated and modelling conducted with FDS model