Fire safety analysis of a 3D frame structure based on a full-scale fire test

The topic of this paper is the fire safety analysis of 3D frame structures such as industrial halls. Cold-formed thin plated elements are used as structural components. The building, which is submitted to a full-scale fire test, is introduced. A blind prediction analysis is performed using the finite element model SAFIR. The thermal response of the structural elements under both a standard fire and a natural fire corresponding to a fire load density of 625 MJ/m2 and an opening factor 0.009 m1/2 is predicted. As expected, the temperature of the cold-formed sections follows more or less the gas temperature in the fire compartment due to the thin plates. The results of the predicted mechanical response are presented, giving a resistance of 27 min (standard fire) and 54 min (natural fire). The model is validated based on the results of the full-scale fire test, demonstrating a fire resistance of 62 min. Comparison with a simple 2.5D model is made and proved to provide results sufficiently accurate to make it applicable for daily design practice.

► A full-scale fire test is performed delivering unique data for numerical validation. ► Validation of a 3D FE-model in SAFIR of an industrial frame structure made of CFS. ► Beneficial effect of interaction between members on the fire resistance. ► Fire resistance for thin walled members using a natural fire. ► Simplified 2.5D model of the full 3D structure, applicable for design purposes.