This paper presents the development of a fiber based beam-column finite element for modeling the structural behavior of columns and other members under elevated temperatures from fire loading. Several such elements can be combined to: (i) model structural members and frames, and (ii) analyze them for fire loading conditions. The finite element is programmed within the context of an indigenous finite element analysis program that uses the modified Newton- Raphson (NR) iterative solution algorithm to conduct nonlinear analysis. The paper also presents a limited validation of the finite element (and program) for simple benchmark problems and steel column fire tests conducted in the recent past. The validated finite element was used to conduct parametric analyses to investigate the effects of structural loading and restraint parameters on the fire behavior and strength of steel columns. © 2008 ASCE.

Anil Agarwal

Department of Civil Engineering

A.H. Varma

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