Effects of Elevated Temperature on Structural Members

Abstract

The important factors which influence the behavior and strength of structural members, both steel and concrete, at elevated temperatures are examined. The characteristics of fires, the variables that influence the temperature magnitude and distribution in a fire, standard fire test methods for structural members, and material properties of steel and concrete at elevated temperature are reviewed. The study is limited to the published information available and no attempt has been made to evaluate current design principles or to establish a rational basis of design for the safe use of structural members for elevated temperature applications. The paper concludes with an extensive list of references dealing with various aspects of the problem.