SR51 Finite element program for modelling the thermal response of building components exposed to fire (1993)

This report summarises work carried out in a research project aimed at modelling, by computer, the performance of building components when exposed to fire.

A finite element computer program (NISA) was used to predict temperatures on and within steel I-sections and concrete slab components. Useful results were obtained.

The study concludes that the finite element computer program be useful for analysing fire-resistance performance. Common building components made of concrete and steel have been modelled in this study, with relatively good agreement being achieved between calculated and measured values.

In general,results tend to overestimate temperatures (rather than underestimate), and for practical purposes, this enables the program to be used with confidence for the types of components and materials included in this study. Further work is required to establish the same level of confidence for other materials and types of components.