This paper summarizes the results of computational and experimental investigations on the behavior of steel simple beam end framing connections subjected to fire. Connections are critical elements in maintaining the integrity of a structure during a fire. Fire can cause large force and deformation demands on connections during both the heating and cooling stages, while reducing connection strength and stiffness.
In the US, one of the most common types of simple beam end framing connections is the single plate connection. In order to better understand the behavior of this type of connection in fire, a series of computational and experimental investigations have been completed by the authors. The computational studies investigated the typical behavior of the connection during heating and cooling phase of fires as well as the connection force and deformation demands. Experimental studies on connections at elevated temperatures were conducted to validate predictions of connection capacity developed by computational and design models as well as providing knowledge of failure modes. This paper will present key results from this study.
