Job No.

BCF 196 Sheet 1 of 26 Rev

Title Fire Resistance design

Silwood Park, Ascot, Berks SL5 7QN

Subject Example 2  Seven-storey office building
Telephone: (01344) 636525
Fax: (01344) 636570 Made by SBM Date Sep 2013
Client
CALCULATION SHEET Checked by DGB Date Nov 2013

1 SEVEN-STOREY OFFICE BUILDING

1.1 Arrangement and loading

The arrangement of the steel frame for this seven-storey office building is shown
in Figure 1.1 and Figure 1.2. Details of the typical floor plan and glazing
arrangement are shown in Figure 1.3 and Figure 1.4.
The steelwork has been designed for the actions shown in Table 1.1, using the
values of partial factors given by the UK National Annex to EN 1990, as
summarised in Table 1.2.
The beam and column sizes shown in the Figures were determined by
considering the structure as a braced frame with composite floors. The initial
design was carried out at ambient temperature.

Table 1.1 Characteristic actions for design

Actions on first floor
Permanent Actions:
Concrete slab 2.78 kN/m2
Self-weight of decking 0.13 kN/m2
Allowance for self-weight of beams 0.6 kN/m2
Ceiling & Services 0.9 kN/m2
Variable Actions:
Occupancy Load 2.5 kN/m2
Partitions 0.8 kN/m2
Actions on roof
Permanent Actions
Concrete slab 2.78 kN/m2
Self-weight of decking 0.13 kN/m2
Allowance for self-weight of beams 0.30 kN/m2
Ceiling & Services 0.90 kN/m2
Variable Actions
Imposed load 0.6 kN/m2

Table 1.2 Partial factors on actions

Factor Value
G 1.35
Q 1.50

1
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 2 of 26 Rev

This worked example demonstrates the verification at elevated temperature of

two composite beams (primary and secondary) and a column.
Two verifications of the column are demonstrated:
 Unprotected.
 Protected with board.
The verifications follow a simplified calculation model, as permitted by clause
4.1(2) of EN 1993-1-2.
The verifications use the standard temperature-time curve given in EN 1991-1-2
clause 3.2.1 (1).
EN 1994-1-2 covers the structural fire design of composite members and EN 1994-1-2
requires that composite beams are verified for: 4.3.4.1.1(1)
 Resistance of critical cross-sections
 Vertical shear
 Resistance to longitudinal shear
The verification process for the protected composite beam may be
summarised as:
 Under fire conditions, a reduced design value of actions is calculated.
 Determine the temperature of the protected steel beam at the required fire
protection period
 Determine reduction factors for the strength of components (steel, concrete,
shear studs) at the calculated temperature
 Verify the resistance of the member, based on the (reduced) design resistances
of the components.
The verification process for the column is described in the accompanying
example covering a two storey office.

2
 A B C D E F
9000 9000 9000 9000 9000

Figure 1.1
1

6000
4000 4000

356x171x57 UB
356x171x57 UB
356x171x57 UB
356x171x57 UB
305 x 165 x 46 UB
2
3000

9000

457x191x98 UB
457x191x98 UB
457x191x98 UB
457x191x98 UB

Stairs 3000 Stairs

305 x 165 x 46 UB
3
Example 2  Seven storey office building

6000

3
356x171x57 UB
356x171x57 UB
356x171x57 UB
356x171x57 UB

4
N.B. All secondary beams 305 x 165 x 46 UB

Steelwork layout - floor levels 1 to 6 and roof level

This drawing to be read in conjuction with drawings
BCF951/01, 02, 04, & 05

The Steel Construction Institute Seven Storey Building FMS 11766 10/12/04
Silwood Park Ascot Berks SL5 7QN Typical Steelwork Layout WIS
Tel (01344) 623345 Fax (01344) 622944
Floors 1 - 6 and Roof
BCF951/03
Sheet
3 of 26
Rev
 1 2 3 4
6000 9000 6000

26.25 m

Figure 1.2
22.53 m

18.81 m

15.09 m

11.37 m

Cross section of gridline C

Example 2  Seven storey office building

7.65 m

4
3.93 m

0.0 m 500

This drawing to be read in conjuction with drawings

BCF951/01, 02, 03, & 05

The Steel Construction Institute FMS 11767 08/12/04

Silwood Park Ascot Berks SL5 7QN
Seven Storey Building
Section (Grid Line C) WIS
Tel (01344) 623345 Fax (01344) 622944 BCF951/04
Sheet
4 of 26
Rev
 A B C D E F

Figure 1.3
9000 9000 9000 9000 9000

6000

Typical floor plan

9000
Compartment walls
90 minutes fire resistance
Stairs Stairs
Example 2  Seven storey office building

5
6000

This drawing to be read in conjuction with drawings

BCF951/01, 03, 04, & 05

The Steel Construction Institute FMS 11769 08/12/04

Silwood Park Ascot Berks SL5 7QN
Seven Storey Building
Typical Floor Plan WIS
Tel (01344) 623345 Fax (01344) 622944 BCF951/02
Sheet
5 of 26
Rev
 A B C D E F
9000 9000 9000 9000 9000
1200
26.25 m

Figure 1.4
22.53 m 900

900 2820
18.81 m

15.09 m

Elevation on gridline 4
11.37 m
Example 2  Seven storey office building

7.65 m

6
3.93 m

3030
0.00 m

This drawing to be read in conjuction with drawings

BCF951/02, 03, 04, & 05

The Steel Construction Institute FMS 11768 08/12/04

Silwood Park Ascot Berks SL5 7QN
Seven Storey Building
Elevation WIS
Tel (01344) 623345 Fax (01344) 622944 BCF951/01
Sheet
6 of 26
Rev
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 7 of 26 Rev

1.2 Structural fire design

The structure is an office building, without sprinklers. The floor height of the App. Doc. B
top storey is 22.53 m above ground level. According to Table A2 of Approved
Document B, a 90 minute minimum period of fire resistance is required.

1.3 Fire resistance of a primary floor beam (gridline B)

with fire protection
1.3.1 Composite beam details
Beam size: 356  171  57 UKB, S275
Beam spacing: 9.0 m
Beam span: 6.0 m
The beam has been designed at ambient temperature. The slab is 130 mm deep,
using ComFlor 51 + deck and normal weight 25/30 concrete. The shear studs
are 19 mm diameter, 95 mm long.
From the manufacturer’s data, the weight of concrete is 2.78 kN/m2 and the
weight of the deck is 0.13 kN/m2.
1.3.2 Design effects of actions in fire EN 1993-1-2
2.4.2
The effects of actions in fire may be determined from EN 1990. In expression
6.11b of EN 1990, the combination factor  to be used with the leading variable UK NA to
action is given in EN 1991-1-2. EN 1991-1-2
The UK National Annex to EN 1991-1-2 specifies that the combination factor
1 should be used.
UK National Annex to EN 1990 defines 1 = 0.5 for (in this instance) office UK NA to
loading. EN 1990
NA.2.2.2
As there is no accompanying variable action, the design value of actions under
fire conditions is given by: EN1990
Expression
Gk+ 1 Qk
6.11(b)
Characteristic value of the permanent actions:
Gk = 2.78 + 0.13 + 0.6 + 0.90 = 4.41 kN/m2
Characteristic value of the variable actions:
Qk,1 = 2.5 + 0.8 = 3.3 kN/m2
The design value of actions under fire conditions is therefore
Gk+ 1 Qk = 4.41 + 0.5 × 3.3 = 6.1 kN/m2
As an alternative to using expression 6.11b or EN 1990, the effects of actions EN 1991-1-2
under fire conditions, Ed,fi may be determined from: 2.4.2(2)
Ed,fi = fi Ed
where:
fi is a reduction factor, given in EN 1993-1-2
Ed is the design value of the corresponding force or moment for normal
temperature design.

7
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 8 of 26 Rev

The expression for fi depends on which expression in EN 1990 has been used
to calculate the design value of the combination of actions. In this example,
expression 6.10 will be used, and therefore expression 2.5 of EN 1993-1-2 must
be used to calculate fi.
According to expression 6.10, the design value of the combination of actions is EN 1990
given by: Expression 6.10
Ed = 1.35 × 4.41 + 1.5 × 3.3 = 10.9 kN/m2
Gk   fiQk,1 4.41  0.5  3.3 EN 1993-1-2
and fi = = = 0.556 2.4.2(2)
 G Gk   Q,1Qk,1 1.35  4.41  1.5  3.3
Expression 2.5
Thus the design effects in fire are given by:
Ed,fi = fi Ed = 0.556 × 10.9 = 6.1 kN/m
In this instance, the two alternative approaches to determine the design load in
fire produce the same result.
The design value of the point load applied by the secondary beams at the mid
span of the primary beam is given by:
6.1 × 3 × 9 = 164.7 kN
Design bending moment at mid span of the primary beam:
MEd = 164.7  6/4 = 247.1 kNm
Design shear force at the support:
VEd = 164.7 /2 = 82.4 kN
1.3.3 Critical temperature of the protected beam
The critical temperature for the beam may be calculated and a protection
system chosen to ensure that the steel remains below this temperature. This
approach is simple and conservative. This example demonstrates the calculation
of the critical temperature, but then continues to determine the actual
temperature of the beam with a specific protection system and to calculate the
resistance of the beam at that temperature.
The critical temperature, a,cr is given by: EN 1993-1-2
4.2.4(2)
 1 
a,cr = 39.19 ln  3.833
 1 + 482
 0 .9674  0 
where the degree of utilisation, o, is given by:
E fi, d EN 1993-1-2
o = but not less than 0.013 4.2.4(3)
R fi, d,0

As lateral torsional buckling is not a potential failure mode, o may EN 1993-1-2

conservatively be obtained from: 4.2.4(4)

 M,fi
0  fi
 M0

8
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 9 of 26 Rev

where fi is the reduction factor calculated above. (fi = 0.556)

Both M,fi and M0 = 1.0 EN 1993-1-2
2.3(2)
UK NA to
EN 1993-1-1
The critical temperature for composite beams may be calculated using
expression 4.22 of EN 1993-1-2 (shown above).
Note that Table NA.1 of The UK NA to EN 1993-1-2 (which provides default
values for critical temperatures) does not cover composite beams.
The critical temperature is given by:
 1 
a,cr = 39.19 ln  3.833
 1 + 482 = 567°C
 0 .9674  0 .556 

1.3.4 Design resistance of protected beam in fire

The resistance of the composite beam at elevated temperature will be verified.
Firstly, the temperature of the protected member must be determined.
The temperature increase in a protected member in time interval Δt is given by:
 p Ap / V  g, t   a, t    10  EN 1993-1-2
 a,t =  t   e  1    g, t 4.2.5.2
d p ca  a 1   / 3   Expression 4.27
where:
cp  p
ϕ = d p Ap / V
ca a
where:
p is the thermal conductivity of the fire protection system
Ap is the appropriate area of fire protection per unit length of the member
dp is the thickness if the fire protection material (in m)
cp is the temperature independent specific heat of the fire protection
material
p is the unit mass of the fire protection material
g, t is the gas temperature at time t
a, t is the steel temperature at time t
  g, t is the increase of the ambient gas temperature during the time
interval Δt
Note that EN 1994-1-2 presents expression 4.27 from EN 1993-1-2 as
expression 4.8, in a slightly different format, with modified nomenclature. The
results from the expressions are identical.
p, cp, and p are taken from the manufacturer’s data.

9
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 10 of 26 Rev

For this fire protection board selected, the manufacturer provided the
following data:
Thermal conductivity p = 0.2 W/mK
Thickness dp = 20 mm
Density p = 850 kg/m3
Specific heat cp = 1700 J/kgK
internal surface area of boarding EN 1993-1-2
Ap 172.2  2  358
= = = 122.3 m–1 4.2.5.2(4)
V volume of member 7.26

An incremental procedure must be used to determine the gas temperature at

time t and therefore the temperature of the steel. When undertaking the
incremental process, t should not be taken as more than 30 seconds. In this
example, a spreadsheet has been used to calculate the gas and steel temperatures
as they vary with time. In this example, t has been taken as 5 seconds.
The results of this incremental procedure are shown in Figure 1.5. At
90 minutes, the temperature of the steel beam is 588°C.
This is higher than the critical temperature calculated as 567°C and would
indicate that the chosen protection is not adequate. However, the critical
temperature approach in Section 1.3.3 used a conservative value of the degree
of utilisation, o. Using the actual degree of utilisation would demonstrate the
critical temperature to be higher.
This example continues in order to demonstrate that the calculated resistance of
the composite beam with the selected protection system is adequate.
For members with box protection, a uniform temperature may be assumed over EN 1994-1-2
the height of the profile. 4.3.4.2.2(10)

10
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 11 of 26 Rev

Figure 1.5 Variation of gas and steel temperatures with time – protected beam

1.4 Vertical shear resistance at elevated temperature

The resistance to vertical shear is to be taken as the resistance of the steel EN 1994-1-2
section alone, which may be calculated in accordance with E.4 of Annex E to 4.2.4.1.3
EN 1994-1-2
Clause E.4 recommends that clause 6.2.2 of EN 1994-1-1 is used to check the EN 1994-1-2
vertical shear resistance of a composite section, replacing Ea, fay, and a with E.4(1)
Ea,, fay,, and M,fi,a respectively.
From Table 3.2: EN 1994-1-2
Table 3.2
Ea, = kE, × Ea
fay, = ky, × fay
M,fi,a is given in EN 1994-1-2 clause 2.3(1), and confirmed by the UK National UK NA to
Annex to EN 1994-1-2 as M,fi,a = 1.0 EN 1994-1-2
NA.2.5
From Table 3.2, at 588°C: EN 1994-1-2
Table 3.2
kE, = 0.345
ky, = 0.507
According to 6.2.2.2 of EN 1994-1-1, the plastic shear resistance should be EN 1994-1-1
calculated in accordance with EN 1993-1-1 6.2.2.2(2)
The shear resistance at ambient temperature may therefore be taken from P363, P363
Vc,Rd = 501 kN
At elevated temperature, the shear resistance is given by:

11
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 12 of 26 Rev

Vc,fi,Rd = 0.507 × 501 = 254 kN

The resistance (254 kN) exceeds the design effect (82.4 kN), so the shear
resistance at 90 minutes is satisfactory.

1.5 Resistance of the composite section

The resistance of the composite section is determined after calculating the
reduced resistance of the steel and concrete elements of the section.
The bending resistance of the composite section maybe calculate by plastic EN 1994-1-2
theory, taking into account the variation of material properties with temperature. 4.3.4.2.4(1)
The primary elements in the calculation are the steel resistance, the concrete
resistance and the resistance of the shear studs.
Steel temperature
The temperature of the steel beam has already been calculated as 588°C at EN 1994-1-2
90 minutes. Because the member has box protection, a uniform temperature 4.3.4.2.2(11)
maybe assumed over the height of the steel beam, as Ap/V has been used in the
earlier calculation of the temperature.
Concrete temperature
Although a method for determining the temperatures in a concrete slab is given UK NA to
in Annex D, this Annex cannot be used, according to the UK National Annex EN 1994-1-2
NA.3
Non-contradictory complementary information may be found at
www.steel-ncci.co.uk. Resource PN005c-GB provides alternative guidance.
Stud temperature
When determining the resistance of a shear stud at elevated temperature, the EN 1994-1-2
temperature of the stud connector and of the concrete may be taken as 80% and 4.3.4.2.5(2)
40% respectively of the temperature of the upper flange of the steel beam.

1.5.2 Resistance of the steel beam

The resistance of the steel beam may be calculated using the reduction factor for
yield strength, ky, as given in Table 3.2 of EN 1994-1-2 or Table 3.1 of
EN 1993-1-2. (the reduction factor is identical)
At 588°C, the reduction factor ky, = 0.507 EN 1994-1-2
Table 3.2
The resistance of the steel beam in tension is given by: UK NA to
EN 1994-1-2
ky, fy A/M,fi NA.2.5
where M,fi = 1.0
Thus the reduced tension resistance of the steel beam
= 0.507 × 275 × 7260 × 10-3/ 1.0 = 1012 kN

1.5.3 Resistance of the shear studs at ambient temperature

Firstly, the resistance of the shear studs at ambient temperature must be EN 1994-1-2
calculated, as given by equations 6.18 and 6.19 of EN 1994-1-1 4.3.4.2.5(1)

12
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 13 of 26 Rev

According to equation 6.18; EN 1994-1-1

6.6.3.1
0.8 f u π d 2 4
PRd 
V
where UK NA to
2 EN 1994-1-1
fu is the ultimate strength of the stud, in this case 450 N/mm
NA.2.3
d is the stud diameter, in this case 19 mm
V is the partial factor, taken as 1.25, confirmed by the UK National
Annex
0.8  450  π  19 2 4
Then PRd   10 3 = 81.7 kN
1.25
According to equation 6.19;
0.29αd 2 f ck Ecm
PRd =
γV
Because hsc/d = 95/15 = 6.33 (greater than 4),  = 1
0.29 1192 25  30500
Then PRd = 103 = 73.1 kN
1.25
In profiled steel sheeting, the design shear resistance must be multiplied by a EN 1994-1-1
reduction factor, kl 6.6.4.1(2)

bo  hsc 
kl  0.6  1 but ≤ 1.0
hp  hp 

where
bo is the distance between ribs, in this case 110 mm
hp is the height of the profile, in this case 51 mm
hsc is the height of the shear connector, in this case 95 mm
110  95 
Then k l  0.6   1 = 1.11, but limited to 1.0
51  51 
Thus the minimum resistance, at ambient temperature, = 1.0 × 73.1 = 73.1 kN

1.5.4 Resistance of the shear studs at elevated temperature

At elevated temperature, EN 1994-1-2
4.3.4.2.5(1)
Pfi,Rd = 0.8 ku, PRd (PRd from equation 6.18 of EN 1994-1-1), or
Pfi,Rd = kc, PRd (PRd from equation 6.19 of EN 1994-1-1)
In both cases, V is replaced with M,fi
ku, and kc, are taken from Tables 3.2 and 3.3 respectively.
The temperature of the stud = 0.8 × 588 = 470°C EN 1994-1-2
4.3.4.2.5(2)
From Table 3.2, ku, = 0.846 EN 1994-1-2
Table 3.2

13
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 14 of 26 Rev

0.8  450  π  19 2 4
Thus Pfi,Rd = 0.8 × 0.846 ×  10 3 = 69.1 kN
1.0
The temperature of the concrete = 0.4 × 588 = 235°C
Although clause 4.3.4.2.2(16) indicates that no reduction is required for
temperatures less than 250°C, Table 3.3 indicates a small reduction.
From Table 3.3, kc, = 0.915 EN 1994-1-2
Table 3.3
0.29  1  19 2 25  30500
Thus Pfi,Rd = 0.915   10 3 = 83.5 kN
1.0
Thus the minimum resistance, at elevated temperature, = 69.1 kN
The number of studs over half the span, allowing for 300 mm at the ends of the
beam = (3000-300)/150 = 18 studs
Thus the maximum force that can be transferred by the studs is
18  69.1 = 1244 kN
Thus the maximum force in the concrete is the minimum of 1244 kN and
1012 kN.
Therefore the force in the concrete = 1012 kN

1.6 Resistance of the concrete at elevated temperature

Although Annex D of EN 1994-1-2 provides information on the temperature UK NA to
within a concrete slab, the UK National Annex prohibits the use of Annex D. EN 1994-1-2
NA.3
Non-conflicting complementary information giving temperatures within a
concrete slab may be obtained from resource PN005c-GB, obtained from
www.steel-ncci.co.uk.

1.6.1 Minimum slab thickness for adequate insulation

The minimum slab thickness for a 90 minute fire resistance period is given as PN005c-GB
110 mm for normal weight concrete. The actual slab is 130 mm, so is Table 3.2
satisfactory.
Expressions for the concrete temperature for normal weight concrete and
re-entrant deck are given in Equations 10, 11 and 12, covering up to 51 mm
from the soffit within the ribs, at other locations within the ribs and at locations
not in the rib.
Within a rib, up to 51 mm from the soffit, the concrete temperature is given by: PN005c-GB
Table 2.9
x = 0.04x2 – 9.5x + 1030
where x is the distance above the soffit
At other depths within a rib, the concrete temperature is given by: PN005c-GB
Table 2.10
x = 0.0162.4 – 6.31.1 + 51

14
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 15 of 26 Rev

where:
0.5
 250 
   
 d slab 
51 is the temperature at 51 mm within a rib
dslab is the slab depth
At other locations, the concrete temperature is given by: PN005c-GB
Table 2.11
x = 0.0162.8(x – dp) – 6.51.28(x – dp) + 700
where:
dp is the height of the profile, in this instance 51 mm
The graph of these expressions is shown in Figure 1.6.

Concrete Slab Temperatures
90 Minutes, Normal Weight Concrete
1200

1000
Within rib
Concrete Temperature (0C)

Other locations
800

600

400

200

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Distance from soffit (mm)

Figure 1.6 Variation of temperature within the concrete slab

A reduction factor, kc, may be obtained from Table 3.3 of EN 1994-1-2 EN 1994-1-2
3.2.2(4)
The concrete temperature, and the reduction factor kc,, for concrete strips at Table 3.3
distances measured from the top surface of the slab, are shown in Table 1.3. The
datum used when calculating the temperature is taken as the mid-height of the
strip. The temperatures in Table 1.3 are the higher values shown in Figure 1.6,
indicated as “other locations”. These are temperatures in the slab above the
dovetail void, and correspond to positions P4 to P5 in PN005c-GB, Figure 2.4.

15
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 16 of 26 Rev

Table 1.3 Concrete temperatures and reduction factors

Concrete temperature
Datum (mm) Reduction factor kc,
Strip (from top surface) (°C)
(from top surface) (from Table 3.3)
(See Figure 1.6)
0 – 10 mm 5 188 1.0
10 – 20 mm 15 232 1.0
20 – 30 mm 25 283 0.867
30 – 40 mm 35 343 0.807
40 – 50 mm 45 410 0.734
50 – 60 mm 55 486 0.621
60 – 70 mm 65 570 0.496
70 – 80 mm 75 661 0.358

1.6.2 Effective width

Effective width beff = 2 × 6000/8 = 1500 mm EN 1994-1-1
5.4.1.2(5)
1.6.3 Resistance of the concrete slab EN 1994-1-2
4.3.1(4)
The resistance of the concrete is given by:
slabAj kc,,j fc,j/M,fi,c
where:
slab is a coefficient accounting for the assumption of a rectangular stress
block. slab = 0.85
Aj is the area of the jth strip
kc,,j is the reduction factor for the jth strip
For example, the resistance of the strip between 50 and 60 mm is given by:
0.85 × 10 × 1500 × 0.621 × 25 × 10-3 / 1.0 = 198 kN
The resistance of each strip, based on an effective width of 1500 mm, is shown
in Table 1.4.

Table 1.4 Resistance of the concrete slab, in strips from the upper surface
Strip Resistance (kN) Cumulative resistance (kN)
0 – 10 mm 318.8 318.8
10 – 20 mm 318.8 637.5
20 – 30 mm 276.3 913.8
30 – 40 mm 257.3 1171.1

In this example, only 33.8 mm of the concrete slab is required to equate to the
tension force previously determined as 1012 kN.
Thus the plastic neutral axis is at 33.8 mm from the top surface of the slab.
The design moment resistance of the composite beam at elevated temperature is EN 1994-1-2
given by the summation of the design forces, multiplied by their lever arms, as 4.3.1(5)
shown in Figure 1.7.

16
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 17 of 26 Rev

33.8mm

275.2 mm

1012 kN

Figure 1.7 Design forces in composite beam

The design moment of resistance is given by:

1012 × 275
+ 98.2 × 3.8/2
+ 276.3 × (5 + 3.8)
+ 318.8 × (15 + 3.8)
+ 318.8 × (25 + 3.8)
= 296,093 kNmm, = 296 kNm
Thus the design resistance (296 kNm) is greater than the design action
(247.1 kNm), so the resistance of the composite beam at elevated temperature is
satisfactory.

2 Fire resistance of a secondary floor beam

with fire protection

Most of the required information has been determined for the primary beam,
which is utilised within the following verification of a secondary beam.

2.1.1 Composite beam details

Beam size: 305 × 165 × 46 UKB, S355
Beam spacing: 3.0 m
Beam span: 9.0 m
From Section 1.3.2, the design value of actions in fire is 6.1 kN/m2.
The design bending moment is therefore (6.1 × 3) × 92/8 = 185.3 kNm
The design shear force is (6.1 × 3) × 9 / 2 = 82.4 kN

17
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 18 of 26 Rev

Following the pattern of Sections 1.3.2 and 1.3.4, an incremental process may be
used to determine the temperature of the steel beam after 90 minutes. Like the
primary beams, 20 mm of identical fire protection has been assumed. The results
of this incremental process are shown in Figure 2.1. At 90 minutes, the
temperature of the steel beam is 606°C.
This is higher than the critical temperature calculated in Section 1.3.3 as 567°C
and would indicate that the chosen protection is not adequate. However, the
critical temperature approach is conservative, and this example continues in
order to demonstrate that the calculated resistance of the composite beam with
the selected protection system is adequate.

1200

Gas temperature

1000 Steel temperature

Required fire period
Gas and Steel temperatures (oC)

800

600

400

200

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Minutes

Figure 2.1 Variation of gas and steel temperatures with time – protected beam

2.2 Vertical shear resistance at elevated temperature

At 606°C, the reduction factor ky, = 0.46 EN 1994-1-2
Table 3.2
Thus the vertical shear resistance at elevated temperature is P363
0.46 × 461 = 212 kN
The resistance (212 kN) exceeds the design effect (82.4 kN), so the shear
resistance at 90 minutes is satisfactory.

2.3 Resistance of the composite section

2.3.1 Resistance of the steel beam
The reduced tension resistance of the steel beam
= 0.46 × 355 × 5870 × 10-3/ 1.0 = 959 kN

18
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 19 of 26 Rev

2.3.2 Resistance of the shear studs at ambient temperature

Following the calculation process in Section 1.5.3, the basic stud resistances are EN 1994-1-2
identical (81.7 kN and 73.1 kN from expression 6.18 and 6.19 respectively) 4.3.4.2.5(1)

When the decking is transverse to the span, the calculated resistances must be EN 1994-1-1
multiplied by the reduction factor kt, as given by: 6.6.4.2

0.7 bo  hsc 
kt  1
nr hp  hp 

where:
nr is the number of studs in one rib (assumed here to be 1)
bo is the clear distance between ribs, given by the manufacturer as
110 mm
hsc is the height of the stud (95 mm in this instance)
hp is the height of the profile, given by the manufacturer as 51 mm
0.7 110  95 
Then k t    1 = 1.3
1 51  51 
kt is also limited by the maximum value given in Table 6.2, and for the deck EN 1994-1-1
(assumed to be less than 1 mm thick), for through-deck welding, the maximum Table 6.2
value is 0.85
Thus the revised values of resistance are:
From expression 6.18, PRd = 81.7 × 0.85 = 69.5 kN
From expression 6.19, PRd = 73.1 × 0.85 = 62.1 kN

2.3.3 Resistance of the shear studs at elevated temperature

The temperature of the stud = 0.8 × 606 = 485°C EN 1994-1-2
4.3.4.2.5(2)
From Table 3.2, ku, = 0.813 EN 1994-1-2
Table 3.2
Thus based on equation 6.18, EN 1994-1-2
4.3.4.2.5(1)
Thus Pfi,Rd = 0.8 × 0.813 × 69.5 × 1.25 = 56.5 kN
The temperature of the concrete = 0.4 × 606 = 242°C EN 1994-1-2
Table 3.3
From Table 3.3, kc, = 0.908
Thus based on equation 6.19,
Thus Pfi,Rd = 0.908 × 62.1 × 1.25 = 70.5 kN
Thus the minimum resistance, at elevated temperature, = 56.5 kN
The number of studs over half the span, allowing for 150 mm at the ends of the
beam = (4500-150)/150 = 29 studs
Thus the maximum force that can be transferred by the studs is
29 × 56.5 = 1639 kN

19
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 20 of 26 Rev

Thus the maximum force in the concrete is the minimum of 1639 kN and
959 kN.
Therefore the force in the concrete = 959 kN

2.4 Resistance of the concrete at elevated temperature

The calculations to determine the temperature in the concrete and the reduction
factors are identical to the process described in Section 1.6. The concrete
temperatures and reduction factors are given in Table 1.3.

2.4.1 Effective width EN 1994-1-1

5.4.1.2(5)
Effective width beff = 2 × 9000/8 = 2250 mm
The resistance of each strip, based on an effective width of 2250 mm, is shown
in Table 2.1

Table 2.1 Resistance of the concrete slab, in strips from the upper surface
Strip Resistance (kN) Cumulative resistance (kN)
0 – 10 mm 478.1 478.1
10 – 20 mm 478.1 956.3
20 – 30 mm 414.5 1370.7

In this instance only 20 mm of the concrete slab is required to equate to the

tension force previously determined as 959 kN. The difference between 956 kN
and 959 kN may be ignored.
Thus the plastic neutral axis is at 20 mm from the top surface of the slab.
The design moment resistance of the composite beam at elevated temperature is
given by the summation of the design forces, multiplied by their lever arms, as
shown in Figure 2.2.

20 mm

263.3 mm

959 kN

Figure 2.2 Design forces in composite beam

20
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 21 of 26 Rev

The design moment of resistance is given by:

959 × 263.3
+ 478.1 × 5
+ 478.1 × 15
= 262,067 kNmm = 262 kNm
Thus the design resistance (262 kNm) is greater than the design action
(185.3 kNm), so the resistance of the composite beam at elevated temperature is
satisfactory.

2.5 Fire resistance of a column (ground to first floor)

This section of the example demonstrates the verification of an internal column
(305  305  158 UKC S355) at the lower level, in accordance with the
simplified calculation model described in EN 1993-1-2. The column is firstly
considered unprotected, and then with the addition of board protection.

2.5.1 Verification at normal temperature

Axial force due to permanent actions, Gk = 1751 kN
Axial force due to variable actions, Qk = 1377 kN
Design combination value of actions, using expression 6.10 from EN 1990, is EN 1990
given by: Partial factors
from UK NA to
NEd = 1.35 × 1751 + 1.5 × 1377 = 4429 kN EN 1990
The chosen column section, a 305  305  158 UKC S355 is at least a Class 2 P363
Section at ambient temperature.
This may be verified by inspecting the “n limit” given on page D-200 of P363.
The selected column section is at least Class 2 at all levels of axial load, and
therefore the resistance is based on the gross area.
Design resistance of the cross-section:
Nc,Rd = Npl,Rd = Afy /M0 EN 1993-1-1
6.2.4
= 6930 kN > NEd therefore OK P363
Design buckling resistance of the cross-section: EN 1993-1-1
6.3.1.1
Nb,Rd = A fy /M1
The length of the bottom storey column is estimated to be 4430 mm. Assuming P363
a buckling length of 1.0  system length, the buckling resistance (interpolated
from P363) is 4930 kN
Nb,Rd = 4930 kN > NEd therefore OK

2.5.2 Design loading at elevated temperature

Design compression force at elevated temperature, Nfi,Ed is given by:
Nfi,Ed = fi NEd EN 1993-1-2
2.4.2(2)

21
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 22 of 26 Rev

The reduction factor for design load level in the fire situation is given by: EN 1993-1-2
2.4.2(3)
Gk   fiQk,1
fi = Expression 2.5
 G Gk   Q,1Qk,1

fi is to be taken as 1.1 according to the UK NA to EN 1991-1-2 UK NA to

EN 1991-1-2
The value of 1.1 is taken from the UK NA to EN 1990, for (in this instance), NA.2.7
office areas.  UK NA to
EN 1990
fi = 1,1 = 0.5 Table NA.A1.1
1751  0 .5  1377
fi = = 0.55
1 .35  1751  1 .5  1377

Hence:
Nfi,Ed = 0.55  NEd = 0.55  4429 = 2436 kN

2.6 Design buckling resistance of unprotected column

at elevated temperature
The design buckling resistance in fire is given by: EN 1993-1-2
4.2.3.2(1)
Nb,fi,t,Rd = fi A ky, fy/Mfi
The UK National Annex to EN 1993-1-2 suggests the use of the value for partial NA to
factors for materials at elevated temperature recommended in EN 1993-1-2 EN 1993-1-2
clause 2.3. Therefore: NA.2.3

Mfi = 1.0 EN 1993-1-2

2.3(2)
fy = 345 N/mm2 (as tf > 16 mm)
ky, is the reduction factor for effective yield strength from Table 3.1 of EN 1993-1-2
EN 1993-1-2 Table 3.1

The area to be used in the preceding calculation depends on the section

classification, which may vary at elevated temperature.

2.6.1 Section classification

Although the column is at least Class 2 at normal temperature, the classification
at elevated temperature may differ, as according to clause 4.2.2 of EN 1993-1-2,
235
  0.85
fy

235 235
Thus   0.85  0.85  0.7 (fy = 345 N/mm2, since 16 < tf < 40)
fy 345

For the web; P363

c/t for a 305  305  158 UKC = 15.6
Class 1 limiting value = 33 = 33 × 0.7 = 23.1 EN 1993-1-1
Table 5.2
Thus the web is Class 1

22
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 23 of 26 Rev

For the flange; P363

c/t for a 305  305  158 UKC = 4.22
Class 1 limiting value = 9 = 9 × 0.7 = 6.3 EN 1993-1-1
Table 5.2
Thus the flange is Class 2
Therefore, at elevated temperature, the column is Class 2.
For a Class 2 section, the gross area is used in design.
A = 20100 mm2 P363

For intermediate storeys of a braced frame with separate fire compartments, the EN 1993-1-2
buckling length may be taken as lfi = 0.5L. Therefore: 4.2.3.2(5)

Buckling length, Lcr = Lfi 0.5  4430 = 2215 mm

The non-dimensional slenderness (at ambient temperature) EN 1993-1-1
6.3.1.3
Lcr 1
 =
i 1

where:
1  93.9  93.9 235 / 355 = 76.4

The non-dimensional slenderness at an elevated steel temperature,  θ is EN 1993-1-2

given by: 4.2.3.2(2)

θ 
  k y,θ / k E,θ 0.5
Reduction factor fi
The reduction factor for buckling at elevated temperature, fi, is given by:
fi = min (y,fi, z,fi)
For this section, with the same buckling length and restraint conditions in both EN 1993-1-2
axis, it is clear by inspection that buckling in the minor axis will be critical and 4.2.3.2
only this axis needs to be considered. To determine the reduction factor:
1. The non-dimensional slenderness  is calculated (at ambient temperature).
2. The reduction factors ky, and kE, are determined from Table 3.1 of
EN 1993-1-2.
3. The non-dimensional slenderness at elevated temperature is calculated:
 z,θ   z k y,θ / k E ,θ 0.5
4. ϕθ is calculated, given by:
ϕθ = 1
2
1   θ  θ
2
 where   0.65 235/ f y

The reduction factorfi is calculated, given by:

1
fi =
θ  θ2  θ2

23
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 24 of 26 Rev

Because z, θ and therefore fi are temperature dependant, an incremental

process is required to calculate the design resistance at each temperature. The
time to failure is determined as the time when the design resistance falls below
the design effect (which in this example is 2436 kN)

2.6.2 Steel temperature

The change in steel temperature in time interval t is given by:
Am / V  EN 1993-1-2
 a,t = ksh hnet t 4.2.5.1
ca  a
(nomenclature as previously defined)
For an unprotected member, the reduction factors for the materials are as
defined for the beam design.
For the selected column 305  305  158 UKC, exposed on four sides,
Am 1840 P363
  91.5 m–1
V 20.1
 Am 
 V  is the box value of the section factor (the value for a rectangular box
 b
that surrounds the profile).
 Am  2b  2h  = 2  327.1  2  311.2 
V   A 20.1
= 63.5 m-1
 b
ksh = 0.9[Am/V]b/[Am/V] EN 1993-1-2
4.2.5.1(2)
= 0.9  63.5/91.5 = 0.62
2.6.3 Design buckling resistance of an unprotected column at
elevated temperature
A spreadsheet may be used to calculate the gas temperature, the steel
temperature and therefore the design resistance at elevated temperature.
Figure 2.3 shows the results of the process. The design resistance (plotted on the
right hand axis) falls to the design action (2436 kN) at a time of 22.8 minutes.
As this is less than the required fire resistance period, (90 minutes), the
unprotected solution is unsatisfactory. The critical temperature when the column
resistance falls below the design action is 608°C.
Note that in Figure 2.3, the design resistance is limited to 4930 kN, the design
resistance at ambient temperature.

24
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 25 of 26 Rev

1200 6000

1000 5000
Gas and Steel temperatures (0C)

800 4000

Design resistance (kN)
600 3000
Gas temperature
Steel temperature
400 Point of failure 2000

Critical temperature
Design resistance (kN)
200 1000
Fire load (kN)

0 0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Minutes

Figure 2.3 Variation of gas temperature, steel temperature and design resistance with time
– unprotected column

2.7 Design resistance of protected column at

elevated temperature
Try encasing the beam with 15 mm of fire protection board.
The temperature increase in a protected member in time interval Δt is given by:
p Ap / V  g,t   a, t   e  10  1 
EN 1993-1-2
Δθa,t =  t    g,t 4.2.5.2
d p ca  a 1   / 3  
Expression 4.27
where:
cp  p
ϕ = dp Ap/V
ca a
(all nomenclature as previously defined)
p, cp, and p are taken from the manufacturer’s data.
For this fire protection board selected, the manufacturer provided the
following data:
Thermal conductivity p = 0.2 W/mK
Thickness dp = 15 mm
Density p = 800 kg/m3
Specific heat cp = 1700 J/kgK

25
Example 2  Seven storey office building Sheet 26 of 26 Rev

Internal surface area of boarding

Ap/V =
volume of member
In this instance, Ap/V is equal to the box value of the section factor = 63.5 m–1.
An incremental procedure must be followed to determine the gas temperature at
time t and therefore the temperature of the protected steelwork. Once the steel
temperature is calculated, the resistance calculations follow the same process
described for the unprotected column.
The incremental calculation procedure demonstrates that at the required fire
resistance period of 90 minutes, the resistance of the column is 3716 kN. The
steel temperature at 90 minutes is 534°C, less than the critical temperature of
608°C.
As shown in Figure 2.4, the resistance of the protected column only reduces
after 70 minutes. Note in Figure 2.4, the resistance has been limited to 4930 kN,
the design resistance at ambient temperature.
As the design resistance (3716 kN) exceeds the design effect (2436 kN) the
selected solution is satisfactory.
1200 6000

1000 5000
Gas and Steel temperatures (oC)

800 4000

Design resistance (kN)
600 3000

400 Gas temperature 2000

Steel temperature
Temperature at 90 minutes
200 Required fire period 1000
Design resistance (kN)
Design load (kN)
0 0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Minutes

Figure 2.4 Variation of gas temperature, steel temperature and design resistance with time
– unprotected column

26