Fire design of composite beams and slabs: practical design considerations according to Eurocode 4

Abstract

Composite slabs and beams are widely used in the construction market. The fire design is often required, which demands an assessment of materials' resistances at elevated temperature. The main topic of this article is to evaluate the impact of the temperature distribution in the concrete flange for the fire design of composite beams and slabs. The analytical design methodology proposed by Eurocode 4 will be implemented to a comprehensive number of examples, where different methods to address the slab temperature profile in the concrete flange are used. Practical advice for fire design and protection coating definition will be presented. Numerical Finite Element Model (FEM) analyses were used to support some of the conclusions.