Computer modelling of the corner compartment fire test on the large-scale Cardington test frame

Recent research into the fire design of steel-framed structures has started to be steered away from considering isolated members towards considering the behaviour of the structure as a complete entity. In the UK, a recent series of fire tests have been conducted on a full scale composite test frame at the Building Research Restablishment Laboratories at Cardington. This paper presents the computer simulation of one of these tests, carried out in the corner bay of the frame by the Building Research Establishment, using a purpose written program. Direct comparison between test results and computer predictions showed good correlation. Additional computer simulations were conducted to show that the windspots, which were used on the Cardington frame, had a significant effect on the structural behaviour of the frame. Other examples presented in this paper indicated that simplified idealised temperatures produced sufficiently accurate (although slightly conservative) prediction of structural deformations. The briding action of the composite slab was also investigated using the computer software. It was shown that this mode of behaviour considerably reduced the deforamtions of the heated steel beams.