Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	EP/F001525/1
Title:	Performance of Cellular Composite Floor Beams under Severe Fire Conditions
Principal Investigator:	Nadjai, Professor A
Other Investigators:	Ali, Professor F
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Safe Consulting Ltd Westok Ltd
Department:	Sch of Built Environment
Organisation:	University of Ulster
Scheme:	Standard Research
Starts:	01 May 2008	Ends:	31 December 2011	Value (£):	404,764
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Civil Engineering Materials Materials Characterisation Structural Engineering
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Manufacturing Construction
Related Grants:	EP/F001711/1
Panel History:	Panel Date Panel Name Outcome 19 Jun 2007 Engineering Science (Components) Panel Announced 17 Apr 2007 Engineering Science (Components) Panel Deferred
Summary on Grant Application Form
Despite the current popularity of long-span composite flooring systems, the current structural fire engineering design codes EC3/4 Part 1.2 and BS5950 Part 8 do not contain rules or guidance on the fire resistance of composite floors employing cellular steel beams. The purpose of this project is to investigate the performance and failure mechanisms of full-scale composite cellular floor beams at elevated temperatures over a range of spans, including the influence of both flexure and shear, alone and in combination. Emphasis will also be placed on examining the development and influence of the additional compression forces caused by axial restraint to thermal expansion ensuing from the surrounding structure when a beam is heated in a fire. The proposed research is based on a programme of physical model fire tests at Ulster, to provide a wealth of data which will greatly enhance the level of understanding of behaviour of composite cellular steel beams in fire. This approach will be extended and enhanced by the integration of computer modelling with the testing, initially for validation and rationalisation of the behaviour, but leading to an extensive parametric study aimed at developing a design methodology for such members in fire. The availability of sound design guidance on composite floors using steel CBs exposed to fire would make it possible to calculate fire protection requirements on a rational and trustworthy basis which does not exist at present, and would lead to possible worldwide export opportunities for UK consultants and fabricators.
Key Findings
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Organisation Website:	http://www.ulst.ac.uk