Thermo-mechanical analysis of steel columns using different finite element types and constitutive laws

Application of advanced calculation models requires special attention by the designer to the computing the software capacity and reliability and the type of finite element adopted for the structural model. Obviously the type of finite element (FE), used in the analyses, as well as the modelling of the thermo-mechanical properties, influence the analyses results. The proposed benchmark describes the comparison among analyses results performed for a tubular steel column in case of fire, which is modelled through the software STRAUS7 by using 1D (“beam”), 2D (“plate”) and 3D (“brick”) finite element. The analyses are carried out by adopting a simplified constitutive law of steel at high temperature, characterized by an elastic-perfectly plastic curve without hardening. In addition, in order to evaluate the influence of this simplified constitutive law on the analyses results, the 3D finite element model is also analysed through the software ABAQUS/Standard, in which the constitutive law of steel at high temperature is modelled according to Eurocode 1993-1-2.