Fire resistance time calculator app for reinforced concrete beams

Abstract

In the current context, tall reinforced concrete buildings are becoming commonplace, with legislation imposing mandatory consideration of fire action in their designs. Supporting high temperature evaluations and responsive to demands for a broader spectrum of solutions, a computer programme is presented for practical calculations of beam fire resistance times, with results for over 2300 combinations of cross-sections and reinforcement arrangements. Called TRFVIG, it applies an alternative design method that complies with standard guidelines, grounded on simulations of thermo-structural behaviours by finite elements. With no ceiling temperatures established for reinforcements and based solely on the balance of forces, examples indicate it could produce results that are more cost-effective than the tabular method used by the Brazilian standard. Developed as a stand-alone application compatible with Windows 7 or higher, its intuitive graphical interface is easy-to-use. Six beam characteristics are selected, with the only data requiring calculation being the ratio between bending moments as determined by simple equations, with no need for thermal analysis. An unprecedented, free of charge alternative tool for designers, it feasibly boosts computer technology use for Fire Safety, driving advances in the construction of buildings planned to adequately withstand events of this type.