Work

Experimental and numerical assessment of H500 austenitic stainless steel in steel-framed structures after fire exposure

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This paper investigates the post-fire behaviour of H500 austenitic stainless steel and its impact on the performance of steel-framed structures after a fire. Understanding the residual properties of structural materials following exposure to elevated temperatures and subsequent cooling is crucial for assessing structural safety, enabling reuse, and avoiding unnecessary demolition. Additionally, this knowledge is essential for evaluating stability during post-fire salvage and rescue operations to ensure emergency personnel safety. A series of post-fire experiments were conducted to determine the residual mechanical properties and microstructural changes of H500 stainless steel after different heating and cooling regimes. The results indicate that specimens rapidly cooled by submersion in cold water exhibit significant degradation in elastic properties and yield strength, particularly within specific temperature ranges. These experimental findings inform a newly developed nonlinear finite element model, which assesses the post-fire residual capacity of steel-framed structures with H500 stainless steel joints. The performance is compared with high-strength carbon steel and other stainless steel grades. The findings provide valuable insights to guide future research on the post-extreme-event resilience of structural components using H500 stainless steel.

Source: Thin-Walled Structures

DOI: 10.1016/j.tws.2025.113587

Authors: Hadi El Samad, Katherine A. Cashell, Luke Lapira

Institution: University College London

Language: English

Topic: Fire effects on concrete materials

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,440

Funder: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council