Abstract

Info

Title:: Numerical Simulation Analysis of Thermal Distribution of Slotted Light-gauge Steel Stud Walls Exposed to Fire

Author(s):: LI Ming; WANG Yu-yin; SUN Jian-yun; SUN Peng-cheng; China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited

Keywords:: slotted light-gauge steel stud wall; thermal distribution; numerical simulation; fire; fire resistance

Abstract:: A heat transferring analysis model of thermal distribution of slotted lightgauge steel stud was developed using finite element analysis software ABAQUS to investigate some key issues of the wall exposed to fire, such as the boundary conditions of the exposed side and unexposed side, thermal properties of gypsum board, rock wool and steel, as well as the interactive property parameters between different materials. Comparisons between the simulation results and the related experimental data were done. Based on this, the parametric study was then conducted to investigate their influence on the maximum temperature and average temperature of the walls at the unexposed side. The results show that the finite element model can effectively simulate the temperature distribution of the wall elements exposed to fire. Sectional heights of the studs, the layer of gypsum boards and their arrangement have considerable influence on the maximum temperature and the average temperature of the walls on the unexposed side. Whilst the row number of slots on web only considerably affect the maximum temperature of the walls on the unexposed side but barely affect their average values.