Fire performance analyses of modular wall panel designs with loadbearing SHS columns AITranslate

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DOI：https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01179

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Highlights • Fire performance of Square Hollow Section (SHS) steel studs applied loadbearing modular wall panels have been studied. • Correlation of applied Load Ratio (LR) versus critical temperature of SHS columns at the structural failure has been established. • Cavity Insulation Ratio (IR) of the chosen modular wall type can be determined based on the required insulation FRL. • The thickness of plasterboard sheathing around SHS columns can be evaluated on the structural FRL requirement. • Non-loadbearing stud type can be chosen based on the material availability, energy performance criteria and other factors. Modular Building Systems (MBS) are still in the phase of developing its popularity in the industry, with emerging novel designs. Initially, MBS walls and floors had been highly influenced by the Light-gauge Steel Frame (LSF) designs made of Cold-Formed (CF) steel studs, either as loadbearing or non-loadbearing types which have been extensively researched all over the world. However, recently the MBS practice in the industry tends to incorporate Square Hollow Section (SHS) steel columns for their improved structural performance and convenience at the manufacturing stage despite of the limited research knowledge in terms of the Fire Resistance Level (FRL). Moreover, catastrophic failures and fatal accidents are common with steel-based structures in case of a fire. Hence, the fire performance of loadbearing modular walls with SHS columns have been identified as a critical research gap. Firstly, Finite Element Models (FEM) were developed for the original modular wall, a Light-weight Timber Frame (LTF) wall and some LSF walls. The FEM analyses results very well matched with the full-scale experimental results so that the FEM techniques were confidently used to study the effect of variables chosen based on material availability options, cost reduction and construction practice. Structural and Insulation FRLs have been evaluated for the chosen parametric walls, where the produced graphs of structural and insulation FRLs can be referred to determine the adequate thickness of column sheathing and the Insulation Ratio (IR) respectively. The choice of non-loadbearing stud type can be evaluated against other limitations related to energy, cost and construction practice.