Experimental investigation of structural steel beams subjected to localized fire.

This paper presents an experimental behavior of unprotected W16 × 26 steel beams subjected to localized fire. Beam specimens were either simply supported or connected to steel columns via all bolted double angle connections. Two test fires, steady or transient heating, were produced using a natural gas fueled burner located below the center of the beams. Thermal and structural responses of the steel beams as well as the heat release rate and applied forces were measured. The tests showed that all specimens failed by lateral-torsional buckling regardless of fire loading and end support conditions. The results highlight that the heating conditions and end restraints influence the behavior of steel beams under localized fire. The experimental results presented can be used for validation of predictive models in order to improve deign methods for localized fire conditions.