Book Description

BRE has carried out research work under contract to FBE on a new fire design method to assess steel-framed structures without passive fire protection. The results of this work were disseminated at sixteen workshops throughout England and Scotland during 2000 and 2001.


This publication presents the report which was given to each workshop delegate explaining the new fire design method for steel frames with composite floor slabs.

Part 1 explains how fire tests have shown that actual steel-framed buildings perform far better under fire conditions than suggested under current structural fire design methods (based on the results from tests on isolated members). It is generally agreed that this enhanced performance is due to membrane action in the composite floor slab. The derivation of a design method that incorporates this is described.

Part 2 explains the design method and gives design charts and worked examples. See also BRE Digest 462 'Steel structures supporting composite floor slabs: design for fire', published in December 2001. 46 pages.