EC3 & EC4 Worked Examples

Project Title: Project Number: Sheet 1 of 6 Rev:
EC3 & EC4 Worked Examples 02a
Subject: Made by/date:

Base plate without bending moment GHC/December 2004
Client: Checked/date:
CR/December 2004
Base plate without bending moment
The following Codes have been used for this worked example:
BS EN 1990, Basis of Structural Design, July 2002, with UK National Annex, March 2004
BS EN 1991-1-1, Eurocode 1 – Actions on structures – Part 1.1: General actions – Densities, self-weight,
imposed loads for buildings, July 2002
BS EN 1992-1-1, Eurocode 2 – Design of concrete structures – Part 1.1: General rules and rules for
buildings, April 2003
prEN 1993-1-8, Eurocode 3 – Design of steel structures – Part 1.8: Design of joints, December 2003
prEN 10025-2, Hot rolled products of non-alloy structural steels – Part 2: Technical delivery conditions for
flat products, March 1998
Notes on European Standards

BSEN denotes a European Standard that has been published by BSI
prEN denotes a draft European standard that is not publicly available
The following design guidance documents have been used for this worked example:
SCI and BCSA, Joints in Steel Construction – Simple Connections, P212, 2002, SCI
Note on values contained in this worked example

The computer software used to calculate the expressions given in this worked example does not
round the values at intermediate stages during the calculation. Therefore some values given on the
following sheets may appear to be ‘incorrect’ when determined using ‘rounded’ input values.
BRE and Buro Happold have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and quality of all the information
in this document when first published. However, they can take no responsibility for the subsequent use
of this information, nor for any errors or omissions it may contain.
© Queen's Printer and Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office 2005
EC3 & EC4 Worked Examples 02a

CR/December 2004
1. Introduction
The method given in Eurocode 3 uses the same approach as BS5950-1: 2000, that is the ‘effective are
method’. The ‘T-stub model’ is used to determine the resistance in compression of the base plate and
underlying ground / concrete.
Design the base plate for a 254 x 254 x 89 UC in grade S275 steel (shown in Figure 1).
leff.2 tf
c
leff.1 tw beff.2
c
c Minimum 70 mm to centreline of bolt hole
beff.1 c c
Figure 1. Base plate dimensions
1.1. Column section dimensions
Section: UC 254 x 254 x 89

z
tf
r
y y d h
tw
z
b
Figure 2. Section dimensions
h = 260.30 mm b = 256.30 mm d = 200.30 mm

2
tw = 10.30 mm tf = 17.30 mm r = 12.70 mm A = 113.31 cm
EC3 & EC4 Worked Examples 02

CR/December 2004
2. Loading Table & clause

numbers given
The design axial column load, NEd = 1000 kN relate to
Note: The above value has been determined using the partial loading factors, load EN1993-1-8
combination and combination factors given in Annex A of EN 1990. For brevity this unless stated
process has not be included in this worked example (see other worked examples in this otherwise.
series for the methodology to use).
3. Material properties
3.1. Steel
For steel grade S275 with a thickness of between 16 mm and 40 mm prEN 10025-2
2
Yield strength is fy = 265 N/mm 7.3 & Table 4
Note: The guidance given in prEN 10025-2 has been used to determine the yield strength
for steel instead of that given in Table 3.1 of EN1993-1-1, as it is assumed that the UK
National Annex to EN 1993-1-1 will specify the use of that standard instead of the values
given in Table 3.1.
3.2. Concrete
Compressive strength equals the Characteristic cylinder strength (fck)

For concrete grade C40/50 EN 1992-1-1
2
fck = 40 N/mm
Design compressive strength is determined from f cd = " cc x ( f ck / ! C ) 3.1.6(1)
Where:
γC is the partial safety factor for concrete EN1992-1-1
γC = 1.5 (For the persistent and transient design situations) 2.4.2.4(1) &
Note: Recommended value used for γC. This value may be altered by the UK National Table 2.1
Annex to EN1992-1-1.
αcc is the coefficient taking account of the long term effects on the compressive
strength and unfavourable effects resulting from the way the load is applied. EN1992-1-1
αcc = 1.0 3.1.6(1)
Note: Recommended value used for αcc. This value may be altered by the UK National
Annex to EN1992-1-1.
However, due to confinement of the concrete it is permissible to consider an

enhanced characteristic strength. This is a function of the confinement stress σ2, EN1992-1-1
however EN1992-1-1 gives no guidance on calculating the latter. Future guidance 3.1.9(2)
may be given in the National Annex to EN1992-1-1. For this example it is assumed
that the enhanced compressive strength (fck.c) is:
2
fck.c = 1.2 × fck = 48 N/mm

CR/December 2004
Therefore the enhanced design compressive strength is:

2
fcd.c = αcc × (fck.c / γC) = 32 N/mm
4. Design
4.1. Size of effective area
Determine the required dimension by considering the axial load and the strength of
the grout / concrete.
The design bearing strength of the ‘support’, considering a flange is determined from:
f jd = (! j x FRdu ) /(b eff .1 x l eff .1 ) 6.2.5(7) Eq. 6.6
Where:
beff.1 and leff.1 are shown in Figure 1.
βj is the foundation joint material coefficient
βj = 2/3 Assuming that the characteristic strength of the grout will not be less than
0.2 times that of the concrete and the thickness of the grout will not be
greater than 0.2 times the smallest width of the base plate.
FRdu is the concentrated design resistance force given in EN1992,
FRdu = A c 0 x f cd x ( A c1 / A c 0 ) ! 3 x f cd x A c 0 6.7(2) Eq. 6.63
Where:
Ac0 is the loaded area (taken as beff x leff for base plate)
Ac1 is the maximum design distribution area with a similar shape to Ac0 (defined
in Figure 6.29 of EN1992-1-1). However, for the case of a base plate A c1 = A c 0 in
order to satisfy the criteria:
• The centre of Ac1 should be in the line of action passing through the centre of
Ac0
• Areas should not overlap
As A c1 = A c 0 and A c 0 = b eff .1 x l eff .1

FRdu = b eff .1 x l eff .1 x f cd
Substituting this into equation 6.6 of EN1993-1-8 gives the design bearing strength of
the ‘support’ as
2
fjd = 2/3 × fcd.c = 21.33 N/mm 6.2.5(7) Eq. 6.6
Therefore the bearing area required is:

2
NEd / fjd = 46875 mm
Where:
NEd is the design axial column load, NEd = 1000 kN Sheet 3

CR/December 2004
The bearing area provided is:

(2 x (l eff .1 x b eff .1 ) + (l eff .2 x b eff .2 )
Where:
beff.1, beff.2, leff.1 and leff.2 are defined in Figure 1.
l eff .1 x b eff .1 = (256.3 + (2 x c )) x (17.3 + (2 x c )) = ( 4 x c 2 ) + (547.2 x c ) + 4433.99
l eff .2 x b eff .2 = (260.3 ! (2 x 17.3) ! (2 x c )) x (10.3 + (2 x c )) = ( !4 x c 2 ) + ( 430.8 x c )

+ 2327.71
Substituting the expressions for (leff.1 x beff.1) and (leff.2 x beff.2) into the above equation
gives the bearing area of (978 x c ) + 6761.7
2
For the area required (46875 mm ) the dimension c equals:
c = (46875 – 6761.7) / 978 = 41.02 mm
This will provide a bearing area that is sufficiently large to avoid crushing of the
concrete under the applied axial load.
4.2. Plan dimensions of the base plate
c = 41.02 mm ≥ 70 mm
≥ 49.5 mm
≥ 49.5 mm
≥ 70 mm
c = 41.02 mm
≥ 50 mm
≥ 50 mm
Figure 2. Corner dimensions of base plate
Therefore the size of the base plate is not governed by dimension c, rather by the
detailing requirements shown in Figure 2.
Choose plate
Width 260.3 + (49.5 x 2) + (50 x 2) = 459.3 mm say 460 mm
Length 256.3 + ( 49.5 x 2) + (50 x 2) = 455.3 mm say 460 mm

Simply supported beam with full lateral restraint – Fire Limit TL / August 2004
State
YW/ October 2004
Simply supported beam with full lateral restraint – Fire Limit State
The following Eurocodes and pre-Eurocodes have been used for this worked example:
BS EN 1991-1-2, Eurocode 1 – Actions on structures – Part 1.2: General actions – Actions on structures
exposed to fire, November 2002.
prEN 1993-1-1, Eurocode 3 – Design of steel structures – Part 1.1: General rules and rules for buildings,
December 2003
prEN 1993-1-2, Eurocode 3 – Design of steel structures – Part 1.2: General rules structural fire design,
June 2004



State
YW/ October 2004
1. Introduction
The principles of the design of steel structures for the fire limit state are set out in EN1993-1-2. Many of
the concepts will be familiar to UK designers as the equivalent National standard, BS5950 Part 8, is, like
EN1993-1-2, a limit state code which takes into account uncertainties in material strength and load
distribution. It recognises the important influence of applied load on the performance in fire of structural
steel elements. A number of routes of various degrees of complexity are available to the designer in order
to provide the required performance. These range from a simple reliance on the results from standard fire
tests on isolated members to a consideration of the physical parameters influencing fire development
coupled with an analysis of the entire building. The design procedure is summarised in Figure 4.
Any fire design must take into account the following three inter-dependent relationships:
• The fire model used to assess the structural performance

• The thermal response of the structure
• The response of the structure
1.1. Choice of fire model

The fire model (thermal actions) adopted for design may be either nominal or physically based. Examples
of nominal fire models are the standard (ISO 834, BS476 Part 20) fire curve used for furnace tests on
structural elements, the external fire curve used for members subject to external flaming from openings
and the hydrocarbon curve used for offshore, petrochemical or other extreme exposure conditions.
Examples of physically based thermal actions include empirically based parametric fire curves, localised
fires or mathematically based simulations of the anticipated thermal exposure. For the purpose of this
document the thermal exposure will be restricted to the familiar standard time-temperature response.
1.2. Thermal response of the structure

Once the fire model has been chosen consideration should be given to the temperature development
within the structural member(s). Heat transfer to structural elements is a complex process which requires
a solution of the equations for energy conservation and mass balance. However, for structural steel the
situation can be simplified to an assumption of uniform temperature through the cross-section. Tabulated
values are available in National standards based on specific fire resistance periods. Alternatively iterative
simple calculation models (suitable for use in a spreadsheet) are presented for unprotected and protected
steel to enable the designer to calculate the temperature of the member at a specific time period
dependent on the fire model used. Advanced calculation models are available to determine more
accurately the heat transfer to structural members. However, the use of such advanced methods is
beyond the scope of this simplified guidance.
1.3. Structural response

The basic concept of the simplified structural fire engineering design procedure in the Eurocode is to
provide data on the reduction in strength and stiffness at elevated temperature to enable the designer to
utilise familiar methods to assess the resistance at specified time or temperature steps. Reduced partial

State
YW/ October 2004
factors for loading at the fire limit state are used to assess performance against the reduced resistance to
determine whether additional protection or an alternative design (such as the use of a larger section than
required for ambient conditions) should be used. Again advanced non-linear methods are available to
determine more precisely the response of a frame or an entire building to the effects of fire but the use of
such techniques is outside the scope of this guidance.
For the purpose of this document the worked examples considered will follow the simplified design
procedure summarised in Figure 5.
For step 1 the fire resistance requirements will be as specified in Approved Document B and related to
building occupancy and height above ground. The fire resistance requirements will be provided as a
specified time to failure under standard test conditions. It is important to note that there are alternative
(physically based) methods for determining required performance not considered here.
The calculation of the load effects at the fire limit state is similar to the procedure adopted in the latest
version of BS5950 Part 8. The designer must be familiar with both EN1990 (Basis of Structural Design)
which provides the required load combinations (as for ambient temperature design) and with EN1991-1-2
(the fire part of the Actions code) which in addition to specifying the available options for thermal actions
for temperature analysis (see above) also specifies the mechanical actions for structural analysis. In
particular EN 1991-1-2 specifies the partial factor for imposed (assuming leading variable action) loading
for the fire limit state. The value chosen for use in the UK is ψ1 as detailed in Table 1 below.
Table 1. ψfi values for the UK

Action ψ1 ψ1
Imposed loads in buildings,
Category A: Domestic, residential 0.5 0.3
Category B: Office areas 0.5 0.3
Category C: Congregation areas 0.7 0.6
Category D: Shopping areas 0.7 0.6
Category E: Storage areas 0.9 0.8
Category F: Traffic areas, ≤ 30 kN 0.7 0.6
Category G: Traffic areas, 30 - 160 kN 0.5 0.3
Category H: Roofs 0 0
Snow load: H 1000m a.m.s.l 0.2 0
Wind loads on buildings 0.2 0
The partial factor for imposed loading at the fire limit state is a recognition of the small probability that the
full design load will be in place at the time of a fire. The relatively large influence of imposed loads on steel
construction provides benefits in terms of the reduction factor for the design load level for the fire limit
state. This relationship is illustrated in Figure 6.
The procedure is illustrated with reference to a simple worked example illustrating the use of unprotected
structural steel in fire.

State
YW/ October 2004
Laterally restrained simply supported secondary beams are located at 3m centres. Table & clause
Carry out the design checks for a 406 x 178 x 54 UB in grade S355 steel for a fire numbers given
resistance period of 30 minutes under a uniform temperature distribution. relate to
EN1993-1-2
Uniformly distributed load
unless stated
otherwise.
6m
Figure 1. Overview of simply supported beam
Span of beam L = 6.00m
Secondary beams at centres l = 3.00 m
2. Loading
2.1. Permanent actions (G)
2
Uniformly Distributed Load over whole floor area Gk.area = 3.00 kN/m
Uniformly Distributed Load along beam (UDL) Gk = Gk.area × l = 9.00 kN/m
2.2. Variable actions (Q)
2
Uniformly Distributed Load over whole floor area Qk.area = 3.50 kN/m
Uniformly Distributed Load along beam (UDL) Qk = Qk.area × l = 10.50 kN/m
2.3. Loading factors

For the fire limit state partial loading factors (γi) are not applied to either permanent EN 1990 Table
actions or variables actions. A1.3
Combination coefficient for variable action ψ1 = 0.50 Table A1.3 & A1.1
Note: EN 1990 allows use of either ψ1 or ψ2 with the main variable action. The National & UK National
Annex will specify which coefficient to use. EN 1991-1-2 ‘Actions on structures exposed Annex
to fire’ recommends the use of ψ2, however it is expected that the UK National Annex will
specify the use of ψ1.
3. Design values of actions – Ultimate Limit State Accidental design situation

UDL FEd.fi = Gk + (ψ1 × Qk) = 14.25 kN/m EN 1990 Table
Note: EN 1990 includes Ad (design value of an accidental action)in Eq. 6.11b. In this A1.3 & Eq. 6.11b
example Ad is the effect of the fire itself on the structure i.e. the effects of the restrained
thermal expansion, thermal gradients etc. However, EN1991-1-2, 4.1(4) states that
‘Indirect actions from adjacent members need not be considered when fire safety
requirements refer to members under standard fire conditions’. Furthermore 4.1(1) states
‘Imposed and constrained expansions and deformations caused by temperature changes
due to fire exposure results in effects of actions, e.g. forces and moments which shall be
considered with the exception of those where they:
– May be recognised a priori to be negligible or favourable
– Are accounted for by conservatively chosen support models and boundary conditions
and/or implicitly considered by conservatively specified fire safety requirements.’
Mfi.θ.Rd = 59 kNm < Mfi.d (64.13 kNm), therefore beam needs fire protection or
designer could try a larger beam section. In this case a 457 x 152 x 82 UB is
used.

State
YW/ October 2004
Therefore beam may remain unprotected for 30 minutes fire exposure
As an alternative the check may be carried out in the temperature domain.
6.2. Repeat check in the temperature domain for the 457 x 178 x 54 UB
For the original member selection (406 x 178 x 82 UB). The degree of utilisation (µ0)
is determined from:
Efi.d / Rfi.d.0
For this check the effect of actions (Efi.d) is the bending moment at the fire limit state:
Mfi.d = 64.13 kNm Sheet 5
and Rfi.d.0 is the design moment resistance at time t = 0 is equal to the plastic
moment capacity:
MRd = Mpl.Rd = 374.40 kNm
µ0 = Mfi.d / MRd =0.171 4.2.4(4)
Note: This value is lower than the lowest tabulated value in Table 4.1 of EN1993-1-2
therefore it is necessary to calculate θa.cr explicitly.
3.833
θa.cr = 39.19 × ln((1 / (0.9674 × µ0 )) – 1) + 482 = 748 °C 4.2.4(2)
Note: This temperature is slightly less than the design temperature previously adopted
(760°C) and therefore some minor fire protection would be required. The time-temperature
relationship for the unprotected section is illustrated in Figure 7.
7. Temperature-time response
It is possible to calculate the temperature-time response of the bare
steel member using the formula given in EN 1993-1-2.
The steel temperature difference (Δθa.t) for the specific time step is determined from:
ksh × ((Am / V) / (ca × pa)) × hnet.d × Δt 4.2.5.1(1)
Where:
ksh is the shadow factor (for I sections under nominal fire actions, determined from:
0.9 × [Am / V]b / [Am / V] 4.2.5.1(2)
Am / V is the profiled section factor for unprotected members
[Am / V]b is the boxed value of the section factor
Am is the surface area of the member per unit length (m²)
ρa is the unit mass of steel (7850 kg/m³)
ca is the specific heat of steel (600 J/kgK)
hnet,d is the design value of the net heat flux per unit area (W/m²) – from EN1991-1-2
Δt is the time interval (seconds)
The net heat flux is composed of radiative and convective components of which
the rediative (hnet.r) is determined from:
-8 4 4
5.67 × 10 × Φεres × ((θr + 273) - (θm + 273) ) EN1991-1-2, 3.1(6)
Where:
-8
5.67 × 10 is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant

State
YW/ October 2004
Φ is the configuration facture (1.0)

εres is determined from εm - εf
εm is the emissivity of the material (0.8)
εf is the emissivity of the fire (1.0)
θr is the radiation temperature of the fire environment
θm is the member surface temperature
The convective heat flux (hnet.c) is determined from:

αc × (θg - θm) EN1991-1-2, 3.1(3)
Where:
2
αc is the convective heat transfer coefficient (25 W/m K for the standard
time-temperature curve)
θg is the gas temperature
θm is the member temperature

State
YW/ October 2004
The solution is solved iteratively using a spreadsheet and a time step equal in this case to 5 seconds. The
steel temperature using the above equations is calculated as 833°C at 30 minutes and the
time/temperature relationship for the steel and atmosphere temperature is illustrated in Figure 7. Although
the method is illustrated here with reference to the standard time-temperature curve one of the main
advantages is that the procedure can be adapted to cover any known time-temperature relationship.
Clearly the examples above has been chosen to illustrate certain concepts such as:
• The potential use of unprotected steel

• The use of two simple verification methods (based on resistance and temperature respectively)
• The importance of load ratio (degree of utilisation) on the performance in fire of structural steel
members
The example chosen is not particularly practical as the very low level of utilisation means that it is very
inefficient at the ultimate limit state. For steel construction a more realistic case would be to consider the
same section (406 x 178 x 54 UB) for an increased fire resistance period. The same condition will be
assessed for a required period of fire resistance of 60 minutes.
It is clear from the above that the section will require fire protection. In this case a number of alternatives
are available to the designer, they may:
• Determine the section factor according to the Eurocode classification and utilise tabulated values such
as those in the “Yellow Book”
• Calculate the critical temperature for the appropriate fire resistance period and specify this as a target
value for fire protection
• Calculate the thickness of fire protection required using the formula in the Eurocode.
Section Factor
The section factor (Am / V) is the ratio between the exposed surface area and the volume of steel. This is
synonymous with the Hp/A value familiar to UK designers. For UK sections the section factor is tabulated in
-1
the “Yellow Book” and, for the example here the relevant figure for four sided exposure is 215m . The
value can be easily calculated using the tables in the Eurocode. As an example for the fire resistance
period required a thickness of 1.15mm of a particular water based thin film intumescent coating would
provide the required level of fire resistance.
The steel temperature at 60 minutes is approximately 937°C for an unprotected section. Clearly this is way
above the critical temperature of 748°C. The critical temperature can then be used as the target value for
fire protection manufacturers to demonstrate that the steel temperature can be kept below it for the
specified period.

State
YW/ October 2004
For members with passive fire protection the method of calculating the heat transfer is similar to that above
for unprotected steel. The use of a highly insulating layer considerably reduces the heating rate of the
member. The appropriate formula is:
!% a.t = ((& p x A p /( V x (% g.t " % a.t ))) / (dp x c a x $ a x (1 + (# / 3)))) x ( ! t " ((e ( # / 10 ) " 1) x ! g.t ))
With:
! = ((c p x p p ) / (c a x p a )) x d p x ( A p / V )
Where
Ap / V is the section factor for protected steel member
ca is the specific heat of the steel
cp is the specific heat of the protective material
dp is the thickness of fire protection
θa,t is the temperature of the steel at time t
θg,t is the temperature of the gas at time t
Δg,t is the increase in gas temperature over the time step t
λp is the thermal conductivity of the fire protection material
ρa is the density of the steel
ρp is the density of the protection material
As an example the use of 20mm Gypsum boarding to the section:

Thickness dp = 20 mm
Density ρp = 800 kg/m³
Specific heat cp = 1700 J/kg°K
Thermal conductivity λp = 0.2 W/m°K
Section factor for boxed protection 4 sided A p / V = 70 m -1
Therefore
φ = 0.9817
Using an iterative spreadsheet calculation the temperature of the insulated steelwork is calculated as
496°C after 60 minutes of the standard fire. This is within the critical temperature for the member and
therefore the protection is adequate. (Note: there is still a requirement to demonstrate the “stickability” of
the fire protection material). The results are illustrated in Figure 8.
The example above has been used to illustrate the potential use of unprotected steel and to illustrate
verification in the terms of resistance and temperature. The alternative calculation procedures are related
as the former requires a knowledge of the temperature of the member at the fire resistance period (used to
derive the reduction factor ky,θ) while the latter requires a knowledge of the degree of utilisation (μfi).

Simply supported beam with full lateral restraint – Fire Limit State TL / August 2004
YW/ October 2004
Project Design
Prescriptive Rules Performance-Based Code

(Thermal Actions given by Nominal Fire (Physically based Thermal Actions)
Member Analysis of Part Analysis of Selection of Simple or Advanced

Analysis of the Structure Entire Structure Fire Development Models
Calculation of Calculation of Selection of Member Analysis of Analysis of

Mechanical Actions Mechanical Actions Mechanical Analysis Part of the Entire
at Boundaries at Boundaries Actions Structure Structure
Tabulated Simple Advanced Simple Advanced Advanced Calculation of Calculation of Selection of

Data Calculation Calculation Calculation Calculation Calculation Mechanical Mechanical Mechanical
Models Models Models Models Models Actions Actions Actions
(if available) at Boundaries at Boundaries
SimpleCalculation Advanced Advanced Advanced

Models Calculation Calculation Calculation
(if available) Models Models Models
Figure 4. Fire Design routes available


State
YW/ October 2004
Step 1: Determine fire resistance

requirements (National regulations (AD-
B), Fire engineering design)
Step 2: Calculate load effects at the fire

limit state (EN1990 / EN1991-1/
EN1991-1-2 / EN1992-1)
Step 3: Choose the relevant section /

protection to meet the requirements
obtained in 1 (EN1993-1-2)
Figure 5. Simplified design procedure
Figure 6. Relationship between reduction factor and ratio of dead and imposed load

State
YW/ October 2004
Unprotected steel temperature for 30 minute fire resistance period 406x178UB54
900
800
700
600
temperature (deg C)
500
400
300
200
100
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
time (mins)
furnace temperature steel temperature
Figure 7. Unprotected steel temperature for 30 minute fire resistance period 406x178UB54
Protected steel temperature for 60 minute exposure
1000
900
800
700
temperature (deg C)
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
time (mins)
furnace temperature steel temperature
Figure 8. Protected steel temperature for 60 minute fire resistance period 406x178UB54

Simply supported composite beam – Fire Limit State TL / October 2004
YW / November 2004
Simply Supported Composite beam – Fire Limit State
The following Codes have been used for this worked example:
BS EN 1991-1-2, Eurocode 1 – Actions on structures – Part 1.2: General actions – Actions on structures
exposed to fire, November 2002.
prEN1992-1-1, Eurocode 2 – Design of concrete structures – Part 1.1: General rules and rules for
buildings, April 2003
prEN 1993-1-1, Eurocode 3 – Design of steel structures – Part 1.1: General rules and rules for buildings,
December 2003
prEN 1994-1-2, Eurocode 4 – Design of composite steel and concrete structures – Part 1.2: General rules
structural fire design, October 2003

DDENV denotes a European Prestandard that was made available for provisional application, but
does not have the status of a European Standard


YW / November 2004
1. Loading
1.1. Permanent actions (G)
2
Uniformly Distributed Load over whole floor area Gk.area = 3.92 kN/m
Uniformly Distributed Load along beam (UDL) Gk = Gk.area × l = 11.76 kN/m
1.2. Variable actions (Q)
2
Uniformly Distributed Load over whole floor area Qk.area = 5.00 kN/m
Uniformly Distributed Load along beam (UDL) Qk = Qk.area × l = 15.00 kN/m
1.3. Loading factors – Ambient temperature

Partial loading factor for permanent actions γG = 1.35 EN 1990 Table
Partial loading factor for variable actions γQ = 1.50 A1.2(B) & N.A
Note: For strength / capacity check on a structural member EN 1990 recommends the
use of STR checks given in Table A1.2(B).
1.4. Loading factors – Fire limit state
For the fire limit state partial loading factors (γi) are not applied to either permanent EN 1990 Table
actions or variables actions. A1.3
Combination coefficient for variable action ψ1 = 0.50 Table A1.3 & A1.1
Note: EN 1990 allows use of either ψ1 or ψ2 with the main variable action. The National & UK National
Annex will specify which coefficient to use. EN 1991-1-2 ‘Actions on structures exposed Annex
to fire’ recommends the use of ψ2, however it is expected that the UK National Annex will
specify the use of ψ1.For a more detailed explanation of the choice of partial load factors
see simply supported beam example for fire design.
2. Ambient temperature design values of actions

Ultimate limit state EN1990 Table
Design UDL FEd = (γG × Gk) + (γQ × Qk) = 38.38 kN/m A1.2(B) & Eq. 6.10
2.1. Design Moment
Maximum moment occurs at mid-span of beam
2
MEd = (FEd × L ) / 8 = 479.70 kNm
3. Fire limit state design values of actions

Ultimate Limit State Accidental design situation EN1990 Table
Design UDL FEd.fi = Gk + (ψ1 × Qk) = 19.26 kN/m A1.3 & Eq. 6.11b
Note: EN 1990 includes Ad (design value of an accidental action)in Eq. 6.11b. In this
example Ad is the effect of the fire itself on the structure i.e. the effects of the restrained
thermal expansion, thermal gradients etc. However, EN1991-1-2, 4.1(4) states that
‘Indirect actions from adjacent members need not be considered when fire safety
requirements refer to members under standard fire conditions’. Furthermore 4.1(1) states
‘Imposed and constrained expansions and deformations caused by temperature changes
due to fire exposure results in effects of actions, e.g. forces and moments which shall be
considered with the exception of those where they:
– May be recognised a priori to be negligible or favourable

YW / November 2004
– Are accounted for by conservatively chosen support models and boundary conditions
and/or implicitly considered by conservatively specified fire safety requirements.’
3.1. Design Moment – Fire limit state
2
Mfi.d = (FEd.fi × L ) / 8 = 240.75 kNm
4. Section Classification
Section: UB 406 x 178 x 60
z 1000
tf
130
12.8
y y d 7.9
h 406
tw
r
z 178
b (all dimensions in mm)
Figure 3. Section dimensions Figure 4. Beam cross-section
h = 406.40 mm b = 177.90 mm d = 360.40 mm

tw = 7.90 mm tf = 12.80 mm r = 10.20 mm
From the ambient temperature design worked example the cross-section is Class 1.
prEN 10025-2
2
For tf = 12.80 mm Yield strength isfy = 355 N/mm 7.3 & Table 4
2
Normal weight concrete strength class C25/30, cylinder strength fck = 25 N/mm prEN1992-1-1
Table 3.1
5. Ambient temperature moment resistance
From the ambient temperature design worked example the moment resistance is:
MRd = Mpl.Rd = 800.94 kNm
6. Fire limit state – Critical temperature model

Note: When using the critical temperature model the temperature of the steel section is
considered to be uniform.
Check model limits: 4.3.4.2.3(2)
Depth of steel cross-section h = 406.40 mm < 500 mm
Depth of concrete hc = 130 mm > 120 mm
Beam is simply supported and subject to only sagging bending moments
Therefore OK to use critical temperature model
The critical temperature is related to the load level and the strength of the steel at
elevated temperature by the relationship: 4.3.4.2.3(3)
1.0" fi.t = f ay.!cr / f ay (for fire resistance periods other than 30 minutes) Eq. 4.10b
Where:
fay. θcr is the strength of the steel section at the critical temperature

YW / November 2004
fay is the strength of the steel section at ambient temperature (fay = fy)
! fi.t = E fi.d.t / R d (as defined in clause 4.1(7)P)
Efi.d.t is the design effect of actions in the fire situation at time t (E fi.d.t = ! fi x E d )
Ed is the design effect of actions at ambient temperature
Therefore:
ηfi = FEd.fi / ((γG × Gk) + (γQ × Qk)) = 0.502
Efi.d.t = ηfi × MEd = 240.75 kNm
ηfi.t = Efi.d.t / MRd = 0.301
Note: The use of very similar symbols for ηfi and ηfi,t is confusing. The former is the
relationship between the load (or actions) under fire conditions and the corresponding
load under normal conditions while the latter is the relationship between the effects of
actions (in this case bending moment) under fire conditions and the resistance at ambient
temperature. This is a similar concept to the load ratio as defined in BS5950: Part 8
Therefore the strength of the steel section at the critical temperature is:
2
fay. θcr = ηfi.t × fay = 106.71 N/mm 4.3.4.2.3(3)
The strength reduction coefficient at time t is:

ky. θ.max = fay. θcr / fay = 0.301 Table 3.2
Note: For this example the strength reduction coefficient is equal to the load level for fire
design (ηfi.t), however, it should be noted that this is dependant on the fire resistance
period.
The critical temperature at which the yield strength will reduce to a value of
2
106.5 N/mm must be determined and compared with the required fire resistance
period (60 minutes).
Steel temperature θa = 600°C ky. θ = 0.47 Table 3.2

Steel temperature θa = 700°C ky. θ = 0.23
From interpolation when ky. θ = ky. θ.max = 0.301
θa.max = 600 + ((100 × (0.47 – 0.301)) / (0.47 – 0.23)) = 670 °C
The increase in temperature of the various parts of an unprotected steel beam during
the time interval Δt is given by:
•
!# a.t = k shadow x (1 / (c a x " a ) x ( A / Vi ) x h net x !t 4.3.4.2.2(3) Eq 4.6
Where:
kshadow is the correction factor for the shadow effect
ca is the specific heat of steel (600 J/kgK)
3
ρa is the density of steel (700 kg/m )

YW / November 2004
Ai is the exposed surface area of the part i of the steel cross-section per unit
2
length (m /m)
-1
Ai / Vi is the section factor of the part I of the steel cross section (m )
3
Vi is the volume of the part I of the steel cross-section per unit length (m /m)
Δt is the time interval (seconds)
•
2
h net is the design value of the net heat flux per unit area (W/m )
(obtained from EN1991-1-2) EN1991-1-2
• • •
h net = h net.c + h net.r 3.1 (2)
•
h net.r = # m x # f x 5.67 x 10 "8 x ((! t + 273 ) 4 " (! a.t + 273 ) 4 )
-8
Where 5.67 x 10 is the Stefan-Boltzmann constant
θt is the ambient gas temperature at time t(°C)
θa.t is the steel temperature at time t (assumed uniform in each part of the
cross-section) (°C)
εm is the emissivity of the material (0.7) 2.2 (2)
EN1991-1-2
εf is the emissivity of the fire (1.0) 3.1 (6)
•
h net.c = # c x (! g " ! m )
k shadow = 0.9 x ((e 1 + e 2 + (b 1 / 2) + (h 2w + (b 1 ! b 2 ) 2 / 4))) /

(h w + b 1 + (b 2 / 2) + e 1 + e 2 ! e w )
Where the dimensions are given in figure 4.3 of EN1994-1-2 (see Figure 5)
Alternatively the configuration factor approach from EN1991-1-2 can be used –

In this case the section factor used is that for the lower flange of the steel section.

YW / November 2004
z
e1
y y hw h
ew
r
b1
Figure 5. Steel beam cross-section dimensions for calculation of correction factor

for the shadow effect
Here the correction factor for the shadow effect is 0.736

And the section factor assuming 4 sided exposure is 167.5m-1
An iterative method using an excel spread sheet is used to calculate the increase in
temperature of the uninsulated steel section. The time-temperature response is
illustrated in Figure 6.
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
FURNACE steel
Figure 6. Time-temperature response for unprotected steel beam
From Figure 6 it can be seen that the critical temperature of 670 °C corresponding to
a reduction in the effective yield stress to a value of 106.5 N/mm² occurs after

YW / November 2004
approximately 16 minutes. Therefore the steel member will require protection to

achieve the 60 minute fire resistance period required.
This can be achieved either by applying a sprayed or boarded fire passive fire
protection system, an intumescent paint or by providing partial protection by filling
between the flanges with reinforced concrete. In this instance a sprayed passive fire
protection system is used. As with the EN1993 example the iterative calculation
procedure for determining the rise in the steel temperature needs to be carried out
taking into account the properties of the fire protection system. For protected
members the relevant formula is:
"! a.t = (((% p / d p ) /(c a x $ a )) x ( A p.i / Vi ) x (1 / (1 + ( w / 3)))

4.3.4.2.2(6) Eq4.8
x (! g.t # ! a.t ) x "t ) # ((e w / 10 # 1) x "! t )
Where
w = 0.419 = (c p / ! p / (c a x ! a )) x d p x (A p.i / Vi )
where:
λp is the thermal conductivity of the fire protection material (0.174 W/mK)
dp is the thickness of the fire protection material (0.025m)
Api is the area of the inner surface of the fire protection material per unit length
of the relevant part of the steel member
cp is the specific heat of the fire protection material (1200 J/kgK)
Δθa.t is the increase in the ambient gas temperature during time interval t (°C)
ρp is the density of the fire protection material ( 430 kg/m³)
Therefore:
w = 0.419
As sprayed protection is applied directly to the surface of the steel member the
-1
section factor remains unchanged at 167.5m .
For a similar time step the temperature rise is similarly calculated for the protected
section using a spreadsheet. The results are illustrated in Figure 7 (on sheet 9).
In this instance the temperature at 60 minutes is just over 450°C and the critical
temperature is not exceeded even for the 90 minute period. Consequently the design
is acceptable for the fire resistance period. However, the design is not particularly
efficient and the designer may wish to complete the calculation using a smaller
section size.

YW / November 2004
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
FURNACE steel temperature
Figure 7. Time-temperature response for insulated beam

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Project Title: Project Number: Sheet 1 of 6 Rev:

EC3 & EC4 Worked Examples 02a

Subject: Made by/date:

Base plate without bending moment

Notes on European Standards

prEN denotes a draft European standard that is not publicly available

Note on values contained in this worked example

Subject: Made by/date:

c Minimum 70 mm to centreline of bolt hole

Figure 1. Base plate dimensions

1.1. Column section dimensions

Section: UC 254 x 254 x 89

h = 260.30 mm b = 256.30 mm d = 200.30 mm

Subject: Made by/date:

2. Loading Table & clause

Compressive strength equals the Characteristic cylinder strength (fck)

However, due to confinement of the concrete it is permissible to consider an

Subject: Made by/date:

Therefore the enhanced design compressive strength is:

As A c1 = A c 0 and A c 0 = b eff .1 x l eff .1

Therefore the bearing area required is:

Subject: Made by/date:

The bearing area provided is:

l eff .2 x b eff .2 = (260.3 ! (2 x 17.3) ! (2 x c )) x (10.3 + (2 x c )) = ( !4 x c 2 ) + ( 430.8 x c )

4.2. Plan dimensions of the base plate

Figure 2. Corner dimensions of base plate

Subject: Made by/date:

Notes on European Standards

prEN denotes a draft European standard that is not publicly available

Note on values contained in this worked example

Subject: Made by/date:

• The fire model used to assess the structural performance

1.1. Choice of fire model

1.2. Thermal response of the structure

1.3. Structural response

Subject: Made by/date:

Table 1. ψfi values for the UK

Subject: Made by/date:

2.3. Loading factors

3. Design values of actions – Ultimate Limit State Accidental design situation

Subject: Made by/date:

Therefore beam may remain unprotected for 30 minutes fire exposure

As an alternative the check may be carried out in the temperature domain.

Subject: Made by/date:

Φ is the configuration facture (1.0)

The convective heat flux (hnet.c) is determined from:

Subject: Made by/date:

• The potential use of unprotected steel

Subject: Made by/date:

As an example the use of 20mm Gypsum boarding to the section:

Subject: Made by/date:

Prescriptive Rules Performance-Based Code

Member Analysis of Part Analysis of Selection of Simple or Advanced

Calculation of Calculation of Selection of Member Analysis of Analysis of

Tabulated Simple Advanced Simple Advanced Advanced Calculation of Calculation of Selection of

SimpleCalculation Advanced Advanced Advanced

Figure 4. Fire Design routes available

Subject: Made by/date:

Step 1: Determine fire resistance

Step 2: Calculate load effects at the fire

Step 3: Choose the relevant section /

Figure 5. Simplified design procedure

Subject: Made by/date:

EC3 & EC4 Worked Examples

EC3 & EC4 Worked Examples