A structural analysis of the first Cardington test

Abstract

This paper presents a finite element analysis of the first Cardington test using shell elements to model the concrete floor slab. The behaviour of these elements is defined using FEAST, a program that allows the behaviour of the shell elements to be defined within the commercial finite element package ABAQUS, using stress-resultants. The model of the test is described and the assumptions that were made are noted and justified. The results of the analysis indicate that the response of the structure is overwhelmingly dominated by the effects of thermal expansion and that material degradation and gravity loading are of secondary importance. It is noted that as a consequence of the rectangular nature of the fire compartment, tensile membrane action occurs from the beginning of the test.