Numerical Modelling of the Thermo-mechanical behaviour of external & internal wall types

The numerical thermal model determines the transient thermal profile in the system during exposure to a design fire scenario. The transient thermal profile is then coupled to the mechanical model to predict the transient mechanical behaviour during fire exposure. Such numerical simulations are made complex due to the non-linearity of material properties at elevated temperatures as well as changes in the geometry because of the thermal deformations. In addition, the changes in the boundary conditions and the degree of composite action between the constituents of the wall at elevated temperatures significantly influence the thermo- mechanical behaviour and the fire resistance rating of such systems. In this project internal and external walls systems will be investigated using finite element analysis to provide the fire resistance when subjected to ISO 834 fire curve.