Fire performance analyses of modular wall panel designs with loadbearing SHS columns

Modular Building Systems (MBS) are still in the phase of developing its popularity industry, with emerging novel designs. Initially, MBS walls and floors had been highly influenced by Light-gauge Steel Frame (LSF) designs made Cold-Formed (CF) steel studs, either as loadbearing or non-loadbearing types which have extensively researched all over world. However, recently practice industry tends to incorporate Square Hollow Section (SHS) columns for their improved structural performance convenience at manufacturing stage despite limited research knowledge terms Fire Resistance Level (FRL). Moreover, catastrophic failures fatal accidents common steel-based structures case a fire. Hence, fire modular SHS identified critical gap. Firstly, Finite Element Models (FEM) were developed original wall, Light-weight Timber (LTF) wall some LSF walls. The FEM analyses results very well matched full-scale experimental so that techniques confidently used study effect variables chosen based on material availability options, cost reduction construction practice. Structural Insulation FRLs evaluated parametric walls, where produced graphs insulation can be referred determine adequate thickness column sheathing Ratio (IR) respectively. choice stud type against other limitations related energy,