Fire testing and design of slender stainless steel I-sections in weak-axis flexure

The structural fire response of slender austenitic stainless steel I-sections in weak-axis flexure is studied experimentally for the first time. presented experimental programme comprised local geometric imperfection measurements all test beams, room temperature material tests, a reference bending and series elevated tests. setup, procedure measured responses specimens are fully described. results demonstrate that, despite cross-section being slender, considerable inelastic strength reserves were displayed. Such behaviour has previously been observed at temperature. used to assess accuracy existing design provisions predicting moment resistances I-sections. Significantly improved capacity predictions achieved through application plastic effective width method which beneficial influence partial spread plasticity captured.