Experimental Investigation on Post-fire Behaviour of Thin-walled Stainless Steel Bolted Connections

Abstract

The use of stainless steel as a structural element became quite common due to its excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. This research performs post-fire testing of austenitic stainless steel bolted connections. The specimens were heated to 800°C and 1000°C for different times (30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes) and cooled by air-cooled or water. Results showed that there is no corrosion in the specimens occurred as a result of water cooling. The ultimate strength decreased by 7% and 12%, when the specimens were heated to 800°C and 1000°C and cooled by air and decreases by 8% and 5% when to cooled with water respectively. The method of cooling did not affect the ultimate strength significantly as the results remained close for both methods of cooling. The AISC approach underestimates the connection post-fire strength.