Experimental Study of Lateral-Torsional Buckling of Class 4 Beams at Elevated Temperature

The results of experimental research on lateral-torsional buckling of steel plate girders with slender web subjected to fire conditions are presented in this paper. The scope of the research covers four girders, three of which have been tested under high temperature conditions. The fourth girder has been used to determine the critical load resulting in lateral-torsional buckling of the considered element at room temperature. All the considered elements had identical cross sections and lengths; however, they differed in external temperatures applied and magnitude of measured geometrical imperfections. It has to be highlighted, that the experiments have been conducted subject to the anisothermal conditions, taking into account the uneven distribution of temperature in the cross section. An approach of this type represents a more accurate modelling of the structural component behaviour, when subjected to fire, as compared to the experiments conducted under isothermal conditions. Complete information on the development of research stand, conduct and results of particular tests are presented in this paper. The temperature–time curves for girder components, results of imperfection measurements and mechanical properties of steel are presented. The obtained critical temperatures and graphs of girder top flange horizontal deflection versus temperature are also included. The computer models developed for analysed girders are described in the paper as well. The results obtained with these models have been compared with experimental results. The computational models validated in this way constitute a basis for further parametric studies of lateral-torsional buckling in the domain of steel plate girders with slender web when subjected to fire conditions.