ABSTRACT
Chapter 3 has provided a qualitative description of the various modes of behaviour of steel structure in fire, based on experimental observations. Even though test results can sometimes be directly used in general design, this is rare and the purpose of carrying out fire tests is far more likely to provide the basis for further detailed studies. It is through detailed analyses of test results that a thoroughly quantitative understanding is developed so that better design guidance can be produced. This chapter will present a systematic description of the results of a variety of quantitative studies of the different modes of behaviour of steel structures in fire. This knowledge is necessary in order to understand current design provisions that will be presented in Chapters 8, 9 and 10, and also to appreciate how further design methods may incorporate new understandings. Due to the importance of interactions between different structural members, this chapter will emphasize on the behaviour of beams and columns that form part of a complete building structure.
