Fatigue evaluation of the degradation of a cast steel structure due to fire

This paper presents the results of tests recommended for evaluating the degree of degradation of the properties of cast steel after a fire, including static tensile, Charpy impact, hardness and, in addition, fatigue tests. The tests were carried out on steel specimens in two states: after the influence of the fire and in a state unaffected by the increased temperature resulting from the fire. The results indicate that the fire causes a change in the basic strength parameters and fatigue properties of cast steel. Based on the tests, it was concluded that the inclusion of fatigue tests significantly expands the scope of verification testing of steel structures exposed to high temperatures. Combined with static tests, impact tests and hardness tests, they enable a more comprehensive assessment of the material’s properties after exposure to elevated temperature and an evaluation of the possibility of its continued safe use.