Numerical simulation of slender concrete walls in fire

A numerical model to simulate the buckling behaviour of slender reinforced concrete walls in fire is described. Both the thermal and structural responses are considered. Various parameters of the concrete constitutive model (tensile stress effects, ultimate strain, descending branch of the compressive stress-related strain curve and thermal strain) are examined and their significance in influencing the behaviour of concrete walls in fire discussed. A brief outline of planned experimental testing is provided. The numerically simulated results demonstrate the significance of slenderness effects, reinforcement location and thickness of the wall on the load-bearing capacity of slender concrete walls in fire.