numerical investigation of structural behavior and vulnerability of steel wide-flange beams in local fire

steel framed structures are commonly used around the world. one of the main disadvantages of this structures is their weakness against fire. mechanical properties of steel deteriorates dramatically at elevated temperature and steel members begin to lose their stiffness and strength. beams are one of the most important members in a steel frame. in this paper, the behavior of steel beams under local fire is studied using finite element simulation. firstly, verification of finite element modeling is carried out using the results of an experimental test. the test specimen is accurately modeled and analyzed under the test condition and good agreement is achieved between the results of finite element model and the test results. then the effect of different parameters including beam boundary condition, different fire scenarios and steel member size on beam behavior under fire condition is investigated. the results show that the boundary condition has a significant effect on behavior of beam in fire. moreover, the location of fire occurrence affects the beam behavior at elevated temperature.