Development predictive equations for tensile properties of S235JR structural steels after fire

Conventional carbon mild steel is a type of steel known for its low carbon content and generally used in the construction industry. Its easily formable and weldable properties make this steel a widely preferred material for buildings, bridges and various construction projects. Other advantages of these steels are their low cost and good mechanical properties. However, high temperatures have an impact on the microstructure and mechanical characteristics of these materials. When high temperatures are present during a fire, steels show significant microstructural changes. Elevated temperatures often decrease the mechanical characteristics of steels. For this purpose, evaluating the post-fire behavior of conventional structural mild steel is an important issue in terms of safety. A combined experimental and parametric study was conducted to estimate fire damage to steel buildings, which is an important issue in the construction field. Tensile test coupons were cut from conventional structural S235JR mild steel sheets with thicknesses ranging from 6 mm to 12 mm. These samples were exposed to temperatures as high as 1200 °C. After heat treatment, the specimens were allowed to naturally cool to ambient temperature using air cooling before being tested. A tensile test was performed on these coupons to evaluate their mechanical properties after fire, such as their elastic modulus, yield strength, and ultimate tensile strength. The mechanical behavior of conventional S235JR structural steel changed significantly when the heating temperature reached 600°C. The thickness of the steel had a negligible effect on yield strength loss, with the highest measured loss being 50% for 8 mm thickness at 1200°C. The modulus of elasticity remained almost constant up to 800°C, but at 1200°C, the loss reached around 20% for thicker sections (10 mm and 12 mm) and up to 35% for thinner sections (6 mm and 8 mm). Overall, high temperatures led to significant deterioration in both yield and ultimate strength, with a general loss of load-bearing capacity above 600°C. A new equation was formulated from experimental results to predict changes in the mechanical properties of S235JR steels. This equation offers a precise evaluation of buildings made from conventional structural S235JR mild steel after fire exposure. Furthermore, the empirical equation is applicable to low-strength steels with yield strengths ranging from 235 MPa to 420 MPa.