Transient heat transfer analysis using Galerkin finite element method for reinforced concrete slab exposed to high elevated temperature

Fire loading causes a critical collapse of RC (Reinforced Concrete) Structures since the embedded steels inside are relative week against high elevated temperature. Several numerical frameworks for fire resistance have been proposed, however they have limitations such as unstable convergence and long calculation period. In the work, 2-D nonlinear FE technique is proposed using Galerkin method for RC structures under fire loading. Closed-form element stiffness with a triangular element is adopted and verified with fire test on three RC slabs with different fire loading conditions. Several simulations are also performed considering fire loading conditions, water contents, and cover depth. The proposed numerical technique can handle time-dependent fire loading, convection, radiation, and material properties. The proposed technique can be improved through early-aged concrete behavior like moisture transport which varies with external temperature.