Thermal Finite Element Analysis of a Post-Tensioned Timber Connection

Post-Tensioned Timber (PTT) structural systems have many advantages over conventional timber frames including low-damage, re-centring and fast construction. To design these connections for fire the 3D thermal field of the connection is needed. This paper compares 3D thermal finite element analyses and a previously tested large scale PTT beam-column sub-assembly loaded and exposed to the Standard Fire. The modelled temperatures for the interface and shallow depths in the timber were similar to the experimental results, but temperatures deeper in the timber were cooler. The results show that the thermal and mechanical response of PTT beam-column connections are interdependent and both must be considered together when designing these connections.