An integrated adaptive environment for fire and explosion analysis of steel frames - Part II:: Verification and application

The companion paper presents a new adaptive method for integrated fire and explosion analysis of steel frames. This paper verifies the new developments, implemented within the nonlinear analysis program ADAPTIC, particularly against the results of experiments on steel members and frames subjected to fire. The benefits of adaptive nonlinear analysis are then highlighted by means of an example which demonstrates its computational superiority over conventional nonlinear analysis. Finally, parametric studies on column and frame configurations subject to the successive actions of explosion and fire are undertaken using the developed integrated analysis tool. The results of these preliminary studies indicate that the damage induced by moderate explosion loading can significantly influence the fire resistance of steel structures. Collectively, the capabilities and efficiency of the developed environment emphasise the important role that it can play in further studies aimed at generating design guidance.