Investigation of the fire performance of steel column-beam joints with and without fire protection

In this study, the performance of steel column-beam joints against fire is investigated in protected and unprotected conditions. The effectiveness of intumescent paints as a passive protection method was experimentally evaluated by finite element method. During fire, steel elements lose their strength, especially at temperatures such as 600°C, jeopardizing the bearing capacity of structures. Intumescent paints form a protective layer on the steel surface by expanding in fire and increase resistance to high temperatures. Experimental tests were carried out on coated and untreated steel specimens and the results showed that intumescent coatings are effective in increasing the fire resistance time. The research aims to contribute to the development of building design and fire safety standards and to safeguard human lives by facilitating evacuation processes.