Author

SCHLEGEL, R.
Dynardo GmbH, Weimar
CLAESSENS, A.
Xella Nederland BV
MEYER, G.
Bundesverband Kalksandsteinindustrie eV, Hannover
CABALLERO GONZÁLEZ, A.4
European Calcium Silicate Producers Association

Abstract

This paper presents finite element simulations, sensitivity analysis and parameter identifications of fire tests on calcium silicate masonry walls. Temperature gradient, mechanical load and the failure enabled response the fire resistance time of the wall to be accurately estimated when compared to the tested specimen using finite element models. The finite element simulations were computed using the program system ANSYS with a special material model developed for calcium silicate masonry.
The sensitivity analysis, accomplished by the optimization platform optiSLang, distinguishes parameters of substantial influence on the fire resistance of calcium silicate masonry walls. By means of evolutionary optimization algorithms relevant material and system parameters were identified.
With the developed model it was possible to predict the fire resistance time as well as the damages caused by fire load. In addition the approach shows high potential for optimizing building materials with regards to their structural fire resistance.

Key words
Calcium silicate masonry, fire resistance, finite element simulation, ANSYS, optiSLang, multiPlas