Some considerations on shear and torsion in R/C structural members in fire

Purpose – This study aims to provide a factual justification of the extension to fire conditions of the well-known design models for the calculations of R/C members at the ultimate limit state in shear and torsion. Both solid and thin-walled sections are considered. In the latter case, the little-known topic of shear-transfer mechanisms at high temperature is introduced and discussed. Design/methodology/approach – Both the effective-section method and the zone method are treated, as well as the strut-and-tie models required by the analysis of the so-called D zones (discontinuity zones), where heat-enhanced cracking further bears out the phenomenological basis of the models. Findings – The increasing role played by the stirrups in shear and by the rather cold concrete core in torsion stand out clearly in fire, while high temperatures rapidly reduce the contributions of such resisting mechanisms as concrete-teeth bending, aggregate interlock and dowel action. Originality/value – On the whole, beside quantifying the side contributions of web mechanisms and section core in fire conditions, this study indicates a possible approach to extend to fire the available models on the coupling of shear and bending, and shear and torsion in R/C members.