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Abstract: A mathematical model for structural behavior of timber columns under fire has been proposed. The semi-analytical study has been carried out for evaluating the load-carrying capacity of timber columns exposed to fire. Particular emphasis has been given to critical buckling loads. For this purpose, a parametric study has been performed by which the influence of slenderness ratio, load level, and water content on critical buckling loads of timber columns have been investigated. The results of this preliminary study showed that the present semi-analytical method is conservative compared to the two simplified calculation methods offered by Eurocode 5 if the transfer of water is neglected, while, on the other hand, the results agree well for a water content of 12%. Moreover, for higher water contents, the present semi-analytical model is non-conservative compared to the Eurocode 5 methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to model the behaviour of timber composite beams with interlayer slip, when simultaneously exposed to static loading and fire. A transient moisture-thermal state of a timber beam is analysed by the Luikov equations, and mechanical behaviour of timber composite beam is modelled by Reissner''s kinematic equations. The model can handle layers of different materials. Material properties are functions of temperature. The thermal model is validated against the experimental data presented in the literature. Generally, the model provides excellent agreement with the experimental data. It is shown that the material properties of timber play an important role in the fire resistance analysis of timber structures when exposed to fire. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]