Numerical analysis and normative considerations on thermal actions in compact steel structures
Numerical analysis and normative considerations on thermal actions in compact steel structures
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51473/rcmos.v1i2.2025.1642Keywords:
Thermal variation. Steel structures. Internal forces. Structural stiffness. Numerical modeling.Abstract
This study examines the effects of thermal variation on steel structures with different geometric configurations and stiffness levels through numerical modeling using RSTAB software. The analysis focuses exclusively on indirect thermal actions applied to low mezzanine models rigidly connected to a structural platform. Structures with varying heights and with or without intermediate bracing were evaluated to quantify the impact of thermal deformation constraints on internal forces. The results show that even in compact structures, restrictions on free expansion can generate significant internal stresses, especially in systems with rigid connections. The comparison between models highlights that the overall stiffness of the structure directly influences the redistribution of thermal forces. The findings underscore the importance of adhering to technical standards such as ABNT NBR 8800:2024, EN 1991-1-5:2003, and ANSI/AISC 360-22, which recognize thermal action as a relevant indirect variable in the design of steel structures.
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References
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF STEEL CONSTRUCTION. ANSI/AISC 360-22: Specification for Structural Steel Buildings. Chicago: AISC, 2022.
ASSOCIAÇÃO BRASILEIRA DE NORMAS TÉCNICAS. NBR 6120: Ações e segurança nas estruturas. Rio de Janeiro: ABNT, 2019.
ASSOCIAÇÃO BRASILEIRA DE NORMAS TÉCNICAS. NBR 8800: Projeto de estruturas de aço e de estruturas mistas de aço e concreto de edifícios. Rio de Janeiro: ABNT, 2024.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION. EN 1991-1-5: Eurocode 1 – Actions on structures – Part 1-5: General actions – Thermal actions. Brussels: CEN, 2003.
FAKURY, R. H.; SILVA, A. L. R. C.; CALDAS, R. B. Dimensionamento de elementos estruturais de aço e mistos de aço e concreto. São Paulo: Pearson, 2016.
PFEIL, W.; PFEIL, M. Estruturas de aço: dimensionamento prático de acordo com a NBR 8800:2008. Rio de Janeiro: LTC, 2017.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Matheus Felipe Azevedo (Autor)
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