A study on failure prediction and design criteria for fiber composites under fire degradation

Polymer matrix composites can be severely degraded/damaged under thermal loading caused by fire. Fire degradation of fiber composites is a serious concern in large load-bearing structural applications such as ship, piers and bridges. This paper describes results from combined experimental and theoretical studies of compressive failures of polymer-matrix glass-reinforced composites which have undergone fire degradation. The focus of the present paper is on single skin composites. Experimental studies have included structural collapse under combined thermal (i.e. fire) and mechanical loading. Detailed analytical and numerical simulations of panel deformation and collapse show good agreement with the experimental observations. A quantitative methodology for developing the design approach is proposed and discussed with respect to the experimental results and thermal boundary conditions.