| Fire research has become a topic of interest over the past couple of years, specifically after the collapse of WTC 7, which was caused by exposure to fire. Research has been conducted on isolated materials, such as steel or bolts, and on whole structural systems at elevated temperatures. When steel is subjected to fire and post-fire conditions, it experiences a reduction in strength and stiffness due to the effect of elevated temperature. This behavior can compromise the integrity of the structure.;Welds are widely used in the construction of steel buildings. They are an integral part of connections. The material properties of welds at elevated temperatures are unknown. This research investigates the performance of weld metal at elevated temperatures, to evaluate how welds may perform during a fire and under post-fire conditions. This thesis focuses on the effects of elevated temperatures on weld metal subjected to shear stress.;In this thesis, fillet welds are loaded transversely under elevated temperature and cooling conditions. Design recommendations are then made for fillet welds under elevated temperature and cooling conditions. These recommendations are then compared to design procedures in the current edition of the AISC Specification and Eurocode and results found in past research. It was found that the weld metal behaves similarly to base metal, such as steel, when exposed to elevated temperatures and cooling conditions. |
