Análise térmica de estruturas de aço utilizadas no sistema light steel framing

Abstract

The thermal performance of light steel framing (LSF) panels was the objective of this study. The study subject was panels used in the construction of two model houses located at Federal Technology University – Parana, built with materials commercially available in Brazil. The analysis was set with material properties from the manufacturer and in compliance with the Brazilian regulation, using the finite element method for a transient thermal analysis. The model validation was based on experimental tests available in the literature. Based on the validated model, the four panels have been analyzed. Two of the panels used PET wool in the cavity for insulation and the analysis was repeated with them replacing it for glass wool. A panel with no insulation was also analyzed to be used as reference. Based on the analysis results and the resistance reduction coefficients proposed by ABNT NBR 14323:2001, the resistance decrease of the studs due to the fire exposure and the panels resistance to fire were determined. Based on the obtained results, it can be affirmed that, depending on the applied load and the required Equivalent time of fire exposure, even the less protective configuration of the panels presented can be viable. The current study presented relevant information about the performance of LSF manufactured in Brazil when exposed to fire.