WP3 Leader: Universiteit Hasselt

First, a benchmark analysis will be performed to define protocols for numerical studies, and its results also will be the base for the sensitivity analysis to decide the most influencing parameters for the tests. Numerical modelling of the joint configurations to be tested in WP2 will be performed, to obtain primary indications of the experimental response. As the tests proceed, numerical models will be calibrated with the experimental results. Then, with the calibrated models, parametric analysis will be carried out to identify the effect of different parameters. Parametric analysis will be a base for defining the modelling rules and procedures that might be adopted in current
engineering practice, and preparation of design guidelines. Numerical modelling for everyday’s engineering practice will be performed as well. Fire resistance of proposed joints will be investigated under standard fire exposition applying FEM, and compared with the traditional joints.