Enhanced modelling of exposed PFP coatings based on bench-scale fire-tests

Accurate modelling of the behaviour of coatings used as Passive Fire Protections (PFP) is essential for the evaluation of their performance. The changes of the characteristics of PFP materials when exposed to high temperatures can have a significant impact on the safeguard of the protected surface. In this work, laboratory and bench-scale experimental studies of the property changes suffered by a selected PFP coating when exposed to high temperatures were carried out. The results were used in the simulation of a case of study which allowed evaluating the advantages of a detailed model of the coating behaviour. As a conclusion, it was observed that the impact of considering and not considering the property changes of PFP materials when exposed to fire is significant. The results can be used to enhance Finite Element Modelling, leading to a more realistic and better evaluation of the PFP effectiveness. Copyright © 2012, AIDIC Servizi S.r.l.