Protected Column Temperature Curves
Next, we must define the temperature growth profile in the protected columns.
In this case the protected columns have been assumed to reach 550 degrees at the fire resistance time of 60 minutes (as this is the basis on which suppliers determine protection thicknesses) with a linear increase from 20 degrees in that time.
To do this:
1. Open the "Properties | Temperature Curves" dialog box.
2. Select the 'Add' tab. A new curve (curve '4') is automatically generated.
3. In the 'Type' drop-down box, select the 'trom file' option. Browse for the 'Protected_Column.txt' temperature curve and open this file.
4. Click the 'Add' button to place the curve on to the database for this example.
5. Select the 'Attach' tab and curve 4 from the drop-down menu. Choose the 'Attach to beams' option and click those beams that require to be protected.
6. Click the 'Attach' button.