Abstract
This paper describes an advanced numerical model to predict the fire behaviour of blind-bolts in the
tension area of endplate connections between I-beams and concrete filled tubular (CFT) columns. It is
the continuation of a previous research on the thermal response of connections, considering the tension
load of a moment-resisting connection. Due to the absence of experiments and data on blind-bolts fire
performance the aim was to provide a model for their study. The effect of two main variables was
researched, the concrete infill of the columns and the anchored extension of the blind-bolt. The fire resistance
rating (FRR), the failure mode and the forcedisplacementtemperature curve at high temperatures
were discussed. Results proved that concrete inside the column enhanced the connections response at
elevated temperatures in terms of FRR and stiffness. On the other hand, the use of anchored blind-bolts
compared with normal blind-bolts provided stiffer connections, but the FRR improvement depended on
the plate thickness and steel bolt properties. Finally, the use of fire resistant steel bolts as a method to
enhance the fire response was assessed, observing the benefits to these connections when the shank of
the blind-bolt governs the failure.
