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Most of the studies involving composite slabs under fire follow the standard fire scenario described by the ISO 834 curve, disregarding the cooling-phase. However, recent studies show that this phase is equally important, as it can lead to the collapse of the structure. Therefore, the present research carried out a parametric study, using numerical models, validated through experimental tests, to evaluate the thermal behaviour of the composite slabs components under natural fire. The results showed that the maximum temperatures in the reinforcement bars occur during the cooling-phase, reaching temperatures up to 300% higher than at the heating-phase, on the steel deck occur at the end of heating, and that the concrete thickness above the steel deck influences the temperature of these components. Also, during the cooling-phase, a "heat bubble" effect is observed on the ribs of the composite slabs, where the reinforcement bars are normally placed. These results highlight the importance of considering different natural fire scenarios, in the structural performance and safety of composite slabs, since during the cooling-phase there is still heat transfer between the elements, which can lead to slab failure. New parameters are proposed to find the temperature of each component for different fire ratings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite slabs with steel deck combine the load-bearing resistance of the steel deck and rebar with the compressive resistance of the concrete (components). Unprotected composite slabs may be exposed to natural fire conditions from below, and steel reduces its load-bearing capacity during the heating stage. In short fire events, with limited deformations, the composite slabs can recover the load-bearing capacity during the cooling stage. This research presents the validation of the numerical model and the development of a parametric study, to evaluate the load-bearing capacity during the fire event. This method includes a time step procedure, based on the average temperature calculation for each component, including the reduction coefficients applied to the design strength of each material. A new proposal is also presented to evaluate the residual loadbearing capacity. In some circumstances, the residual load-bearing can be reduced by more than 20%. The results showed that the highest variation in the load-bearing resistance of composite slabs occurs when the steel temperatures are between 20 and 600°C, after this temperature, the steel has already lost most of its mechanical strength. Moreover, it was observed that different heating rates and different cooling rates influence the rate of the reduction and recovery of the load-bearing capacity. It was also noticed that the lowest load-bearing capacity of the composite slabs was reached after the end of the heating phase, showing that the stability of the element during the heating phase does not guarantee fire safety during the cooling phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]