This paper examines the influence of the properties of steel reinforcement on
the response of composite floor slabs under idealised fire conditions, with emphasis
on ultimate failure considerations. An experimental investigation into the effect of
elevated temperatures on the mechanical characteristics of steel reinforcement is
firstly described. The study includes tests carried out at ambient temperature as well
as under steady state and transient elevated temperature conditions. Apart from the
evaluation of stress-strain response and degradation of stiffness and strength
properties, particular emphasis is given to assessing the influence of elevated
temperature on enhancing the ductility of steel reinforcement. The implications of
the specific reinforcement properties on the ultimate behaviour of composite floor
elements and assemblages in fire are then discussed. For this purpose, novel
analytical models are used to assess the ultimate behaviour of members
incorporating different types of reinforcement
