Abstract:Instead of traditional cubic Hermitian interpolation function, axial force is considered in element deformation in this paper, and a fourth order interpolation function is employed to form a new beamcolumn element considering thermal effect. Influence of element deformation on equilibrium equation and geometric equation, and influence of temperature on material properties and strain formulation are considered in new element, known as secondorder effect and bowing effect. A finite element program was written to verify the efficiency and accuracy of the new element against B23 in ABAQUS. It is concluded that the element number can be greatly reduced under the same accurate condition, and be superior in dealing with limit analysis, such as catenary effect of beam in fire and nonlinear progressive collapse analysis in fire.