As we know there is a lack of understanding in how structural systems perform under realistic, uncontrolled fire situations. Fire protection of steel structure is usually provided through prescriptive requirements. The development of performance-based standards and tools requires explicit consideration of the fire effects on structural components and systems. This consists a parametric study employing nonlinear finite element analysis to model the response of wide flange steel columns at elevated temperature. Different axial loads and different cross sections are included in the parametric study. The FEM modelling was used to conduct parametric studies to evaluate the effects of different heating configurations on steel column. The failure behaviour at elevated temperature depends on the column cross sectional area, axial load and temperature. Failure mode include flexural buckling about weak and strong axis. The column sections were uniformly heated until they exhibited either inelastic or elastic buckling failure. Typical cross sectional area is addressed through limiting the element width to thickness ratio, so only member buckling occurs. As the members are heated the Young’s modulus and yield strength are reduced, which results in slender elements at elevated temperature. An indication about the column strength and failure behaviour at elevated temperature is the expected outcome of this thesis work.