Thanaraj, D P; Anand, N and Arulraj, P (2019) Experimental investigation of mechanical properties and physical characteristics of concrete under standard fire exposure. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 17(5), pp. 878-903. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose: This paper aims to explain the influence of Standard Fire as per ISO 834 on the strength and microstructure properties of concrete specimens with different strength grade. Design/methodology/approach: The strength grades of concrete considered for the experimental investigation were Fck20, Fck30, Fck40 and Fck50. The specimens were heated up to 1, 2, 3 and 4 h as per standard fire curve. Effect of elevated temperature on compressive and flexural behavior of specimens with various strength grades was examined. Effects of age of concrete, weight loss, surface characteristics and thermal crack pattern were also investigated. Findings: Experimental investigation shows that strength grade, duration of exposure and age of concrete are the key parameters affecting the residual strength of concrete. For the beams exposed to 3 and 4 h of heating, the residual flexural strength was found to be so insignificant that the specimens were not able to even sustain their own weight. The loss in compressive and flexural strength of Fck50 concrete specimens heated up to 1 h were found to be 26.41 and 86.03 per cent of the original unheated concrete, respectively. The weight loss was found to be more for higher grade concrete specimens, and it was about 8.38 per cent for Fck50 concrete. Regression analysis was carried out to establish the empirical relation between residual strength and grade of concrete. Scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis were carried out to examine the damage level of fire-affected concrete specimens. Originality/value: Empirical relationship was developed to determine the residual strength of concrete exposed to elevate temperature, and this will be useful for design applications. This database may be useful for identifying member strength of reinforced beams subjected to various durations of heating so that suitable repair technique can be adopted from the available database. It will be useful to identify the proper grade of concrete with regard to fire endurance, in the case of concrete under compression or flexure.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | age of concrete; elevated temperature; flexural strength; grade of concrete |
| Index terms: | scanning electron microscopy, database, flexural strength, beam, investigation, duration, regression analysis, ISO, compression, mechanical property, methodology, physical characteristic, flexure, repair, exposure |
| Subjects: | statistical analysis, data management, project controls, material properties and characteristics, structural engineering, research methods, maintenance engineering, public and environmental health, analytical methods, standards development, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Business Strategy, Construction Materials, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Digital Applications, Quality Management, Time Control |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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