Spalling and mechanical properties of fiber reinforced high-performance concrete subjected to fire

Abstract

Spalling and mechanical properties of FRHPC subjected to fire were tested on notched beams. The results confirm that the internal vapor pressure is the leading reason for spalling of high-performance concrete (HPC). At the same time, the temperature-increasing velocity and constrained conditions of concrete element also play significant roles in spalling. Steel fibers cannot reduce the risk of spalling, although they have obvious beneficial effects on the mechanical properties of concrete before and after exposure to fire. Polypropylene (PP) fibers are very useful in preventing HPC from spalling, however, they have negative effects on the strengths. By using hybrid fibers (steel fibers+PP fibers), both good anti-spalling performance and improved mechanical properties come true, which may provide necessary safe guarantee for the rescue work and structure repair after fire disaster.

Keywords

fiber reinforced high-performance concrete (FRHPC) / fire / spalling / compressive strength / flexural toughness

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