Title: Fire Behavior of High-Performance Concrete Made with Silica Fume at Various Moisture Contents

Author(s): Sammy Yin Nin Chan, Gai-Fei Peng, and Mike Anson

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 96

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 405-409

Keywords: fire resistance; high-performance concrete; moisture content; silica fume; spalling; strength

DOI: 10.14359/640

Date: 5/1/1999

Abstract:
The behavior of high-performance silica fume concrete with various moisture contents in the ISO standard fire was investigated. Spalling test results from 100 mm3 specimens revealed that moisture content and strength are the two main factors governing explosive thermal spalling of concrete. Moisture content has a dominant influence on spalling. The dependence of spalling on moisture content and strength confirmed the vapor pressure mechanism of spalling. Spatial distribution of rebound hammer tests results on postfire concrete slabs correlated with the temperature field within the slabs. Conventional methods do not properly describe the residual mechanical properties of concrete subjected to fire. A new method is needed that considers the chemical and physical changes inside concrete caused by elevated temperature.