Title:
Explosive Spalling in Concrete Elements Under Fire: New Experiments and Analyses Toward Performance-Based Design
Author(s):
Aerik Carlton
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_S22_AerikCarlton.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
3/23/2022
Abstract:
Concrete is widely viewed as a fire-resistant material due to its low thermal conductivity and non-combustibility. However, concrete under intense thermal loading may exhibit explosive spalling, for which there is currently no consensus design criteria or prediction methodology. The guidelines established in ASCE/SEI Manual of Practice 138: Structural Fire Engineering recommend that the loss of section due to spalling be considered in performance-based design of concrete structures under fire. The document also emphasizes that new research is needed to more clearly establish the material and heating conditions that trigger spalling as well as the degree of section loss when spalling occurs. This presentation will showcase the results of a recently completed experimental program and subsequent numerical work at Lehigh University that focuses on the initiation of fire-induced spalling in normal weight reinforced concrete panels. This research effort has focused on the potential for fire-induced spalling in concrete tunnel liners, but the results can be generalized to other types of concrete structures as well. The goal of this effort is to develop simplified approaches that are conducive to the performance-based design methodologies that are currently outlined in ASCE/SEI Manual of Practice 138 for concrete structures.