Title:
High-Temperature Residual Strength and Microstructure in Air-Entrained High-Strength Concrete
Author(s):
Farhan Waheed, Wasim Khaliq, and Rao Arsalan Khushnood
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
115
Issue:
3
Appears on pages(s):
425-435
Keywords:
air entrainment; high-strength concrete; high temperature; mass loss; microstructure; porosity; residual mechanical properties
DOI:
10.14359/51702037
Date:
5/1/2018
Abstract:
Use of high-strength concrete (HSC) in built infrastructure allows efficient structural systems with higher strength and durability. However, HSC being sensitive to high temperatures results in reduced residual strength after fire exposure, which impairs postfire structural serviceability. This lower performance of HSC results from its characteristic dense microstructure that prohibits dissipation of pore pressure at high temperatures. Under fire conditions, similar to sublimation (melting) of polypropylene fibers in HSC, air entrainment can reduce microstructural damage by allowing dissipation of vapor pressure. In this study, residual mechanical and physical properties of air-entrained HSC (AEH) were investigated after exposure to high temperatures up to 800°C (1472°F). Residual mechanical properties comprised of compressive and splitting tensile strength, stress-strain response, elastic modulus, and changes in physical properties consisted of mass loss, cracking behavior, and microstructural changes. Results show that AEH retains better residual mechanical properties after exposure to high temperatures; however, a higher air content proved less beneficial.