Title:
Guidelines for Fire Design of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Beams
Author(s):
Srishti Banerji, Venkatesh Kodur, and Augusto Gil
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
123
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
297-310
Keywords:
fire-induced spalling; fire resistance; reinforced concrete beams; ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC)
DOI:
10.14359/51749176
Date:
3/1/2026
Abstract:
Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is increasingly gaining attention for structural applications, with structural fire safety being a key design factor. It is evident from recent research that UHPC structural members are prone to fire-induced spalling and have lower fire resistance than traditional concrete members. Currently, there are no specific guidelines for the fire design of UHPC members, and extending existing fire design provisions developed for conventional concrete members may not be appropriate considering the unique challenges posed by UHPC. This paper outlines the critical factors contributing to the lower fire performance of UHPC structural members, discussing these factors in detail, using data from both numerical and experimental studies. Based on the results from parametric studies, as well as observations from published data, a set of design guidelines for mitigating spalling and enhancing fire resistance of UHPC beams is proposed.
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