Analysis of impact of aeration modifications on strength parameters of concrete under fire conditions

Abstract

Modern dynamically developing building industry poses more and more complex challenges to building materials. Elevated constructions must satisfy a number of requirements including safety, durability and being environmentally friendly. The unfavorable impact of increased temperatures on the work of a construction structure is manifested by the change in the properties of the heated material and the occurrence of deformation, stresses and thermal scratches. These are particularly dangerous phenomena when they occur in elements with limited freedom of linear deformation. The purpose of the research presented in this article was to find a solution for concrete that is both resistant to spalling and characterized by high strength properties after heating. The main thesis put forward by the authors of the article is the assumption that deliberate concrete aeration will allow the introduction of evenly distributed micro air bubbles into its volume, which will constitute a reservoir for increasing the volume of water converting into water vapor as a result of a sudden increase in temperature. The presented schema enabled the assumption that the strength parameters of aerated concrete would decrease slightly in relation to non-aerated concrete, however it would be still possible to use in reinforced concrete constructions. As can be seen from the aforementioned analyzes, aeration modification can be an effective means of designing high temperature resistant concrete.