Behavior of hybrid R.C. columns under the effect of fire furnace (experimental and numerical study)

Abstract

ABSTRACT When fire exposes the hybrid reinforced concrete R.C. columns, it seriously damages the mechanical qualities of steel bars, concrete, and glass fiber reinforced polymer G.F.R.P. bars. This study focused on hybrid reinforced concrete R.C. columns’ behaviour and failure modes that were eccentrically and concentrically loaded during the fire until a failure. The behaviour of these R.C. columns will be quantified by demonstrating and going over the load-displacement relationships, failure mechanisms, crack patterns, strain distribution at failure, ductility, and stiffness. The number and width of cracks in the columns heated to 300 ºC, 500 ºC, and 700 ºC were significantly more than in the unheated columns. When the specimen is exposed to high temperatures, less force is needed to cause a first crack, and the ultimate strength decreases as the applied load and eccentricity ratio values increase. Hence, all specimens’ axial and lateral displacement values increase. This can be explained by two factors: the depth of the practical section because of the thermal expansion effect and the cracking expansion of concrete when subjected to high temperatures, and heating causes a loss in stiffness of column because the elasticity of concrete’s modulus of elasticity drops.