Effect of Elevated Temperature on Bond Strength of Concrete

Abstract

In the case of exposure of reinforced concrete structure to accidental fire, an assessment of its residual capacity is needed. Bond strength of concrete was observed under elevated temperatures (150°, 250°, 350° and 500°C) in this study. Cylindrical specimens were prepared for pull-out tests to find out the bond behavior and to observe the mechanical properties of concrete. All the specimens were 100 mm diameter and 200 mm height. The pull-out specimens contain a 10 mm steel bar at its center. The specimens were tested at 52 days age following a 28 days water curing. Samples were preheated for 3 hours at 100°C temperature and then put into the furnace for 1 hour at the target temperature. Samples were tested before preheating as controlled specimens. In case of mechanical properties and the bond strength of concrete, there were no remarkable changes due to elevated temperature up to 150°C. However, the mechanical properties and bond strength were decreased gradually after 150°C temperature. Maximum reduction of bond strength observed was 52.13% and 49.8% at 500°C for testing within 1 hour and after 24 hours of heating respectively when compared to the controlled specimens. Bond strength was found to reduce at a greater rate than compressive strength due to the elevated temperature.