Explosive spalling of high-strength concrete columns in fire

Abstract

Current concrete design codes raise concerns about concrete spalling during fire particularly under compressive stresses and high heating rates. High-strength concrete columns would be more prone to explosive spalling due to their low permeability and high brittleness. This paper represents an experimental programme on the behaviour of high strength concrete columns under fire. The research includes testing reinforced high strength concrete columns subjected to various loading levels and heating rates. Eighteen columns were tested under four loading levels and two heating rates. The paper represents the main results including the measured concrete and steel temperatures and axial displacements. Valuable conclusions on the effect of loads and heating on concrete explosive spalling are reached in the paper.