Finite element analysis of coupled heat and mass transfer in concrete when it is in a fire

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive model for simulating coupled heat and mass transfer in concrete when it is subjected to a fire. The model considers not only the transport of dry air, water vapour and liquid water but also the evaporation of liquid water and the dehydration of bound water. It can be applied to multidimensional problems. The governing equations describing this coupled heat and mass transfer phenomenon are solved using finite element methods with a standard Galerkin approximation. Results related to temperature, pore pressure, moisture content, the level of evaporation and dehydration of water within concrete for a standard fire curve are given. The influence of the liquid water transport on the spatial distributions of temperature and pore pressure is investigated through the use of parametric studies. The present results can be used to predict the potential of concrete spalling.