Influence of post-heating on the behavior of reinforced self-compacting concrete hollow columns

Abstract

In this paper, an experimental investigation was implemented for evaluating the behavior of reinforced self-compacting hollow columns after heating to 600 °C. The test parameters were the hollowness ratio and exposure time. Twelve columns were fabricated with four hollowness ratios (0.0%, 2.3%, 9.0%, and 20.3%). Accordingly, these columns were grouped into four categories. For each category, one column was un-heated, kept as a reference, and the remaining two columns were heated for one and two hours, respectively. After cooling down, the columns were subjected to a concentric axial load up to failure. The test results revealed that the ultimate load, stiffness, and toughness of columns were reduced after heating and then cooling, whereas the ductility was found to be improved. These observations were more significant for columns having the largest hollow (20.3%) and heated for two hours.