The ability of high performance concrete to resist high temperature

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to focus on the resistance to elevated temperatures of up to 700ºC of high-performance concrete (HPC) compared to ordinary Portland concrete (OPC) with regards to mass loss and residual compressive and flexural strength. Design/methodology/approach Two mixtures were developed to test. The first mixture, OPC, was used as the control, and the second mixture was HPC. After 28 days under water (per Chinese standard), the samples were tested for compressive strength and residual strength. Findings The test results showed that at elevated temperatures of up to 500ºC, each mixture experienced mass loss. Below this temperature, the strength and the mass loss did not differ greatly. Originality/value When adding a 10 per cent silica fume, 25 per cent fly, 25 per cent slag to HPC, the compressive strength increased by 17 per cent and enhanced the residual compressive strength. A sharp decrease was observed in the residual flexural strength of HPC when compared to OPC after exposure to temperatures of 700ºC.