The influence of aggregate type on the physical and mechanical properties of high‐performance concrete subjected to high temperature

Abstract

SummaryThis paper presents the results of an experimental study on the behaviour of high‐performance concretes after high temperature exposure. The high temperature exposure is related to the potential risk of fire, and mechanical properties analysis is needed afterwards to assess the residual strength of the material. The results presented in the paper show the properties evolution of four concretes made with four different aggregate types: basalt, granite, dolomite and riverbed gravel. The mix compositions allow comparisons, because the cement paste and mortar compositions and their volumes remain the same for all the four concretes. Moreover, the aggregate particle size distribution was chosen to be quasi identical so that this factor does not affect the concrete behaviour. The decrease of tensile strength value with the increase of temperature is more pronounced than compressive strength reduction thus, the exponential and power function equations were proposed to describe ftT–fcT relationship. The change of modulus of elasticity in relative values is similar, although the initial values of modulus are different and correspond to the aggregate type. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.