Fracture parameters of concrete after exposure to high temperatures: pilot tests

Abstract

Experimental concrete panels were after an appropriate aging time loaded by high temperatures (550, 600, 800 and 1000 °C) in a furnace intended for fire tests of building materials. These panels were heated according to the standard temperature-time curve according to EN 1991-1-2. One of panels was a reference without temperature load. Test specimens were obtained as cores drilled out from panels after performing fire tests. The cylindrical specimens were provided with a central chevron type notch and subsequently tested in three-point bending fracture test. The load versus displacement (deflection in the middle of span) diagrams were recorded during testing and basic fracture parameters were subsequently evaluated.Experimental concrete panels were after an appropriate aging time loaded by high temperatures (550, 600, 800 and 1000 °C) in a furnace intended for fire tests of building materials. These panels were heated according to the standard temperature-time curve according to EN 1991-1-2. One of panels was a reference without temperature load. Test specimens were obtained as cores drilled out from panels after performing fire tests. The cylindrical specimens were provided with a central chevron type notch and subsequently tested in three-point bending fracture test. The load versus displacement (deflection in the middle of span) diagrams were recorded during testing and basic fracture parameters were subsequently evaluated.