Effect of strength and fiber reinforcement on fire resistance of high-strength concrete columns

Abstract

In this paper, results from fire resistance experiments on five types of reinforced concrete columns are presented. The variables considered in the study include concrete strength [normal-strength concrete (NSC) and high-strength concrete (HSC)], aggregate type (siliceous and carbonate aggregate), and fiber reinforcement (steel and polypropylene fibers). Data from the study is used to determine the structural behavior of HSC columns at elevated temperatures. A comparison is made of the fire resistance performance of HSC columns with that of NSC and fiber-reinforced HSC columns. The factors that influence the thermal and structural behavior of HSC concrete columns under fire conditions are discussed. The results show that the fire resistance of a NSC column is higher than that of a HSC column. Also, the addition of polypropylene fibers and the use of carbonate aggregate improve fire resistance.