An empirical model for confined concrete after exposure to high temperature

In this study, constitutive relationships have been developed for confined concrete subjected to elevated temperature to specify the fire‐performance criteria for concrete structures after exposé to fire. This study extends over a total of 63 circular hoop confined concrete specimens that were casted and tested under concentric compression loading after exposure to high temperature. The test variables studied are the yield strength of transverse reinforcement, spacing of the hoop, and exposure to temperatures from ambient to 800°C. It is shown that all of these variables have significant influence on concrete behavior at different temperatures and further an improvement in the thermal resistance of concrete when confined using transverse steel reinforcement. On the basis of experimental results, a model for confined concrete after exposed to high temperature is proposed to predict the results of residual behavior after thermal cycles. The proposed empirical stress‐strain equations are suitable to predict the postfire behavior of confined normal strength concrete in compression. The predictions were found to be in good agreement and well fit with experimental results.     

Fire performance of bolted connections in laminated veneer lumber

This paper describes an investigation into the fire performance of bolted tensile connections in laminated veneer lumber (LVL) made from radiata pine. The capacity of the bolted connections depends on the embedment strength of the wood and on the yield moment of the bolts. The purpose of the research was to develop a prediction method for the time to failure of the connections when exposed to fire. An experimental investigation was carried out on the axial tensile strength of three types of bolted connections that utilized either wood or steel splice plates. Some specimens were tested at ambient temperatures while similar specimens were tested in fire conditions with a constant applied load. In addition, single‐bolted connections were tested under constant elevated temperature conditions to determine the embedment strength of the LVL. Connections with no steel plates, or with steel plates slotted between the timber members, performed better than those with exposed steel. A simplified design approach is proposed, using an extension of the Johansen formulae, such that the embedment strength of the LVL depends on the temperature in the bolt. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental and numerical study on the performance of hollow and concrete‐filled elliptical steel columns subjected to severe fire

This paper presents the results of an experimental and validated theoretical study to investigate the performance of steel columns with hollow and concrete‐filled elliptical sections subjected to hydrocarbon fire. The test programme involved 18 columns with 200 × 100 × 8‐mm, 300 × 150 × 8‐mm and 400 × 200 × 8‐mm elliptical sections representing slenderness of 50, 33 and 24, respectively. The 1800‐mm columns were subjected to the severe hydrocarbon fire curve and tested under loadings ratios of 20%, 40% and 60% of the EC3 ultimate strength. The paper presents the obtained experimental results including measured axial and lateral displacements, failure temperatures and failure time. A three‐dimensional model was built using the finite element method (FEM) and was validated using the obtained tests results. The finite element model showed an excellent agreement with tests results of failure temperatures, failure modes, and axial and lateral displacements. However, because of restrictions in the software capabilities, the mechanical–thermal behaviour of concrete including spalling was not considered in the model. The verified finite element model was used to conduct a parametric analysis involving a range of parameters of loading level and slenderness. The study has shown that the concrete‐filled sections have demonstrated an improved fire resistance when compared with the hollow sections under the low loading ratios. The FEM model has successfully predicted the unique thermal profile of elliptical section under fire, which was observed during the tests. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of glass fiber‐reinforced polymer and epoxy injection on compressive strength of elevated temperature damaged concrete

Glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) materials have received a great deal of interest among civil engineers during the past decade. This paper presents an overview of experimental studies carried out on GFRP‐wrapped and epoxy‐injected concrete samples exposed to elevated temperatures. For this purpose, 0.30, 0.35 and 0.40 water to binder (w/b) ratios were used. For each w/b ratio, normal aggregates were replaced by lightweight aggregates with a size fraction of 0–2 mm at three different volume fractions such as 10%, 20% and 30% of total aggregate volume. At the same time, a group of air‐entrained samples was also cast for each w/b ratios. Prepared samples were exposed to 600 °C for 3 h. The damaged samples were separately repaired by GFRP and epoxy injection. Before and after elevated temperature exposure, water absorption and compressive strength were tested. After repairing with GFRP and epoxy injection, only the compressive strength test was carried out. GFRP improved the compressive strength between 1–22% and 348–1403% for samples before and after being exposed to elevated temperatures, respectively. Epoxy injection increased the compressive strength of the samples, exposed to elevated temperature, between 1% and 123%. However, the epoxy injection process failed to recover the compressive strength of the samples before elevated temperature exposure. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Temperature-dependent fracture strength of whisker-reinforced ceramic composites: Modeling and factor analysis

In this study, a temperature-dependent fracture strength model for whisker-reinforced ceramic composites was developed. This model considers the strength degradation of both whisker and ceramic matrix at elevated temperatures, as well as the evolution of residual thermal stress with temperature. It was verified by comparison with the available flexural strengths of five types of whisker-reinforced ceramic composites at different temperatures, and good agreement between the model predictions and the experimental data is obtained. Moreover, based on the established model, we systematically analyzed the effects of six influencing factors, including the volume fraction and the aspect ratio of whisker, the Young's modulus of matrix and whisker, the thermal expansion coefficient difference and the stress-free temperature, on the temperature-dependent flexural strengths of whisker-reinforced ceramic composites. Some new insights which could help optimize and improve the temperature-dependent fracture strength of whisker-reinforced ceramic composites are obtained.     

Flexural behavior of hybrid PVA fibers reinforced ferrocement panels at elevated temperatures

Fire safety should consider not only the performance of the structure after the fire but also the behavior during the fire. The structural fire reliability performance of hybrid PVA fiber reinforced ferrocement (HFF) panels is experimentally determined based on its flexural characteristics and damage during the exposure to elevated temperatures. The residual compressive strength of 60 cubs was also tested after exposed to temperatures. In addition, 30 HFF panels were tested to evaluate their structural capacity by conducting an in‐situ binding test during the heating of up to 200°C, 400°C, 600°C, and 800°C, and compared with control samples tested at ambient (24°C) temperature condition. The main parameters investigated were the specimen thickness and the effect of using mineral admixtures (fly ash and silica fume) in the mortar mixtures. The results show a strength decline of both flexural and compressive strengths as temperature increases. The bending capacity at 800°C is reduced to about 90% of the ambient capacity only. In between the 2 temperatures, the reduction rate is found to be almost linear. A theoretical prediction of the moment capacity reduction shows a good agreement with the test results.     

Effect of cooling methods on residual compressive strength and cracking behavior of fly ash concretes exposed at elevated temperatures

This paper presents the effects of cooling methods on residual compressive strength and cracking behavior of concretes containing four different class F fly ash contents of 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% as partial replacement of cement at various elevated temperatures. The residual compressive strength of the aforementioned fly ash concretes is measured after being exposed to 200, 400, 600 and 800 °C temperatures and two different cooling methods, for example, slow cooling and rapid water cooling. Results show that the residual compressive strengths of all fly ash concretes decrease with increase in temperatures irrespective of cooling regimes, which is similar to that of ordinary concrete. Generally, control ordinary concrete and all fly ash concretes exhibited between 10% and 35% more reduction in residual compressive strength because of rapid cooling than slow cooling except few cases. Cracks are observed over concrete specimens after being exposed to temperatures ranging from 400 to 800 °C. Samples that are slowly cooled developed smaller cracks than those rapidly cooled. At 800 °C, all fly ash concretes that are exposed to rapid cooling showed the most severe cracking. X‐ray diffraction analysis shows reduction of Ca(OH)₂ peak and formation of new calcium silicate peak in concretes containing 20% and 40% fly ash when subjected to 800 °C in both cooling methods. Thermo gravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis results show increase in thermal stability of concrete with increase in fly ash contents. The existing Eurocode also predicted the compressive strength of fly ash concretes with reasonable accuracy when subjected to the aforementioned elevated temperatures and cooling methods. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Properties of pumice aggregate concretes at elevated temperatures and comparison with ANN models

The mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of concretes including pumice aggregate (PA) exposed to elevated temperature were analyzed by thermal conductivity, compressive strength, flexure strength, dynamic elasticity modulus (DEM) and dry unit weight tests. PA concrete specimens were cast by replacing a varying part of the normal aggregate (0–2 mm) with the PA. All concrete samples were prepared and cured at 23 ± 10C lime saturated water for 28 days. Compressive strength of concretes including PA decreased that reductions were 14, 19, 25 and 34% for 25, 50, 75 and 100% PA, respectively. The maximum thermal conductivity of 1.9382 W/mK was observed with the control samples containing normal aggregate. The tests were carried out by subjecting the samples to a temperature of 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 500, 600 and 700 °C for 3 h, then cooling by air cooling or in water method. The results indicated that all concretes exposed to a temperature of 500 and 700 °C occurred a significant decrease in thermal conductivity, compressive strength, flexure strength and DEM. An artificial neural network (ANN) approach was used to model the thermal and mechanical properties of PA concretes. The predicted values of the ANN were in accordance with the experimental data. The results indicate that the model can predict the concrete properties after elevated temperatures with adequate accuracy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A numerical model for the behaviour of masonry under elevated temperatures

A thermo‐structural finite element model for the behaviour of masonry panels exposed to fire conditions has been developed. The model has been specifically designed to simulate the behaviour of both loaded and unloaded brickwork panels in plane stress, which are subject to various types of temperature distribution associated with typical fire situations. The current model has been evaluated using experimental results from fire tests on half‐ and full‐scale masonry walls exposed to elevated temperature on one face. Analytical and experimental results for the fire tests were basically in good agreement, indicating that reliable results can be achieved provided that accurate material properties and test boundary conditions are known, and that reliable temperature distribution data through the thickness of the wall is available. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of nano silica and fine silica sand on compressive strength of sodium and potassium activators synthesised fly ash geopolymer at elevated temperatures

Environment friendly geopolymer is a new binder which gained increased popularity due to its better mechanical properties, durability, chemical resistance, and fire resistance. This paper presents the effect of nano silica and fine silica sand on residual compressive strength of sodium and potassium based activators synthesised fly ash geopolymer at elevated temperatures. Six different series of both sodium and potassium activators synthesised geopolymer were cast using partial replacement of fly ash with 1%, 2%, and 4% nano silica and 5%, 10%, and 20% fine silica sand. The samples were heated at 200°C, 400°C, 600°C, and 800°C at a heating rate 5°C per minute, and the residual compressive strength, volumetric shrinkage, mass loss, and cracking behaviour of each series of samples are also measured in this paper. Results show that, among 3 different NS contents, the 2% nano silica by wt. exhibited the highest residual compressive strength at all temperatures in both sodium and potassium‐based activators synthetised geopolymer. The measured mass loss and volumetric shrinkage are also lowest in both geopolymers containing 2% nano silica among all nano silica contents. Results also show that although the unexposed compressive strength of potassium‐based geopolymer containing nano silica is lower than its sodium‐based counterpart, the rate of increase of residual compressive strength exposed to elevated temperatures up to 400°C of potassium‐based geopolymer containing nano silica is much higher. It is also observed that the measured residual compressive strengths of potassium based geopolymer containing nano silica exposed at all temperatures up to 800°C are higher than unexposed compressive strength, which was not the case in its sodium‐based counterpart. However, in the case of geopolymer containing fine silica sand, an opposite phenomenon is observed, and 10% fine silica sand is found to be the optimum content with some deviations. Quantitative X‐ray diffraction analysis also shows higher amorphous content in both geopolymers containing nano silica at elevated temperatures than those containing fine silica sand.     

Modeling the effect of temperature on first matrix cracking stress and fracture strength of cross-ply fiber reinforced ceramic-matrix composites

In this work, we proposed a temperature-dependent first matrix cracking stress model for cross-ply fiber reinforced ceramic-matrix composites (FRCMCs) first. It takes into account of the effects of interfacial shear stress and residual thermal stress as well as their evolution with temperature. Moreover, in order to characterize the effect of temperature on fracture strength, we defined the critical strain energy density associated with composites fracture, by which and the force-heat equivalence energy density principle, the temperature-dependent fracture strength model for cross-ply FRCMCs was established. The models’ predictions of first matrix cracking stress and fracture strength at different temperatures are in good agreement with experimental results available. This study not only advances our in-depth understanding of the quantitative relationship between temperature and mechanical properties of cross-ply FRCMCs, but also offers a powerful tool to predict the temperature-dependent first matrix cracking stress and fracture strength.     

Performance of clay masonry prisms with light weight plaster exposed to standard fire exposure

Clay bricks are one of the most widely used materials in building construction due to their advantages, including local availability, ease of fabrication and cost-effectiveness. Fire is one of the dangerous hazards that can cause damage the life and property. Lightweight plasters play a vital role in insulating the masonry construction during fire accident. There is only limited data and information available on the fire performance of Clay Brick Masonry (CBM) insulated with lightweight plaster. An extensive investigation was undertaken to evaluate the residual strength properties and physical characteristics of CBM prisms exposed to elevated temperatures. CBM prisms plastered with M-sand mortar, vermiculite mortar, and perlite mortar were used for the investigation. Protected prisms were exposed to elevated temperatures following the ISO 834 standard fire curve for durations of 30 min (821°C), 60 min (925°C), 90 min (986°C), and 120 min (1029°C). Mechanical properties such as axial load carrying capacity, stress–strain behaviour, elastic modulus, and crack pattern were examined. The mechanical properties of CBM prisms were found to be highly influenced by the type of plastering, intensity, and the duration of heating. The microstructure and image analysis confirmed the effects of temperature exposure on protective plasters. Equations are proposed to determine the residual axial compressive strength and the elastic modulus of CBM. It was found that the specimens plastered with perlite mortar had better fire resistance.     

Flexural properties after exposure to elevated temperatures of a ground granulated blast furnace slag concrete incorporating steel fibers and polypropylene fibers

Experiments were carried out to investigate the flexural properties of fiber‐reinforced ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) concrete after exposure to high temperatures. On the basis of experimental observation, the effect of GGBFS content, the steel fiber dosage, the polypropylene (PP) fiber dosage, and the strength grade on the residual strength of concrete after exposure to elevated temperatures were systematically examined. Test data indicate that exposure to high temperatures causes deterioration in the flexural strength of concrete; inclusion of GGBFS, PP fibers, and steel fibers, all effectively improve the residual flexural strength of concrete after fire. The optimum amounts of GGBFS, PP fibers, and steel fibers are identified respectively for better fire resistance of concrete. The strength losses of concretes characterized by different strength grades are very close to one another. Equations are proposed to predict the residual flexural strength of concrete incorporating GGBFS, PP fibers, and steel fibers after being heated to temperatures up to 800°C. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of temperature and cooling regime on mechanical properties of high‐strength low‐alloy steel

This paper presents results from experimental studies on the effect of temperature on mechanical properties of high‐strength low‐alloy ASTM A572 steel commonly used in structural members in bridges. A set of high‐temperature tensile strength tests and post‐temperature exposed residual strength tests is carried out on ASTM A572 steel coupons in 20–1000 °C temperature range. The residual strength tests on high‐temperature exposed steel coupons are carried out after subjecting the coupons to two methods of cooling, namely, air cooling and water quenching. Results from these tests indicate that temperature‐dependent strength and stiffness degradation in A572 steel follow the same trend as that of carbon steel but with some variations. A572 steel recovers almost 100% of its room temperature yield strength when heated to temperature up to 600 °C, regardless of the method of cooling, while the extent of strength degradation in coupons subjected to heating beyond 600 °C is dependent on heated temperature and method of cooling. Data generated in these tests are utilized to generate high‐temperature stress–strain and residual stress–strain response of A572 steel. These results are also utilized to propose temperature‐dependent strength, elastic modules, and residual strength reduction factors of A572 steel, which can be used in evaluating residual response of fire‐exposed steel structures. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Compressive strength of fly‐ash‐based geopolymer concrete at elevated temperatures

This paper presents the compressive strength of fly‐ash‐based geopolymer concretes at elevated temperatures of 200, 400, 600 and 800 °C. The source material used in the geopolymer concrete in this study is low‐calcium fly ash according to ASTM C618 class F classification and is activated by sodium silicate (Na₂SiO₃) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions. The effects of molarities of NaOH, coarse aggregate sizes, duration of steam curing and extra added water on the compressive strength of geopolymer concrete at elevated temperatures are also presented. The results show that the fly‐ash‐based geopolymer concretes exhibited steady loss of its original compressive strength at all elevated temperatures up to 400 °C regardless of molarities and coarse aggregate sizes. At 600 °C, all geopolymer concretes exhibited increase of compressive strength relative to 400 °C. However, it is lower than that measured at ambient temperature. Similar behaviour is also observed at 800 °C, where the compressive strength of all geopolymer concretes are lower than that at ambient temperature, with only exception of geopolymer concrete containing 10 m NaOH. The compressive strength in the latter increased at 600 and 800 °C. The geopolymer concretes containing higher molarity of NaOH solution (e.g. 13 and 16 m ) exhibit greater loss of compressive strength at 800 °C than that of 10 m NaOH. The geopolymer concrete containing smaller size coarse aggregate retains most of the original compressive strength of geopolymer concrete at elevated temperatures. The addition of extra water adversely affects the compressive strength of geopolymer concretes at all elevated temperatures. However, the extended steam curing improves the compressive strength at elevated temperatures. The Eurocode EN1994:2005 to predict the compressive strength of fly‐ash‐based geopolymer concretes at elevated temperatures agrees well with the measured values up to 400 °C. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Predicting the fire resistance of timber members loaded in tension

The paper presents a numerical model for predicting the fire resistance of timber members. Fire resistance is evaluated in a two‐step process implemented in the Abaqus finite element code: first, a time‐dependent thermal analysis of the member exposed to fire and then a structural analysis under a constant load are performed. The structural analysis considers the reduction in mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity and strength) of timber with temperature. The analysis terminates when the member can no longer redistribute stresses from the hottest to the coldest parts, leading to structural failure. The model was used to simulate fire tests carried out on specimens made from laminated veneer lumber loaded in tension. Experimental data in terms of temperature, charring depth, displacement and failure time were compared with the numerical results obtained by assuming the thermal properties and degradation of mechanical properties with temperature as suggested by Eurocode 5, showing an overall acceptable approximation. The fire resistance of the timber member was then predicted depending upon the applied tensile loads using the numerical model and analytical formulas. The proposed finite element model can be used to predict the fire resistance of timber structures as an alternative to expensive and complicated experimental tests. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A novel theoretical model to predict the temperature-dependent fracture strength of ceramic materials

A novel temperature-dependent fracture strength model for ceramic materials is developed, based on a critical fracture energy density associated with material fracture comprising strain energy, the corresponding equivalent potential energy, and kinetic energy of atoms per unit volume. It relates the fracture strength at high temperatures to that at the reference temperature, the temperature-dependent Young’s modulus, the temperature, and the melting point. The model is verified by comparison with experimental data of ceramic materials. The model predictions and the experimental data are in excellent agreement with each other. As the Young’s modulus can easily be obtained by experiments and the melting point can easily be obtained by materials handbook, the model can easily predict the fracture strength of ceramic materials at arbitrary temperatures.     

Modelling the charring behaviour of structural lumber

Charring rates for large‐section timber based on experimental data have been generally established. The established rates may not be appropriately used for the prediction of failure times of lumber members which are small by comparison. It is questionable whether a constant rate can be safely assumed for lumber members since the rate is likely to increase once the centre‐point temperature of the members starts to rise. This paper presents an empirically based model of charring rates for Spruce‐Pine‐Fir (SPF) Machine‐Stress‐Rated (MSR) 2×4 lumber subjected to a constant‐temperature exposure of 500°C, on the basis of test results on 55 specimens. In order that the model can be used with reliability analysis, one of the two model parameters was treated as a Lognormal random variable to explain variations observed in the charring rates. Furthermore, the model has been extended to permit evaluations for other lumber sizes and under exposures such as ASTM E119 fire conditions. The model was compared with existing models and used to predict char data found in the literature. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Postfire mechanical properties of Galfan-coated steel cables

Galfan-coated steel cables are widely used in prestressed structures due to their excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Their postfire mechanical properties are important to evaluate the residual load-bearing capability of the structures after fire. However, the research on the postfire mechanical properties of Galfan-coated steel cables is stillscarce, especially the cable in stress state. Hence, a research based on experimental study was carried out to investigate the deterioration of mechanical properties of Galfan-coated steel cables in stress state after experiencing elevated temperatures in this paper. Eighteen tensile tests were conducted on specimens exposed to elevated temperatures varying from 100°C to 500°C and then cooled down to ambient temperature in air. Both twisting characteristic and constant stress level of Galfan-coated steel cables were considered in this study. The residual nominal yield strength, ultimate strength, elastic modulus, fracture strain, and stress-strain curves of Galfan-coated steel cables after experiencing elevated temperatures were obtained and compared with the existing researches. The results show that the postfire mechanical properties are obviously decreased when the fire temperature exceeds 300°C. Equations for the residual nominal yield strength, elastic modulus, ultimate strength, and fracture strain of the Galfan-coated steel cables were proposed. Furthermore, a modified two-stage Ramberg-Osgood model for Galfan-coated steel cables after experiencing elevated temperatures was established, which can provide reference for the safety assessment and repairment of prestressed structures after fire.     

Effects of elevated temperature on pumice based geopolymer composites

Abstract

Aluminosilicate type materials can be activated in alkaline environment and can produce geopolymer cements with low environmental impacts. Geopolymers are believed to provide good fire resistance so the effects of elevated temperatures on mechanical and microstructural properties of pumice based geopolymer were investigated in this study. Pumice based geopolymer was exposed to elevated temperatures of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 and 800°C for 3?h. The residual strength of these specimens were determined after cooling at room temperature as well as ultrasonic pulse velocity, and the density of pumice based geopolymer pastes before and after exposing to high temperature was determined. Microstructures of these samples were investigated by Fourier transform infrared for all temperatures and SEM analyses for samples that were exposed to 200, 400, 600 and 800°C. Specimens, which were initially grey, turned whitish accompanied by the appearance of cracks as temperatures increased to 600 and 800°C. Consequently, compressive strength losses in geopolymer paste were increased with increasing temperature level. On the other hand, compressive strength of geopolymer paste was less affected by high temperature in comparison with the ordinary Portland cement. As a result of this study, it is concluded that pumice based geopolymer is useful in compressive strength losses exposed to elevated temperatures.