Effects of fibers on mechanical properties of high-performance concrete subjected to elevated temperatures

The compressive strength and flexural toughness as well as fracture energy of fiber reinforced high performance concrete(FRHPC)subjected to different high temperatures were studied.The results showed that after exposure at 300,600 and 900℃,the concrete mixes retained 88.1%.41.3% and 10.2% of the original compressive strength on average,respectively.Steel fiber and polypropyhne(PP)fiber were both effective in minimizing the damage effect of high temperatures on the compressive strength.The HPC reinforced with steel fibers showed higher flexural toughness and fracture energy before and after the high-temperature exposures.In comparison,PP fibers had minor beneficial effects on the flexural toughness and fracture energy.The mechanical properties of HPC reinforced with hybrid fibers(steel fiber PP fiber)were equivalent to or better than those of HPC reinforced with steel fibers alone.In addition,the failure pattern of FRHPC beams changed from pull-out of steel fibers at lower temperatures(20,300 and 600 ℃)to tensile failure of steel fibers at higher temperature(900℃).