Work

Study of Ultra-High Performance Concrete Mechanical Behavior under High Temperatures

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The main concern with concrete at high temperatures is loss of strength and explosive spalling, which are more pronounced in high-strength concretes, such as Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC). The use of polymeric fibers in the mixture helps control chipping, increasing porosity and reducing internal water vapor pressure, but their addition can impact its mechanical properties and workability. This study evaluated the physical and mechanical properties of UHPC with metallic and PVA fibers under high temperatures using a 23 central composite factorial design. The consistency of fresh UHPC and the compressive strength and elasticity modulus of hardened UHPC were measured. Above 300 °C, both compressive strength and elasticity modulus decreased drastically. Although the addition of PVA fibers reduced fluidity, it decreased the loss of compressive strength after exposure to high temperatures. The response surface indicates that the ideal mixture—1.65% steel fiber and 0.50% PVA fiber—achieved the highest compressive strength, both at room temperature and at high temperatures. However, PVA fibers did not protect UHPC against explosive spalling at the levels used in this research.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma17174212

Authors: Guilherme S. Sumitomo, Lia L. Pimentel, Ana Elisabete P. G. A. Jacintho, Nadia C. S. Forti

Institution: Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas

Language: English

Topic: Fire effects on concrete materials

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,955

Funder: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior