Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete

Concrete material in structures is likely exposed to high temperatures during fire. The relative properties of concrete after such an exposure are of great importance in terms of the serviceability of buildings. This paper presents the effects of elevated temperatures on the physical and mechanical properties of various concrete mixtures prepared by ordinary Portland cement, crushed limestone, and river gravel. Test samples were subjected to elevated temperatures ranging from 200 to 1200 degrees C. After exposure, weight losses were determined and then compressive strength test was conducted. Test results indicated that weight of the specimen significantly reduced with an increase in temperature. This reduction was very sharp beyond 800 degrees C. The effects of water/cement (w/c) ratio and type of aggregate on losses in weight were not found to be significant. The results also revealed that the relative strength of concrete decreased as the exposure temperature increased. The effect of high temperatures on the strength of concrete was more pronounced for concrete mixtures produced by river gravel aggregate. The results of the physical and mechanical tests were also combined with those obtained from differential thermal analysis, and colour image analysis. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.