The Effects of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) on the Residual Mechanical Properties of Concrete after Exposure to High Temperatures-Review

Fire events remain a severe hazard despite significant progress in the construction industry. The high-temperature resistance of concrete structures highly depends on the properties of their ingredients. The present study provides an analytical review of the available experimental studies investigating the influence of high temperatures on the residual mechanical characteristics of concrete, namely compressive and tensile strength, as well as the modulus of elasticity. This paper primarily focuses on the influences of supplementary cementing materials, including silica fume (SF), fly ash (FA), and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), as well as different aggregate types. The literature findings show that the mechanical characteristics of concrete are degraded dramatically due to heat-caused changes in concrete. In addition, the mechanical properties of concrete are highly influenced by the types of aggregate and the amount of supplementary cementing materials at both high temperatures and room temperature. The inclusion of FA and GGBFS improves the high-temperature resistance of concrete. However, high contents of FA and GGBFS result in adverse effects on the properties of concrete. This review will provide a basis for future studies and enhance the knowledge of the behaviour of reinforced concrete structures subjected to high temperatures.

Automated summary

Despite progress in the construction industry, fire events remain a severe hazard. This study focuses on the influence of high temperatures on the mechanical characteristics of concrete, including compressive and tensile strength. The inclusion of supplementary cementing materials and different aggregate types significantly affect the mechanical properties of concrete at both high temperatures and room temperature. The findings provide insights for future studies on reinforced concrete structures subjected to high temperatures.