improving fire resistance of - غزةlibrary.iugaza.edu.ps/thesis/98375.pdf · a 3 cm of concrete...
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Islamic University of Gaza ŗƒƆƚŪƗŒŗŶƆœŞƃŒŖŨŹ
Higher Education Deanship œƒƄŶƃŒŘœŪŒŧťƃŒŖťœƆŵ
Faculty of Engineering ŗŪťƈƌƃŒŗƒƄƂ
Civil Engineering Department ƅŪſŗŪťƈƌƃŒŗƒƈťƆƃŒ
Design and Rehabilitation of Structures frac34ƒƋŋřƍƅƒƆŮřŝƆœƈŧŕŘʼnŬƈƆƃŒ
Improving Fire Resistance of
Reinforced Concrete Columns
ϖϳήΤϠϟΔΤϠδϤϟΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΓΪϤϋϷΔϣϭΎϘϣϦϴδΤΗ
By
Khaled Mohammed Nassar
Supervised By
Prof Samir Shihada
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Civil Engineering Rehabilitation
and Design of Structures
˰ϫϡ
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Dedication
I would like to dedicate this work to my family specially my mother and
my father who loved and raised me to my loving wife and daughters and
to my brothers and sisters for their sacrifice and endless support
Improving Fire Resistance of Abstract Reinforced Concrete Columns
I
Abstract
Fire has become one of the greatest threats to buildings Concrete is a primary
construction material and its properties of concrete to high temperatures have gained a
great deal of attention Concrete structures when subjected to fire presented in general
good behavior The low thermal conductivity of the concrete associated to its great
capacity of thermal insulation of the steel bars is the responsible for this good
behavior However there is a fundamental problem caused by high temperatures that
is the separation of concrete masses from the body of the concrete element spalling
phenomenon Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of
the concrete column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
With the increase of incidents caused by major fires in buildings research and
developmental efforts are being carried out in this area and other related disciplines
This research is to investigate the behavior of the reinforced concrete columns at high
temperatures Several samples of reinforced concrete columns with Polypropylene
(PP) fibers were used Three mixes of concrete are prepared using different contents
of Polypropylene ( 00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) Reinforced concrete
columns dimensions are (100 mm x100 mm x300 mm) The samples are heated for 2
4 and 6 hours at 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800degC and tested for compressive strength
Also the behavior of reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures is investigated
Reinforcement steel bars are embedded into the concrete samples with 2 cm and 3 cm
concrete covers after heating at 800degC for 6 hours The reinforcement steel bars are
then extracted and tested for yield stress and maximum elongation ratio
The analysis of results obtained from the experimental program showed that the best
amount of PP to be used is 075 kgmsup3 where the residual compressive strength is 20
higher than of that when no PP fibers are used at 400 C for 6 hours Moreover
a 3 cm of concrete cover is in useful improving fire resistance for concrete structures
and providing a good protection for the reinforcement steel bars where it is 5
higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of Abstract Reinforced Concrete Columns
II
ΔλϼΨϟ
ϲϧΎѧѧΒϤϟΩΪѧѧϬΗϲѧѧΘϟέΎѧѧτΧϷϢѧѧψϋϦѧѧϣΓΪѧѧΣϭϖѧѧήΤϟήѧѧΒΘόΗˬϦѧѧϣϲѧѧγΎγήμѧѧϨϋήѧѧΒΘόΗΔϧΎѧѧγήΨϟϥΚѧѧϴΣϭ
ϜϳΔόϔΗήϣΓέήΣΕΎΟέΪϟΎϬοήόΗΪόΑΎϬμΎμΧϭΎϬϛϮϠγϥΈϓ˯ΎϨΒϟήλΎϨϋϡΎϤΘϫϻϦϣήϴΒϛέΪϗΐδΘ
ΎϋϞϜθΑϡϞϴѧλϮΘϟΔϠϴΌѧοΎѧϬϧΚѧϴΣΔѧόϔΗήϣΓέήѧΣΕΎΟέΪѧϟΎϬѧοήόΗ˯ΎѧϨΛΪѧϴΟΎϛϮϠѧγϱΪѧΒΗΔϧΎѧγήΨϟϥΈѧϓ
ϴϠδѧѧΘϟΪѧϳΪΣϥΎΒπѧѧϗϦѧѧϋΓέήѧѧΤϠϟΪѧѧϴΟϝίΎѧѧϋήѧѧΒΘόΗΎѧѧϤϛΓέήѧΤϠϟΕΎѧѧΟέΩΎϬΒΒδѧѧΗΔϴѧѧγΎγΔϠϜθѧѧϣϙΎѧѧϨϫϦѧѧϜϟϭ
γήΧϞΘϛϝΎμϔϧϲϓϞΜϤΘΗΔόϔΗήϤϟΓέήΤϟϲѧϓϥΎμѧϘϧΙϭΪѧΣϰѧϟϱΩΆѧϳΎѧϣϲϧΎѧγήΨϟήμϨόϟϢδΟϦϋΔϴϧΎ
ϪѧѧϴϠϋΔϴѧѧγήϟϝΎѧѧϤΣϷϲѧѧϓΔѧѧϴϟΎϋΓΩΎѧѧϳίϲϟΎѧѧΘϟΎΑϭϲϧΎѧѧγήΨϟΩϮѧѧϤόϠϟϊѧѧτϘϤϟΔΣΎδѧѧϣˬΪѧѧϳΪΣϥΎΒπѧѧϗΒμѧѧΗϚϟάѧѧϛ
ΎϬΘηΎθϫϦϣΪϳΰϳϭΪθϟϯϮϗϞϤΤΗϰϠϋΎϬΗέΪϗϞϠϘϳΎϤϣΔόϔΗήϤϟΓέήΤϠϟήηΎΒϣϞϜθΑΔοήόϣϴϠδΘϟˬάϫϭ
ϗϪϠϛΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΕθϨϤϟϲϓΕέΎϴϬϧϻΙϭΪΣϲϓήηΎΒϣϞϜθΑΐΒδΘϳΪ
ϲϧΎѧΒϤϟϰѧϠϋΎϫήτΧϭϖήΤϟΙΩϮΣΩΎϳΩίϊϣˬΈѧϓϥϭϝΎѧΠϤϟάѧϫϲѧϓϱήѧΠΗΔѧΜϴΜΣΔѧϳϮϤϨΗϭΔѧϴΜΤΑΩϮѧϬΟ
ΔϴϟΎόϟΓέήΤϟΕΎΟέΪϟΔΤϠδϤϟΔϧΎγήΨϟΔϣϭΎϘϣϦϴδΤΘϟΔϟϭΎΤϣϲϓΔϠμϟΕΫΕϻΎΠϤϟ
ΤΒϟάϫϝϭΎϨΘϳΔΤϠδѧϤϟΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΓΪϤϋϷϙϮϠγΔγέΩΚˬΕΎѧϨϴϋϲѧϓϦϴϠΑϭήѧΑϲϟϮѧΒϟϑΎѧϴϟϡΪΨΘѧγϢѧΗΪѧϗϭ
ΔΤϠδѧѧϤϟΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΨϟΓΪѧϤϋϷϲϟϮѧѧΒϟϑΎѧѧϴϟϦѧѧϣΔѧѧϔϠΘΨϣΕΎѧѧϴϤϛϰѧѧϠϋϱϮѧѧΘΤΗΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΧΕΎѧѧτϠΧΙϼѧѧΛΩΪѧѧϋϢѧѧΗϭ
ϲϫϭϦϴϠΑϭήΑ( 075 kgmsup3 and 05 kgmsup3 00 kgmsup3)ΕΫΔϴϧΎγήΧΓΪϤϋΐλϭΩΎόΑϷ
)mm300 mm x 100 mm xΔѧѧϔϠΘΨϣΓέήѧѧΣΕΎΟέΪѧѧϟνήόΘΘѧѧγϲѧѧΘϟϭ degC 600Cdeg004
degC800ΓΪϤϟϭˬˬΔϋΎγˬϢΛϦϣϭςϐπϠϟΎϬϠϤΤΗΓϮϗκΤϓέΎΒΘΧήδϜϟ
ϴϠδΘϟΪϳΪΣϰϠϋΔόϔΗήϤϟΓέήΤϟήϴΛ΄ΗΔγέΩϢΗϚϟάϛˬϖѧϤϋΪѧϨϋΪѧϳΪΤϟϥΎΒπѧϗϦϓΩϢΗΚϴΣϭϢѧγѧγϢ
ΓέήΣΔΟέΪϟΎϬπϳήόΗϢΛΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΓΪϤϋϷϲϓdegC800 ΓΪϤϟΕΎϋΎγˬΪѧϳΪΣϥΎΒπѧϗΝήΨΘѧγϢΗϚϟΫΪόΑ
ΔϟΎτΘγϻΔΒδϧΔϓήόϣϭΪθϟϞϤΤΗέΎΒΘΧϖϴΒτΗϭΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΓΪϤϋϷϦϣϴϠδΘϟ
ϥΎΒπѧѧϗΕΎѧѧϨϴϋϰѧѧϠϋϭΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΨϟΓΪѧѧϤϋϷϰѧѧϠϋΔѧѧϣίϼϟΕέΎѧѧΒΘΧϻϖѧѧϴΒτΗϦѧѧϣ˯ΎѧѧϬΘϧϻΪѧѧόΑΪѧѧϘϓϴϠδѧѧΘϟΪѧѧϳΪΣ
ϰϠϋϱϮΘΤΗϲΘϟΕΎϨϴόϟϥΞΎΘϨϟΕήϬχ075 kgmsup3ϴϠΑϭήΑϲϟϮΑϦςϐπѧϟϯϮϗϞϤΤΘϟήΒϛΔϣϭΎϘϣϱΪΒΗ
ΔΒδϨΑΓέήΣΔΟέΩΪϨϋϚϟΫϭϦϴϠΑϭήΑϲϟϮΒϟϰϠϋϱϮΘΤΗϻϲΘϟΕΎϨϴόϟϦϣdeg C ΔѧϴϨϣίΓΪѧϣϭ
ΕΎϋΎѧѧγˬΨϟΓΪѧѧϤϋϷΕΎѧѧϨϴϋϥΈѧѧϓϚѧѧϟΫϰѧѧϠϋΓϭϼѧѧϋΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΧΔѧѧϴτϐΗΎѧѧϬϟϲѧѧΘϟΔϴϧΎѧѧγήϯϮѧѧϘϟΔѧѧϣϭΎϘϣϱΪѧѧΒΗϢѧѧγ
ΔΒδϨΑήΜϛςϐπϟΔϴϧΎγήΧΔϴτϐΗΎϬϟϲΘϟΕΎϨϴόϟϦϣΓέήѧΣΔΟέΩϚϟΫϭϢγdeg C ΔѧϴϨϣίΓΪѧϣϭ
ΕΎϋΎγ
III
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to extend my gratitude and my sincere thanks to my honorable esteemed
supervisor Assoc Prof Samir M Shihada for his exemplary guidance and
encouragement
Also I would like extend my sincere appreciation to all who helped me in currying
out this thesis
I would like to thank all my lecturers in the Islamic University of Gaza from whom I
learned much and developed my skills
My deepest appreciation and thanks to every one who helped me in the completeness
of this study especially to the staff of Material amp Soil Laboratory in the Islamic
University of Gaza and the staff of Sharaf factory
IV
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT
I
ACKNOWLEDGMENT III
TABLE OF CONTENTS IV
LIST OF FIGURES VII
LIST OF TABLES IX
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS X
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
11 Introduction 1
12 Statement of Problem 2
13 Research Objectives 3
14 Research Methodology 4
15 Thesis Organization 5
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
21 Introduction 6
22 Concrete 6
221 Benefits of concrete under fire 8
23 Physical and chemical response to fire 8
24 Spalling 11
241 Mechanisms of Spalling 12
25 Spalling Prevention Measures 14
251 Polypropylene fibers 14
252 Thermal barriers 15
26 Cracking 15
V
27 Effect of Fire on Concrete 17
28 Performance of reinforcement in fire 22
29 Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement 22
210- Effect of Fire on FRP columns 24
CHAPTER 3 EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
31 Introduction 25
32 Materials and Their Quality Tests 25
321 Aggregate Quality Tests 26
3211 Unit Weight of Aggregate 26
3212 Specific Gravity of Aggregate 27
3213 Moisture content of Aggregate 29
3214 Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test 29
3215 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate 31
3216 Cement 32
3217 Water 33
3218 Polypropylene Fibers (PP) 33
33 Mix Proportions 34
34 Sample Categories 35
35 Mixing casting and curing procedures 38
351 Mixing procedures 38
352 Casting procedures 38
353 Curing procedures 39
36 Heating Process 39
37 Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests 41
38 Reinforcing Steel Tests 42
VI
CHAPTER 4 Results amp Discussion
41 Introduction 43
42 Effect of polypropylene content 43
421 Unheated Columns 43
422 Heated Columns 44
43 Effect of concrete cover 48
43 Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement 50
431 Yield Stress 50
432-Elongation 51
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION amp RECOMMENDATIONS
51 Introduction 53
52 Conclusions 53
53 Recommendations 54
CHAPTER 6 REFERENCES
55
ABBENDIX A RESEARCH PHOTOS A
VII
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia 2
Fig21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures 7
Fig22 Structural failure 7
Fig 23 Concrete in fire physiochemical process 9
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza
Strip 12
Fig 25 The spalling mechanism of concrete cover 13
Fig 26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling 14
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature 16
F Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test 27
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments 28
Fig 33 Los Angeles Abrasion Machine 30
Fig 34 Sieve analysis of aggregate 32
Fig35 Polypropylene Fibers 33
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples 35
Fig37 Mechanical mixer 38
Fig 38 Form of the moulds used for preparing specimens 38
Fig 39 Curing process for hardened concrete 39
Fig 310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process 39
Fig 311 Heating process Flow char 40
Fig 312 Compressive strength Machine 41
Fig 313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel 42
Fig 41 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 400 Cdeg 46
Fig 42 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 600 Cdeg 46
VIII
Fig 4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 800 Cdeg 47
Fig 4 4 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg
for different concrete covers 49
Fig 4 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs 50
Fig 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs 51
Fig A1 Mechanical Mixer A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix A-1
Fig A3 Column samples in water A-1
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air A-1
Fig A5 Electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating A-2
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test A-3
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement A-4
IX
LIST OF TABLES
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland Cement 10
Table 31 Capacity of Measures 26
Table 32 Unit weight test results 27
Table 33 Specific gravity of aggregate 28
Table 34 Moisture content values 29
Table 35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample 30
Table 36 Sieve analysis of aggregate 31
Table 37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results 32
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers 33
Table 39 mix design of the concrete column samples 34
Table 310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 37
Table 313 Concrete with concrete cover 30 cm 37
Table 314 Concrete without PP 37
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples
with polypropylene fibers
44
Table 41 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different of PP
and different temperatures
45
Table 43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and
3 cm concrete cover
48
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity at
600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
48
Table 45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of
steel reinforcement 50
Table 46 The effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement 51
X
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS
RC Reinforced Concrete
PP Polypropylene
degC Degree Celsius
fc
Compressive Strength of concrete cylinders at 28 days
UTM Universal Testing Machine
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ACI American Concrete Institute
Unit Weight
Abs Absorption
FRP Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
C-S-H Hydrated Calcium Silicate
SSD Saturated Surface Dry
SG Specific Gravity
BSG Bulk Specific Gravity
Wt Weight
OPC Ordinary Portland Cemen
wc Water cement ratio
C60 Concrete compressive strength of 60 MPa
XI
INTRODUCTION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Introduction
11- Introduction
Fire impacts reinforced concrete (RC) members by raising the temperature of the
concrete mass This rise in temperature dramatically reduces the mechanical
properties of concrete and steel Moreover fire temperatures induce new strains
thermal and transient creep They might also result in explosive spalling of surface
pieces of concrete members Fire is a global disaster in the sense that it disrupts the
normal human activities and leaves behind its scars for some time to come [1]
Concrete is a good fire-resistant material due to its inherent non-combustibility and
poor thermal conductivity Concrete is specified in buildings and civil engineering
projects for several reasons sometimes cost and sometimes speed of construction or
architectural appearance but one of concretes major inherent benefits is its
performance in fire which may be overlooked in the race to consider all the factors
affecting design decisions
Concrete usually performs well in building fires However when its subjected to
prolonged fire exposure or unusually high temperatures concrete can suffer
significant distress Because concretes pre-fire compressive strength often exceeds
design requirements a modest strength reduction can be tolerated But large
temperatures can reduce the compressive strength of concrete so much that the
material retains no useful structural strength [2]
A study of RC columns is important because these are primary load bearing members
and a column could be crucial for the stability of the entire structure
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
12- Statement of Problem
During the recent war in the Gaza Strip the veil uncovered on the extent of disasters
on constructions It was noted the large scale of destruction resulting from fires which
were either from direct missile hits or through flammable materials and burning and
flammable (eg gasoline) in the residential and industrial compounds The Sultan
Tower located in Jabalia was damaged by burning of flammable materials
Concrete structures when subjected to fire showed good behavior in general The low
thermal conductivity of the concrete associated with its great capacity of thermal
insulation of the steel bars is responsible for this good behavior However a
phenomenon such as the concrete spalling may compromise the fire behavior of the
elements
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of the concrete
column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
To avoid spalling phenomenon several studies have been performed worldwide for
the development of concrete compositions of enhanced fire behavior
Concretes with polypropylene fibers showed good behavior at elevated temperatures
and controlling spalling of concrete [3]
In this research polypropylene fibers (PP) will be used in the concrete mix in order to
improve the resistance of RC columns to compression loads and also prevent spalling
of concrete in columns at elevated temperatures The polypropylene fibers (PP) will
be used in the reinforced concrete columns at different contents (05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3)
Also different concrete covers are to be used in order to study the effect of concrete
cover on elevated temperatures resistance of reinforced concrete columns
13- Research objectives
The main objective of this research is to increase the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns by preventing the spalling phenomenon of concrete
Access to fire-resistant concrete especially main structural elements such as concrete
columns through the following
1 Study the effect of concrete cover on enhancing fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns
2 Determine the best amount of polypropylene fibers (pp) to be used in the
concrete mix for improving fire resistance of RC columns to compression
loads
3 Study the effect of elevated temperature and duration on the mechanical
properties and elongation of the reinforcement steel bars and the effect of
concrete covers of 2 cm and 3 cm
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
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[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
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Dedication
I would like to dedicate this work to my family specially my mother and
my father who loved and raised me to my loving wife and daughters and
to my brothers and sisters for their sacrifice and endless support
Improving Fire Resistance of Abstract Reinforced Concrete Columns
I
Abstract
Fire has become one of the greatest threats to buildings Concrete is a primary
construction material and its properties of concrete to high temperatures have gained a
great deal of attention Concrete structures when subjected to fire presented in general
good behavior The low thermal conductivity of the concrete associated to its great
capacity of thermal insulation of the steel bars is the responsible for this good
behavior However there is a fundamental problem caused by high temperatures that
is the separation of concrete masses from the body of the concrete element spalling
phenomenon Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of
the concrete column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
With the increase of incidents caused by major fires in buildings research and
developmental efforts are being carried out in this area and other related disciplines
This research is to investigate the behavior of the reinforced concrete columns at high
temperatures Several samples of reinforced concrete columns with Polypropylene
(PP) fibers were used Three mixes of concrete are prepared using different contents
of Polypropylene ( 00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) Reinforced concrete
columns dimensions are (100 mm x100 mm x300 mm) The samples are heated for 2
4 and 6 hours at 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800degC and tested for compressive strength
Also the behavior of reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures is investigated
Reinforcement steel bars are embedded into the concrete samples with 2 cm and 3 cm
concrete covers after heating at 800degC for 6 hours The reinforcement steel bars are
then extracted and tested for yield stress and maximum elongation ratio
The analysis of results obtained from the experimental program showed that the best
amount of PP to be used is 075 kgmsup3 where the residual compressive strength is 20
higher than of that when no PP fibers are used at 400 C for 6 hours Moreover
a 3 cm of concrete cover is in useful improving fire resistance for concrete structures
and providing a good protection for the reinforcement steel bars where it is 5
higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of Abstract Reinforced Concrete Columns
II
ΔλϼΨϟ
ϲϧΎѧѧΒϤϟΩΪѧѧϬΗϲѧѧΘϟέΎѧѧτΧϷϢѧѧψϋϦѧѧϣΓΪѧѧΣϭϖѧѧήΤϟήѧѧΒΘόΗˬϦѧѧϣϲѧѧγΎγήμѧѧϨϋήѧѧΒΘόΗΔϧΎѧѧγήΨϟϥΚѧѧϴΣϭ
ϜϳΔόϔΗήϣΓέήΣΕΎΟέΪϟΎϬοήόΗΪόΑΎϬμΎμΧϭΎϬϛϮϠγϥΈϓ˯ΎϨΒϟήλΎϨϋϡΎϤΘϫϻϦϣήϴΒϛέΪϗΐδΘ
ΎϋϞϜθΑϡϞϴѧλϮΘϟΔϠϴΌѧοΎѧϬϧΚѧϴΣΔѧόϔΗήϣΓέήѧΣΕΎΟέΪѧϟΎϬѧοήόΗ˯ΎѧϨΛΪѧϴΟΎϛϮϠѧγϱΪѧΒΗΔϧΎѧγήΨϟϥΈѧϓ
ϴϠδѧѧΘϟΪѧϳΪΣϥΎΒπѧѧϗϦѧѧϋΓέήѧѧΤϠϟΪѧѧϴΟϝίΎѧѧϋήѧѧΒΘόΗΎѧѧϤϛΓέήѧΤϠϟΕΎѧѧΟέΩΎϬΒΒδѧѧΗΔϴѧѧγΎγΔϠϜθѧѧϣϙΎѧѧϨϫϦѧѧϜϟϭ
γήΧϞΘϛϝΎμϔϧϲϓϞΜϤΘΗΔόϔΗήϤϟΓέήΤϟϲѧϓϥΎμѧϘϧΙϭΪѧΣϰѧϟϱΩΆѧϳΎѧϣϲϧΎѧγήΨϟήμϨόϟϢδΟϦϋΔϴϧΎ
ϪѧѧϴϠϋΔϴѧѧγήϟϝΎѧѧϤΣϷϲѧѧϓΔѧѧϴϟΎϋΓΩΎѧѧϳίϲϟΎѧѧΘϟΎΑϭϲϧΎѧѧγήΨϟΩϮѧѧϤόϠϟϊѧѧτϘϤϟΔΣΎδѧѧϣˬΪѧѧϳΪΣϥΎΒπѧѧϗΒμѧѧΗϚϟάѧѧϛ
ΎϬΘηΎθϫϦϣΪϳΰϳϭΪθϟϯϮϗϞϤΤΗϰϠϋΎϬΗέΪϗϞϠϘϳΎϤϣΔόϔΗήϤϟΓέήΤϠϟήηΎΒϣϞϜθΑΔοήόϣϴϠδΘϟˬάϫϭ
ϗϪϠϛΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΕθϨϤϟϲϓΕέΎϴϬϧϻΙϭΪΣϲϓήηΎΒϣϞϜθΑΐΒδΘϳΪ
ϲϧΎѧΒϤϟϰѧϠϋΎϫήτΧϭϖήΤϟΙΩϮΣΩΎϳΩίϊϣˬΈѧϓϥϭϝΎѧΠϤϟάѧϫϲѧϓϱήѧΠΗΔѧΜϴΜΣΔѧϳϮϤϨΗϭΔѧϴΜΤΑΩϮѧϬΟ
ΔϴϟΎόϟΓέήΤϟΕΎΟέΪϟΔΤϠδϤϟΔϧΎγήΨϟΔϣϭΎϘϣϦϴδΤΘϟΔϟϭΎΤϣϲϓΔϠμϟΕΫΕϻΎΠϤϟ
ΤΒϟάϫϝϭΎϨΘϳΔΤϠδѧϤϟΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΓΪϤϋϷϙϮϠγΔγέΩΚˬΕΎѧϨϴϋϲѧϓϦϴϠΑϭήѧΑϲϟϮѧΒϟϑΎѧϴϟϡΪΨΘѧγϢѧΗΪѧϗϭ
ΔΤϠδѧѧϤϟΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΨϟΓΪѧϤϋϷϲϟϮѧѧΒϟϑΎѧѧϴϟϦѧѧϣΔѧѧϔϠΘΨϣΕΎѧѧϴϤϛϰѧѧϠϋϱϮѧѧΘΤΗΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΧΕΎѧѧτϠΧΙϼѧѧΛΩΪѧѧϋϢѧѧΗϭ
ϲϫϭϦϴϠΑϭήΑ( 075 kgmsup3 and 05 kgmsup3 00 kgmsup3)ΕΫΔϴϧΎγήΧΓΪϤϋΐλϭΩΎόΑϷ
)mm300 mm x 100 mm xΔѧѧϔϠΘΨϣΓέήѧѧΣΕΎΟέΪѧѧϟνήόΘΘѧѧγϲѧѧΘϟϭ degC 600Cdeg004
degC800ΓΪϤϟϭˬˬΔϋΎγˬϢΛϦϣϭςϐπϠϟΎϬϠϤΤΗΓϮϗκΤϓέΎΒΘΧήδϜϟ
ϴϠδΘϟΪϳΪΣϰϠϋΔόϔΗήϤϟΓέήΤϟήϴΛ΄ΗΔγέΩϢΗϚϟάϛˬϖѧϤϋΪѧϨϋΪѧϳΪΤϟϥΎΒπѧϗϦϓΩϢΗΚϴΣϭϢѧγѧγϢ
ΓέήΣΔΟέΪϟΎϬπϳήόΗϢΛΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΓΪϤϋϷϲϓdegC800 ΓΪϤϟΕΎϋΎγˬΪѧϳΪΣϥΎΒπѧϗΝήΨΘѧγϢΗϚϟΫΪόΑ
ΔϟΎτΘγϻΔΒδϧΔϓήόϣϭΪθϟϞϤΤΗέΎΒΘΧϖϴΒτΗϭΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΓΪϤϋϷϦϣϴϠδΘϟ
ϥΎΒπѧѧϗΕΎѧѧϨϴϋϰѧѧϠϋϭΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΨϟΓΪѧѧϤϋϷϰѧѧϠϋΔѧѧϣίϼϟΕέΎѧѧΒΘΧϻϖѧѧϴΒτΗϦѧѧϣ˯ΎѧѧϬΘϧϻΪѧѧόΑΪѧѧϘϓϴϠδѧѧΘϟΪѧѧϳΪΣ
ϰϠϋϱϮΘΤΗϲΘϟΕΎϨϴόϟϥΞΎΘϨϟΕήϬχ075 kgmsup3ϴϠΑϭήΑϲϟϮΑϦςϐπѧϟϯϮϗϞϤΤΘϟήΒϛΔϣϭΎϘϣϱΪΒΗ
ΔΒδϨΑΓέήΣΔΟέΩΪϨϋϚϟΫϭϦϴϠΑϭήΑϲϟϮΒϟϰϠϋϱϮΘΤΗϻϲΘϟΕΎϨϴόϟϦϣdeg C ΔѧϴϨϣίΓΪѧϣϭ
ΕΎϋΎѧѧγˬΨϟΓΪѧѧϤϋϷΕΎѧѧϨϴϋϥΈѧѧϓϚѧѧϟΫϰѧѧϠϋΓϭϼѧѧϋΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΧΔѧѧϴτϐΗΎѧѧϬϟϲѧѧΘϟΔϴϧΎѧѧγήϯϮѧѧϘϟΔѧѧϣϭΎϘϣϱΪѧѧΒΗϢѧѧγ
ΔΒδϨΑήΜϛςϐπϟΔϴϧΎγήΧΔϴτϐΗΎϬϟϲΘϟΕΎϨϴόϟϦϣΓέήѧΣΔΟέΩϚϟΫϭϢγdeg C ΔѧϴϨϣίΓΪѧϣϭ
ΕΎϋΎγ
III
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to extend my gratitude and my sincere thanks to my honorable esteemed
supervisor Assoc Prof Samir M Shihada for his exemplary guidance and
encouragement
Also I would like extend my sincere appreciation to all who helped me in currying
out this thesis
I would like to thank all my lecturers in the Islamic University of Gaza from whom I
learned much and developed my skills
My deepest appreciation and thanks to every one who helped me in the completeness
of this study especially to the staff of Material amp Soil Laboratory in the Islamic
University of Gaza and the staff of Sharaf factory
IV
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT
I
ACKNOWLEDGMENT III
TABLE OF CONTENTS IV
LIST OF FIGURES VII
LIST OF TABLES IX
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS X
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
11 Introduction 1
12 Statement of Problem 2
13 Research Objectives 3
14 Research Methodology 4
15 Thesis Organization 5
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
21 Introduction 6
22 Concrete 6
221 Benefits of concrete under fire 8
23 Physical and chemical response to fire 8
24 Spalling 11
241 Mechanisms of Spalling 12
25 Spalling Prevention Measures 14
251 Polypropylene fibers 14
252 Thermal barriers 15
26 Cracking 15
V
27 Effect of Fire on Concrete 17
28 Performance of reinforcement in fire 22
29 Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement 22
210- Effect of Fire on FRP columns 24
CHAPTER 3 EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
31 Introduction 25
32 Materials and Their Quality Tests 25
321 Aggregate Quality Tests 26
3211 Unit Weight of Aggregate 26
3212 Specific Gravity of Aggregate 27
3213 Moisture content of Aggregate 29
3214 Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test 29
3215 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate 31
3216 Cement 32
3217 Water 33
3218 Polypropylene Fibers (PP) 33
33 Mix Proportions 34
34 Sample Categories 35
35 Mixing casting and curing procedures 38
351 Mixing procedures 38
352 Casting procedures 38
353 Curing procedures 39
36 Heating Process 39
37 Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests 41
38 Reinforcing Steel Tests 42
VI
CHAPTER 4 Results amp Discussion
41 Introduction 43
42 Effect of polypropylene content 43
421 Unheated Columns 43
422 Heated Columns 44
43 Effect of concrete cover 48
43 Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement 50
431 Yield Stress 50
432-Elongation 51
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION amp RECOMMENDATIONS
51 Introduction 53
52 Conclusions 53
53 Recommendations 54
CHAPTER 6 REFERENCES
55
ABBENDIX A RESEARCH PHOTOS A
VII
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia 2
Fig21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures 7
Fig22 Structural failure 7
Fig 23 Concrete in fire physiochemical process 9
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza
Strip 12
Fig 25 The spalling mechanism of concrete cover 13
Fig 26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling 14
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature 16
F Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test 27
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments 28
Fig 33 Los Angeles Abrasion Machine 30
Fig 34 Sieve analysis of aggregate 32
Fig35 Polypropylene Fibers 33
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples 35
Fig37 Mechanical mixer 38
Fig 38 Form of the moulds used for preparing specimens 38
Fig 39 Curing process for hardened concrete 39
Fig 310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process 39
Fig 311 Heating process Flow char 40
Fig 312 Compressive strength Machine 41
Fig 313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel 42
Fig 41 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 400 Cdeg 46
Fig 42 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 600 Cdeg 46
VIII
Fig 4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 800 Cdeg 47
Fig 4 4 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg
for different concrete covers 49
Fig 4 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs 50
Fig 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs 51
Fig A1 Mechanical Mixer A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix A-1
Fig A3 Column samples in water A-1
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air A-1
Fig A5 Electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating A-2
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test A-3
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement A-4
IX
LIST OF TABLES
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland Cement 10
Table 31 Capacity of Measures 26
Table 32 Unit weight test results 27
Table 33 Specific gravity of aggregate 28
Table 34 Moisture content values 29
Table 35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample 30
Table 36 Sieve analysis of aggregate 31
Table 37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results 32
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers 33
Table 39 mix design of the concrete column samples 34
Table 310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 37
Table 313 Concrete with concrete cover 30 cm 37
Table 314 Concrete without PP 37
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples
with polypropylene fibers
44
Table 41 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different of PP
and different temperatures
45
Table 43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and
3 cm concrete cover
48
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity at
600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
48
Table 45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of
steel reinforcement 50
Table 46 The effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement 51
X
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS
RC Reinforced Concrete
PP Polypropylene
degC Degree Celsius
fc
Compressive Strength of concrete cylinders at 28 days
UTM Universal Testing Machine
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ACI American Concrete Institute
Unit Weight
Abs Absorption
FRP Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
C-S-H Hydrated Calcium Silicate
SSD Saturated Surface Dry
SG Specific Gravity
BSG Bulk Specific Gravity
Wt Weight
OPC Ordinary Portland Cemen
wc Water cement ratio
C60 Concrete compressive strength of 60 MPa
XI
INTRODUCTION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Introduction
11- Introduction
Fire impacts reinforced concrete (RC) members by raising the temperature of the
concrete mass This rise in temperature dramatically reduces the mechanical
properties of concrete and steel Moreover fire temperatures induce new strains
thermal and transient creep They might also result in explosive spalling of surface
pieces of concrete members Fire is a global disaster in the sense that it disrupts the
normal human activities and leaves behind its scars for some time to come [1]
Concrete is a good fire-resistant material due to its inherent non-combustibility and
poor thermal conductivity Concrete is specified in buildings and civil engineering
projects for several reasons sometimes cost and sometimes speed of construction or
architectural appearance but one of concretes major inherent benefits is its
performance in fire which may be overlooked in the race to consider all the factors
affecting design decisions
Concrete usually performs well in building fires However when its subjected to
prolonged fire exposure or unusually high temperatures concrete can suffer
significant distress Because concretes pre-fire compressive strength often exceeds
design requirements a modest strength reduction can be tolerated But large
temperatures can reduce the compressive strength of concrete so much that the
material retains no useful structural strength [2]
A study of RC columns is important because these are primary load bearing members
and a column could be crucial for the stability of the entire structure
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
12- Statement of Problem
During the recent war in the Gaza Strip the veil uncovered on the extent of disasters
on constructions It was noted the large scale of destruction resulting from fires which
were either from direct missile hits or through flammable materials and burning and
flammable (eg gasoline) in the residential and industrial compounds The Sultan
Tower located in Jabalia was damaged by burning of flammable materials
Concrete structures when subjected to fire showed good behavior in general The low
thermal conductivity of the concrete associated with its great capacity of thermal
insulation of the steel bars is responsible for this good behavior However a
phenomenon such as the concrete spalling may compromise the fire behavior of the
elements
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of the concrete
column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
To avoid spalling phenomenon several studies have been performed worldwide for
the development of concrete compositions of enhanced fire behavior
Concretes with polypropylene fibers showed good behavior at elevated temperatures
and controlling spalling of concrete [3]
In this research polypropylene fibers (PP) will be used in the concrete mix in order to
improve the resistance of RC columns to compression loads and also prevent spalling
of concrete in columns at elevated temperatures The polypropylene fibers (PP) will
be used in the reinforced concrete columns at different contents (05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3)
Also different concrete covers are to be used in order to study the effect of concrete
cover on elevated temperatures resistance of reinforced concrete columns
13- Research objectives
The main objective of this research is to increase the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns by preventing the spalling phenomenon of concrete
Access to fire-resistant concrete especially main structural elements such as concrete
columns through the following
1 Study the effect of concrete cover on enhancing fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns
2 Determine the best amount of polypropylene fibers (pp) to be used in the
concrete mix for improving fire resistance of RC columns to compression
loads
3 Study the effect of elevated temperature and duration on the mechanical
properties and elongation of the reinforcement steel bars and the effect of
concrete covers of 2 cm and 3 cm
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Dedication
I would like to dedicate this work to my family specially my mother and
my father who loved and raised me to my loving wife and daughters and
to my brothers and sisters for their sacrifice and endless support
Improving Fire Resistance of Abstract Reinforced Concrete Columns
I
Abstract
Fire has become one of the greatest threats to buildings Concrete is a primary
construction material and its properties of concrete to high temperatures have gained a
great deal of attention Concrete structures when subjected to fire presented in general
good behavior The low thermal conductivity of the concrete associated to its great
capacity of thermal insulation of the steel bars is the responsible for this good
behavior However there is a fundamental problem caused by high temperatures that
is the separation of concrete masses from the body of the concrete element spalling
phenomenon Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of
the concrete column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
With the increase of incidents caused by major fires in buildings research and
developmental efforts are being carried out in this area and other related disciplines
This research is to investigate the behavior of the reinforced concrete columns at high
temperatures Several samples of reinforced concrete columns with Polypropylene
(PP) fibers were used Three mixes of concrete are prepared using different contents
of Polypropylene ( 00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) Reinforced concrete
columns dimensions are (100 mm x100 mm x300 mm) The samples are heated for 2
4 and 6 hours at 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800degC and tested for compressive strength
Also the behavior of reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures is investigated
Reinforcement steel bars are embedded into the concrete samples with 2 cm and 3 cm
concrete covers after heating at 800degC for 6 hours The reinforcement steel bars are
then extracted and tested for yield stress and maximum elongation ratio
The analysis of results obtained from the experimental program showed that the best
amount of PP to be used is 075 kgmsup3 where the residual compressive strength is 20
higher than of that when no PP fibers are used at 400 C for 6 hours Moreover
a 3 cm of concrete cover is in useful improving fire resistance for concrete structures
and providing a good protection for the reinforcement steel bars where it is 5
higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of Abstract Reinforced Concrete Columns
II
ΔλϼΨϟ
ϲϧΎѧѧΒϤϟΩΪѧѧϬΗϲѧѧΘϟέΎѧѧτΧϷϢѧѧψϋϦѧѧϣΓΪѧѧΣϭϖѧѧήΤϟήѧѧΒΘόΗˬϦѧѧϣϲѧѧγΎγήμѧѧϨϋήѧѧΒΘόΗΔϧΎѧѧγήΨϟϥΚѧѧϴΣϭ
ϜϳΔόϔΗήϣΓέήΣΕΎΟέΪϟΎϬοήόΗΪόΑΎϬμΎμΧϭΎϬϛϮϠγϥΈϓ˯ΎϨΒϟήλΎϨϋϡΎϤΘϫϻϦϣήϴΒϛέΪϗΐδΘ
ΎϋϞϜθΑϡϞϴѧλϮΘϟΔϠϴΌѧοΎѧϬϧΚѧϴΣΔѧόϔΗήϣΓέήѧΣΕΎΟέΪѧϟΎϬѧοήόΗ˯ΎѧϨΛΪѧϴΟΎϛϮϠѧγϱΪѧΒΗΔϧΎѧγήΨϟϥΈѧϓ
ϴϠδѧѧΘϟΪѧϳΪΣϥΎΒπѧѧϗϦѧѧϋΓέήѧѧΤϠϟΪѧѧϴΟϝίΎѧѧϋήѧѧΒΘόΗΎѧѧϤϛΓέήѧΤϠϟΕΎѧѧΟέΩΎϬΒΒδѧѧΗΔϴѧѧγΎγΔϠϜθѧѧϣϙΎѧѧϨϫϦѧѧϜϟϭ
γήΧϞΘϛϝΎμϔϧϲϓϞΜϤΘΗΔόϔΗήϤϟΓέήΤϟϲѧϓϥΎμѧϘϧΙϭΪѧΣϰѧϟϱΩΆѧϳΎѧϣϲϧΎѧγήΨϟήμϨόϟϢδΟϦϋΔϴϧΎ
ϪѧѧϴϠϋΔϴѧѧγήϟϝΎѧѧϤΣϷϲѧѧϓΔѧѧϴϟΎϋΓΩΎѧѧϳίϲϟΎѧѧΘϟΎΑϭϲϧΎѧѧγήΨϟΩϮѧѧϤόϠϟϊѧѧτϘϤϟΔΣΎδѧѧϣˬΪѧѧϳΪΣϥΎΒπѧѧϗΒμѧѧΗϚϟάѧѧϛ
ΎϬΘηΎθϫϦϣΪϳΰϳϭΪθϟϯϮϗϞϤΤΗϰϠϋΎϬΗέΪϗϞϠϘϳΎϤϣΔόϔΗήϤϟΓέήΤϠϟήηΎΒϣϞϜθΑΔοήόϣϴϠδΘϟˬάϫϭ
ϗϪϠϛΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΕθϨϤϟϲϓΕέΎϴϬϧϻΙϭΪΣϲϓήηΎΒϣϞϜθΑΐΒδΘϳΪ
ϲϧΎѧΒϤϟϰѧϠϋΎϫήτΧϭϖήΤϟΙΩϮΣΩΎϳΩίϊϣˬΈѧϓϥϭϝΎѧΠϤϟάѧϫϲѧϓϱήѧΠΗΔѧΜϴΜΣΔѧϳϮϤϨΗϭΔѧϴΜΤΑΩϮѧϬΟ
ΔϴϟΎόϟΓέήΤϟΕΎΟέΪϟΔΤϠδϤϟΔϧΎγήΨϟΔϣϭΎϘϣϦϴδΤΘϟΔϟϭΎΤϣϲϓΔϠμϟΕΫΕϻΎΠϤϟ
ΤΒϟάϫϝϭΎϨΘϳΔΤϠδѧϤϟΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΓΪϤϋϷϙϮϠγΔγέΩΚˬΕΎѧϨϴϋϲѧϓϦϴϠΑϭήѧΑϲϟϮѧΒϟϑΎѧϴϟϡΪΨΘѧγϢѧΗΪѧϗϭ
ΔΤϠδѧѧϤϟΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΨϟΓΪѧϤϋϷϲϟϮѧѧΒϟϑΎѧѧϴϟϦѧѧϣΔѧѧϔϠΘΨϣΕΎѧѧϴϤϛϰѧѧϠϋϱϮѧѧΘΤΗΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΧΕΎѧѧτϠΧΙϼѧѧΛΩΪѧѧϋϢѧѧΗϭ
ϲϫϭϦϴϠΑϭήΑ( 075 kgmsup3 and 05 kgmsup3 00 kgmsup3)ΕΫΔϴϧΎγήΧΓΪϤϋΐλϭΩΎόΑϷ
)mm300 mm x 100 mm xΔѧѧϔϠΘΨϣΓέήѧѧΣΕΎΟέΪѧѧϟνήόΘΘѧѧγϲѧѧΘϟϭ degC 600Cdeg004
degC800ΓΪϤϟϭˬˬΔϋΎγˬϢΛϦϣϭςϐπϠϟΎϬϠϤΤΗΓϮϗκΤϓέΎΒΘΧήδϜϟ
ϴϠδΘϟΪϳΪΣϰϠϋΔόϔΗήϤϟΓέήΤϟήϴΛ΄ΗΔγέΩϢΗϚϟάϛˬϖѧϤϋΪѧϨϋΪѧϳΪΤϟϥΎΒπѧϗϦϓΩϢΗΚϴΣϭϢѧγѧγϢ
ΓέήΣΔΟέΪϟΎϬπϳήόΗϢΛΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΓΪϤϋϷϲϓdegC800 ΓΪϤϟΕΎϋΎγˬΪѧϳΪΣϥΎΒπѧϗΝήΨΘѧγϢΗϚϟΫΪόΑ
ΔϟΎτΘγϻΔΒδϧΔϓήόϣϭΪθϟϞϤΤΗέΎΒΘΧϖϴΒτΗϭΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΓΪϤϋϷϦϣϴϠδΘϟ
ϥΎΒπѧѧϗΕΎѧѧϨϴϋϰѧѧϠϋϭΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΨϟΓΪѧѧϤϋϷϰѧѧϠϋΔѧѧϣίϼϟΕέΎѧѧΒΘΧϻϖѧѧϴΒτΗϦѧѧϣ˯ΎѧѧϬΘϧϻΪѧѧόΑΪѧѧϘϓϴϠδѧѧΘϟΪѧѧϳΪΣ
ϰϠϋϱϮΘΤΗϲΘϟΕΎϨϴόϟϥΞΎΘϨϟΕήϬχ075 kgmsup3ϴϠΑϭήΑϲϟϮΑϦςϐπѧϟϯϮϗϞϤΤΘϟήΒϛΔϣϭΎϘϣϱΪΒΗ
ΔΒδϨΑΓέήΣΔΟέΩΪϨϋϚϟΫϭϦϴϠΑϭήΑϲϟϮΒϟϰϠϋϱϮΘΤΗϻϲΘϟΕΎϨϴόϟϦϣdeg C ΔѧϴϨϣίΓΪѧϣϭ
ΕΎϋΎѧѧγˬΨϟΓΪѧѧϤϋϷΕΎѧѧϨϴϋϥΈѧѧϓϚѧѧϟΫϰѧѧϠϋΓϭϼѧѧϋΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΧΔѧѧϴτϐΗΎѧѧϬϟϲѧѧΘϟΔϴϧΎѧѧγήϯϮѧѧϘϟΔѧѧϣϭΎϘϣϱΪѧѧΒΗϢѧѧγ
ΔΒδϨΑήΜϛςϐπϟΔϴϧΎγήΧΔϴτϐΗΎϬϟϲΘϟΕΎϨϴόϟϦϣΓέήѧΣΔΟέΩϚϟΫϭϢγdeg C ΔѧϴϨϣίΓΪѧϣϭ
ΕΎϋΎγ
III
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to extend my gratitude and my sincere thanks to my honorable esteemed
supervisor Assoc Prof Samir M Shihada for his exemplary guidance and
encouragement
Also I would like extend my sincere appreciation to all who helped me in currying
out this thesis
I would like to thank all my lecturers in the Islamic University of Gaza from whom I
learned much and developed my skills
My deepest appreciation and thanks to every one who helped me in the completeness
of this study especially to the staff of Material amp Soil Laboratory in the Islamic
University of Gaza and the staff of Sharaf factory
IV
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT
I
ACKNOWLEDGMENT III
TABLE OF CONTENTS IV
LIST OF FIGURES VII
LIST OF TABLES IX
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS X
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
11 Introduction 1
12 Statement of Problem 2
13 Research Objectives 3
14 Research Methodology 4
15 Thesis Organization 5
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
21 Introduction 6
22 Concrete 6
221 Benefits of concrete under fire 8
23 Physical and chemical response to fire 8
24 Spalling 11
241 Mechanisms of Spalling 12
25 Spalling Prevention Measures 14
251 Polypropylene fibers 14
252 Thermal barriers 15
26 Cracking 15
V
27 Effect of Fire on Concrete 17
28 Performance of reinforcement in fire 22
29 Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement 22
210- Effect of Fire on FRP columns 24
CHAPTER 3 EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
31 Introduction 25
32 Materials and Their Quality Tests 25
321 Aggregate Quality Tests 26
3211 Unit Weight of Aggregate 26
3212 Specific Gravity of Aggregate 27
3213 Moisture content of Aggregate 29
3214 Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test 29
3215 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate 31
3216 Cement 32
3217 Water 33
3218 Polypropylene Fibers (PP) 33
33 Mix Proportions 34
34 Sample Categories 35
35 Mixing casting and curing procedures 38
351 Mixing procedures 38
352 Casting procedures 38
353 Curing procedures 39
36 Heating Process 39
37 Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests 41
38 Reinforcing Steel Tests 42
VI
CHAPTER 4 Results amp Discussion
41 Introduction 43
42 Effect of polypropylene content 43
421 Unheated Columns 43
422 Heated Columns 44
43 Effect of concrete cover 48
43 Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement 50
431 Yield Stress 50
432-Elongation 51
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION amp RECOMMENDATIONS
51 Introduction 53
52 Conclusions 53
53 Recommendations 54
CHAPTER 6 REFERENCES
55
ABBENDIX A RESEARCH PHOTOS A
VII
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia 2
Fig21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures 7
Fig22 Structural failure 7
Fig 23 Concrete in fire physiochemical process 9
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza
Strip 12
Fig 25 The spalling mechanism of concrete cover 13
Fig 26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling 14
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature 16
F Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test 27
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments 28
Fig 33 Los Angeles Abrasion Machine 30
Fig 34 Sieve analysis of aggregate 32
Fig35 Polypropylene Fibers 33
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples 35
Fig37 Mechanical mixer 38
Fig 38 Form of the moulds used for preparing specimens 38
Fig 39 Curing process for hardened concrete 39
Fig 310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process 39
Fig 311 Heating process Flow char 40
Fig 312 Compressive strength Machine 41
Fig 313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel 42
Fig 41 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 400 Cdeg 46
Fig 42 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 600 Cdeg 46
VIII
Fig 4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 800 Cdeg 47
Fig 4 4 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg
for different concrete covers 49
Fig 4 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs 50
Fig 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs 51
Fig A1 Mechanical Mixer A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix A-1
Fig A3 Column samples in water A-1
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air A-1
Fig A5 Electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating A-2
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test A-3
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement A-4
IX
LIST OF TABLES
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland Cement 10
Table 31 Capacity of Measures 26
Table 32 Unit weight test results 27
Table 33 Specific gravity of aggregate 28
Table 34 Moisture content values 29
Table 35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample 30
Table 36 Sieve analysis of aggregate 31
Table 37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results 32
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers 33
Table 39 mix design of the concrete column samples 34
Table 310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 37
Table 313 Concrete with concrete cover 30 cm 37
Table 314 Concrete without PP 37
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples
with polypropylene fibers
44
Table 41 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different of PP
and different temperatures
45
Table 43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and
3 cm concrete cover
48
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity at
600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
48
Table 45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of
steel reinforcement 50
Table 46 The effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement 51
X
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS
RC Reinforced Concrete
PP Polypropylene
degC Degree Celsius
fc
Compressive Strength of concrete cylinders at 28 days
UTM Universal Testing Machine
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ACI American Concrete Institute
Unit Weight
Abs Absorption
FRP Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
C-S-H Hydrated Calcium Silicate
SSD Saturated Surface Dry
SG Specific Gravity
BSG Bulk Specific Gravity
Wt Weight
OPC Ordinary Portland Cemen
wc Water cement ratio
C60 Concrete compressive strength of 60 MPa
XI
INTRODUCTION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Introduction
11- Introduction
Fire impacts reinforced concrete (RC) members by raising the temperature of the
concrete mass This rise in temperature dramatically reduces the mechanical
properties of concrete and steel Moreover fire temperatures induce new strains
thermal and transient creep They might also result in explosive spalling of surface
pieces of concrete members Fire is a global disaster in the sense that it disrupts the
normal human activities and leaves behind its scars for some time to come [1]
Concrete is a good fire-resistant material due to its inherent non-combustibility and
poor thermal conductivity Concrete is specified in buildings and civil engineering
projects for several reasons sometimes cost and sometimes speed of construction or
architectural appearance but one of concretes major inherent benefits is its
performance in fire which may be overlooked in the race to consider all the factors
affecting design decisions
Concrete usually performs well in building fires However when its subjected to
prolonged fire exposure or unusually high temperatures concrete can suffer
significant distress Because concretes pre-fire compressive strength often exceeds
design requirements a modest strength reduction can be tolerated But large
temperatures can reduce the compressive strength of concrete so much that the
material retains no useful structural strength [2]
A study of RC columns is important because these are primary load bearing members
and a column could be crucial for the stability of the entire structure
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
12- Statement of Problem
During the recent war in the Gaza Strip the veil uncovered on the extent of disasters
on constructions It was noted the large scale of destruction resulting from fires which
were either from direct missile hits or through flammable materials and burning and
flammable (eg gasoline) in the residential and industrial compounds The Sultan
Tower located in Jabalia was damaged by burning of flammable materials
Concrete structures when subjected to fire showed good behavior in general The low
thermal conductivity of the concrete associated with its great capacity of thermal
insulation of the steel bars is responsible for this good behavior However a
phenomenon such as the concrete spalling may compromise the fire behavior of the
elements
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of the concrete
column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
To avoid spalling phenomenon several studies have been performed worldwide for
the development of concrete compositions of enhanced fire behavior
Concretes with polypropylene fibers showed good behavior at elevated temperatures
and controlling spalling of concrete [3]
In this research polypropylene fibers (PP) will be used in the concrete mix in order to
improve the resistance of RC columns to compression loads and also prevent spalling
of concrete in columns at elevated temperatures The polypropylene fibers (PP) will
be used in the reinforced concrete columns at different contents (05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3)
Also different concrete covers are to be used in order to study the effect of concrete
cover on elevated temperatures resistance of reinforced concrete columns
13- Research objectives
The main objective of this research is to increase the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns by preventing the spalling phenomenon of concrete
Access to fire-resistant concrete especially main structural elements such as concrete
columns through the following
1 Study the effect of concrete cover on enhancing fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns
2 Determine the best amount of polypropylene fibers (pp) to be used in the
concrete mix for improving fire resistance of RC columns to compression
loads
3 Study the effect of elevated temperature and duration on the mechanical
properties and elongation of the reinforcement steel bars and the effect of
concrete covers of 2 cm and 3 cm
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of Abstract Reinforced Concrete Columns
I
Abstract
Fire has become one of the greatest threats to buildings Concrete is a primary
construction material and its properties of concrete to high temperatures have gained a
great deal of attention Concrete structures when subjected to fire presented in general
good behavior The low thermal conductivity of the concrete associated to its great
capacity of thermal insulation of the steel bars is the responsible for this good
behavior However there is a fundamental problem caused by high temperatures that
is the separation of concrete masses from the body of the concrete element spalling
phenomenon Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of
the concrete column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
With the increase of incidents caused by major fires in buildings research and
developmental efforts are being carried out in this area and other related disciplines
This research is to investigate the behavior of the reinforced concrete columns at high
temperatures Several samples of reinforced concrete columns with Polypropylene
(PP) fibers were used Three mixes of concrete are prepared using different contents
of Polypropylene ( 00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) Reinforced concrete
columns dimensions are (100 mm x100 mm x300 mm) The samples are heated for 2
4 and 6 hours at 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800degC and tested for compressive strength
Also the behavior of reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures is investigated
Reinforcement steel bars are embedded into the concrete samples with 2 cm and 3 cm
concrete covers after heating at 800degC for 6 hours The reinforcement steel bars are
then extracted and tested for yield stress and maximum elongation ratio
The analysis of results obtained from the experimental program showed that the best
amount of PP to be used is 075 kgmsup3 where the residual compressive strength is 20
higher than of that when no PP fibers are used at 400 C for 6 hours Moreover
a 3 cm of concrete cover is in useful improving fire resistance for concrete structures
and providing a good protection for the reinforcement steel bars where it is 5
higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of Abstract Reinforced Concrete Columns
II
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ΎϋϞϜθΑϡϞϴѧλϮΘϟΔϠϴΌѧοΎѧϬϧΚѧϴΣΔѧόϔΗήϣΓέήѧΣΕΎΟέΪѧϟΎϬѧοήόΗ˯ΎѧϨΛΪѧϴΟΎϛϮϠѧγϱΪѧΒΗΔϧΎѧγήΨϟϥΈѧϓ
ϴϠδѧѧΘϟΪѧϳΪΣϥΎΒπѧѧϗϦѧѧϋΓέήѧѧΤϠϟΪѧѧϴΟϝίΎѧѧϋήѧѧΒΘόΗΎѧѧϤϛΓέήѧΤϠϟΕΎѧѧΟέΩΎϬΒΒδѧѧΗΔϴѧѧγΎγΔϠϜθѧѧϣϙΎѧѧϨϫϦѧѧϜϟϭ
γήΧϞΘϛϝΎμϔϧϲϓϞΜϤΘΗΔόϔΗήϤϟΓέήΤϟϲѧϓϥΎμѧϘϧΙϭΪѧΣϰѧϟϱΩΆѧϳΎѧϣϲϧΎѧγήΨϟήμϨόϟϢδΟϦϋΔϴϧΎ
ϪѧѧϴϠϋΔϴѧѧγήϟϝΎѧѧϤΣϷϲѧѧϓΔѧѧϴϟΎϋΓΩΎѧѧϳίϲϟΎѧѧΘϟΎΑϭϲϧΎѧѧγήΨϟΩϮѧѧϤόϠϟϊѧѧτϘϤϟΔΣΎδѧѧϣˬΪѧѧϳΪΣϥΎΒπѧѧϗΒμѧѧΗϚϟάѧѧϛ
ΎϬΘηΎθϫϦϣΪϳΰϳϭΪθϟϯϮϗϞϤΤΗϰϠϋΎϬΗέΪϗϞϠϘϳΎϤϣΔόϔΗήϤϟΓέήΤϠϟήηΎΒϣϞϜθΑΔοήόϣϴϠδΘϟˬάϫϭ
ϗϪϠϛΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΕθϨϤϟϲϓΕέΎϴϬϧϻΙϭΪΣϲϓήηΎΒϣϞϜθΑΐΒδΘϳΪ
ϲϧΎѧΒϤϟϰѧϠϋΎϫήτΧϭϖήΤϟΙΩϮΣΩΎϳΩίϊϣˬΈѧϓϥϭϝΎѧΠϤϟάѧϫϲѧϓϱήѧΠΗΔѧΜϴΜΣΔѧϳϮϤϨΗϭΔѧϴΜΤΑΩϮѧϬΟ
ΔϴϟΎόϟΓέήΤϟΕΎΟέΪϟΔΤϠδϤϟΔϧΎγήΨϟΔϣϭΎϘϣϦϴδΤΘϟΔϟϭΎΤϣϲϓΔϠμϟΕΫΕϻΎΠϤϟ
ΤΒϟάϫϝϭΎϨΘϳΔΤϠδѧϤϟΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΓΪϤϋϷϙϮϠγΔγέΩΚˬΕΎѧϨϴϋϲѧϓϦϴϠΑϭήѧΑϲϟϮѧΒϟϑΎѧϴϟϡΪΨΘѧγϢѧΗΪѧϗϭ
ΔΤϠδѧѧϤϟΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΨϟΓΪѧϤϋϷϲϟϮѧѧΒϟϑΎѧѧϴϟϦѧѧϣΔѧѧϔϠΘΨϣΕΎѧѧϴϤϛϰѧѧϠϋϱϮѧѧΘΤΗΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΧΕΎѧѧτϠΧΙϼѧѧΛΩΪѧѧϋϢѧѧΗϭ
ϲϫϭϦϴϠΑϭήΑ( 075 kgmsup3 and 05 kgmsup3 00 kgmsup3)ΕΫΔϴϧΎγήΧΓΪϤϋΐλϭΩΎόΑϷ
)mm300 mm x 100 mm xΔѧѧϔϠΘΨϣΓέήѧѧΣΕΎΟέΪѧѧϟνήόΘΘѧѧγϲѧѧΘϟϭ degC 600Cdeg004
degC800ΓΪϤϟϭˬˬΔϋΎγˬϢΛϦϣϭςϐπϠϟΎϬϠϤΤΗΓϮϗκΤϓέΎΒΘΧήδϜϟ
ϴϠδΘϟΪϳΪΣϰϠϋΔόϔΗήϤϟΓέήΤϟήϴΛ΄ΗΔγέΩϢΗϚϟάϛˬϖѧϤϋΪѧϨϋΪѧϳΪΤϟϥΎΒπѧϗϦϓΩϢΗΚϴΣϭϢѧγѧγϢ
ΓέήΣΔΟέΪϟΎϬπϳήόΗϢΛΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΓΪϤϋϷϲϓdegC800 ΓΪϤϟΕΎϋΎγˬΪѧϳΪΣϥΎΒπѧϗΝήΨΘѧγϢΗϚϟΫΪόΑ
ΔϟΎτΘγϻΔΒδϧΔϓήόϣϭΪθϟϞϤΤΗέΎΒΘΧϖϴΒτΗϭΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΓΪϤϋϷϦϣϴϠδΘϟ
ϥΎΒπѧѧϗΕΎѧѧϨϴϋϰѧѧϠϋϭΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΨϟΓΪѧѧϤϋϷϰѧѧϠϋΔѧѧϣίϼϟΕέΎѧѧΒΘΧϻϖѧѧϴΒτΗϦѧѧϣ˯ΎѧѧϬΘϧϻΪѧѧόΑΪѧѧϘϓϴϠδѧѧΘϟΪѧѧϳΪΣ
ϰϠϋϱϮΘΤΗϲΘϟΕΎϨϴόϟϥΞΎΘϨϟΕήϬχ075 kgmsup3ϴϠΑϭήΑϲϟϮΑϦςϐπѧϟϯϮϗϞϤΤΘϟήΒϛΔϣϭΎϘϣϱΪΒΗ
ΔΒδϨΑΓέήΣΔΟέΩΪϨϋϚϟΫϭϦϴϠΑϭήΑϲϟϮΒϟϰϠϋϱϮΘΤΗϻϲΘϟΕΎϨϴόϟϦϣdeg C ΔѧϴϨϣίΓΪѧϣϭ
ΕΎϋΎѧѧγˬΨϟΓΪѧѧϤϋϷΕΎѧѧϨϴϋϥΈѧѧϓϚѧѧϟΫϰѧѧϠϋΓϭϼѧѧϋΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΧΔѧѧϴτϐΗΎѧѧϬϟϲѧѧΘϟΔϴϧΎѧѧγήϯϮѧѧϘϟΔѧѧϣϭΎϘϣϱΪѧѧΒΗϢѧѧγ
ΔΒδϨΑήΜϛςϐπϟΔϴϧΎγήΧΔϴτϐΗΎϬϟϲΘϟΕΎϨϴόϟϦϣΓέήѧΣΔΟέΩϚϟΫϭϢγdeg C ΔѧϴϨϣίΓΪѧϣϭ
ΕΎϋΎγ
III
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to extend my gratitude and my sincere thanks to my honorable esteemed
supervisor Assoc Prof Samir M Shihada for his exemplary guidance and
encouragement
Also I would like extend my sincere appreciation to all who helped me in currying
out this thesis
I would like to thank all my lecturers in the Islamic University of Gaza from whom I
learned much and developed my skills
My deepest appreciation and thanks to every one who helped me in the completeness
of this study especially to the staff of Material amp Soil Laboratory in the Islamic
University of Gaza and the staff of Sharaf factory
IV
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT
I
ACKNOWLEDGMENT III
TABLE OF CONTENTS IV
LIST OF FIGURES VII
LIST OF TABLES IX
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS X
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
11 Introduction 1
12 Statement of Problem 2
13 Research Objectives 3
14 Research Methodology 4
15 Thesis Organization 5
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
21 Introduction 6
22 Concrete 6
221 Benefits of concrete under fire 8
23 Physical and chemical response to fire 8
24 Spalling 11
241 Mechanisms of Spalling 12
25 Spalling Prevention Measures 14
251 Polypropylene fibers 14
252 Thermal barriers 15
26 Cracking 15
V
27 Effect of Fire on Concrete 17
28 Performance of reinforcement in fire 22
29 Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement 22
210- Effect of Fire on FRP columns 24
CHAPTER 3 EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
31 Introduction 25
32 Materials and Their Quality Tests 25
321 Aggregate Quality Tests 26
3211 Unit Weight of Aggregate 26
3212 Specific Gravity of Aggregate 27
3213 Moisture content of Aggregate 29
3214 Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test 29
3215 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate 31
3216 Cement 32
3217 Water 33
3218 Polypropylene Fibers (PP) 33
33 Mix Proportions 34
34 Sample Categories 35
35 Mixing casting and curing procedures 38
351 Mixing procedures 38
352 Casting procedures 38
353 Curing procedures 39
36 Heating Process 39
37 Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests 41
38 Reinforcing Steel Tests 42
VI
CHAPTER 4 Results amp Discussion
41 Introduction 43
42 Effect of polypropylene content 43
421 Unheated Columns 43
422 Heated Columns 44
43 Effect of concrete cover 48
43 Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement 50
431 Yield Stress 50
432-Elongation 51
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION amp RECOMMENDATIONS
51 Introduction 53
52 Conclusions 53
53 Recommendations 54
CHAPTER 6 REFERENCES
55
ABBENDIX A RESEARCH PHOTOS A
VII
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia 2
Fig21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures 7
Fig22 Structural failure 7
Fig 23 Concrete in fire physiochemical process 9
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza
Strip 12
Fig 25 The spalling mechanism of concrete cover 13
Fig 26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling 14
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature 16
F Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test 27
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments 28
Fig 33 Los Angeles Abrasion Machine 30
Fig 34 Sieve analysis of aggregate 32
Fig35 Polypropylene Fibers 33
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples 35
Fig37 Mechanical mixer 38
Fig 38 Form of the moulds used for preparing specimens 38
Fig 39 Curing process for hardened concrete 39
Fig 310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process 39
Fig 311 Heating process Flow char 40
Fig 312 Compressive strength Machine 41
Fig 313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel 42
Fig 41 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 400 Cdeg 46
Fig 42 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 600 Cdeg 46
VIII
Fig 4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 800 Cdeg 47
Fig 4 4 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg
for different concrete covers 49
Fig 4 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs 50
Fig 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs 51
Fig A1 Mechanical Mixer A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix A-1
Fig A3 Column samples in water A-1
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air A-1
Fig A5 Electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating A-2
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test A-3
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement A-4
IX
LIST OF TABLES
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland Cement 10
Table 31 Capacity of Measures 26
Table 32 Unit weight test results 27
Table 33 Specific gravity of aggregate 28
Table 34 Moisture content values 29
Table 35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample 30
Table 36 Sieve analysis of aggregate 31
Table 37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results 32
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers 33
Table 39 mix design of the concrete column samples 34
Table 310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 37
Table 313 Concrete with concrete cover 30 cm 37
Table 314 Concrete without PP 37
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples
with polypropylene fibers
44
Table 41 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different of PP
and different temperatures
45
Table 43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and
3 cm concrete cover
48
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity at
600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
48
Table 45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of
steel reinforcement 50
Table 46 The effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement 51
X
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS
RC Reinforced Concrete
PP Polypropylene
degC Degree Celsius
fc
Compressive Strength of concrete cylinders at 28 days
UTM Universal Testing Machine
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ACI American Concrete Institute
Unit Weight
Abs Absorption
FRP Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
C-S-H Hydrated Calcium Silicate
SSD Saturated Surface Dry
SG Specific Gravity
BSG Bulk Specific Gravity
Wt Weight
OPC Ordinary Portland Cemen
wc Water cement ratio
C60 Concrete compressive strength of 60 MPa
XI
INTRODUCTION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Introduction
11- Introduction
Fire impacts reinforced concrete (RC) members by raising the temperature of the
concrete mass This rise in temperature dramatically reduces the mechanical
properties of concrete and steel Moreover fire temperatures induce new strains
thermal and transient creep They might also result in explosive spalling of surface
pieces of concrete members Fire is a global disaster in the sense that it disrupts the
normal human activities and leaves behind its scars for some time to come [1]
Concrete is a good fire-resistant material due to its inherent non-combustibility and
poor thermal conductivity Concrete is specified in buildings and civil engineering
projects for several reasons sometimes cost and sometimes speed of construction or
architectural appearance but one of concretes major inherent benefits is its
performance in fire which may be overlooked in the race to consider all the factors
affecting design decisions
Concrete usually performs well in building fires However when its subjected to
prolonged fire exposure or unusually high temperatures concrete can suffer
significant distress Because concretes pre-fire compressive strength often exceeds
design requirements a modest strength reduction can be tolerated But large
temperatures can reduce the compressive strength of concrete so much that the
material retains no useful structural strength [2]
A study of RC columns is important because these are primary load bearing members
and a column could be crucial for the stability of the entire structure
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
12- Statement of Problem
During the recent war in the Gaza Strip the veil uncovered on the extent of disasters
on constructions It was noted the large scale of destruction resulting from fires which
were either from direct missile hits or through flammable materials and burning and
flammable (eg gasoline) in the residential and industrial compounds The Sultan
Tower located in Jabalia was damaged by burning of flammable materials
Concrete structures when subjected to fire showed good behavior in general The low
thermal conductivity of the concrete associated with its great capacity of thermal
insulation of the steel bars is responsible for this good behavior However a
phenomenon such as the concrete spalling may compromise the fire behavior of the
elements
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of the concrete
column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
To avoid spalling phenomenon several studies have been performed worldwide for
the development of concrete compositions of enhanced fire behavior
Concretes with polypropylene fibers showed good behavior at elevated temperatures
and controlling spalling of concrete [3]
In this research polypropylene fibers (PP) will be used in the concrete mix in order to
improve the resistance of RC columns to compression loads and also prevent spalling
of concrete in columns at elevated temperatures The polypropylene fibers (PP) will
be used in the reinforced concrete columns at different contents (05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3)
Also different concrete covers are to be used in order to study the effect of concrete
cover on elevated temperatures resistance of reinforced concrete columns
13- Research objectives
The main objective of this research is to increase the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns by preventing the spalling phenomenon of concrete
Access to fire-resistant concrete especially main structural elements such as concrete
columns through the following
1 Study the effect of concrete cover on enhancing fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns
2 Determine the best amount of polypropylene fibers (pp) to be used in the
concrete mix for improving fire resistance of RC columns to compression
loads
3 Study the effect of elevated temperature and duration on the mechanical
properties and elongation of the reinforcement steel bars and the effect of
concrete covers of 2 cm and 3 cm
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of Abstract Reinforced Concrete Columns
II
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ΤΒϟάϫϝϭΎϨΘϳΔΤϠδѧϤϟΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΓΪϤϋϷϙϮϠγΔγέΩΚˬΕΎѧϨϴϋϲѧϓϦϴϠΑϭήѧΑϲϟϮѧΒϟϑΎѧϴϟϡΪΨΘѧγϢѧΗΪѧϗϭ
ΔΤϠδѧѧϤϟΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΨϟΓΪѧϤϋϷϲϟϮѧѧΒϟϑΎѧѧϴϟϦѧѧϣΔѧѧϔϠΘΨϣΕΎѧѧϴϤϛϰѧѧϠϋϱϮѧѧΘΤΗΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΧΕΎѧѧτϠΧΙϼѧѧΛΩΪѧѧϋϢѧѧΗϭ
ϲϫϭϦϴϠΑϭήΑ( 075 kgmsup3 and 05 kgmsup3 00 kgmsup3)ΕΫΔϴϧΎγήΧΓΪϤϋΐλϭΩΎόΑϷ
)mm300 mm x 100 mm xΔѧѧϔϠΘΨϣΓέήѧѧΣΕΎΟέΪѧѧϟνήόΘΘѧѧγϲѧѧΘϟϭ degC 600Cdeg004
degC800ΓΪϤϟϭˬˬΔϋΎγˬϢΛϦϣϭςϐπϠϟΎϬϠϤΤΗΓϮϗκΤϓέΎΒΘΧήδϜϟ
ϴϠδΘϟΪϳΪΣϰϠϋΔόϔΗήϤϟΓέήΤϟήϴΛ΄ΗΔγέΩϢΗϚϟάϛˬϖѧϤϋΪѧϨϋΪѧϳΪΤϟϥΎΒπѧϗϦϓΩϢΗΚϴΣϭϢѧγѧγϢ
ΓέήΣΔΟέΪϟΎϬπϳήόΗϢΛΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΓΪϤϋϷϲϓdegC800 ΓΪϤϟΕΎϋΎγˬΪѧϳΪΣϥΎΒπѧϗΝήΨΘѧγϢΗϚϟΫΪόΑ
ΔϟΎτΘγϻΔΒδϧΔϓήόϣϭΪθϟϞϤΤΗέΎΒΘΧϖϴΒτΗϭΔϴϧΎγήΨϟΓΪϤϋϷϦϣϴϠδΘϟ
ϥΎΒπѧѧϗΕΎѧѧϨϴϋϰѧѧϠϋϭΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΨϟΓΪѧѧϤϋϷϰѧѧϠϋΔѧѧϣίϼϟΕέΎѧѧΒΘΧϻϖѧѧϴΒτΗϦѧѧϣ˯ΎѧѧϬΘϧϻΪѧѧόΑΪѧѧϘϓϴϠδѧѧΘϟΪѧѧϳΪΣ
ϰϠϋϱϮΘΤΗϲΘϟΕΎϨϴόϟϥΞΎΘϨϟΕήϬχ075 kgmsup3ϴϠΑϭήΑϲϟϮΑϦςϐπѧϟϯϮϗϞϤΤΘϟήΒϛΔϣϭΎϘϣϱΪΒΗ
ΔΒδϨΑΓέήΣΔΟέΩΪϨϋϚϟΫϭϦϴϠΑϭήΑϲϟϮΒϟϰϠϋϱϮΘΤΗϻϲΘϟΕΎϨϴόϟϦϣdeg C ΔѧϴϨϣίΓΪѧϣϭ
ΕΎϋΎѧѧγˬΨϟΓΪѧѧϤϋϷΕΎѧѧϨϴϋϥΈѧѧϓϚѧѧϟΫϰѧѧϠϋΓϭϼѧѧϋΔϴϧΎѧѧγήΧΔѧѧϴτϐΗΎѧѧϬϟϲѧѧΘϟΔϴϧΎѧѧγήϯϮѧѧϘϟΔѧѧϣϭΎϘϣϱΪѧѧΒΗϢѧѧγ
ΔΒδϨΑήΜϛςϐπϟΔϴϧΎγήΧΔϴτϐΗΎϬϟϲΘϟΕΎϨϴόϟϦϣΓέήѧΣΔΟέΩϚϟΫϭϢγdeg C ΔѧϴϨϣίΓΪѧϣϭ
ΕΎϋΎγ
III
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to extend my gratitude and my sincere thanks to my honorable esteemed
supervisor Assoc Prof Samir M Shihada for his exemplary guidance and
encouragement
Also I would like extend my sincere appreciation to all who helped me in currying
out this thesis
I would like to thank all my lecturers in the Islamic University of Gaza from whom I
learned much and developed my skills
My deepest appreciation and thanks to every one who helped me in the completeness
of this study especially to the staff of Material amp Soil Laboratory in the Islamic
University of Gaza and the staff of Sharaf factory
IV
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT
I
ACKNOWLEDGMENT III
TABLE OF CONTENTS IV
LIST OF FIGURES VII
LIST OF TABLES IX
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS X
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
11 Introduction 1
12 Statement of Problem 2
13 Research Objectives 3
14 Research Methodology 4
15 Thesis Organization 5
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
21 Introduction 6
22 Concrete 6
221 Benefits of concrete under fire 8
23 Physical and chemical response to fire 8
24 Spalling 11
241 Mechanisms of Spalling 12
25 Spalling Prevention Measures 14
251 Polypropylene fibers 14
252 Thermal barriers 15
26 Cracking 15
V
27 Effect of Fire on Concrete 17
28 Performance of reinforcement in fire 22
29 Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement 22
210- Effect of Fire on FRP columns 24
CHAPTER 3 EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
31 Introduction 25
32 Materials and Their Quality Tests 25
321 Aggregate Quality Tests 26
3211 Unit Weight of Aggregate 26
3212 Specific Gravity of Aggregate 27
3213 Moisture content of Aggregate 29
3214 Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test 29
3215 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate 31
3216 Cement 32
3217 Water 33
3218 Polypropylene Fibers (PP) 33
33 Mix Proportions 34
34 Sample Categories 35
35 Mixing casting and curing procedures 38
351 Mixing procedures 38
352 Casting procedures 38
353 Curing procedures 39
36 Heating Process 39
37 Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests 41
38 Reinforcing Steel Tests 42
VI
CHAPTER 4 Results amp Discussion
41 Introduction 43
42 Effect of polypropylene content 43
421 Unheated Columns 43
422 Heated Columns 44
43 Effect of concrete cover 48
43 Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement 50
431 Yield Stress 50
432-Elongation 51
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION amp RECOMMENDATIONS
51 Introduction 53
52 Conclusions 53
53 Recommendations 54
CHAPTER 6 REFERENCES
55
ABBENDIX A RESEARCH PHOTOS A
VII
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia 2
Fig21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures 7
Fig22 Structural failure 7
Fig 23 Concrete in fire physiochemical process 9
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza
Strip 12
Fig 25 The spalling mechanism of concrete cover 13
Fig 26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling 14
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature 16
F Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test 27
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments 28
Fig 33 Los Angeles Abrasion Machine 30
Fig 34 Sieve analysis of aggregate 32
Fig35 Polypropylene Fibers 33
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples 35
Fig37 Mechanical mixer 38
Fig 38 Form of the moulds used for preparing specimens 38
Fig 39 Curing process for hardened concrete 39
Fig 310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process 39
Fig 311 Heating process Flow char 40
Fig 312 Compressive strength Machine 41
Fig 313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel 42
Fig 41 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 400 Cdeg 46
Fig 42 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 600 Cdeg 46
VIII
Fig 4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 800 Cdeg 47
Fig 4 4 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg
for different concrete covers 49
Fig 4 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs 50
Fig 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs 51
Fig A1 Mechanical Mixer A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix A-1
Fig A3 Column samples in water A-1
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air A-1
Fig A5 Electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating A-2
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test A-3
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement A-4
IX
LIST OF TABLES
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland Cement 10
Table 31 Capacity of Measures 26
Table 32 Unit weight test results 27
Table 33 Specific gravity of aggregate 28
Table 34 Moisture content values 29
Table 35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample 30
Table 36 Sieve analysis of aggregate 31
Table 37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results 32
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers 33
Table 39 mix design of the concrete column samples 34
Table 310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 37
Table 313 Concrete with concrete cover 30 cm 37
Table 314 Concrete without PP 37
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples
with polypropylene fibers
44
Table 41 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different of PP
and different temperatures
45
Table 43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and
3 cm concrete cover
48
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity at
600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
48
Table 45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of
steel reinforcement 50
Table 46 The effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement 51
X
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS
RC Reinforced Concrete
PP Polypropylene
degC Degree Celsius
fc
Compressive Strength of concrete cylinders at 28 days
UTM Universal Testing Machine
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ACI American Concrete Institute
Unit Weight
Abs Absorption
FRP Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
C-S-H Hydrated Calcium Silicate
SSD Saturated Surface Dry
SG Specific Gravity
BSG Bulk Specific Gravity
Wt Weight
OPC Ordinary Portland Cemen
wc Water cement ratio
C60 Concrete compressive strength of 60 MPa
XI
INTRODUCTION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Introduction
11- Introduction
Fire impacts reinforced concrete (RC) members by raising the temperature of the
concrete mass This rise in temperature dramatically reduces the mechanical
properties of concrete and steel Moreover fire temperatures induce new strains
thermal and transient creep They might also result in explosive spalling of surface
pieces of concrete members Fire is a global disaster in the sense that it disrupts the
normal human activities and leaves behind its scars for some time to come [1]
Concrete is a good fire-resistant material due to its inherent non-combustibility and
poor thermal conductivity Concrete is specified in buildings and civil engineering
projects for several reasons sometimes cost and sometimes speed of construction or
architectural appearance but one of concretes major inherent benefits is its
performance in fire which may be overlooked in the race to consider all the factors
affecting design decisions
Concrete usually performs well in building fires However when its subjected to
prolonged fire exposure or unusually high temperatures concrete can suffer
significant distress Because concretes pre-fire compressive strength often exceeds
design requirements a modest strength reduction can be tolerated But large
temperatures can reduce the compressive strength of concrete so much that the
material retains no useful structural strength [2]
A study of RC columns is important because these are primary load bearing members
and a column could be crucial for the stability of the entire structure
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
12- Statement of Problem
During the recent war in the Gaza Strip the veil uncovered on the extent of disasters
on constructions It was noted the large scale of destruction resulting from fires which
were either from direct missile hits or through flammable materials and burning and
flammable (eg gasoline) in the residential and industrial compounds The Sultan
Tower located in Jabalia was damaged by burning of flammable materials
Concrete structures when subjected to fire showed good behavior in general The low
thermal conductivity of the concrete associated with its great capacity of thermal
insulation of the steel bars is responsible for this good behavior However a
phenomenon such as the concrete spalling may compromise the fire behavior of the
elements
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of the concrete
column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
To avoid spalling phenomenon several studies have been performed worldwide for
the development of concrete compositions of enhanced fire behavior
Concretes with polypropylene fibers showed good behavior at elevated temperatures
and controlling spalling of concrete [3]
In this research polypropylene fibers (PP) will be used in the concrete mix in order to
improve the resistance of RC columns to compression loads and also prevent spalling
of concrete in columns at elevated temperatures The polypropylene fibers (PP) will
be used in the reinforced concrete columns at different contents (05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3)
Also different concrete covers are to be used in order to study the effect of concrete
cover on elevated temperatures resistance of reinforced concrete columns
13- Research objectives
The main objective of this research is to increase the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns by preventing the spalling phenomenon of concrete
Access to fire-resistant concrete especially main structural elements such as concrete
columns through the following
1 Study the effect of concrete cover on enhancing fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns
2 Determine the best amount of polypropylene fibers (pp) to be used in the
concrete mix for improving fire resistance of RC columns to compression
loads
3 Study the effect of elevated temperature and duration on the mechanical
properties and elongation of the reinforcement steel bars and the effect of
concrete covers of 2 cm and 3 cm
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
III
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to extend my gratitude and my sincere thanks to my honorable esteemed
supervisor Assoc Prof Samir M Shihada for his exemplary guidance and
encouragement
Also I would like extend my sincere appreciation to all who helped me in currying
out this thesis
I would like to thank all my lecturers in the Islamic University of Gaza from whom I
learned much and developed my skills
My deepest appreciation and thanks to every one who helped me in the completeness
of this study especially to the staff of Material amp Soil Laboratory in the Islamic
University of Gaza and the staff of Sharaf factory
IV
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT
I
ACKNOWLEDGMENT III
TABLE OF CONTENTS IV
LIST OF FIGURES VII
LIST OF TABLES IX
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS X
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
11 Introduction 1
12 Statement of Problem 2
13 Research Objectives 3
14 Research Methodology 4
15 Thesis Organization 5
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
21 Introduction 6
22 Concrete 6
221 Benefits of concrete under fire 8
23 Physical and chemical response to fire 8
24 Spalling 11
241 Mechanisms of Spalling 12
25 Spalling Prevention Measures 14
251 Polypropylene fibers 14
252 Thermal barriers 15
26 Cracking 15
V
27 Effect of Fire on Concrete 17
28 Performance of reinforcement in fire 22
29 Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement 22
210- Effect of Fire on FRP columns 24
CHAPTER 3 EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
31 Introduction 25
32 Materials and Their Quality Tests 25
321 Aggregate Quality Tests 26
3211 Unit Weight of Aggregate 26
3212 Specific Gravity of Aggregate 27
3213 Moisture content of Aggregate 29
3214 Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test 29
3215 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate 31
3216 Cement 32
3217 Water 33
3218 Polypropylene Fibers (PP) 33
33 Mix Proportions 34
34 Sample Categories 35
35 Mixing casting and curing procedures 38
351 Mixing procedures 38
352 Casting procedures 38
353 Curing procedures 39
36 Heating Process 39
37 Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests 41
38 Reinforcing Steel Tests 42
VI
CHAPTER 4 Results amp Discussion
41 Introduction 43
42 Effect of polypropylene content 43
421 Unheated Columns 43
422 Heated Columns 44
43 Effect of concrete cover 48
43 Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement 50
431 Yield Stress 50
432-Elongation 51
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION amp RECOMMENDATIONS
51 Introduction 53
52 Conclusions 53
53 Recommendations 54
CHAPTER 6 REFERENCES
55
ABBENDIX A RESEARCH PHOTOS A
VII
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia 2
Fig21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures 7
Fig22 Structural failure 7
Fig 23 Concrete in fire physiochemical process 9
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza
Strip 12
Fig 25 The spalling mechanism of concrete cover 13
Fig 26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling 14
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature 16
F Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test 27
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments 28
Fig 33 Los Angeles Abrasion Machine 30
Fig 34 Sieve analysis of aggregate 32
Fig35 Polypropylene Fibers 33
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples 35
Fig37 Mechanical mixer 38
Fig 38 Form of the moulds used for preparing specimens 38
Fig 39 Curing process for hardened concrete 39
Fig 310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process 39
Fig 311 Heating process Flow char 40
Fig 312 Compressive strength Machine 41
Fig 313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel 42
Fig 41 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 400 Cdeg 46
Fig 42 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 600 Cdeg 46
VIII
Fig 4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 800 Cdeg 47
Fig 4 4 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg
for different concrete covers 49
Fig 4 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs 50
Fig 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs 51
Fig A1 Mechanical Mixer A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix A-1
Fig A3 Column samples in water A-1
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air A-1
Fig A5 Electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating A-2
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test A-3
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement A-4
IX
LIST OF TABLES
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland Cement 10
Table 31 Capacity of Measures 26
Table 32 Unit weight test results 27
Table 33 Specific gravity of aggregate 28
Table 34 Moisture content values 29
Table 35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample 30
Table 36 Sieve analysis of aggregate 31
Table 37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results 32
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers 33
Table 39 mix design of the concrete column samples 34
Table 310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 37
Table 313 Concrete with concrete cover 30 cm 37
Table 314 Concrete without PP 37
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples
with polypropylene fibers
44
Table 41 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different of PP
and different temperatures
45
Table 43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and
3 cm concrete cover
48
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity at
600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
48
Table 45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of
steel reinforcement 50
Table 46 The effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement 51
X
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS
RC Reinforced Concrete
PP Polypropylene
degC Degree Celsius
fc
Compressive Strength of concrete cylinders at 28 days
UTM Universal Testing Machine
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ACI American Concrete Institute
Unit Weight
Abs Absorption
FRP Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
C-S-H Hydrated Calcium Silicate
SSD Saturated Surface Dry
SG Specific Gravity
BSG Bulk Specific Gravity
Wt Weight
OPC Ordinary Portland Cemen
wc Water cement ratio
C60 Concrete compressive strength of 60 MPa
XI
INTRODUCTION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Introduction
11- Introduction
Fire impacts reinforced concrete (RC) members by raising the temperature of the
concrete mass This rise in temperature dramatically reduces the mechanical
properties of concrete and steel Moreover fire temperatures induce new strains
thermal and transient creep They might also result in explosive spalling of surface
pieces of concrete members Fire is a global disaster in the sense that it disrupts the
normal human activities and leaves behind its scars for some time to come [1]
Concrete is a good fire-resistant material due to its inherent non-combustibility and
poor thermal conductivity Concrete is specified in buildings and civil engineering
projects for several reasons sometimes cost and sometimes speed of construction or
architectural appearance but one of concretes major inherent benefits is its
performance in fire which may be overlooked in the race to consider all the factors
affecting design decisions
Concrete usually performs well in building fires However when its subjected to
prolonged fire exposure or unusually high temperatures concrete can suffer
significant distress Because concretes pre-fire compressive strength often exceeds
design requirements a modest strength reduction can be tolerated But large
temperatures can reduce the compressive strength of concrete so much that the
material retains no useful structural strength [2]
A study of RC columns is important because these are primary load bearing members
and a column could be crucial for the stability of the entire structure
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
12- Statement of Problem
During the recent war in the Gaza Strip the veil uncovered on the extent of disasters
on constructions It was noted the large scale of destruction resulting from fires which
were either from direct missile hits or through flammable materials and burning and
flammable (eg gasoline) in the residential and industrial compounds The Sultan
Tower located in Jabalia was damaged by burning of flammable materials
Concrete structures when subjected to fire showed good behavior in general The low
thermal conductivity of the concrete associated with its great capacity of thermal
insulation of the steel bars is responsible for this good behavior However a
phenomenon such as the concrete spalling may compromise the fire behavior of the
elements
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of the concrete
column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
To avoid spalling phenomenon several studies have been performed worldwide for
the development of concrete compositions of enhanced fire behavior
Concretes with polypropylene fibers showed good behavior at elevated temperatures
and controlling spalling of concrete [3]
In this research polypropylene fibers (PP) will be used in the concrete mix in order to
improve the resistance of RC columns to compression loads and also prevent spalling
of concrete in columns at elevated temperatures The polypropylene fibers (PP) will
be used in the reinforced concrete columns at different contents (05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3)
Also different concrete covers are to be used in order to study the effect of concrete
cover on elevated temperatures resistance of reinforced concrete columns
13- Research objectives
The main objective of this research is to increase the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns by preventing the spalling phenomenon of concrete
Access to fire-resistant concrete especially main structural elements such as concrete
columns through the following
1 Study the effect of concrete cover on enhancing fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns
2 Determine the best amount of polypropylene fibers (pp) to be used in the
concrete mix for improving fire resistance of RC columns to compression
loads
3 Study the effect of elevated temperature and duration on the mechanical
properties and elongation of the reinforcement steel bars and the effect of
concrete covers of 2 cm and 3 cm
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
IV
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT
I
ACKNOWLEDGMENT III
TABLE OF CONTENTS IV
LIST OF FIGURES VII
LIST OF TABLES IX
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS X
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
11 Introduction 1
12 Statement of Problem 2
13 Research Objectives 3
14 Research Methodology 4
15 Thesis Organization 5
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
21 Introduction 6
22 Concrete 6
221 Benefits of concrete under fire 8
23 Physical and chemical response to fire 8
24 Spalling 11
241 Mechanisms of Spalling 12
25 Spalling Prevention Measures 14
251 Polypropylene fibers 14
252 Thermal barriers 15
26 Cracking 15
V
27 Effect of Fire on Concrete 17
28 Performance of reinforcement in fire 22
29 Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement 22
210- Effect of Fire on FRP columns 24
CHAPTER 3 EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
31 Introduction 25
32 Materials and Their Quality Tests 25
321 Aggregate Quality Tests 26
3211 Unit Weight of Aggregate 26
3212 Specific Gravity of Aggregate 27
3213 Moisture content of Aggregate 29
3214 Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test 29
3215 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate 31
3216 Cement 32
3217 Water 33
3218 Polypropylene Fibers (PP) 33
33 Mix Proportions 34
34 Sample Categories 35
35 Mixing casting and curing procedures 38
351 Mixing procedures 38
352 Casting procedures 38
353 Curing procedures 39
36 Heating Process 39
37 Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests 41
38 Reinforcing Steel Tests 42
VI
CHAPTER 4 Results amp Discussion
41 Introduction 43
42 Effect of polypropylene content 43
421 Unheated Columns 43
422 Heated Columns 44
43 Effect of concrete cover 48
43 Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement 50
431 Yield Stress 50
432-Elongation 51
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION amp RECOMMENDATIONS
51 Introduction 53
52 Conclusions 53
53 Recommendations 54
CHAPTER 6 REFERENCES
55
ABBENDIX A RESEARCH PHOTOS A
VII
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia 2
Fig21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures 7
Fig22 Structural failure 7
Fig 23 Concrete in fire physiochemical process 9
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza
Strip 12
Fig 25 The spalling mechanism of concrete cover 13
Fig 26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling 14
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature 16
F Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test 27
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments 28
Fig 33 Los Angeles Abrasion Machine 30
Fig 34 Sieve analysis of aggregate 32
Fig35 Polypropylene Fibers 33
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples 35
Fig37 Mechanical mixer 38
Fig 38 Form of the moulds used for preparing specimens 38
Fig 39 Curing process for hardened concrete 39
Fig 310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process 39
Fig 311 Heating process Flow char 40
Fig 312 Compressive strength Machine 41
Fig 313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel 42
Fig 41 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 400 Cdeg 46
Fig 42 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 600 Cdeg 46
VIII
Fig 4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 800 Cdeg 47
Fig 4 4 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg
for different concrete covers 49
Fig 4 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs 50
Fig 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs 51
Fig A1 Mechanical Mixer A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix A-1
Fig A3 Column samples in water A-1
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air A-1
Fig A5 Electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating A-2
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test A-3
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement A-4
IX
LIST OF TABLES
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland Cement 10
Table 31 Capacity of Measures 26
Table 32 Unit weight test results 27
Table 33 Specific gravity of aggregate 28
Table 34 Moisture content values 29
Table 35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample 30
Table 36 Sieve analysis of aggregate 31
Table 37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results 32
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers 33
Table 39 mix design of the concrete column samples 34
Table 310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 37
Table 313 Concrete with concrete cover 30 cm 37
Table 314 Concrete without PP 37
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples
with polypropylene fibers
44
Table 41 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different of PP
and different temperatures
45
Table 43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and
3 cm concrete cover
48
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity at
600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
48
Table 45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of
steel reinforcement 50
Table 46 The effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement 51
X
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS
RC Reinforced Concrete
PP Polypropylene
degC Degree Celsius
fc
Compressive Strength of concrete cylinders at 28 days
UTM Universal Testing Machine
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ACI American Concrete Institute
Unit Weight
Abs Absorption
FRP Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
C-S-H Hydrated Calcium Silicate
SSD Saturated Surface Dry
SG Specific Gravity
BSG Bulk Specific Gravity
Wt Weight
OPC Ordinary Portland Cemen
wc Water cement ratio
C60 Concrete compressive strength of 60 MPa
XI
INTRODUCTION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Introduction
11- Introduction
Fire impacts reinforced concrete (RC) members by raising the temperature of the
concrete mass This rise in temperature dramatically reduces the mechanical
properties of concrete and steel Moreover fire temperatures induce new strains
thermal and transient creep They might also result in explosive spalling of surface
pieces of concrete members Fire is a global disaster in the sense that it disrupts the
normal human activities and leaves behind its scars for some time to come [1]
Concrete is a good fire-resistant material due to its inherent non-combustibility and
poor thermal conductivity Concrete is specified in buildings and civil engineering
projects for several reasons sometimes cost and sometimes speed of construction or
architectural appearance but one of concretes major inherent benefits is its
performance in fire which may be overlooked in the race to consider all the factors
affecting design decisions
Concrete usually performs well in building fires However when its subjected to
prolonged fire exposure or unusually high temperatures concrete can suffer
significant distress Because concretes pre-fire compressive strength often exceeds
design requirements a modest strength reduction can be tolerated But large
temperatures can reduce the compressive strength of concrete so much that the
material retains no useful structural strength [2]
A study of RC columns is important because these are primary load bearing members
and a column could be crucial for the stability of the entire structure
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
12- Statement of Problem
During the recent war in the Gaza Strip the veil uncovered on the extent of disasters
on constructions It was noted the large scale of destruction resulting from fires which
were either from direct missile hits or through flammable materials and burning and
flammable (eg gasoline) in the residential and industrial compounds The Sultan
Tower located in Jabalia was damaged by burning of flammable materials
Concrete structures when subjected to fire showed good behavior in general The low
thermal conductivity of the concrete associated with its great capacity of thermal
insulation of the steel bars is responsible for this good behavior However a
phenomenon such as the concrete spalling may compromise the fire behavior of the
elements
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of the concrete
column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
To avoid spalling phenomenon several studies have been performed worldwide for
the development of concrete compositions of enhanced fire behavior
Concretes with polypropylene fibers showed good behavior at elevated temperatures
and controlling spalling of concrete [3]
In this research polypropylene fibers (PP) will be used in the concrete mix in order to
improve the resistance of RC columns to compression loads and also prevent spalling
of concrete in columns at elevated temperatures The polypropylene fibers (PP) will
be used in the reinforced concrete columns at different contents (05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3)
Also different concrete covers are to be used in order to study the effect of concrete
cover on elevated temperatures resistance of reinforced concrete columns
13- Research objectives
The main objective of this research is to increase the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns by preventing the spalling phenomenon of concrete
Access to fire-resistant concrete especially main structural elements such as concrete
columns through the following
1 Study the effect of concrete cover on enhancing fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns
2 Determine the best amount of polypropylene fibers (pp) to be used in the
concrete mix for improving fire resistance of RC columns to compression
loads
3 Study the effect of elevated temperature and duration on the mechanical
properties and elongation of the reinforcement steel bars and the effect of
concrete covers of 2 cm and 3 cm
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
V
27 Effect of Fire on Concrete 17
28 Performance of reinforcement in fire 22
29 Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement 22
210- Effect of Fire on FRP columns 24
CHAPTER 3 EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
31 Introduction 25
32 Materials and Their Quality Tests 25
321 Aggregate Quality Tests 26
3211 Unit Weight of Aggregate 26
3212 Specific Gravity of Aggregate 27
3213 Moisture content of Aggregate 29
3214 Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test 29
3215 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate 31
3216 Cement 32
3217 Water 33
3218 Polypropylene Fibers (PP) 33
33 Mix Proportions 34
34 Sample Categories 35
35 Mixing casting and curing procedures 38
351 Mixing procedures 38
352 Casting procedures 38
353 Curing procedures 39
36 Heating Process 39
37 Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests 41
38 Reinforcing Steel Tests 42
VI
CHAPTER 4 Results amp Discussion
41 Introduction 43
42 Effect of polypropylene content 43
421 Unheated Columns 43
422 Heated Columns 44
43 Effect of concrete cover 48
43 Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement 50
431 Yield Stress 50
432-Elongation 51
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION amp RECOMMENDATIONS
51 Introduction 53
52 Conclusions 53
53 Recommendations 54
CHAPTER 6 REFERENCES
55
ABBENDIX A RESEARCH PHOTOS A
VII
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia 2
Fig21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures 7
Fig22 Structural failure 7
Fig 23 Concrete in fire physiochemical process 9
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza
Strip 12
Fig 25 The spalling mechanism of concrete cover 13
Fig 26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling 14
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature 16
F Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test 27
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments 28
Fig 33 Los Angeles Abrasion Machine 30
Fig 34 Sieve analysis of aggregate 32
Fig35 Polypropylene Fibers 33
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples 35
Fig37 Mechanical mixer 38
Fig 38 Form of the moulds used for preparing specimens 38
Fig 39 Curing process for hardened concrete 39
Fig 310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process 39
Fig 311 Heating process Flow char 40
Fig 312 Compressive strength Machine 41
Fig 313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel 42
Fig 41 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 400 Cdeg 46
Fig 42 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 600 Cdeg 46
VIII
Fig 4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 800 Cdeg 47
Fig 4 4 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg
for different concrete covers 49
Fig 4 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs 50
Fig 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs 51
Fig A1 Mechanical Mixer A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix A-1
Fig A3 Column samples in water A-1
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air A-1
Fig A5 Electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating A-2
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test A-3
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement A-4
IX
LIST OF TABLES
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland Cement 10
Table 31 Capacity of Measures 26
Table 32 Unit weight test results 27
Table 33 Specific gravity of aggregate 28
Table 34 Moisture content values 29
Table 35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample 30
Table 36 Sieve analysis of aggregate 31
Table 37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results 32
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers 33
Table 39 mix design of the concrete column samples 34
Table 310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 37
Table 313 Concrete with concrete cover 30 cm 37
Table 314 Concrete without PP 37
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples
with polypropylene fibers
44
Table 41 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different of PP
and different temperatures
45
Table 43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and
3 cm concrete cover
48
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity at
600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
48
Table 45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of
steel reinforcement 50
Table 46 The effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement 51
X
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS
RC Reinforced Concrete
PP Polypropylene
degC Degree Celsius
fc
Compressive Strength of concrete cylinders at 28 days
UTM Universal Testing Machine
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ACI American Concrete Institute
Unit Weight
Abs Absorption
FRP Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
C-S-H Hydrated Calcium Silicate
SSD Saturated Surface Dry
SG Specific Gravity
BSG Bulk Specific Gravity
Wt Weight
OPC Ordinary Portland Cemen
wc Water cement ratio
C60 Concrete compressive strength of 60 MPa
XI
INTRODUCTION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Introduction
11- Introduction
Fire impacts reinforced concrete (RC) members by raising the temperature of the
concrete mass This rise in temperature dramatically reduces the mechanical
properties of concrete and steel Moreover fire temperatures induce new strains
thermal and transient creep They might also result in explosive spalling of surface
pieces of concrete members Fire is a global disaster in the sense that it disrupts the
normal human activities and leaves behind its scars for some time to come [1]
Concrete is a good fire-resistant material due to its inherent non-combustibility and
poor thermal conductivity Concrete is specified in buildings and civil engineering
projects for several reasons sometimes cost and sometimes speed of construction or
architectural appearance but one of concretes major inherent benefits is its
performance in fire which may be overlooked in the race to consider all the factors
affecting design decisions
Concrete usually performs well in building fires However when its subjected to
prolonged fire exposure or unusually high temperatures concrete can suffer
significant distress Because concretes pre-fire compressive strength often exceeds
design requirements a modest strength reduction can be tolerated But large
temperatures can reduce the compressive strength of concrete so much that the
material retains no useful structural strength [2]
A study of RC columns is important because these are primary load bearing members
and a column could be crucial for the stability of the entire structure
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
12- Statement of Problem
During the recent war in the Gaza Strip the veil uncovered on the extent of disasters
on constructions It was noted the large scale of destruction resulting from fires which
were either from direct missile hits or through flammable materials and burning and
flammable (eg gasoline) in the residential and industrial compounds The Sultan
Tower located in Jabalia was damaged by burning of flammable materials
Concrete structures when subjected to fire showed good behavior in general The low
thermal conductivity of the concrete associated with its great capacity of thermal
insulation of the steel bars is responsible for this good behavior However a
phenomenon such as the concrete spalling may compromise the fire behavior of the
elements
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of the concrete
column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
To avoid spalling phenomenon several studies have been performed worldwide for
the development of concrete compositions of enhanced fire behavior
Concretes with polypropylene fibers showed good behavior at elevated temperatures
and controlling spalling of concrete [3]
In this research polypropylene fibers (PP) will be used in the concrete mix in order to
improve the resistance of RC columns to compression loads and also prevent spalling
of concrete in columns at elevated temperatures The polypropylene fibers (PP) will
be used in the reinforced concrete columns at different contents (05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3)
Also different concrete covers are to be used in order to study the effect of concrete
cover on elevated temperatures resistance of reinforced concrete columns
13- Research objectives
The main objective of this research is to increase the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns by preventing the spalling phenomenon of concrete
Access to fire-resistant concrete especially main structural elements such as concrete
columns through the following
1 Study the effect of concrete cover on enhancing fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns
2 Determine the best amount of polypropylene fibers (pp) to be used in the
concrete mix for improving fire resistance of RC columns to compression
loads
3 Study the effect of elevated temperature and duration on the mechanical
properties and elongation of the reinforcement steel bars and the effect of
concrete covers of 2 cm and 3 cm
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
VI
CHAPTER 4 Results amp Discussion
41 Introduction 43
42 Effect of polypropylene content 43
421 Unheated Columns 43
422 Heated Columns 44
43 Effect of concrete cover 48
43 Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement 50
431 Yield Stress 50
432-Elongation 51
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION amp RECOMMENDATIONS
51 Introduction 53
52 Conclusions 53
53 Recommendations 54
CHAPTER 6 REFERENCES
55
ABBENDIX A RESEARCH PHOTOS A
VII
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia 2
Fig21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures 7
Fig22 Structural failure 7
Fig 23 Concrete in fire physiochemical process 9
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza
Strip 12
Fig 25 The spalling mechanism of concrete cover 13
Fig 26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling 14
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature 16
F Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test 27
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments 28
Fig 33 Los Angeles Abrasion Machine 30
Fig 34 Sieve analysis of aggregate 32
Fig35 Polypropylene Fibers 33
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples 35
Fig37 Mechanical mixer 38
Fig 38 Form of the moulds used for preparing specimens 38
Fig 39 Curing process for hardened concrete 39
Fig 310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process 39
Fig 311 Heating process Flow char 40
Fig 312 Compressive strength Machine 41
Fig 313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel 42
Fig 41 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 400 Cdeg 46
Fig 42 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 600 Cdeg 46
VIII
Fig 4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 800 Cdeg 47
Fig 4 4 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg
for different concrete covers 49
Fig 4 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs 50
Fig 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs 51
Fig A1 Mechanical Mixer A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix A-1
Fig A3 Column samples in water A-1
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air A-1
Fig A5 Electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating A-2
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test A-3
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement A-4
IX
LIST OF TABLES
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland Cement 10
Table 31 Capacity of Measures 26
Table 32 Unit weight test results 27
Table 33 Specific gravity of aggregate 28
Table 34 Moisture content values 29
Table 35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample 30
Table 36 Sieve analysis of aggregate 31
Table 37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results 32
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers 33
Table 39 mix design of the concrete column samples 34
Table 310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 37
Table 313 Concrete with concrete cover 30 cm 37
Table 314 Concrete without PP 37
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples
with polypropylene fibers
44
Table 41 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different of PP
and different temperatures
45
Table 43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and
3 cm concrete cover
48
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity at
600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
48
Table 45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of
steel reinforcement 50
Table 46 The effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement 51
X
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS
RC Reinforced Concrete
PP Polypropylene
degC Degree Celsius
fc
Compressive Strength of concrete cylinders at 28 days
UTM Universal Testing Machine
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ACI American Concrete Institute
Unit Weight
Abs Absorption
FRP Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
C-S-H Hydrated Calcium Silicate
SSD Saturated Surface Dry
SG Specific Gravity
BSG Bulk Specific Gravity
Wt Weight
OPC Ordinary Portland Cemen
wc Water cement ratio
C60 Concrete compressive strength of 60 MPa
XI
INTRODUCTION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Introduction
11- Introduction
Fire impacts reinforced concrete (RC) members by raising the temperature of the
concrete mass This rise in temperature dramatically reduces the mechanical
properties of concrete and steel Moreover fire temperatures induce new strains
thermal and transient creep They might also result in explosive spalling of surface
pieces of concrete members Fire is a global disaster in the sense that it disrupts the
normal human activities and leaves behind its scars for some time to come [1]
Concrete is a good fire-resistant material due to its inherent non-combustibility and
poor thermal conductivity Concrete is specified in buildings and civil engineering
projects for several reasons sometimes cost and sometimes speed of construction or
architectural appearance but one of concretes major inherent benefits is its
performance in fire which may be overlooked in the race to consider all the factors
affecting design decisions
Concrete usually performs well in building fires However when its subjected to
prolonged fire exposure or unusually high temperatures concrete can suffer
significant distress Because concretes pre-fire compressive strength often exceeds
design requirements a modest strength reduction can be tolerated But large
temperatures can reduce the compressive strength of concrete so much that the
material retains no useful structural strength [2]
A study of RC columns is important because these are primary load bearing members
and a column could be crucial for the stability of the entire structure
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
12- Statement of Problem
During the recent war in the Gaza Strip the veil uncovered on the extent of disasters
on constructions It was noted the large scale of destruction resulting from fires which
were either from direct missile hits or through flammable materials and burning and
flammable (eg gasoline) in the residential and industrial compounds The Sultan
Tower located in Jabalia was damaged by burning of flammable materials
Concrete structures when subjected to fire showed good behavior in general The low
thermal conductivity of the concrete associated with its great capacity of thermal
insulation of the steel bars is responsible for this good behavior However a
phenomenon such as the concrete spalling may compromise the fire behavior of the
elements
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of the concrete
column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
To avoid spalling phenomenon several studies have been performed worldwide for
the development of concrete compositions of enhanced fire behavior
Concretes with polypropylene fibers showed good behavior at elevated temperatures
and controlling spalling of concrete [3]
In this research polypropylene fibers (PP) will be used in the concrete mix in order to
improve the resistance of RC columns to compression loads and also prevent spalling
of concrete in columns at elevated temperatures The polypropylene fibers (PP) will
be used in the reinforced concrete columns at different contents (05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3)
Also different concrete covers are to be used in order to study the effect of concrete
cover on elevated temperatures resistance of reinforced concrete columns
13- Research objectives
The main objective of this research is to increase the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns by preventing the spalling phenomenon of concrete
Access to fire-resistant concrete especially main structural elements such as concrete
columns through the following
1 Study the effect of concrete cover on enhancing fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns
2 Determine the best amount of polypropylene fibers (pp) to be used in the
concrete mix for improving fire resistance of RC columns to compression
loads
3 Study the effect of elevated temperature and duration on the mechanical
properties and elongation of the reinforcement steel bars and the effect of
concrete covers of 2 cm and 3 cm
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
VII
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia 2
Fig21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures 7
Fig22 Structural failure 7
Fig 23 Concrete in fire physiochemical process 9
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza
Strip 12
Fig 25 The spalling mechanism of concrete cover 13
Fig 26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling 14
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature 16
F Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test 27
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments 28
Fig 33 Los Angeles Abrasion Machine 30
Fig 34 Sieve analysis of aggregate 32
Fig35 Polypropylene Fibers 33
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples 35
Fig37 Mechanical mixer 38
Fig 38 Form of the moulds used for preparing specimens 38
Fig 39 Curing process for hardened concrete 39
Fig 310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process 39
Fig 311 Heating process Flow char 40
Fig 312 Compressive strength Machine 41
Fig 313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel 42
Fig 41 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 400 Cdeg 46
Fig 42 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 600 Cdeg 46
VIII
Fig 4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 800 Cdeg 47
Fig 4 4 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg
for different concrete covers 49
Fig 4 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs 50
Fig 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs 51
Fig A1 Mechanical Mixer A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix A-1
Fig A3 Column samples in water A-1
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air A-1
Fig A5 Electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating A-2
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test A-3
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement A-4
IX
LIST OF TABLES
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland Cement 10
Table 31 Capacity of Measures 26
Table 32 Unit weight test results 27
Table 33 Specific gravity of aggregate 28
Table 34 Moisture content values 29
Table 35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample 30
Table 36 Sieve analysis of aggregate 31
Table 37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results 32
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers 33
Table 39 mix design of the concrete column samples 34
Table 310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 37
Table 313 Concrete with concrete cover 30 cm 37
Table 314 Concrete without PP 37
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples
with polypropylene fibers
44
Table 41 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different of PP
and different temperatures
45
Table 43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and
3 cm concrete cover
48
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity at
600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
48
Table 45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of
steel reinforcement 50
Table 46 The effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement 51
X
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS
RC Reinforced Concrete
PP Polypropylene
degC Degree Celsius
fc
Compressive Strength of concrete cylinders at 28 days
UTM Universal Testing Machine
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ACI American Concrete Institute
Unit Weight
Abs Absorption
FRP Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
C-S-H Hydrated Calcium Silicate
SSD Saturated Surface Dry
SG Specific Gravity
BSG Bulk Specific Gravity
Wt Weight
OPC Ordinary Portland Cemen
wc Water cement ratio
C60 Concrete compressive strength of 60 MPa
XI
INTRODUCTION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Introduction
11- Introduction
Fire impacts reinforced concrete (RC) members by raising the temperature of the
concrete mass This rise in temperature dramatically reduces the mechanical
properties of concrete and steel Moreover fire temperatures induce new strains
thermal and transient creep They might also result in explosive spalling of surface
pieces of concrete members Fire is a global disaster in the sense that it disrupts the
normal human activities and leaves behind its scars for some time to come [1]
Concrete is a good fire-resistant material due to its inherent non-combustibility and
poor thermal conductivity Concrete is specified in buildings and civil engineering
projects for several reasons sometimes cost and sometimes speed of construction or
architectural appearance but one of concretes major inherent benefits is its
performance in fire which may be overlooked in the race to consider all the factors
affecting design decisions
Concrete usually performs well in building fires However when its subjected to
prolonged fire exposure or unusually high temperatures concrete can suffer
significant distress Because concretes pre-fire compressive strength often exceeds
design requirements a modest strength reduction can be tolerated But large
temperatures can reduce the compressive strength of concrete so much that the
material retains no useful structural strength [2]
A study of RC columns is important because these are primary load bearing members
and a column could be crucial for the stability of the entire structure
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
12- Statement of Problem
During the recent war in the Gaza Strip the veil uncovered on the extent of disasters
on constructions It was noted the large scale of destruction resulting from fires which
were either from direct missile hits or through flammable materials and burning and
flammable (eg gasoline) in the residential and industrial compounds The Sultan
Tower located in Jabalia was damaged by burning of flammable materials
Concrete structures when subjected to fire showed good behavior in general The low
thermal conductivity of the concrete associated with its great capacity of thermal
insulation of the steel bars is responsible for this good behavior However a
phenomenon such as the concrete spalling may compromise the fire behavior of the
elements
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of the concrete
column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
To avoid spalling phenomenon several studies have been performed worldwide for
the development of concrete compositions of enhanced fire behavior
Concretes with polypropylene fibers showed good behavior at elevated temperatures
and controlling spalling of concrete [3]
In this research polypropylene fibers (PP) will be used in the concrete mix in order to
improve the resistance of RC columns to compression loads and also prevent spalling
of concrete in columns at elevated temperatures The polypropylene fibers (PP) will
be used in the reinforced concrete columns at different contents (05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3)
Also different concrete covers are to be used in order to study the effect of concrete
cover on elevated temperatures resistance of reinforced concrete columns
13- Research objectives
The main objective of this research is to increase the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns by preventing the spalling phenomenon of concrete
Access to fire-resistant concrete especially main structural elements such as concrete
columns through the following
1 Study the effect of concrete cover on enhancing fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns
2 Determine the best amount of polypropylene fibers (pp) to be used in the
concrete mix for improving fire resistance of RC columns to compression
loads
3 Study the effect of elevated temperature and duration on the mechanical
properties and elongation of the reinforcement steel bars and the effect of
concrete covers of 2 cm and 3 cm
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
VIII
Fig 4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and burning periods at 800 Cdeg 47
Fig 4 4 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg
for different concrete covers 49
Fig 4 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs 50
Fig 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs 51
Fig A1 Mechanical Mixer A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix A-1
Fig A3 Column samples in water A-1
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air A-1
Fig A5 Electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical Furnace A-2
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating A-2
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test A-3
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement A-4
IX
LIST OF TABLES
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland Cement 10
Table 31 Capacity of Measures 26
Table 32 Unit weight test results 27
Table 33 Specific gravity of aggregate 28
Table 34 Moisture content values 29
Table 35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample 30
Table 36 Sieve analysis of aggregate 31
Table 37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results 32
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers 33
Table 39 mix design of the concrete column samples 34
Table 310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 37
Table 313 Concrete with concrete cover 30 cm 37
Table 314 Concrete without PP 37
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples
with polypropylene fibers
44
Table 41 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different of PP
and different temperatures
45
Table 43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and
3 cm concrete cover
48
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity at
600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
48
Table 45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of
steel reinforcement 50
Table 46 The effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement 51
X
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS
RC Reinforced Concrete
PP Polypropylene
degC Degree Celsius
fc
Compressive Strength of concrete cylinders at 28 days
UTM Universal Testing Machine
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ACI American Concrete Institute
Unit Weight
Abs Absorption
FRP Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
C-S-H Hydrated Calcium Silicate
SSD Saturated Surface Dry
SG Specific Gravity
BSG Bulk Specific Gravity
Wt Weight
OPC Ordinary Portland Cemen
wc Water cement ratio
C60 Concrete compressive strength of 60 MPa
XI
INTRODUCTION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Introduction
11- Introduction
Fire impacts reinforced concrete (RC) members by raising the temperature of the
concrete mass This rise in temperature dramatically reduces the mechanical
properties of concrete and steel Moreover fire temperatures induce new strains
thermal and transient creep They might also result in explosive spalling of surface
pieces of concrete members Fire is a global disaster in the sense that it disrupts the
normal human activities and leaves behind its scars for some time to come [1]
Concrete is a good fire-resistant material due to its inherent non-combustibility and
poor thermal conductivity Concrete is specified in buildings and civil engineering
projects for several reasons sometimes cost and sometimes speed of construction or
architectural appearance but one of concretes major inherent benefits is its
performance in fire which may be overlooked in the race to consider all the factors
affecting design decisions
Concrete usually performs well in building fires However when its subjected to
prolonged fire exposure or unusually high temperatures concrete can suffer
significant distress Because concretes pre-fire compressive strength often exceeds
design requirements a modest strength reduction can be tolerated But large
temperatures can reduce the compressive strength of concrete so much that the
material retains no useful structural strength [2]
A study of RC columns is important because these are primary load bearing members
and a column could be crucial for the stability of the entire structure
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
12- Statement of Problem
During the recent war in the Gaza Strip the veil uncovered on the extent of disasters
on constructions It was noted the large scale of destruction resulting from fires which
were either from direct missile hits or through flammable materials and burning and
flammable (eg gasoline) in the residential and industrial compounds The Sultan
Tower located in Jabalia was damaged by burning of flammable materials
Concrete structures when subjected to fire showed good behavior in general The low
thermal conductivity of the concrete associated with its great capacity of thermal
insulation of the steel bars is responsible for this good behavior However a
phenomenon such as the concrete spalling may compromise the fire behavior of the
elements
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of the concrete
column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
To avoid spalling phenomenon several studies have been performed worldwide for
the development of concrete compositions of enhanced fire behavior
Concretes with polypropylene fibers showed good behavior at elevated temperatures
and controlling spalling of concrete [3]
In this research polypropylene fibers (PP) will be used in the concrete mix in order to
improve the resistance of RC columns to compression loads and also prevent spalling
of concrete in columns at elevated temperatures The polypropylene fibers (PP) will
be used in the reinforced concrete columns at different contents (05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3)
Also different concrete covers are to be used in order to study the effect of concrete
cover on elevated temperatures resistance of reinforced concrete columns
13- Research objectives
The main objective of this research is to increase the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns by preventing the spalling phenomenon of concrete
Access to fire-resistant concrete especially main structural elements such as concrete
columns through the following
1 Study the effect of concrete cover on enhancing fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns
2 Determine the best amount of polypropylene fibers (pp) to be used in the
concrete mix for improving fire resistance of RC columns to compression
loads
3 Study the effect of elevated temperature and duration on the mechanical
properties and elongation of the reinforcement steel bars and the effect of
concrete covers of 2 cm and 3 cm
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
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Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
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[1]
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Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
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[15]
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[16]
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[17]
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[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
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[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
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[25]
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ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
IX
LIST OF TABLES
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland Cement 10
Table 31 Capacity of Measures 26
Table 32 Unit weight test results 27
Table 33 Specific gravity of aggregate 28
Table 34 Moisture content values 29
Table 35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample 30
Table 36 Sieve analysis of aggregate 31
Table 37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results 32
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers 33
Table 39 mix design of the concrete column samples 34
Table 310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 36
Table 312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm 37
Table 313 Concrete with concrete cover 30 cm 37
Table 314 Concrete without PP 37
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples
with polypropylene fibers
44
Table 41 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different of PP
and different temperatures
45
Table 43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and
3 cm concrete cover
48
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity at
600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
48
Table 45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of
steel reinforcement 50
Table 46 The effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement 51
X
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS
RC Reinforced Concrete
PP Polypropylene
degC Degree Celsius
fc
Compressive Strength of concrete cylinders at 28 days
UTM Universal Testing Machine
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ACI American Concrete Institute
Unit Weight
Abs Absorption
FRP Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
C-S-H Hydrated Calcium Silicate
SSD Saturated Surface Dry
SG Specific Gravity
BSG Bulk Specific Gravity
Wt Weight
OPC Ordinary Portland Cemen
wc Water cement ratio
C60 Concrete compressive strength of 60 MPa
XI
INTRODUCTION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Introduction
11- Introduction
Fire impacts reinforced concrete (RC) members by raising the temperature of the
concrete mass This rise in temperature dramatically reduces the mechanical
properties of concrete and steel Moreover fire temperatures induce new strains
thermal and transient creep They might also result in explosive spalling of surface
pieces of concrete members Fire is a global disaster in the sense that it disrupts the
normal human activities and leaves behind its scars for some time to come [1]
Concrete is a good fire-resistant material due to its inherent non-combustibility and
poor thermal conductivity Concrete is specified in buildings and civil engineering
projects for several reasons sometimes cost and sometimes speed of construction or
architectural appearance but one of concretes major inherent benefits is its
performance in fire which may be overlooked in the race to consider all the factors
affecting design decisions
Concrete usually performs well in building fires However when its subjected to
prolonged fire exposure or unusually high temperatures concrete can suffer
significant distress Because concretes pre-fire compressive strength often exceeds
design requirements a modest strength reduction can be tolerated But large
temperatures can reduce the compressive strength of concrete so much that the
material retains no useful structural strength [2]
A study of RC columns is important because these are primary load bearing members
and a column could be crucial for the stability of the entire structure
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
12- Statement of Problem
During the recent war in the Gaza Strip the veil uncovered on the extent of disasters
on constructions It was noted the large scale of destruction resulting from fires which
were either from direct missile hits or through flammable materials and burning and
flammable (eg gasoline) in the residential and industrial compounds The Sultan
Tower located in Jabalia was damaged by burning of flammable materials
Concrete structures when subjected to fire showed good behavior in general The low
thermal conductivity of the concrete associated with its great capacity of thermal
insulation of the steel bars is responsible for this good behavior However a
phenomenon such as the concrete spalling may compromise the fire behavior of the
elements
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of the concrete
column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
To avoid spalling phenomenon several studies have been performed worldwide for
the development of concrete compositions of enhanced fire behavior
Concretes with polypropylene fibers showed good behavior at elevated temperatures
and controlling spalling of concrete [3]
In this research polypropylene fibers (PP) will be used in the concrete mix in order to
improve the resistance of RC columns to compression loads and also prevent spalling
of concrete in columns at elevated temperatures The polypropylene fibers (PP) will
be used in the reinforced concrete columns at different contents (05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3)
Also different concrete covers are to be used in order to study the effect of concrete
cover on elevated temperatures resistance of reinforced concrete columns
13- Research objectives
The main objective of this research is to increase the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns by preventing the spalling phenomenon of concrete
Access to fire-resistant concrete especially main structural elements such as concrete
columns through the following
1 Study the effect of concrete cover on enhancing fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns
2 Determine the best amount of polypropylene fibers (pp) to be used in the
concrete mix for improving fire resistance of RC columns to compression
loads
3 Study the effect of elevated temperature and duration on the mechanical
properties and elongation of the reinforcement steel bars and the effect of
concrete covers of 2 cm and 3 cm
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
X
LIST OF APPREVIATIONS
RC Reinforced Concrete
PP Polypropylene
degC Degree Celsius
fc
Compressive Strength of concrete cylinders at 28 days
UTM Universal Testing Machine
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
ACI American Concrete Institute
Unit Weight
Abs Absorption
FRP Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
C-S-H Hydrated Calcium Silicate
SSD Saturated Surface Dry
SG Specific Gravity
BSG Bulk Specific Gravity
Wt Weight
OPC Ordinary Portland Cemen
wc Water cement ratio
C60 Concrete compressive strength of 60 MPa
XI
INTRODUCTION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Introduction
11- Introduction
Fire impacts reinforced concrete (RC) members by raising the temperature of the
concrete mass This rise in temperature dramatically reduces the mechanical
properties of concrete and steel Moreover fire temperatures induce new strains
thermal and transient creep They might also result in explosive spalling of surface
pieces of concrete members Fire is a global disaster in the sense that it disrupts the
normal human activities and leaves behind its scars for some time to come [1]
Concrete is a good fire-resistant material due to its inherent non-combustibility and
poor thermal conductivity Concrete is specified in buildings and civil engineering
projects for several reasons sometimes cost and sometimes speed of construction or
architectural appearance but one of concretes major inherent benefits is its
performance in fire which may be overlooked in the race to consider all the factors
affecting design decisions
Concrete usually performs well in building fires However when its subjected to
prolonged fire exposure or unusually high temperatures concrete can suffer
significant distress Because concretes pre-fire compressive strength often exceeds
design requirements a modest strength reduction can be tolerated But large
temperatures can reduce the compressive strength of concrete so much that the
material retains no useful structural strength [2]
A study of RC columns is important because these are primary load bearing members
and a column could be crucial for the stability of the entire structure
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
12- Statement of Problem
During the recent war in the Gaza Strip the veil uncovered on the extent of disasters
on constructions It was noted the large scale of destruction resulting from fires which
were either from direct missile hits or through flammable materials and burning and
flammable (eg gasoline) in the residential and industrial compounds The Sultan
Tower located in Jabalia was damaged by burning of flammable materials
Concrete structures when subjected to fire showed good behavior in general The low
thermal conductivity of the concrete associated with its great capacity of thermal
insulation of the steel bars is responsible for this good behavior However a
phenomenon such as the concrete spalling may compromise the fire behavior of the
elements
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of the concrete
column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
To avoid spalling phenomenon several studies have been performed worldwide for
the development of concrete compositions of enhanced fire behavior
Concretes with polypropylene fibers showed good behavior at elevated temperatures
and controlling spalling of concrete [3]
In this research polypropylene fibers (PP) will be used in the concrete mix in order to
improve the resistance of RC columns to compression loads and also prevent spalling
of concrete in columns at elevated temperatures The polypropylene fibers (PP) will
be used in the reinforced concrete columns at different contents (05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3)
Also different concrete covers are to be used in order to study the effect of concrete
cover on elevated temperatures resistance of reinforced concrete columns
13- Research objectives
The main objective of this research is to increase the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns by preventing the spalling phenomenon of concrete
Access to fire-resistant concrete especially main structural elements such as concrete
columns through the following
1 Study the effect of concrete cover on enhancing fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns
2 Determine the best amount of polypropylene fibers (pp) to be used in the
concrete mix for improving fire resistance of RC columns to compression
loads
3 Study the effect of elevated temperature and duration on the mechanical
properties and elongation of the reinforcement steel bars and the effect of
concrete covers of 2 cm and 3 cm
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
XI
INTRODUCTION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Introduction
11- Introduction
Fire impacts reinforced concrete (RC) members by raising the temperature of the
concrete mass This rise in temperature dramatically reduces the mechanical
properties of concrete and steel Moreover fire temperatures induce new strains
thermal and transient creep They might also result in explosive spalling of surface
pieces of concrete members Fire is a global disaster in the sense that it disrupts the
normal human activities and leaves behind its scars for some time to come [1]
Concrete is a good fire-resistant material due to its inherent non-combustibility and
poor thermal conductivity Concrete is specified in buildings and civil engineering
projects for several reasons sometimes cost and sometimes speed of construction or
architectural appearance but one of concretes major inherent benefits is its
performance in fire which may be overlooked in the race to consider all the factors
affecting design decisions
Concrete usually performs well in building fires However when its subjected to
prolonged fire exposure or unusually high temperatures concrete can suffer
significant distress Because concretes pre-fire compressive strength often exceeds
design requirements a modest strength reduction can be tolerated But large
temperatures can reduce the compressive strength of concrete so much that the
material retains no useful structural strength [2]
A study of RC columns is important because these are primary load bearing members
and a column could be crucial for the stability of the entire structure
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
12- Statement of Problem
During the recent war in the Gaza Strip the veil uncovered on the extent of disasters
on constructions It was noted the large scale of destruction resulting from fires which
were either from direct missile hits or through flammable materials and burning and
flammable (eg gasoline) in the residential and industrial compounds The Sultan
Tower located in Jabalia was damaged by burning of flammable materials
Concrete structures when subjected to fire showed good behavior in general The low
thermal conductivity of the concrete associated with its great capacity of thermal
insulation of the steel bars is responsible for this good behavior However a
phenomenon such as the concrete spalling may compromise the fire behavior of the
elements
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of the concrete
column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
To avoid spalling phenomenon several studies have been performed worldwide for
the development of concrete compositions of enhanced fire behavior
Concretes with polypropylene fibers showed good behavior at elevated temperatures
and controlling spalling of concrete [3]
In this research polypropylene fibers (PP) will be used in the concrete mix in order to
improve the resistance of RC columns to compression loads and also prevent spalling
of concrete in columns at elevated temperatures The polypropylene fibers (PP) will
be used in the reinforced concrete columns at different contents (05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3)
Also different concrete covers are to be used in order to study the effect of concrete
cover on elevated temperatures resistance of reinforced concrete columns
13- Research objectives
The main objective of this research is to increase the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns by preventing the spalling phenomenon of concrete
Access to fire-resistant concrete especially main structural elements such as concrete
columns through the following
1 Study the effect of concrete cover on enhancing fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns
2 Determine the best amount of polypropylene fibers (pp) to be used in the
concrete mix for improving fire resistance of RC columns to compression
loads
3 Study the effect of elevated temperature and duration on the mechanical
properties and elongation of the reinforcement steel bars and the effect of
concrete covers of 2 cm and 3 cm
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Introduction
11- Introduction
Fire impacts reinforced concrete (RC) members by raising the temperature of the
concrete mass This rise in temperature dramatically reduces the mechanical
properties of concrete and steel Moreover fire temperatures induce new strains
thermal and transient creep They might also result in explosive spalling of surface
pieces of concrete members Fire is a global disaster in the sense that it disrupts the
normal human activities and leaves behind its scars for some time to come [1]
Concrete is a good fire-resistant material due to its inherent non-combustibility and
poor thermal conductivity Concrete is specified in buildings and civil engineering
projects for several reasons sometimes cost and sometimes speed of construction or
architectural appearance but one of concretes major inherent benefits is its
performance in fire which may be overlooked in the race to consider all the factors
affecting design decisions
Concrete usually performs well in building fires However when its subjected to
prolonged fire exposure or unusually high temperatures concrete can suffer
significant distress Because concretes pre-fire compressive strength often exceeds
design requirements a modest strength reduction can be tolerated But large
temperatures can reduce the compressive strength of concrete so much that the
material retains no useful structural strength [2]
A study of RC columns is important because these are primary load bearing members
and a column could be crucial for the stability of the entire structure
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
12- Statement of Problem
During the recent war in the Gaza Strip the veil uncovered on the extent of disasters
on constructions It was noted the large scale of destruction resulting from fires which
were either from direct missile hits or through flammable materials and burning and
flammable (eg gasoline) in the residential and industrial compounds The Sultan
Tower located in Jabalia was damaged by burning of flammable materials
Concrete structures when subjected to fire showed good behavior in general The low
thermal conductivity of the concrete associated with its great capacity of thermal
insulation of the steel bars is responsible for this good behavior However a
phenomenon such as the concrete spalling may compromise the fire behavior of the
elements
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of the concrete
column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
To avoid spalling phenomenon several studies have been performed worldwide for
the development of concrete compositions of enhanced fire behavior
Concretes with polypropylene fibers showed good behavior at elevated temperatures
and controlling spalling of concrete [3]
In this research polypropylene fibers (PP) will be used in the concrete mix in order to
improve the resistance of RC columns to compression loads and also prevent spalling
of concrete in columns at elevated temperatures The polypropylene fibers (PP) will
be used in the reinforced concrete columns at different contents (05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3)
Also different concrete covers are to be used in order to study the effect of concrete
cover on elevated temperatures resistance of reinforced concrete columns
13- Research objectives
The main objective of this research is to increase the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns by preventing the spalling phenomenon of concrete
Access to fire-resistant concrete especially main structural elements such as concrete
columns through the following
1 Study the effect of concrete cover on enhancing fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns
2 Determine the best amount of polypropylene fibers (pp) to be used in the
concrete mix for improving fire resistance of RC columns to compression
loads
3 Study the effect of elevated temperature and duration on the mechanical
properties and elongation of the reinforcement steel bars and the effect of
concrete covers of 2 cm and 3 cm
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
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[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
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Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
12- Statement of Problem
During the recent war in the Gaza Strip the veil uncovered on the extent of disasters
on constructions It was noted the large scale of destruction resulting from fires which
were either from direct missile hits or through flammable materials and burning and
flammable (eg gasoline) in the residential and industrial compounds The Sultan
Tower located in Jabalia was damaged by burning of flammable materials
Concrete structures when subjected to fire showed good behavior in general The low
thermal conductivity of the concrete associated with its great capacity of thermal
insulation of the steel bars is responsible for this good behavior However a
phenomenon such as the concrete spalling may compromise the fire behavior of the
elements
Fig11 Reinforced Concrete Column subjected to Fire Al Sultan Tower Jabalia
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of the concrete
column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
To avoid spalling phenomenon several studies have been performed worldwide for
the development of concrete compositions of enhanced fire behavior
Concretes with polypropylene fibers showed good behavior at elevated temperatures
and controlling spalling of concrete [3]
In this research polypropylene fibers (PP) will be used in the concrete mix in order to
improve the resistance of RC columns to compression loads and also prevent spalling
of concrete in columns at elevated temperatures The polypropylene fibers (PP) will
be used in the reinforced concrete columns at different contents (05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3)
Also different concrete covers are to be used in order to study the effect of concrete
cover on elevated temperatures resistance of reinforced concrete columns
13- Research objectives
The main objective of this research is to increase the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns by preventing the spalling phenomenon of concrete
Access to fire-resistant concrete especially main structural elements such as concrete
columns through the following
1 Study the effect of concrete cover on enhancing fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns
2 Determine the best amount of polypropylene fibers (pp) to be used in the
concrete mix for improving fire resistance of RC columns to compression
loads
3 Study the effect of elevated temperature and duration on the mechanical
properties and elongation of the reinforcement steel bars and the effect of
concrete covers of 2 cm and 3 cm
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
Spalling of concrete leads to a decrease in the cross section area of the concrete
column and thereby decrease the resistances to axial loads as well as the
reinforcement steel bars become exposed directly to high temperatures
To avoid spalling phenomenon several studies have been performed worldwide for
the development of concrete compositions of enhanced fire behavior
Concretes with polypropylene fibers showed good behavior at elevated temperatures
and controlling spalling of concrete [3]
In this research polypropylene fibers (PP) will be used in the concrete mix in order to
improve the resistance of RC columns to compression loads and also prevent spalling
of concrete in columns at elevated temperatures The polypropylene fibers (PP) will
be used in the reinforced concrete columns at different contents (05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3)
Also different concrete covers are to be used in order to study the effect of concrete
cover on elevated temperatures resistance of reinforced concrete columns
13- Research objectives
The main objective of this research is to increase the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns by preventing the spalling phenomenon of concrete
Access to fire-resistant concrete especially main structural elements such as concrete
columns through the following
1 Study the effect of concrete cover on enhancing fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns
2 Determine the best amount of polypropylene fibers (pp) to be used in the
concrete mix for improving fire resistance of RC columns to compression
loads
3 Study the effect of elevated temperature and duration on the mechanical
properties and elongation of the reinforcement steel bars and the effect of
concrete covers of 2 cm and 3 cm
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
14-Research Methodology
1 Study the available researches related to the subject of the study
2 Execute a program of tests in laboratories inside and outside the Islamic
University of Gaza
Testing program will include the following
Define the properties of constitutive materials of concrete (cement fine
aggregate coarse aggregate steel reinforcement etc)
Examine the impact of polypropylene fibers (pp) on the reinforced
concrete casting with different contents (00 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075
kgmsup3) of polypropylene fibers
Heating columns specimens in an electric furnace for different periods
of time (2 4 and 6 hours) at temperature degrees (400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and
800 Cdeg)
3 Tests will be studying the capacity of the reinforced concrete columns under
axial load at materials and soil laboratory in the Islamic University of Gaza
4 Examination of reinforcement steel bars after exposure to elevated
temperature through the extraction of steel bars from column specimens then
subjecting those columns to yield stress test and maximum elongation ratio
5 Test results and data analysis
6 Conclusions and the recommendations of the research work based on the
experimental program results and data analysis
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH1 Introduction Reinforced Concrete Columns
15- Thesis Organization
The thesis contains 6 chapters as follows Thesis Organization
Chapter 1 (Introduction) This chapter gives some background on fire effect on
concrete structures especially reinforced concrete columns Also it gives a description
of the research importance scope objectives and methodology in addition to the
report organization
Chapter 2 (Literature Review) This chapter reviews a number of studies and
scientific research on the impact of fire on reinforced concrete columns and ways to
improve the resistance of concrete columns against fire load
Chapter 3 (Experimental program) determine the basic properties of materials
consisting of concrete such as aggregate sand cement preparation of concrete
columns samples heating process and test of samples after heating
Chapter 4 (Results amp Discussion) This chapter discusses the results of the tests that
were performed on reinforced concrete specimens and reinforcement steel bars
samples
Chapter 5 (Conclusions and Recommendations) This chapter includes the
concluded remarks main conclusions and recommendations drawn from the research
work
Chapter 6 (References)
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
LITERATURE REVIEW
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Literature Review
21-Introduction
Fire remains one of the serious potential risks to most buildings and structures The
extensive use of concrete as a structural material has led to the need to fully
understand the effect of fire on concrete Generally concrete is thought to have good
fire resistance The behavior of reinforced concrete columns under high temperature is
mainly affected by the strength of the concrete the changes of material property and
explosive spalling
The hardened concrete is dense homogeneous and has at least the same engineering
properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete However high temperatures
affect the strength of the concrete by explosive spalling and so affect the integrity of
the concrete structure
In recent years many researchers studied the fire behavior of concrete columns Their
studies included experimental and analytical evaluations for reinforced concrete
columns such as Paulo [3] Shihada [15] Ali [16] and Sideris [22]
This chapter discusses a number of researches and previous studies which were
conducted to study the effect of fire on reinforced concrete columns
22- Concrete
Concrete is a composite material that consists mainly of mineral aggregates bound by
a matrix of hydrated cement paste The matrix is highly porous and contains a
relatively large amount of free water unless artificially dried When exposing it to
high temperatures concrete undergoes changes in its chemical composition physical
structure and water content These changes occur primarily in the hardened cement
paste in unsealed conditions Such changes are reflected by changes in the physical
and the mechanical properties of concrete that are associated with temperature
increase Deterioration of concrete at high temperatures may appear in two forms
(1) Local damage (Cracks) in the material itself and Fig (21)
(2) Global damage resulting in the failure of the elements Fig (22) [4]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 21 Surface cracking after subjected to high temperatures [4]
Fig22 Structural failure [4]
One of the advantages of concrete over other building materials is its inherent fire
resistive properties however concrete structures must still be designed for fire
effects Structural components still must be able to withstand dead and live loads
without collapse even though the rise in temperature causes a decrease in the strength
and modulus of elasticity for concrete and steel reinforcement In addition fully
developed fires cause expansion of structural components and the resulting stresses
and strains must be resisted [5]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
221- Benefits of concrete under fire [6]
The benefits of concrete under fire include but not limited to the following
It does not burn or add to fire load
It has high resistance to fire preventing it from spreading thus reduces
resulting environmental pollution
It does not produce any smoke toxic gases or drip molten particles
It reduces the risk of structural collapse
It provides safe means of escape for occupants and access for firefighters
as it is an effective fire shield
It is not affected by the water used to put out a fire
It is easy to repair after a fire and thus helps residents and businesses
recover sooner
It resists extreme fire conditions making it ideal for storage facilities with
a high fire load
23- Physical and chemical response to fire
Fires are caused by accidents energy sources or natural means but the majority of
fires in buildings are caused by human errors Once a fire starts and the contents
andor materials in a building are burning then the fire spreads via radiation
convection or conduction with flames reaching temperatures of between 600 Cordm and
1200 Cordm
Fig (23) illustrates the behavior of reinforced concrete during heating and the degree
of effect at each degree of heating after one hour of exposure on three sides where the
increasing of temperature degree increases the deterioration of concrete member
Harm is caused by a combination of the effects of smoke and gases which are emitted
from burning materials and the effects of flames and high air temperatures [6]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig23 concrete in fire physiochemical process for one hour duration [6]
Chemical changes in the structure of concrete can be studied with thermo-
gravimetrical analyses The following chemical transformations can be observed by
the increase of temperature At around 100 Cordm the weight loss indicates water
evaporation from the micro pores Dehydration of ettringite
(3CaOAl2O3middot3CaSO4middot31H2O) occurs between 50 Cordm and 110 CordmThe mineralogical
composition of Portland cement shown in Table (21)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
At 200 Cordm further dehydration takes place which causes small weight loss in case of
various moisture contents The weight loss was different until the local pore water and
the chemically bound water were gone Further weight loss was not perceptible at
around 250-300 Cordm During heating the endothermic dehydration of Ca (OH)2 occurs
between 450 Cordm and 550 Cordm (Ca (OH)2 rarr CaO + H2O Dehydration of calcium-
silicate-hydrates was found at the temperature of 700 Cordm [4]
Table 21 Mineralogical Composition of Portland cement
Some changes in color may also occur during the exposure for temperatures Between
300 Cordm and 600 Cordm color is to be light pink for temperatures between 600 Cordm and 900
Cordm color is to be light grey and for temperatures over 900 Cordm color is to be dark Beige
Creamy
The alterations produced by high temperatures are more evident when the temperature
surpasses 500Cordm Most changes experienced by concrete at this temperature level are
considered irreversible C-S-H gel which is the strength giving compound of cement
paste decomposes further above 600 Cordm At 800 Cordm concrete is usually crumbled and
above 1150 Cordm feldspar melts and the other minerals of the cement paste turn into a
glass phase As a result severe micro structural changes are induced and concrete
loses its strength and durability
Concrete is a composite material produced from aggregate cement and water
Therefore the type and properties of aggregate also play an important role on the
properties of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures
Mineralogical composition contribution ratio ( )
C3S (3 CaO SiO2) 3895
C2S (2 CaO SiO2) 3055
C3A (3 CaO Al2O3) 991
C4AF (4 CaO Al2O3 Fe2O3) 1198
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The strength degradations of concretes with different aggregates are not same under
high temperatures
This is attributed to the mineral structure of the aggregates Quartz in siliceous
aggregates polymorphically changes at 570 Cordm with a volume expansion and
consequent damage
In limestone aggregate concrete CaCO3 turns into CaO at 800900 Cordm and expands
with temperature Shrinkage may also start due to the decomposition of CaCO3 into
CO2 and CaO with volume changes causing destructions Consequently elevated
temperatures and fire may cause aesthetic and functional deteriorations to the
buildings
Aesthetic damage is generally easy to repair while functional impairments are more
profound and may require partial or total repair or replacement depending on their
severity [7]
24- Spalling
One of the most complex and hence poorly understood behavioral characteristics in
the reaction of concrete to high temperatures or fire is the phenomenon of spalling
This process is often assumed to occur only at high temperatures yet it has also been
observed in the early stages of a fire and at temperatures as low as 200 Cordm If severe
spalling can have a deleterious effect on the strength of reinforced concrete structures
due to enhanced heating of the steel reinforcement see Fig (24)
Spalling may significantly reduce or even eliminate the layer of concrete cover to the
reinforcement bars thereby exposing the reinforcement to high temperatures leading
to a reduction of strength of the steel and hence a deterioration of the mechanical
properties of the structure as a whole Another significant impact of spalling upon the
physical strength of structures occurs via reduction of the cross-section of concrete
available to support the imposed loading increasing the stress on the remaining areas
of concrete This can be important as spalling may manifest itself at relatively low
temperatures before any other negative effects of heating on the strength of concrete
have taken place [8]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig 24 Spalling in concrete column subjected to fire (Alsultan Tower Jabalia North Gaza Strip)
241- Mechanisms of Spalling
Spalling of concrete is generally categorized as pore pressure induced spalling
thermal stress induced spalling or a combination of the two
Spalling of concrete surfaces may have two reasons
(1) Increased internal vapor pressure (mainly for normal strength concretes) and
(2) Overloading of concrete compressed zones (mainly for high strength concretes)
The spalling mechanism of concrete cover is visualized in Fig (25)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig25The spalling mechanism of concrete covers [4]
As concrete is heated the free water vaporizes at100 Cordm and expands thereby
resulting in increasedpore pressures Migration of some of this vapor to theinterior of
the concrete member where it cools andcondenses will result in an increasingly
wet zonesometimes referred to as moisture clog At somedistance from the hot
surface the vapor frontreaches a critical point at which a maximum porepressure is
achieved (further movement will result ina reduction in pressure)
The distance of this pointfrom the heated surface will depend on other concretes
permeability Pore pressure spalling occurs ifthe maximum pore pressure is greater
than the localtensile strength of the concrete However no porepressures have yet
been measured which would exceed the tensile strength of concrete which suggests
that pore pressure in isolation does not lead to theoccurrence of spalling
Strong thermal gradients develop in concrete as it isheated due to its low thermal
conductivity and highspecific heat These thermal gradients induce compressive
stresses close to the surface due to restrained thermal expansion and tensile stresses in
thecooler interior regions [9]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
It is most likely that spalling occurs due to the combination of tensile stresses induced
by thermal expansion and increased pore pressure Much debatestill surrounds the
identification of the key mechanism (pore pressure or thermal stress) However it is
noted that the keymechanism may change depending upon the sectionsize material
and moisture content [5]
25- Spalling Prevention Measures
There are some principal methods by which the incidence of spalling can be reduced
251- Polypropylene fibers
One well-known method is the addition of polypropylene (pp) fibers to the concrete
mix This approach works on the basis that as the concrete is heated by fire the
Polypropylene fibers melt at about 160 Cordm - 170 Cordm thus creating channels for vapor to
escape and thereby release pore pressures The influence of compressive load during
heating is important Fig (26)
Fig26 Polypropylene fibers provide protection against spalling [10]
Tests have indicated that for unloaded concrete 1kg of fibers per msup3 of concrete may
be sufficient to eliminate spalling For a load of 3 Nmmsup2 the fiber content needs to be
increased to 15-2 kgmsup3 and for a load of 6 Nmmsup2 a further increase to 3 kmsup3 may
be required to combat explosive spalling Although concrete segments are lightly
stressed under normal conditions it should be pointed out that a circumferential
compressive hoop stress will develop in the concrete during heating which is a
function of the thermal expansion of the aggregate [10]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
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[1]
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[2]
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[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
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[5]
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[6]
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[8]
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[9]
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[10]
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[11]
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[12]
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[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
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Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
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[25]
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Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
252- Thermal barriers
Another anti-spalling measure is to place thermal barrier over the concrete surface a
method sometimes used in tunnel construction Thermal barriers reduce the rate of
heating (and peak temperatures) within the concrete and thus reduce the risk of
explosive spalling as well as loss of mechanical strength They are therefore the most
effective method (pp fibers do not reduce temperatures) However there are two
potential drawbacks (a) the cost of the insulation is likely to be more than that of the
fibers and (b) with some of the manufacturers there has been a problem with
delaminating during normal service conditions
The design criteria normally are to apply a sufficient thickness of coating so as to
reduce the maximum temperature at the surface of the concrete to below about 300 Cordm
and the maximum temperature at the steel rebar to about 250 Cordm within 2- hours of the
fire It should be noted that experience indicates that while 25 mm of coating may be
adequate for concrete strength up to about C60 a coating thickness of 35mm may be
required for high strength concrete to avoid explosive spalling
Also there are some methods as
1- Spray coating of finished concrete with a substance that slows down the rate of
heat transfer from fire It is the rate of temperature change in the concrete that has
been proven to be at least as important a cause of spalling as the ongoing exposure
to high temperature itself
2- The relatively new concept to counter the spalling threat is to provide vents in the
concrete to alleviate pore pressure [9]
26- Cracking
The processes leading to cracking are generally believed to be similar to those which
generate spalling Thermal expansion and dehydration of the concrete due to heating
may lead to the formation of fissures in the concrete rather than or in addition to
explosive spalling These fissures may provide pathways for direct heating of the
reinforcement bars possibly bringing about more thermal stress and further cracking
Under certain circum stances the cracks may provide path ways for fire to spread
between adjoining compartments Fig (27)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
The penetration depth of the crack is related to the temperature of the fire and that
generally the cracks extended quite deep into the concrete member Major damage
was confined to the surface near to the fire origin but the nature of cracking and
discoloration of the concrete pointed to the concrete around the reinforcement
reaching 700 degC Cracks which extended more than 30 mm into the depth of the
structure were attributed to a short heatingcooling cycle due to the fire being
extinguished [11]
The importance of the stress conditions in the concrete should be noted Compressive
loads which may arise from thermal expansion can be very beneficial in compact the
material and suppressing the formation of cracks this results in much smaller
degradation of compressive strength and elastic modulus than in specimens bearing
reduced loading [12]
Fig27 Thermal cracks in a concrete column subjected to high temperature [13]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
27- Effect of Fire on Concrete
Concrete is arguably the most important building material playing a part in all
building structures Its virtue is its versatility ie its ability to be molded to take up
the shapes required for the various structural forms It is also very durable and fire
resistant when specification and construction procedures are correct Concrete can be
used for all standard buildings both single storey and multistory and for containment
and retaining structures and bridges
Under normal conditions most concrete structures are subjected to a range of
temperatures no more severe than that imposed by ambient environmental conditions
However there are important cases where these structures may be exposed to much
higher temperatures (eg building fires chemical and metallurgical industrial
applications in which the concrete is in close proximity to furnaces some nuclear
power-related postulated accident conditions and buildings that subjected to bombing
and arson)
Concretes thermal properties are more complex than for most materials because not
only is the concrete a composite material whose constituents have different properties
but its properties also depending on moisture and porosity Exposure of concrete to
elevated temperature affects its mechanical and physical properties Elements could
distort and displace and under certain conditions the concrete surfaces could spall
due to the buildup of steam pressure Because thermally induced dimensional
changes loss of structural integrity and release of moisture and gases resulting from
the migration of free water could adversely affect plant operations and safety a
complete understanding of the behavior of concrete under long-term elevated-
temperature exposure as well as both during and after a thermal excursion resulting
from a postulated design-basis accident condition is essential for reliable design
evaluations and assessments Because the properties of concrete change with respect
to time and the environment to which it is exposed an assessment of the effects of
concrete aging is also important in performing safety evaluations [14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
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[1]
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[2]
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[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
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[7]
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[8]
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[9]
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[11]
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[12]
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Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
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[15]
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[16]
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[17]
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[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Paulo et al [3] presented the results of a research program on the behavior of fiber
reinforced concrete columns under fire Polypropylene fibers were included in the
concrete in order to enhance the fire behavior of the columns and avoid concrete
spalling Polypropylene fibers under elevated temperatures will create a network of
micro-channels for the escape of the water vapor and the use of polypropylene in
concrete improves the behavior of the columns in fire Thus the use of polypropylene
fibers can control the spalling
Shihada [15] Investigated the effect of Polypropylene fibers on fire resistance of
concrete In order to achieve this three concrete mixtures are prepared using different
percentages of Polypropylene 0 05 and 1 by volume Out of these mixes
cubes (100 times 100 times 100 mm) in dimension were cast and cured for 28 days The cubes
were then burned at 200 Cdeg 400 Cdeg and 600 Cdeg for 2 4 and 6 hours for each of the
three temperatures and tested for compressive strength Based on the results of the
experimental program it is concluded when Polypropylene fibers are used in certain
amounts they improve fire resistance of concrete Furthermore it is observed that
concrete mixes prepared using 05 by volume reserve more than 84 of the initial
compressive strength when burned at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours On the other hand samples
prepared using 0 Polypropylene reserve about 50 of their initial strength under
the same temperature and duration
Ali et al [16] presented the results of a major research executed on high and normal
strength concrete elements The parametric study investigated the effect of restraint
degree loading level and heating rates on the performance of concrete columns
subjected to elevated temperatures with a special attention directed to explosive
spalling The study included a useful comparison between the performance of high
and normal strength concrete columns in fire
Using polypropylene fibers in the concrete (3 kgmᶟ) reduced the degree of spalling
from 22 to less than 1 Also the study illustrated a method of preventing explosive
spalling using polypropylene fibers in the concrete
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Hodhod et al [17] investigated the effect of different coating types and thicknesses on
the residual load capacities of reinforced concrete loaded columns when subjected to
symmetrical temperature rise up to 650 Cdeg for 30 minutes Seventeen RC column
specimens with concrete cover of 10 cm and a specimen dimensions (100 mm x150
mm x700 mm) were cast and reinforced with 4Ouml6 mm longitudinal reinforcement
bars and 7 Ouml 35 mm stirrups equally distributed along the length
Five different types of coating were used in this study namely traditional-cement
plaster perlite-cement vermiculite-cement LECA-cement and perlitegypsum Three
different thicknesses of 15 25 and 35 cm were used
Every column specimen was equipped with eight thermocouples to measure the
temperature distributions in side the specimen at mid height An electric furnace has
been used in this work Every specimen was exposed to the simultaneous effect of the
axial service load and temperature of 650 Cordm for 30-minutes period The readings of
applied loads and thermocouples were recorded at 5-minuts interval Testing the
columns after cooling to obtain their residual axial load capacity showed that perlite
proves to be the most effective plaster in increasing the loaded columns resistance to
elevated temperature Specimens coated with vermiculite cement came in the second
place Specimens coated with LECA-cement came in the third place Finally
specimens coated with traditional-cement came in the last place
Hertz and Soslashrensen [18] discussed a new material test method for determining
whether or not an actual concrete may suffer from explosive spalling at a specified
moisture level The method takes into account the effect of stresses from hindered
thermal expansion at the fire-exposed surface Cylinders are used for testing the
compressive strength Consequently the method is quick cheap and easy to use in
comparison to the alternative of testing full-scale or semi full-scale structures with
correct humidity load and boundary conditions A number of concretes have been
studied using this method and it is concluded that sufficient quantities of
polypropylene fibers of suitable characteristics may prevent spalling of a concrete
even when thermal expansion is restrained
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Jau and Huang [19] investigated the behavior of corner columns under axial loading
biaxial bending and a symmetric fire loading They concluded that under a
longitudinal stress ratio of 010 f`c the residual strength ratios of the columns after fire
loading show
(a) The 2 and 4 hours fire loadings resulted in residual strength ratios of 67 and
57 respectively Compared with unheated columns a 10 reduction on residual
strength results as the duration changes from 2 to 4 hours
(b) Increasing the thickness of concrete cover caused lower residual strength ratios
It was also found that the temperature distribution across the cross-section was not
affected by concrete cover thickness The residual strengths can be used for future
evaluation repair and strengthening
Chen et al [20] investigated the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of
concretes cured for different periods and exposed to high temperatures The effects of
the duration of curing maximum temperature and the type of cooling on the strengths
of concrete were also investigated Experimental results indicated that after exposure
to high temperatures up to 800 Cdeg early-age concrete that was cured for a certain
period can regain 80 of the compressive strength of the control sample of concrete
The 3-day-cured early-age concrete was observed to recover the most strength The
type of cooling also affected the level of recovery of compressive and splitting tensile
strength For early-age affected concrete the relative recovered strengths of
specimens cooled by sprayed water were higher than those of specimens cooled in air
when exposed to temperatures below 800 Cdeg while the changes for 28-day concrete
were the converse When the maximum temperature exceeded 800 Cdeg the relative
strength values of all specimens cooled by water spray were lower than those of
specimens cooled in air
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Chen et al [2] they studied an experimental research on the effect of fire exposure
time on the post-fire behavior of reinforced concrete columns Nine reinforced
concrete columns (45 mm x 30 mm x 300 mm) with two longitudinal reinforcement
ratios (14 and 23) were exposed to fire for 2 and 4 hours with a constant preload
One month after cooling the specimens were tested under axial load combined with
uniaxial or biaxial bending The test results showed that the residual load-bearing
capacity decreased with increasing fire exposure time This deterioration in strength
which is followed by an increase in fire exposure time can be slowed down by the
strength recovery of hot rolled reinforcing bars after cooling In addition the
reduction in residual stiffness was higher than that in ultimate load consequently
much attention should be given to the deformation and stress redistribution of the
reinforced concrete buildings subject to earthquakes after afire
Komonen and Penttala [21] investigated the effect of high temperature on the
residual properties of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced Portland cement paste
Plain Portland cement paste having watercement ratio of 032 was exposed to the
temperatures of 20 50 75 100 120 150 200 300 400 440 520 600 700 800 and
1000 Cdeg Paste with polypropylene fibers was exposed to the temperature of 20 120
150 200 300 440 520 and 700 Cdeg Residual compressive and flexural strengths
were measured The gradual heating coarsened the pore structure At 600 Cdeg the
residual compressive capacity (fc600 Cdegfc20 Cdeg) was still over 50 of the original
Strength loss due to the increase of temperature was not linear Polypropylene fibers
produced a finer residual capillary pore structure decreased compressive strengths
and improved residual flexural strengths at low temperatures According to the tests it
seems that exposure temperatures from 50 Cdeg to 120 Cdeg can be as dangerous as
exposure temperatures 400500 Cdeg to the residual strength of cement paste produced
by a low water cement ratio
Sideris et al [22 ] studied the mechanical characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
subjected to high temperatures Fiber reinforced concrete is produced by addition of
Polypropylene fibers in the mixtures at dosages of 5 kgmsup3 At the age of 120 days
specimens are heated to maximum temperatures of 100 300 500 and 700 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
Specimens are then allowed to cool in the furnace and tested for compressive strength
Residual strength is reduced almost linearly up to 700 Cdeg The study recommended
the use polypropylene fibers as part of a total spalling protection design method in
combination with other materials such as external thermal barriers Otherwise the
overall thickness of the concrete members should be increased to provide a sacrificial
layer who will be removed after fire in order to efficiently repair the structure
28-Performance of reinforcement in fire The performance of steel during a fire is understood to a higher degree than the
performance of concrete and the strength of steel at a given temperature can be
predicted with reasonable confidence It is generally held that steel reinforcement bars
need to be protected from exposure to temperatures in excess of 250-300 Cordm This is
due to the fact that steels with low carbon contents are known to exhibit blue
brittleness between 200 and 300 Cordm Concrete and steel exhibit similar thermal
expansion at temperatures up to 400 Cordm however higher temperatures will result in
significant expansion of the steel com pared to the concrete and if temperatures of the
order of 700 Cordm are attained the load-bearing capacity of the steel reinforcement will
be reduced to about 20 of its de sign value Bond failure may be important at high
temperatures as discussed in section Physical and chemical response to fire
Reinforcement can also have a significant effect on the transport of water within a
heated concrete member creating impermeable regions where moisture may become
trapped This forces the water to flow around the bars increasing the pore pressure in
some areas of the concrete and therefore potentially enhancing the risk of spalling On
the other hand these areas of trapped water also alter the heat flow near the
reinforcement tending to reduce the temperatures of the internal concrete [8]
29- Effect of Fire on Steel Reinforcement
Uumlnluumloethlu et al [23] investigated the mechanical properties of steel reinforcement bars
after the exposure to high temperatures Plain steel reinforcing steel bars embedded
into mortar and plain mortar specimens were prepared and exposed to 20 Cdeg 100 Cdeg
200 Cdeg 300 Cdeg 500 Cdeg 800 Cdeg and 950 Cdeg temperatures for 3 hours individually A
concrete cover of 25 mm provides protection against high temperatures up to 400 Cdeg
The high temperature exposed plain steel and the steel with 25-mm cover has the
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
same characteristics when the reinforcing steel is exposed to a temperature 250 Cdeg
above the exposure temperature of plain steel
Mamillapalli[6] investigated the impact of the elevated temperatures on
reinforcement steel bars by heating the bars to 100deg Cdeg 300 Cdeg 600 Cdeg 900 Cdeg The
heated samples were rapidly cooled by quenching in water and normally by air
cooling The changes in the mechanical properties are studied using universal testing
machine (UTM) The impact of elevated temperature above 900 Cdeg on the
reinforcement bars was observed
There was significant reduction in ductility when rapidly cooled by quenching In the
same case when cooled in normal atmospheric conditions the impact of temperature
on ductility was not high
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [24] investigated the mechanical properties of reinforcement
steel bars after exposure of elevated temperatures The mortar was prepared with
CEM I 425N cement and fired clay The S 420a B16 mm ribbed steel bars were used
to prepare (56 x 56 x 290) mm (76 x 76 x 310) mm (96 x 96 x 330) mm and (116 x
116 x 350) mm specimens with concrete covers of (20 30 40 and 50) mm against
elevated temperatures up to 800 Cordm The reinforcement steel bars were embedded in
mortars and then specimens were exposed to 20 100 200 300 500 and 800 Cordm
temperatures for 3 hours individually After the cooling process the specimens were
cured for 28 days The mechanical tests were conducted on cooled specimens and the
ultimate tensile strength yield strength and elongation of mortar specimens at various
temperatures were also determined at the end of the experiments It is observed that a
cover of 20 30 40 and 50 mm thickness provides a protection to rebar in exposure of
high temperatures The cover reduces the losses in yield and tensile strengths of rebar
and ensures 15 higher strength compared to rebar without cover For temperatures
up to 300 Cdeg rebar with cover had the same yield and tensile strengths with that of
the rebar without cover in exposure to elevated temperatures However when the
temperature increases up to 800 Cdeg the rebar without cover loses an average of 80
of its strength capacities compared with a 20 loss for the rebars with cover It was
observed that 20 30 40 and 50 mm cover thickness was not sufficient to protect the
mechanical properties of rebars in exposure of temperatures above 500 Cdeg
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH2 Literature Review Reinforced Concrete Columns
210- Effect of Fire on Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) columns
Kodur et al [25] presented the results of a full-scale fire resistance experiments on
three insulated FRP-strengthened reinforced concrete reinforced concrete columns A
comparison was made between the fire performances of FRP-strengthened RC
columns and conventional unstrengthened reinforced concrete columns
Data obtained during the experiments is used to show that the fire behavior of FRP-
wrapped concrete columns incorporating appropriate fire protection systems was as
good as that of unstrengthened RC columns Thus satisfactory fire resistance ratings
for FRP-wrapped concrete columns could be obtained by properly incorporating
appropriate fire protection measures into the overall FRP-strengthened structural
systems Fire endurance criteria and preliminary design recommendations for fire
safety of FRP-strengthened RC columns were also briefly discussed The performance
of protected FRP-strengthened square RC columns at high temperatures can be
similar to or better than that of conventional RC columns
Chowdhurya et al [26] demonstrated that fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) could be
used efficiently and safely in strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete
structures In there study they were presented the recent results of an experimental
study of the fire performance of FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete circular columns
The results of fire tests on two columns were presented one of which was tested
without supplemental fire protection and one of which was protected by a
supplemental fire protection system applied to the exterior of the FRP-strengthening
system The primary objective of these tests was to compare fire behavior of the two
FRP-wrapped columns and to investigate the effectiveness of the supplemental
insulation systems
The thermal and structural behaviors of the two columns were discussed The results
show that although FRP systems are sensitive to high temperatures satisfactory fire
endurance ratings could be achieved for reinforced concrete columns that were
strengthened with FRP systems by providing adequate supplemental fire protection
In particular the insulated FRP-strengthened column was able to resist elevated
temperatures during the fire tests for at least 90 minutes longer than the equivalent
uninsulated FRP-strengthened column
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
EXPIRIMINTAL PROGRAM
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Experimental Program
31- Introduction
The experimental program consists of fire endurance tests These tests will examine
the effect of high temperatures on reinforced concrete columns and testing their
compressive strength The program consist of 3 types of small scale reinforced
concrete columns (100 mm x 100 mm x 300 mm) one type of specimens is free from
polypropylene and the other two types contain 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3 of
polypropylene fibers samples of this group have the same concrete cover (20 cm)
The samples will be tested at (ambient temperature 400 Cdeg 600 Cdeg and 800 Cdeg) at
(0 2 4 and 6 hours) exposure The other groups have a concrete cover of 30 cm and
will be tested at 600 Cdeg for 6 hours to determine the behavior of RC column with
deferent concrete covers at high temperatures
In addition the behavior of steel reinforcement under high temperature 800 Cdeg with
different concrete covers (0 cm 2 cm and 3 cm) is tested
32-Materials and Their Quality Tests
It is very important to know the properties and characteristics of constituent materials
of concrete as we know concrete is a composite material made up of several different
materials such as aggregate sand water cement and admixture These materials have
properties and different characteristics such as Unit weight Specific gravity size
gradation and water content etc
We must therefore work out necessary tests on these components and that to know
the unique characteristics and their impact on the strength of concrete
The necessary tests are conducted in the laboratory of materials and soil in the Islamic
University and in accordance with ASTM American Society for Testing and
Materials
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
321-Aggregate Quality Tests
3211- Unit Weight of Aggregate
Unit weight ( ) can be defined as the weight of a given volume of graded aggregate
It is thus a measurement and is also known as bulk density but this alternative term is
similar to bulk specific gravity which is quite a different quantity and perhaps is not
a good choice The unit weight effectively measures the volume that the graded
aggregate will occupy in concrete and includes both the solid aggregate particles and
the voids between them The unit weight is simply measured by filling a container of
known volume and weighting it based on ASTM C 566 [27]
However the degree of compaction will change the amount of void space and hence
the value of the unit weight
Table31 Capacity of Measures
Capacity of
Measure (Liter)
MaxAggregate
Size (mm)
28 125
93 25
14375
28 75
The sample shall be in oven dry condition and the capacity of measures are shown in
Table (31) the molds of unit weight test for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in
Fig (31)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig31 Mold of Unit Weight test [IUG-Lab]
The unite weights of coarse and dine aggregate are shown in Table (32)
Table 32 Unit weight test results
Dry unit weight 144400 kg m3Coarse aggregate
SSD unit weight 14604 kg m3
Dry unit weight 144000 kg m3Fine aggregate sand
SSD unit weight 144540 kg m3
3212- Specific Gravity of Aggregate
The density of the aggregates is required in mix proportioning to establish weight -
volume relationships The density is expressed as the specific gravity Specific gravity
is defined as the ratio of the weight of a unit volume of aggregate to the weight of an
equal volume of water Specific gravity expresses the density of the solid fraction of
the aggregate in concrete mixes as well as to determine the volume of pores in the
mix
Specific Gravity (SG) = (density of solid) (density of water)
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Since densities are determined by displacement in water specific gravities are
naturally and easily calculated and can be used with any system of units The specific
gravity tested for coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Fig (32)
The specific gravity of aggregate is to determine the volume of aggregates in a
concrete mix as well as to determine the volume of pores in the mix based on ASTM
C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
Fig32 Specific Gravity test equipments [IUG-Lab]
The specific gravity of coarse and fine aggregate is shown in Table (33)
Table33 Specific gravity of aggregate
Bulk (Gs) SSD 263
Bulk (Gs) dry 255 Coarse aggregate
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 2632
Bulk (Gs) SSD 216
Bulk (Gs) dry 215 Fine aggregate sand
Apparent Bulk (Gs) 217
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3213- Moisture content of Aggregate
Since aggregates are porous (to some extent) they can absorb moisture However this
is a concern for Portland cement concrete because aggregate is generally not dry and
therefore the aggregate moisture content will affect the water content and thus the
water-cement ratio also of the produced Portland cement concrete and the water
content also affects aggregate proportioning (because it contributes to aggregate
weight) based on ASTM C127 and ASTM C128 [2829]
The moisture content values of coarse and fine aggregate are shown in Table (34)
Table34 Moisture content values
Coarse aggregate 28
Fine aggregate Sand 0994
3214-Resistance to Degradation by Abrasion amp Impaction test
The Los Angeles test is a measure of aggregate resulting from a combination of
actions including abrasion impact and grinding in a rotating steel drum containing a
specified number of steel spheres The Los Angeles test has a wide use as an indicator
of aggregate quality shown in Fig (33) based on ASTM C131 [30]
The charge shall consist of steel spheres averaging approximately 468 mm in
diameter and each weighing between 390 and 445 g details are shown in Table (35)
Abrasion Loss shall be not more than 50
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Fig33 Los Angeles test (Abrasion) Machine [30]
The charge depending on the grading of the test sample shall be as follows
Table35 Number of steel spheres for each grade of the test sample
Grading Number of Spheres Weight of Charge g
A 12 5000 +- 25
B 11 4584 +- 25
C 8 3330 +- 20
D 6 2500 +- 15
A 12 5000 +- 25
Abrasion Loss = ( Woriginal Wfinal ) Woriginal 100
Original weight = 5000 gm
Final weight = 39778 gm
Abrasion = (5000 - 39778 5000) 100 = 2044 lt 50 OK
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3215-Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
The size of aggregate particles differs from aggregate to another and for the same
aggregate the size is different So in this test we will determine the particle size
distribution of fine and coarse aggregate by sieving This method is used to determine
the compliance of the aggregate gradation with specific requirements ASTM C136
[31]
Table (36) and Fig (34) illustrate the results of sieve analysis test for coarse and fine
aggregate
Table 36 sieve analysis of aggregate
SIEVE SIZE Wt Retained Passing
NO size ( mm ) Retained(gm)
15 375 0 000 10000
1 25 350 471 9529
34 19 20925 2818 7182
12 125 31225 4205 5795
38 95 37275 5020 4980
4 475 47975 6461 3539
10 2 1923 2732 2755
16 118 2935 4169 2211
30 06 3901 5541 1690
40 0425 4569 6490 1331
50 03 4929 7001 1137
100 0125 5624 7989 763
200 0075 6385 9070 353
- ASTM C136 maximum and minimum limits for aggregate size distribution
Sieve 15 1 34 4 200
Passing 100 75 - 100 60 - 90 30 - 65 50 - 10
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Sieve Analysis Curve
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
001 01 1 10 100 Dia (mm)
P
assi
ng
Test Sample
ASTM Min Limit
ASTM Max Limit
Fig 34 Sieve Analysis of Aggregate
3216-Cement
The cement type which was used for this research is Portland Cement EN 197-1
CEM I 425 R amp EN 197-1 CEM I 425 N produced in Turkey and the properties
of cement met the requirement of ASTM C 150 specifications Table (37)
summarizes the properties of this cement [32]
Table37 Ordinary Portland cement properties Test Results
No Description Sample Results Specification ASTM C-150
1- Normal Consistency 27
2-
Setting Time
1-Initial Setting (min)
2-Finial Setting (min)
100
165
gt45
lt375
3-
compressive strength
(MPa)
1- 3-days
2- 28-days
----
315
Min 12 MPa
No Limit
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
3217-Water Drinking water was used in all concrete mixtures and in the curing all of the test
samples
3218-Polypropylene Fibers (PP)
Polypropylene is a plastic polymer that was developed in the middle of the 20th
century Over the years polypropylene has been used in a number of applications
most notably as fiber for carpeting and upholstery for furniture and car seats
Polypropylene has also make an industrial revolution with the plastics industry
providing an inexpensive material that can be used to create all sorts of plastic
products for the home and office recently become widely used in the construction
industry in order to enhance fire resistance concrete Table (38) shows the property
of polypropylene fibers used in this research work and Fig (38) shows the shape of
the used sample
Table 38 Properties of Polypropylene fibers
Fig 35Polypropylene Fibers
Property Polypropylene Unit weight (kgmsup3) 09 091 Tensile strength (MPa) 400 Fiber Length(mm) 3 - 19 Melting point (Cordm) 170-160 Thermal conductivity (wmk) 012 Density ( kgmsup3) 091 kgm3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
33- Mix Proportions
Concrete consists of different ingredients The ingredients have their different
individual properties Strength workability and durability of the concrete depend
heavily on the concrete mix ration of the individual ingredients Since the process of
concrete formation is a unidirectional chemical reaction concrete gets its different
properties all together In this research work three mixes for different contents of PP
(0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) were used
Design Requirements
1- Characteristic cube concrete strength (cube) fc 300 kgcmsup2
2- Max water cement ratio (wc) 056
3- Minimum cement content 350 kgmsup3
4- Max Aggregate Size 34 (20mm) crushed limestone aggregate
The following tables (Table 39) illustrate the mix design of the column samples
Table39 mix design of the concrete column samples
Weight per one cubic meter kgm3
Materials Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3
Cement 350 350 350
Water 196 196 196
Coarse aggregate 1092 1092 1092
Fine aggregate sand 728 728 728
Polypropylene PP 000 05 075
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
34-Sample Categories
All columns samples were fabricated to satisfy the requirements of ACI 2111 code
the samples are 100 mm x 100 mm and 300 mm in dimensions The main
reinforcement steel bars are 4Ocirc10 mm 25 cm in length and 3 stirrups Ocirc 6 mm in
diameter Fig (36)
The total number of reinforced concrete samples will be 123 samples
30 c
m
10 cm
Y10 mm
main reinforcement
Y6 mm
For stirrups
Fig36 Dimension and Reinforcement Details of Samples
The total number of concrete columns samples was 123 samples and the samples
were categorized and distributed according to the following factors
1- A mount of polypropylene fibers PP (0 kgmsup3 05 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
2- According to concrete cover thickness ( 2 cm 3cm )
3- According to time of heating (0 2 4 and 6 hours)
4- According to degree of temperature (0 400 600 and 800 Cordm)
The following tables (Table310 Table311 Table312 Table313 and Table314)
illustrate the samples categories
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
RC Concrete Samples Category
Table310 Concrete without PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 30 0 0 0
9 0 3 3 3 2
9 0 3 3 3 4
9 0 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table311 Concrete with 05 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
33
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table312 Concrete with 075 Kgmsup3 PP and cover 20 cm
Temperature Time (hrs) TotalRoom Tempt 400 Cdeg600 Cdeg 800 Cdeg
3 3
0 0 0 0 9 0
3 3 3 2 9 0
3 3 3 4 9 0
3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
Table313 Concrete with concrete covers 30 cm
Polypropylene AmountTime (hrs) TotalTempt Cdeg075 Kgmsup305 Kgmsup300 Kgmsup3
3600 Cdeg0 0 0 0
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 2
9 600 Cdeg3 3 3 4
9 600 Cdeg 3 3 3 6
Total No of samples = 30
For steel reinforcement the concrete samples are 60 cm in length and the
reinforcement steel bars are 50 cm in length the steel reinforcement are extracted
from concrete columns after heating and testing for tensile strength Table (314)
Table314 Concrete without PP
Concrete Cover Time (hrs) TotalTempt 3 cm2 cm 0 cm
3800 Cdeg1 1 1 6
Total No of samples = 3
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
35- Mixing casting and curing procedures
351- Mixing procedures
The concrete mixture were made according to the previous mix design after the
required amounts of all constituent material are weighed properly and then they are
mixed The aim of mixing is that all aggregate particles should be surrounded by the
cement paste and Polypropylene if any All the materials should be distributed
homogenously in the concrete mass A mechanical mixer was used in the mixing
process shown in Fig (37)
Fig37 Mechanical mixer
352-Casting procedures
The fresh concrete was cast in a timber moulds these moulds were prepared with 4
reinforcement steel bars Ouml 10 mm in diameter as shown in Fig (38)
Fig38 Form of the timber moulds used for preparing specimens
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
353-Curing procedures
- After the fresh concrete has hardened all samples were submerged completely in
water for a week
- After a week in water the samples were left in the open air until the end of 28 day
period Fig (39)
The curing process was done according to ASTM C192 [33]
Fig39 Curing process for hardened concrete
36-Heating Process
After finishing the curing process for the samples the heating process was executed
for the samples in an electrical furnace at Sharaf Factory for Metal Industries for
temperatures of (400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800 Cordm) shown in Fig (310)
The flowchart in Fig (311) illustrates the distribution of samples for heating process
Fig310 Electrical Furnace for Burning process [ Sharaf Factory]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
2 Cm
07505 00
2 hrs
PP
Duration 4 hrs 6 hrs
400 C Temp Degree 600 C 800 C
3 Cm
6 hrs
600 C
Concret Mix
Concret Cover
00 05 075
Fig 311 Heating process Flow chart
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
37-Compressive and Tensile Strength Tests
After the all concrete samples were exposed to high temperatures the reinforced
concrete columns are tested for axial load capacity Fig (312) For each group of
reinforced concrete columns 3 samples were prepared and tested it in order to obtain
averaged value and then the results are taken and analyzed
This test was done according to the ASTM C109 [34]
Fig312 Compressive strength Machine [IUG-Lab]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH3 Experimental Program Reinforced Concrete Columns
38- Reinforcing Steel Tests
After exposure of the reinforcement steel bars to elevated temperature (800 Cordm) for 6
hours the reinforcement bars were extracted from the columns samples and then
yield stress test was done Fig (313)
This test was done according to ASTM A 370[35]
Fig313 Tensile strength test for reinforcement steel [IUG-Lab]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Results amp Discussion
41- Introduction
This chapter discusses the results of the tests that were performed on the reinforced
concrete and steel bars samples Also it demonstrates the significant impact caused
by the high temperatures on concrete columns and steel bars samples
After the completion of the heating process of samples according to the experimental
program the samples were transferred to the materials and soil laboratory at the
Islamic University of Gaza for compression test for concrete columns and tensile
strength for steel reinforcement bars
42-Effect of polypropylene content
The polypropylene fibers were used in the reinforced concrete columns to prevent
spalling process different amounts of polypropylene fibers were used (00 kgmsup3 050
kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
421- Unheated Columns
For unheated columns ( 2 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 52 and 84 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers
For unheated columns ( 3 cm concrete cover ) the load capacity for 05 kgmsup3 and
075 kgmsup3of polypropylene fibers are 61 and 92 respectively higher than
those for columns without polypropylene fibers as shown in Table (41)
The presence of polypropylene fibers has led to a slight increase in resistance axial
load capacity of the reinforced concrete columns
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
422- Heated Columns
Table (41) shows the results of the compressive strength tests for reinforced concrete
columns at different degrees of temperature (Ambient Temp 400 Cordm 600 Cordm and 800
Cordm) and heating durations of 0 2 4 and 6 hours and 2 cm concrete cover
Table 41 The axial load capacity test results for the columns samples with polypropylene fibers
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
26 355 203 330 263
355 287 23 233 185
33 267 16 214 180
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
197 213 10 190 171
215 201 115 178 158
195 170 10 152 137
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm with 2 cm concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn
Difference
075 kgmsup3
PP
Difference
05 kgmsup3
PP
00 kgmsup3
PP
Time (hrs)
84 41 52 4 40
265 143 117 119 105
188 117 87 104 95
26 112 12 94 83
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
The following table ( Table 42) shows the percentage of reduction in the residual
strength for the reinforced concrete columns samples from the original test sample at
different temperatures and durations
Table 42 Percentage of reduction in axial load capacity at different amounts of PP and different temperatures
Degree of Heating 400 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
195 225 34
35 44 53
39 49 555
Degree of Heating 600 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
52 553 575
545 58 605
615 64 66
Degree of Heating 800 Cordm
Percentages of reduction in axial load capacity
075 kgmsup3 PP05 kgmsup3 PP 00 kgmsup3 PPTime (hrs)
0 0 0
675 72 74
735 75 76 5
75 775 795
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
00 kgm PP
05 kgm PP
075 kgm PP
Fig4 1 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 400 Cdeg for different contents of PP
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n
00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 2 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different
contents of PP
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
0 2 4 6
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ityk
n00 kgmsup3 Pp
05 kgmsup3 Pp
075 kgmsup3 Pp
Fig4 3 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 800 Cdeg for different contents of PP
From Tables (41 42) and Figures (41 42 and 43) it is noticed that for samples
free of PP the reductions in the axial load capacity are larger than for those with PP
For example the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 400 Cordm are about
555 49 and 39 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6
hours Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 7 and
for the samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 17 higher than the samples free from PP
And the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm are about 66 64
and 615 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3) respectively for 6 hours Then
the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP For the samples
that were heated at 800 Cordm the percentages of losses of the axial load capacity are
about 795 775 and 75 for (00 kgmsup3 050 kgmsup3 and 075 kgmsup3)
respectively for 6 hours
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Then the increase of axial load capacity for samples with 05 kgmsup3 is 2 and for the
samples with 075 kgmsup3 is 5 higher than the samples free from PP So that the use
of 075 kgmsup3 PP fiber in the concrete mix increases the resistance of the axial load
capacity the of reinforced concrete columns Also this particular study showed that
the contribution of PP fibers in the reinforced concrete columns reduce the degree of
spalling
This results are in general agreement with Poulo et al [3] Shihada [15] observed that
for concrete cubes( 100 x 100 x 100 mm) at 05 PP by volume reserve more than
84 of their initial residual strength at 600 Cordm and 6 hours On the other hand 00
PP reserve about 50 of their initial residual strength under the same temperature and
duration Where Ali et al [16] concluded that the use of 3 kgmsup3 PP fiber reduce the
degree of spalling from 22 to less than 1
43-Effect of concrete cover
The contribution of concrete cover in improving the fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns was also studied for concrete covers 2 cm and 3 cm and heating
durations of (2 4 and 6) hours for 600 Cordm Table (43) shows the results of compressive
strength test
Table43 the axial load capacity test results at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm concrete cover
Table 44 Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity at 600 Cordm for 2 cm and 3 cm Concrete cover
Axial load capacity kn at 600 Cordm
3 cm 2 cm Time
415 404
215 171
188 158
155 137
Percentages of reduction in the axial load capacity
Difference 3 cm2 cm Time
0 0 0
+ 9 46 57
+ 7 53 60
+ 5 61 66
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
1 2 3 4
Duration ( Hours )
Axi
al lo
ad c
apac
ity
kn
2 cm
3 cm
Fig44 Relationship between axial load capacity and heating duration at 600 Cdeg for different concrete covers
From Tables (43 44) and Figure (44) it is noticed that the increase in concrete
cover to the reinforcement has a slight positive impact on the compressive strength
where the reductions in compressive strength for the 3 cm concrete cover was 9 7
and 5 smaller than the 2 cm cover at (24 and 6) hours respectively
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
43-Effect of high temperature on steel reinforcement
431-Yield Stress
For steel reinforcement bars three groups of steel reinforcement bars Ouml10 mm in
diameter and 50 cm in length were used In the first group steel reinforcement
samples were embedded in concrete columns with dimension (100 mm x100 mm
x600 mm) at 3 cm concrete cover The samples of second group were with 2 cm
concrete cover and the third group samples were subjected to high temperatures
directly without concrete cover
Then the three groups of samples were subjected to high temperature at 800 Cordm and
for 6 hours then the steel reinforcement were extracted from concrete and a yield
stress test was conducted
Table (45) and Figure (45) show the results of yield stress test for the reinforcement
steel bars after exposure to 800 Cordm and for 6 hours and the results compared with
reference samples
Table45 the effect of high temperature on yield stress of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0 (Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Yield stress MPa 710 480 370 280
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Ref Sample 30 cm 20 cm 00 cm Concrete Cover cm
Yie
ld S
tres
s fy
MPa
Fig45 Relationship between yield stress of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg temperature at 6 hrs
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
Table (45) and Figure (45) demonstrate that the increase in concrete cover to the
reinforcement steel bars has a positive impact on the yield stress where the reduction
in the yield stress for the samples with concrete cover 3 cm was 32 but for the
samples with 2 cm concrete cover was 48 and for the samples which were exposed
directly to high temperatures was 60 So the yield stress for steel reinforcement
with 3 cm concrete cover is 16 higher than for the 2 cm cover and 28 higher than
the zero cover
This results are in general agreement with Uumlnluumloethlu et al [22] Mamillapalli [6] and
Topҫu and IordmIkdag [23]
432-Elongation
The effect of high temperature on the elongation of reinforcement steel bars was
tested for the previously mentioned three groups Table (46) shows that the
percentage of elongation at high temperature for 3 cm 2 cm and 00 cm concrete
cover respectively And also the relationship between elongation and high
temperature are shown in
Fig (46)
Table 46 the effect of heating on the elongation of steel reinforcement
Temperature 800 Cordm
Heating Duration 6 hours
Concrete cover 0(Reference) 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Elongation 1375 1567 2425 388
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH4 Results and Discussion Reinforced Concrete Columns
5
15
25
35
45
Ref Sample 3 cm 2 cm 00 cm
Concrete Cover cm
Elo
ngat
ion
Figure 46 Relationship between elongation of steel reinforcement and concrete cover
for 800 Cdeg at 6 hrs
From Table (46) and Figure (46) it is demonstrated that concrete cover has a
positive impact on protecting steel reinforcement against heating for 3 cm concrete
cover where the percentage of elongation is about 10 smaller than 2 cm concrete
cover and 23 smaller than steel reinforcement without concrete cover
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
Conclusions amp Recommendations
51- Introduction
Based on the limited experimental work carried out in this particular study the
following conclusions may be drawn out
And some recommendations also presented in this chapter that may be taken in
consideration
52- Conclusions
The optimum percentage of PP to be used in improving fire resistance of
reinforced concrete columns is about 075 kgmsup3 of the concrete mix For a
temperature of 400 Cdeg sustained for 6 hours the residual axial load capacity is
20 higher than of that when no PP fibers are used
Polypropylene fibers have a positive impact on axial load capacity of unheated
concrete columns At 05 kgmsup3 there is about 52 increase in axial load
capacity and at 075 kgmsup3 the increase is about 84 than that with no PP
fibers are used
The concrete cover has a clear influence on axial capacity of concrete columns
load capacity where the residual axial load capacity for the column samples
with 3 cm cover 5 higher than the column samples with 2 cm concrete
cover at 6 hours and 600 Cdeg
For the reinforcement steel bars at high temperatures the yield stress of steel
reinforcement is significant The concrete cover has a good contribution in
protection the steel bars at high temperatures where the loss in the yield stress
at 3 cm concrete cover 24 smaller than that of the reference sample and for
the reinforcement steel bars with 2 cm the loss was 42 smaller than that of
the reference sample where for zero concert cover samples the loss was 60
smaller than that of the reference sample
The concrete cover decreases the elongation of the steel reinforcement bars
For the 3 cm concrete cover the percentage of elongation is 10 smaller than
the 2 cm concrete cover and 23 smaller than the zero concrete cover
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH5 Conclusion and Recommendations Reinforced Concrete Columns
53- Recommendations
1- Its recommended to use pp fibers in concrete columns because of its good
contribution to improve the axial load capacity of reinforced concrete columns
under elevated temperatures
2- The thickness of concrete cover has a useful effect in resisting elevated
temperatures and makes a useful protection for reinforcement steel Its
recommended to use concrete covers not less than 3 cm
3- More research is needed in the area of Improving fire resistance of reinforced
concrete columns due to its importance and seriousness in protecting
properties and lives
4- The building which uses to store flammable materials gas fuel woodetc
must be designed to resist loads caused by elevated temperatures
5- Local testing laboratories should provide electrical furnaces and compression
strength testing equipments of applying loads to large scale columns that to
encourage researches in this important area of researches
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
REFERENCES
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
6 References
El-Fitiany SF Youssef MA Assessing the flexural and axial behaviour of reinforced concrete members at elevated temperatures using sectional analysis Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 691703
[1]
Chen YH ChangYF Yao GC Sheu MS Experimental research on post-fire behaviour of reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 741748
[2]
Paulo J Rodrigues Laim L Correia A Behavior of fiber reinforced concrete columns in fire Composite Structures 92 (2010) 12631268
[3]
Balaacutezs LG Lubloacutey Eacute Mezei S Potentials in concrete mix design to improve fire resistance Concrete Structures 2010
[4]
Bilow DN Kamara ME Fire and Concrete Structures Structures 2008
[5]
Mamillapalli R Impact of fire on steel reinforcement of RCC structures a master of technology thesis Department of Civil Engineering National Institute of Technology Roll No 207 CE 210 Rourkela 20072009
[6]
Arioz O Effects of elevated temperatures on properties of concrete Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 516522
[7]
Fletcher IA Welch S Torero JL Carvel RO Usmani A behavior of concrete structures in fire THERMAL SCIENCE Vol 11 (2007) No 2 37-52
[8]
Khoury GA Anderberg Y Concrete spalling review Fire Safety Design Report submitted to the Swedish National Road Administration June 2000
[9]
The Concrete Centre concrete and Fire Ref TCC0501 ISBN 1-904818-11-0 First published 2004
[10]
Georgali B Tsakiridis PE Microstructure of Fire-Damaged Concrete A Case Study Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2005) No 2 255-259
[11]
Khoury GA Effect of Fire on Concrete and Concrete Structures Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials 2 (2000) No 4 429-447
[12]
KD Hertz Limits of spalling of fire-exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 38 (2003) 103116
[13]
V S Ramachandran R F Feldman and J J Beaudoin Concrete ScienceA Treatise on Current Research Hey and Son London 1981
[14]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
Shihada S Effect of polypropylene fibers on concrete fire resistance Journal of civil engineering and managementVol 17 (2011)No2 259-264
[15]
Alia F Nadjai A Silcock G Abu-Tair A Outcomes of a major research on fire resistance of concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 39 (2004) 433445
[16]
Hodhod O Rashad A Abdel-Razek M Ragab A Coating protection of loaded RC columns to resist elevated temperature Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 241-249
[17]
Hertz KD Soslashrensen LS Test method for spalling of fire exposed concrete Fire Safety Journal 40 (2005) 466476
[18]
Jau WC Huang KL study of reinforced concrete corner columns after fire Cement amp Concrete Composites 30 (2008) 622638
[19]
Chen B LiC Chen L Experimental study of mechanical properties of normal-strength concrete exposed to high temperatures at an early age Fire Safety Journal 44 (2009) 9971002
[20]
J Komonen and V Penttala Effects of high temperature on the pore structure and strength of plain and polypropylene fiber reinforced cement pastes Fire Technology 39 2334 2003
[21]
Sideris K Manita P and Chaniotakis E Performance of thermally damaged fiber reinforced concretes Construction and Building Materials 23 Issue 3 2009 PP 12321239
[22]
Uumlnluumloethlu E Topҫu IacuteB Yalaman B Concrete cover effect on reinforced concrete bars exposed to high temperatures Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 11551160
[23]
Topҫu IacuteB IordmIkdag B The effect of cover thickness on re bars exposed to elevated temperatures Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 20532058
[24]
Kodur VKR Bisby L A Green MF Experimental evaluation of the fire behavior of insulated fiber-reinforced-polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete columns Fire Safety Journal 41 (2006) 547557
[25]
Chowdhurya EU Bisbya LA Greena MF Kodur VKR Investigation of insulated FRP-wrapped reinforced concrete columns in fire Fire Safety Journal 42 (2007) 452460
[26]
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Improving Fire Resistance of CH6 References Reinforced Concrete Columns
ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Bulk density (Unit weight) and Voids in aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C566 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[27]
ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C127 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[28]
ASTM C128 Standard Test Method for Specific gravity and absorption of fine aggregate American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C128 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[29]
ASTM C131 Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C131 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[30]
ASTM C136 Standard Test Method for Aggregate size distribution American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[31]
ASTM C150 Standard specification of Portland Cement American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C150 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[32]
ASTM C192 Standard practice for making concrete and curing tests
Specimens in the laboratory American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C192 Philadelphia Pennsylvania2004
[33]
ASTM C109 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of cube Concrete Specimens American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice C136 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[34]
ASTM A370 Tensile Testing and Bend Testing Steel Reinforcing Bar
American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice A370 Philadelphia Pennsylvania 2004
[35]
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
RESEARCH PHOTOS
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Appendix A
Appendix A Research Photos
A-1
Fig A2 Adding of Polypropylene to the mix
Fig A1Mechanical Mixer
Fig A4 Column samples in the open air
Fig A3 Column samples in water
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Appendix A
A-2
Fig A6 Column samples in the electrical
Furnace
Fig A5Electrical Furnace
Fig A7 Cracks and Spalling after heating
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Appendix A
Fig A8 Compressive Strength test and column samples after test
A-3
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4
Appendix A
Fig A9 Yield stress test for the steel reinforcement
A-4