Fire Induced Spalling in High Strength Concrete Beams

A macroscopic finite element model is extended to account for fire induced spalling in high strength concrete (HSC) beams. The model is based on the principles of mechanics and thermodynamics and utilizes pore pressure calculations to predict fire induced spalling in concrete. For validating the model, spalling measurements were made by conducting fire resistance experiments on four normal strength and high strength concrete beams. Spalling predictions from the model are compared with the measured values of spalling at various stages of fire exposure. The validated model is applied to investigate the influence of fire scenario, concrete strength (permeability) and axial restraint on the fire induced spalling and fire response of RC beams. Results from the analysis show that fire scenario, and concrete permeability largely influence the extent of fire induced spalling in concrete beams. Further, it is also shown that the extent of spalling has significant influence on the fire resistance of RC beams.