Effect of elevated temperatures and time on compressive and tensile properties of concretes

Abstract

In this study, the effects of temperature level and time on the mechanical behaviour of concrete have been investigated. The concrete mixtures are produced using two different water/cement (w/c) ratios: 0.4, and 0.6. 288 cube (100 × 100 × 100 mm) specimens are prepared from these concrete mixtures and cured at 28 days. After standard curing period, specimens are dried in a furnace at 105°C for 4 h. Then the specimens are kept in loboratory for 1 day before exposing to 300, 600 and 900°C for 1, 3, and 5 h. Then compressive strength and split tensile strength are determined. It is concluded that, compressive strength and split tensile strength of the specimens are reduced after the high temperature exposure. Compressive strength losses of tested concretes are reduced with increasing w/c ratio. Remarkable effect is occurred in first 3 h in terms of strength losses.