Effect of elevated temperatures on tensile properties of concrete

Abstract

Fire is known to cause spalling in concrete structures. The Structural integrity of the building will be affected as the reinforcement steels will be weakened when exposed to heat directly in the absence of concrete cover. Fire resistance of concrete structural elements is often predicted based on the assumption that spalling does not occur. Researches show that spalling is more susceptible in high strength concrete and concrete of low water/cement ratio. The fundamental cause of spalling is still not addressed.