Fracture parameters of concrete after exposure to high temperatures: pilot tests

Abstract

Experimental concrete panels were after an appropriate aging time loaded by high temperatures (550, 600, 800 and 1000 °C) in a furnace intended for fire tests of building materials. These panels were heated according to the standard temperature-time curve according to EN 1991-1-2. One of panels was a reference without temperature load. Test specimens were obtained as cores drilled out from panels after performing fire tests. The cylindrical specimens were provided with a central chevron type notch and subsequently tested in three-point bending fracture test. The load versus displacement (deflection in the middle of span) diagrams were recorded during testing and basic fracture parameters were subsequently evaluated.