Abstract :
Structural members exposed to fire may damage considerably, lose their durability, and even collapse due to the failure of the members. This work presents the results of an experimental investigation of the effect of fire on the strength of concrete. Cylindrical and beam specimens were prepared and burnt in the fire for one hour. In both cases, two systems were followed for cooling the samples, (i) natural cooling in the air (ii) forced cooling in the water. Afterwards, the compressive and flexural strength of the specimens were determined. The result shows that the strength of concrete was considerably reduced due to burning in fire. The compressive strength of cylindrical specimens was decreased by 44% and 60%, respectively, for the natural and forced cooling of the specimens. In the case of beam samples, the flexural strength was decreased60% and 69%, respectively, for the natural and forced cooled specimens. This research also reveals that the specimen cooled in air showed better performance compared to that cooled in water.
Keyword :
Concrete; Compressive Strength; Fire; Forced Cooling; Natural Cooling.