Behaviour of Post Heated Reinforced Concrete Columns

Abstract

Fire represents one of the most severe environmental conditions experienced by the reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The aim of this study is to examine the behaviour of post-heated RC columns. There were two different geometries of RC columns were cast, i.e.: square and circular. Eight RC columns were heated at 600°C for two hours and tested under axial compression load. The main variables investigated were column's geometry and heating temperature. The test results showed that the mechanical properties i.e.: load carrying capacity, elastic stiffness and ductility of RC columns significantly affected by heating temperature. Column's geometry highly influenced the loss of water of post heated RC columns, however, less significant on the mechanical properties of post heated columns.