Mechanisms of Spalling of Concrete Panels of Different Geometry in Hydrocarbon Fire
File version
Author(s)
Fragomeni, Sam
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract
Concrete spalling results primarily from a thermo-mechanical process because of high thermal gradients, and a moisture-clog process because of the build-up of pore-water pressure. This paper attempted to isolate these mechanisms and quantify their magnitude. Twelve reinforced concrete panels were tested under hydrocarbon fire conditions. The test conditions included different thicknesses, concrete strengths, and specimen sizes. The panels were tested with no additional loading except self weight, and instrumented with in situ thermocouples and pore-pressure gauges. Spalling was quantified according to mass loss and visually represented by three-dimensional (3D) contour surface plots. The research presented for the first time a method to quantify spalling as mass loss in terms of water mass and solid mass. The continuous moisture transport during heating produces a saturated drying front, causing strength degradation and cracking that allows water pooling on the nonexposed fire side. The moisture transport plays an important role in all the mechanisms that contribute to concrete spalling.
Journal Title
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
28
Issue
12
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject
Civil engineering
Materials engineering
Science & Technology
Technology
Construction & Building Technology
Engineering, Civil
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Persistent link to this record
Citation
Guerrieri, M; Fragomeni, S, Mechanisms of Spalling of Concrete Panels of Different Geometry in Hydrocarbon Fire, Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 2016, 28 (12)