Physical, mechanical, and microstructural changes in concretes subjected to slow and fast cooling in a fire situation simulation

Abstract

Concrete, when exposed to high temperatures, has its properties changed, and the recovery processes depend on the intensity of these changes. This paper aimed to evaluate the influence of high temperatures on concrete properties and verify the effects generated in the material when submitted to natural and fast cooling. Three different concrete mixes were exposed to temperatures of 100 °C, 300 ºC, 450 ºC, and 600 ºC, subdivided into slow and fast cooling groups. With the increase in temperature, cracking processes and microstructural alterations intensified, generating reductions in mechanical strength and increases in absorptions. This study has identified that the elastic modulus was the property most affected by these changes. The correlations between the elastic modulus and the other properties were accompanied by increased concrete micro-cracking, water loss, and decomposition of paste phases. Also, it was found an effect of ettringite rehydration during concrete cooling.