Mechanical and Fracture Characteristics of Refractory Concrete after the Action of Various Temperature Loading

Abstract

This article deals with the experimental investigation of residual mechanical properties of refractory composite after the action of various thermal loading. Specimens with dimension 40 × 40 × 160 mm were produced from composite containing basalt fibres and aggregate, aluminous cement and metakaolin. Different group of specimens were exposed to various temperatures 105 °C, 200 °C, 300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C and 600 °C for three hours. Different temperature caused various changes in chemical composition of concrete that can result into decrease of mechanical properties. Bulk density, flexural strength, compressive strength, fracture energy and dynamic modulus of elasticity were investigated after each type of thermal loading. After the action of 600 °C all investigated residual properties achieved lowest values. Based on performed experiments we can conclude that the main decrease of mechanical properties take place after the action of 400 °C.