Effect of Transient High Temperature on High-Strength Concrete

The effect of transient high temperature on strength and load-deformation behavior of high strength concrete was investigated. The concrete strength varied between 4500 to 12,900 psi (31.1 to 89 MPa) and the temperature exposure was in the range of 23 to 800 C (73 to 1472 F). The presence of loads in real structures was simulated by preloading the test specimens before exposure to elevated temperature. Approximately one-third of the preloaded specimens failed in an explosive manner during the heating period. The remaining specimens, however, showed a smaller loss of strength compared to that of unstressed specimens.