BEHAVIOR INVESTIGATION OF CONCRETE SLABS SUBJECTED TO HIGH-TEMPERATURES

In this research paper, an analytical and experimental investigation o f the behavior of concrete slabs exposed to high temperatures is prese nted. A mathematical model has been developed to predict the thermal b ehavior of the slabs in both transit and steady states, taking into ac count the physical properties of concrete. The finite element techniqu e was utilized to solve the problem numerically and a computer program has been developed to estimate the temperature distribution through t he slabs. In addition, six unloaded concrete slabs (400 x 400 x 80 mm) are tested under different exposure temperatures and durations. The t emperatures at different depths are recorded at 5 min intervals to ver ify the theoretical results. A maximum test temperature of 600 degrees C was chosen to represent the upper limit for the structural usefulne ss of Portland cement-based concretes. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Sci ence Ltd