Fire behavior of high-performance concrete made with silica fume at various moisture contents

Behavior of high-performance silica fume concrete with various moisture con tents in the ISO standard fire was investigated Spalling test results from 100-mm cube specimens revealed that moisture content and strength are the t wo main factors governing explosive thermal spalling of concrete. Moisture content has a dominant influence on spalling, The dependence of spalling on moisture content and strength confirmed the vapor pressure mechanism od sp alling. Spatial distribution of rebound hammer test results on postfire con crete slabs correlated with the temperature field within the slabs. Convent ional methods do not properly describe the residual mechanical properties o f concrete subjected to fire. A new method is needed that considers the che mical and physical changes inside concrete caused by elevated temperature.