FIRE ENDURANCE OF CONTINUOUS REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS

Results of fire tests of 11 full-scale rectangular reinforced concrete beams are presented. In addition, test results of two full-scale double-tee beams, and two full-scale scarf-joint beams are reported in the appendixes. Specimens represent simple spans as well as interior and exterior spans of multibay structures. Test results indicate that full redistribution of moments occurs when statically indeterminate structures are exposed to fire. This redistribution, due to continuity over supports, substantially increases the fire endurance of concrete beams. (Author)