Influence of elevated temperature on the engineering properties of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete

Abstract This paper investigates the effect of high temperatures on the compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), and ultra-high-performance, fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). The experimental variables in this study were fiber type, fiber content, and high-temperature exposure levels. Three different types of fibers were evaluated, including steel fibers, polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers. Six concrete mixes were prepared with and without different combinations of fibers. One mix was made with no fibers. Others were made with either steel fibers alone; a hybrid of steel fibers and PVA; and a hybrid system of steel, PP, and PVA fibers. These mixes were tested under a range of temperatures and compared for strength. The UHPC and UHPFRC were exposed to high temperatures at 100°C, 300°C, 400°C, and 500°C for 3 hours. The results showed that UHPFRC did not exhibit any significant degradation when exposed to 100°C. However, reductions of approximately 18% to 25%, 12% to 22%, and 14% to 25% in the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength were observed when the UHPFRC was exposed to 400°C. UHPFRC made of steel fibers showed higher mechanical properties after exposure to 400°C compared to UHPFRC made of PP and PVA fibers. The results also demonstrate the use of PVA and/or PP fibers, along with steel fiber, to withstand the effects of highly elevated temperature and prevent spalling of UHPC after exposure to elevated temperature. The observed spalling was a direct result of the melting and evaporation of PVA and/or PP fibers when exposed to high temperature, an effect that was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy.