A review on cement-based materials used in steel structures as fireproof coating

Cement-based materials used as fireproof coatings exhibit favorable thermal insulation and anti-spalling properties as well as adequate residual mechanical properties after elevated temperature, which are promising on the fields of structural fire-resistance applications and occupy price advantage. Based on these three types of performances, this paper was intended to review various corresponding influencing factors and relevant theories of this type of materials. The effects of various porous fillers on thermal insulation performance were investigated and it is suggested that the porous fillers with pozzolanic reactivity deserve to be utilized. The influences of fibers on spalling resistance performance were analyzed. Also, the effect of fly ash on residual mechanical properties after elevated temperatures was summarized and the analyses showed that other solid wastes produced after calcination have the potential to be added for improving residual mechanical properties. Then, various conduction theories and corresponding analytical models for predicting effective thermal conductivity and different anti-spalling mechanisms of fibers were listed. Based on the analysis, the remaining challenges of development of cement-based fire-resistive coatings were finally discussed.