Effect of Extinguishing Method on the Behavior of RC Columns Subjected to Fire

Abstract

The main objective of this research work is to study the effect of four different cooling schemes on the ultimate strength of 54 reinforced concrete columns subjected to fire. The tested columns are of different surface area to volume ratios (with three different cross sections; circular, square and rectangular). Four cooling schemes were used; three of them are uniform cooling schemes with different rates (rapid, slow and intermediate) while the fourth cooling scheme was non-uniform. Two different fire temperatures and durations were considered (300oC for 3 Hours & 600oC for 6 Hours). Non Destructive tests (Core & Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity tests) were used to estimate the deterioration extent of fire on concrete properties.