An experimental investigation into the influence of specimen size, in-situ pore pressures and temperatures on the spalling of difference size concrete panels when exposed to a hydrocarbon fire

Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia

Abstract

Small and large scale reinforced concrete panels/walls were tested under hydrocarbon fire conditions to investigate concrete spalling. Results indicated that spalling is caused by the combination of thermal stresses and pore water pressure build-up. The degree and magnitude of spalling is governed by a number of inter-dependent factors including panel size, thickness and compressive strengths, all of which are investigated in this research. High strength concrete panels of increased surface area and thickness had higher degrees of concrete spalling.