EXTERNAL PUBLICATIONS

SUMMARY

When concrete is exposed to fire, the build-up of internal water pressure under steep temperature gradients generates high local stresses, which may cause spalling, potentially explosively. The performance of high strength concrete, particularly in the high humidity of the offshore environment where there is the potential for hydrocarbon fires, has not been researched. The objectives of the present study were therefore to investigate the factors influencing deterioration and explosive spalling of high strength concrete beams and to examine measures to prevent brittle and violent failure.

This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy