STRUCTURAL BEHAVIOU ' OF RC BEAMS SUBJECTED T d FIRE

Abstract

Fire in the form of energy is known to have immense potential both for constructive as well as destructive use. Man has continuously used this capacity of fire both for constructive and destructive purposes from time immemorial. However, man has always been apprehensive about the fire in its hazardous form. With phenomenal increase in material wealth (industrial, office and domestic) throughout the world, the damage potential due to fire has also increased proportionately. It is,therefore, relevant to study and develop not only the fire controlling devices but also to assess the damage to strength properties of building structural members. In the present study, damage to strength properties of reinforced concrete beams has been investigated in certain. controlled environment of fire. RC beams of M15 and M20 grade of concrete reinforced with Fe415 grade steel bars have been subjected to pre-determined time durations of standard fire. Damage in the form of loss of flexural strength, load-deflection characteristics, spalling of concrete, dimensional and shape stability and such other parameters have been experimentally investigated. The relevant observations have been suitably processed, analyzed and discussed. Finally, logical conclusions arrived at are reported. 0 I