- Author
- Flynn, D. R.
- Title
- Response of High Performance Concrete to Fire Conditions: Review of Thermal Property Data and Measurement Techniques.
- Coporate
- MetSys Corp., Millwood, VA
- Sponsor
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
- Report
- NIST GCR 99-767; MetSys Report No. 98-01-101, March 1999, 139 p.
- Distribution
- AVAILABLE FROM National Technical Information Service (NTIS), Technology Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161. Telephone: 1-800-553-6847 or 703-605-6000; Fax: 703-605-6900. Website: http://www.ntis.gov
- Contract
- NIST-CONTRACT-43-NANB-809607
- Keywords
- concretes | computer models | fire tests | heat transfer | literature reviews | mass transfer | spalling | temperature
- Abstract
- The NIST Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL) has undertaken a project concerning the effect of fire on high strength concrete. Heating concrete to sufficiently high temperatures results in water of hydration being driven off, with a resultant irreversible loss of concrete strength. In addition, it has been observed that rapid heating of high strength concrete can result in spalling of the concrete. Computer models for prediction of temperature and pore pressure distributions in heated concrete typically include consideration of (1) mass transfer of air and water by diffusion and by forced convection, conversion of liquid water to vapor, and release of water of hydration and (2) heat transfer by conduction, mass diffusion, and forced convection. In order to make valid predictions, the computer models require reliable data as to the physical properties of the concrete. Mass transport properties are being investigated by the Building Materials Division. Thermal transport properties, the subject of this report, are being investigated by the Building Environment Division. The present report addresses (1) identification of material properties critical to prediction of heat and mass transfer in high strength concrete at high temperatures, (2) variation of the thermal properties with temperature, pressure, and thermal history, (3) examination of correlations between concrete composition and thermal properties, (4) identification of appropriate experimental techniques for determination of the thermal properties of high strength concrete, (5) identification of available equipment and testing services for carrying out such measurements, and (6) preliminary design of special equipment that needs to, be constructed for measurement of the thermal conductivity of concrete.