High Temperature Performance of Concrete Materials
Summary
Concrete subjected to elevated temperatures undergoes a sequence of physical and chemical transformations that profoundly affect its structural performance. As temperature rises, bound water is released, portlandite decomposes and the calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H) gel progressively breaks down, leading to increased porosity and microcracking. These changes translate into reductions in compressive and tensile strength, stiffness and durability. In severe cases, rapid heating can induce pore pressure build-up and explosive spalling, whereby layers of concrete violently detach. Aggregate type, mix composition and curing history all influence the residual mechanical properties and integrity of heated concrete. Contemporary strategies to enhance fire and thermal resilience include incorporation of fibres, lightweight aggregates and supplementary cementitious materials, as well as optimisation of curing regimes. Improved understanding of microstructural evolution under heat, combined with advanced modelling and non-destructive testing, supports the design of concrete structures with greater fire resistance and post-fire recoverability.
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High Temperature Performance of Concrete Materials publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in high temperature performance of concrete materials across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Explosive spalling: Sudden detachment of surface layers in heated concrete caused by internal vapour pressure.
Calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H): The principal binding phase in hydrated cement responsible for strength and cohesion.
Lightweight aggregate: Low-density particles (e.g., shale ceramsite) that reduce concrete weight and improve thermal shock resistance.
Steel-fibre-reinforced concrete: Concrete blended with steel fibres to enhance post-fire toughness and limit crack formation.
Supplementary cementitious material (SCM): Mineral admixtures such as slag that modify hydration products and bolster high-temperature stability.
References
- Effect of High Temperatures on the Microstructure of Cement Paste. Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering (2017).
- Mechanical Properties and Explosive Spalling Behavior of Steel-Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Exposed to High Temperature—A Review. Applied Sciences (2020).
- Performance Degradation and Microscopic Analysis of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete after Exposure to High Temperature. Materials (2020).
- Effect of the Curing Condition and High-Temperature Exposure on Ground-Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag Cement Concrete. International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials (2021).
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