| Abstract | This article presents some key results of studies carried out by NRC's Institute for Research in Construction, comparing the performance of normal-strength and high strength concrete columns in fire situations. Particular attention is devoted to the problem of spalling encountered with high-strength concrete. As the use of high-strength concrete in buildings and other structures has increased, so too have concerns about its fire performance - especially the problem of spalling. As a result, the National Research Council's Institute for Research in Construction (IRC) is carrying out experimental and numerical studies to address these concerns. High-strength concrete (HSC) finds applications in the construction of bridges, offshore structures and infrastructure projects because of its improved structural performance, particularly in strength and durability, compared with normal-strength concrete (NSC). Its use has been extended to buildings in recent years, especially for columns. Its higher compressive strength allows for smaller columns, thus reducing costs. Smaller columnstake up less space, which can have huge financial implications for structures like parking garages as more cars can be accommodated on each floor, thus increasing profits. Design professionals are always concerned about providing appropriate fire resistance for structural members. The most recent CSA standard for the design of concrete structures for buildings ' CSA-A23.3-M94 ' provides detailed guidelines for the design of HSC structural members. However, neither the standard nor the 1995 edition of the National Building Code of Canada provides specific guidelines for evaluating the fire performance of HSC. |
|---|
