EFFECT OF ELEVATED TEMPERATURE ON STRENGTH OF DIFFERENTLY CURED CONCRETES-AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

In the event of sudden fire break out, the concrete elements such as columns, beams etc. are subjected to extreme temperatures. The assessment of their performance after fire becomes necessary to decide upon its fitness and required repair measures. Hence, it is important to understand the changes in the concrete properties due to its exposure to extreme temperatures. It is important to know the effect of elevated temperature on the properties of concrete. This paper investigates the effect of sustained elevated temperature on the properties of ordinary concretes of M40 grade, containing different types of cements and cured by two different methods. The specimens were heated to150°C, 300°C and 450°C for 1 hour duration in a muffle furnace. They were tested for compressive strength after air cooling to the room temperature. The variables considered in the study include type of cementing material, temperature and method of curing. The comp. strength of concrete and weight of concrete decreased with increasing temperature. Specimen subjected to conventional water curing performed relatively better than those of membrane curing.