Effect of fire on flexural behaviour of rc beams

Abstract The effect of fire on the flexural behaviour of rc beams is investigated. Four groups of rc beams were cast, exposed to fire at 650 °C for time durations of 0, 30, 60 and 120 min and then cooled by water. The concrete compressive strengths of the beams were determined nondestructively using a Schmidt hammer. The beams were tested in flexure by applying two transverse loads incrementally. Strains and deflections were measured at each load increment. Cracking loads, crack propagation and ultimate loads were recorded for each beam. A reduction of ultimate loads, increase in deflection, increase in both compressive and tensile strains and reduction in concrete compressive strength due to fire exposure were observed.