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EVALUATION OF FIRE-DAMAGED CONCRETE STRUCTURES WITH A CASE

STUDY

Conference Paper · March 2014

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National Conference on Fire Research and Engineering FiRE 2014-029
IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, March 01-02, 2014

EVALUATION OF FIRE-DAMAGED CONCRETE STRUCTURES WITH A CASE

STUDY

P.Srinivasan1, A.Cinitha2, Vimal Mohan3 and Nagesh R.Iyer4

1
Senior principal scientist, CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre,sriniv@serc.res.in
2
scientist, CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre,cinitha@serc.res.in
3
scientist, CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre,vm@serc.res.in,
4
Director, CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre,nriyer@serc.res.in,

ABSTRACT

Concrete is widely used for the construction of infrastructures such as buildings,

bridges, cooling towers, chimneys, industrial and other numerical structures. Fire is one
of the most destructive accidental loads that a structure can be subjected during its
lifetime. The amount of damage caused will depend mainly on the severity and the
duration. The physical properties of concrete and the reinforcing steel are modified by
the temperature and duration of fire. Rehabilitation of fire damaged structures are
normally preferred than demolishing and rebuilding. Assessment of fire damaged
concrete usually starts with visual observation followed by ultrasonic pulse velocity
measurements and tests on core samples. Ultrasonic pulse velocity test, which is a non-
destructive test method, is widely practiced and can be carried out on a structure at a
faster rate. The ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements made on a structure will provide
a qualitative estimation of the damaged members with the undamaged one. This paper
outlines a methodology for assessing the condition of a fire damaged concrete structure
based on non-destructive and partially-destructive tests that can be carried out in field
and at laboratory on samples collected from field. A number of fire-affected reinforced
concrete structures were investigated, analyzed and rehabilitated and a case study is
discussed in this paper which include a building structure. The evaluation of the
structure after repair was also carried out using non-destructive method followed by
load test.

Key words: Concrete, fire damaged, Ultrasonic pulse velocity, rehabilitation

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Reinforced concrete structures are considered as protected from fire by the cover that is
present over the reinforcement. However, long periods of exposure to high temperature
induce physical –chemical changes in properties of concrete followed by deterioration in
mechanical strength. The fire resistance of a concrete structure is frequently well above its
minimum requirements, and hence rehabilitation is preferred than demolition or rebuilding.
Rehabilitation may require less capital expenditure than demolition and may also provide a
direct saving as a result of earlier re-occupation. Assessment of the condition of concrete and
National Conference on Fire Research and Engineering FiRE 2014-029
IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, March 01-02, 2014

extent of level of damage after the fire are important requirement for taking possible
corrective measurements. The reduction in mechanical strength of concrete is reported by
Piasta et al (1984), Handoo et al (2002), Georgali and Tsakiridis (2005). The idea of making
an assessment of the fire-damaged concrete structure is to arrive at the estimation of
temperature, extent of damage to concrete and reduction in the strength of concrete and
reinforcement. The stiffness damage test (SDT) has been used to study the change in strength
of concrete affected by fire Nassif (1995). Wei–Ming Lin (1996) studied the microstructure
of the fire damaged concrete samples using scanning electron microscope and stereo
microscope to estimate the temperature. Short (2011) investigated on concrete core samples
to estimate the temperature and also the depth of damage using colour image analysis.
Optical microscopy has been used to determine the depth of damage based on the crack
density measurements by Georgali and Tsakiridis (2005). The methods mentioned above are
conducted in the laboratory on samples collected from the structure. Ultrasonic pulse velocity
test, which is a non-destructive test method, is widely practiced for the evaluation of the
quality of a concrete structure. This is a very simple test and can be carried out on a structure
at a faster rate. The ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements made on a structure will provide a
qualitative estimation of the damaged members with the undamaged one (Hung-Wan Chung,
1985 and Andrea Benedetti, 1998). The depth of concrete affected by fire can be calculated
using the ultrasonic pulse velocity values (Mani, 1986). The present study discusses the
application of the ultrasonic scanning, tests on concrete core and reinforcement samples
along with a case study on a fire damaged structure.

2.0 DAMAGING EFFECT OF FIRE ON CONCRETE

Concrete is a thermally slow material, resulting in high temperatures at the surface, and
heterogeneous variation in temperature across the section. A proper assessment of the
structure after fire event involves both field and laboratory work to determine the extent of
fire damage, in order to design appropriate cost effective repairs. Assessment of fire-damaged
concrete usually starts with visual observation of colour change, cracking and spalling of the
surface. Concrete colour provides an understanding on the exposed temperature, whether the
colour represents the original surface or one resulting from spalling can be decided
judiciously. On heating 300oC the colour of concrete change from normal to pink (300-
600oC) to whitish gray (600-900oC) and buff (900-1000oC),Georgali and Tsakiridis (2005).
The pink discoloration is due to presence of iron compound in the fine or coarse aggregates.
The lack of continuous voids for pressure relief creates internal tensile stresses that are
relieved by cracks and spalls extending to the surface. And severe heating cause chemical
changes that lead to microcraking and loss of strength and integrity. However, when exposed
to fire for a longer period, large parts of the concrete will be heated up. The uneven
temperature distribution in the concrete during a fire results in changes in mechanical
properties at different depths into the concrete.

3.0 APPROACH FOR ASSESSMENT OF THE FIRE AFECTED

REINFOCREMENT OF CONCRETE STRUCTURES

A systematic approach for carrying out a scientific investigation of a fire affected reinforced
concrete structure and the parameters that are to be evaluated from these tests are presented.

3.1 Stage I: Preliminary inspection (inspection before removal of debris)

Visual inspection and documentation include:
National Conference on Fire Research and Engineering FiRE 2014-029
IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, March 01-02, 2014

 Source of fire and its location in the building

 Locations of portions with extensive, moderate and no-damage
 Color of concrete
 Areas showing cracks, spalling of concrete and exposure of reinforcement
 Damage of structural steel sections and their locations
 Collection of damaged samples such as steel, aluminum, glass, etc.

3.2 Stage II : Detailed investigation

 Estimation of temperature : Based on the collected samples such as
melted metals, broken glass pieces, color of concrete, etc.
 Duration of fire by collecting data from eyewitnesses or fire
fighting personnel
 List out the damage and categories, i.e., severe, fair, moderate,
and no-damage.
 Insitu tests
o Ultrasonic scanning on RC members
o Rebound hammer test
o Load test if required
 Laboratory tests

On concrete core samples from affected and unaffected areas and

carry out the following
 Observe the change in color due to heat
 Observe the texture of concrete
 Conduct UPV scanning after dressing
 Determine the depth of concrete affected by fire.
 Determine the Compressive strength and Modulus of
elasticity of core samples

On Steel samples from affected and unaffected areas

 Carry out tests to determine tensile strength, modulus of
elasticity and percentage elongation

3.3 Stage III : Assessment and classification of damage

Based on the UPV values, the members may be classified as
a) Unaffected - members with hair cracks and UPV values greater than 3.5 km/sec
b) Moderately affected - members with wide cracks and UPV values between 2.5 and 3.5
km/sec
c) Fairly affected - members with major cracks, spalling of concrete, and UPV values
below 2.5 km/sec
d) Severely affected - major cracks, spalling of concrete, exposure and debonding of
Reinforcement and finally the load carrying capacity can be calculated based on the
parameters evaluated using the various test results.

4.0 INTERPRETATION OF INSITU AND LABORATORY TEST RESULTS

4.1 Visual Inspection

National Conference on Fire Research and Engineering FiRE 2014-029
IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, March 01-02, 2014

The visual inspection of the fire affected structure and the status of some of the components
of the structure such as aluminum, glass panes, etc. after the fire do suggest the approximate
temperature to which the structure was subjected. The temperature can be further confirmed
by conducting ultrasonic scanning on concrete, tension test on structural steel and reinforcing
steel and tests on concrete core samples.

4.2 Ultrasonic Scanning Results

Taking the UPV values for the un-affected members as the basis the velocity values of the
members affected by fire can be compared and probable temperatures to which the portions
of members were subjected to can also be estimated. The depth of concrete affected by fire
can be calculated using the relationship between the velocity profiles with temperature (Mani,
1986).

4.3 Core Sampling and Testing

Tests on core samples give direct evidence on residual compressive strength and temperature
to which the concrete member is subjected during fire. The pulse velocity values of these core
samples can be compared to confirm the estimated temperature and the correctness of
estimation of the depth of damaged concrete. Study of core samples, their density and
compressive strength bear a relation which helps to confirm the estimated temperature.

4.4 Residual Strength of Steel

To assess the residual properties of the reinforcement, samples from different locations are to
be collected and tested for yield and ultimate strength, percentage elongation and modulus of
elasticity. The reduction in the strength and modulus of elasticity will give an idea of the
temperature to which the member has been subjected to fire.

Based on the above test results, parameters such as probable temperature, depth of concrete
removal, average ultrasonic pulse velocity in the core concrete, the residual strength of
concrete etc., can be evaluated. Once the classification of damage has been worked out, the
repair measures can be formulated.

5.0 CASE STUDY

In the following section two case studies on fire damaged concrete structures are reported,
one on RC framed structure of an industrial building and the other on cooling tower.

5.1 Investigation of fire damaged RC framed structure of an industrial building

The building is essentially an eight storeyed framed structure having columns and beams
running in perpendicular directions and is covered by R.C.C. slab. The fire has occurred
mainly in the fourth floor of the building Fig 1(a) shows a portion of the RC frame (with
markings made for UPV measurements) and Fig 1(b) shows a typical beam affected by fire.
National Conference on Fire Research and Engineering FiRE 2014-029
IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, March 01-02, 2014

Fig 1(a) Fire Affected RC Fig 1(b) Damage in Beam due to Fire
Frame (spalling of cover concrete)

5.1.1 Visual Inspection

The visual inspection of the fire affected structure, and the status of some of the components
after the fire did suggest the approximate temperature to which the structure was subjected. It
can be seen from the Table 1, that the temperature to which the concrete structure was
subjected can be estimated approximately between 300oC and 600oC. The temperature was
further confirmed by conducting ultrasonic scanning, tension test on reinforcement samples
and tests on core samples.

5.1.2 Assessment from Ultrasonic Scanning and tests on core samples

The ultrasonic scanning was carried out on 36 columns and 32 beams with a grid spacing
of 150 mm x 400 mm. A typical UPV data for a beam is shown in Fig 2 and Table 2. A
good quality concrete of M20 grade will have a velocity of 4.0 km/sec. The lower velocity
values at grid lines B and C indicate that the bottom portion of beam was affected more
compare to grid line - A i.e., top portion of beam. The temperature was estimated to be
300o C to 400o C and the depth of correction as 40 to 50 mm.

Table 1 Estimation of temperature

Criteria adopted Material Approximat Remarks

e temp. oC
Color Concrete 300 – 600 Greenish grey to pink
Behaviour of Aluminum More than Verge of melting
material 600
Degree of Steel- More than Debonding of steel from
damage concrete 800 concrete after fire
(observation)
Core sample Concrete More than Pink color upto 70 mm
600 from surface and
whitish grey color in
collapsed concrete

Note: 1.Size of beam - 400 x 400 x 4500 mm 2. Estimated Temperature - 300 to 4000 C 3.
Depth of correction - 40 to 50 mm
National Conference on Fire Research and Engineering FiRE 2014-029
IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, March 01-02, 2014

Fig 2 Typical grid preparation of beam for UPV values

Table 2 Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Values for Beam Affected by Fire

3.23 2.15 3.15 2.90 2.67 2.15 2.82 3.36 3.23 3.00 2.95 3.53 A
2.62 1.97 2.24 2.14 1.99 2.19 2.29 2.75 2.95 2.20 1.85 2.67 B
2.13 1.59 1.87 1.37 1.49 1.49 1.57 1.48 1.32 1.08 1.39 1.45 C
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Grid

Core samples around 20 numbers were collected on both affected and unaffected areas.
The typical core sample details are given in Table 3 with the velocity values and
compressive strength, and also the depth of correction. Typical test results on reinforced
concrete samples are shown in Table 4

Table 3 Tests on Core Samples (typical)

Estimated Depth of UPV at Estimate UPV of Cube

temperature correction location d velocity dressed compressiv
o
C mm km/sec km/sec core e Strength
km/sec N/mm2
300 50 3.57 3.99 3.94 19.15
500 90 3.10 3.40 3.85 18.50

Table 4 Test on Reinforcement Samples (typical)

Status of Ultimate Yield % Young’s % Estimated

damage stress stress elongati modulus decrease temp. 0C
N/mm2 N/mm2 on N/mm2 x in ultimate
105 stress
Undamaged 561.5 465.00 8 2.13 - -
Slightly 510.0 430.00 9.0 1.97 7.53 300
Severe 400.0 265.0 30.0 1.86 28.8 500

5.1.3 Assessment of residual strength of steel

The reinforcements in several locations were exposed and some of the reinforcements
were in deflected condition especially in the roof slab portions. In order to assess the
 National Conference on Fire Research and Engineering FiRE 2014-029
IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, March 01-02, 2014

residual properties of the reinforcement, samples from different locations were collected
and tested mainly for yield and ultimate strength, percentage elongation and modulus of
elasticity. Table 4 shows the test results including estimation of temperature on steel
samples taken from portions unaffected and affected by fire.

After repair, the load test was conducted as per standard practice. The deflection and the
recovery were found to be within allowable limits.

6.0 CONCLUSION

This paper presents a systematic approach to assess post-fire damaged concrete structures
and classify the damage for selection of repair measures. The visual observations along with
observed in-situ ultrasonic scanning are presented. The compressive test on core samples and
tensile test on reinforcement bars confirmed that not much significant loss in strength on fire
affected structures. And the facts indicates that the temperature exposure in both the cases
were within the range of 300-500oC. The repair measures such as cement grouting for
improving the core concrete and guniting with weld mesh for spalled areas are adopted as
retrofitting measures.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This paper is published with the permission of the Director, CSIR-Structural Engineering
Research Centre, Chennai, India.

REFERENCES

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pastes due to high temperature, Materials and Structure, Vol.17,pp.291-295.
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and morphological characteristics of concrete exposed to elevated temperatures,
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3) B.Georgali and P.E.Tsakiridis., 2005, Microstructure of fire –damaged concrete. A
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