Fire Performance of Corrosion-Damaged Reinforced Concrete Beams

This experimental study examines the effects of fire on corrosion-damaged reinforced concrete beams. Nine beams were cast with the same external dimensions and amount of reinforcement. Corrosion was induced in the beams by a constant current source. The beams were tested at constant service load while being exposed to the CAN/ULC-S101 time-temperature curve. The results indicated that the deflection of reinforced concrete beams increased during a fire exposure as the level of corrosion damage increased. The corrosion products within the pores of the concrete provided a limited insulating effect on the heat front penetration through the concrete cover. Temperature differential developed at the steel level was shown to help delay failure of the beams by the development of the axial thrust force. A major factor affecting the performance of corrosion damaged beams during a fire exposure was the ability of the concrete cover to remain in place.