Finite Element Simulation of Fire Induced Spalling in High Strength Concrete Slabs

Spalling is a common phenomenon of high strength concrete composites that are exposed to fires. Prediction of spalling is not reliable due to the complex combined nature of the influencing parameters. However, two series of idealized finite element models were built to analyze how parameters influence spalling. The finite elements models simulate the performance of high strength concrete slabs against fires. Previous research and tests provide critical parameters that would influence spalling, such as concrete strength, concrete density, moisture content, heating rate and fire profiles. All the parameters were taken to be critical enough to cause explosive spalling by combination. This paper aims to give a general understanding of the influence of these factors on spalling and how concrete temperatures respond to spalling.;Keywords: high strength concrete, finite element model, critical parameters, concrete slab, explosive spalling...