Briefing: Non-destructive evaluation and contrasts of concrete overheated and abruptly cooled

Abstract

Concrete structures can suffer different pathologies, one of which may be due to exposure to high temperatures. In this briefing paper, different concrete types were exposed to high temperatures. To simulate fire extinction, where the temperature of the overheated concrete descends suddenly, different cooling systems were applied: slowly cooling in the open air and fast cooling by spraying different water volumes. Physical and mechanical properties were affected by the increase of the temperature, making the damage worse, when water was used as the cooling system. Sclerometer and ultrasound non-destructive tests were conducted to quantify deterioration and a relationship with the compressive strength results was established.