| Abstract: |
Developing concrete that combines high mechanical efficiency with strong thermal resistance is essential to address the challenges of elevated temperatures and repeated mechanical stress. In this study, the performance of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) was improved using two techniques. First, Basalt Fibers (BF) were added due to their excellent thermal resistance. Second, Water-Absorbing Polymer Beads (WAPB) were incorporated at 3%, 4%, and 5% of the cementitious material weight to enhance the residual mechanical strength of SCC after fire exposure. The WAPB served two main functions. Initially, they provided internal curing by gradually releasing the absorbed water (after 24 h of pre-soaking) to sustain hydration after casting, and secondly their shrinkage created voids that acted as thermal insulators, reducing the risk of explosive spalling at 300 °C, 500 °C, and 700 °C. The objective was to investigate how BF and WAPB affect the SCC strength after fire exposure. The results showed that higher WAPB content improved the residual mechanical strength at elevated temperatures. Specifically, the residual compressive strengths were 32.91%, 36.95%, 41.89%, and 46.84%; the residual tensile strengths were 24.94%, 27.71%, 29.51%, and 31.42%; and the residual flexural strengths were 24.70%, 27.19%, 28.73%, and 30.33% for mixes BF0.4, BF0.4+P3, BF0.4+P4, and BF0.4+P5, respectively. All mixes contained 0.4% BF by volume, with WAPB ranging from 0% to 5% by cementitious material weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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