Effect of Elevated Temperature on the Deformation Behaviors of Early-Age Concrete

Concrete structures are vulnerable to fire-induced damage throughout their service life, with high-temperature exposure presenting a critical safety hazard. This study addresses the critical safety risks posed by fire-induced damage in concrete structures, particularly focusing on the distinct behavioral differences between early-age and mature concrete during both heating and cooling. To investigate these variations, concrete specimens cured for 3, 14, 28, 60, and 90 days were subjected to deformation tests and heated to target temperatures ranging from 100 to 800 °C. Key parameters, including compressive strength, mass loss, and linear expansion rate, were measured. The results show that the linear expansion rate and thermal expansion coefficient increased with temperature at all ages, with residual linear expansion rates at 800 °C ranging from 0.49% to 0.55%, decreasing slightly with age. While compressive strength was higher in older specimens at room temperature, it became similar across ages after exposure to high temperatures, especially above 500 °C. Notably, constant-temperature exposure significantly influenced the deformation behavior. These findings suggest that fire resistance assessments should account for concrete age and, more importantly, the effects of sustained high-temperature exposure, which critically alter deformation patterns and residual properties.