Innovative strategies for enhancing fire performance of high-strength concrete structures

High-strength concrete is being increasingly used in a number of building applications, where structural fire safety is one of the primary design considerations. Many research studies clearly indicate that the fire performance of high-strength concrete is different from that of normal-strength concrete and that high-strength concrete may not exhibit same level of performance as normal-strength concrete under fire conditions. This article outlines key characteristics that influence the performance of high-strength concrete structural members under fire conditions. Data generated in previous experimental and numerical studies are utilized to illustrate various factors that influence fire performance of high-strength concrete structural members. Based on the published data, observations and trends on the behavior of high-strength concrete members, innovative strategies for mitigating spalling and enhancing fire resistance of high-strength concrete structural members are proposed.