A concrete structure exposed to fire deteriorates when the temperature increase in the structure. An experimental study has been performed in order to evaluate the degree of degradation of concrete exposed to two different fire scenarios. As the thermal diffusivity of concrete is low, high thermal gradient is induced in the cross-section. This causes inhomogeneous mechanical properties of a concrete structure. In traditionally core testing of the elastic modulus and compressive the material is assumed to be homogeneous, this is not the case when concrete has been exposed to a real fire. By using an optical full-field strain measuring device the mechanical response at different depth, from the fire exposed surface, can be studied. In this study a typical concrete mix for civil engineer applications were used. In addition a similar concrete mix with reduced aggregate size was tested. The test samples were exposed to the standard fire curve ISO 834-1 or a temperature rise of 10 °C/min. In addition, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity measurement and PFM Microscopy were conducted in order obtain a reliable picture of the residual mechanical properties and the durability.

Annually, several concrete structures, such as buildings, bridges, parking garages and tunnels are exposed to fires. An assessment is then necessary to decide whether the structure can be repaired or needs to be replaced. In a recent research project, recommendations for assessments of fire exposed concrete structures have been developed. The recommendations are based on a literature survey, results from an experimental study, where ultrasonic measurements, microscopy, Digital Image Correlation (DIC) measurement on loaded core samples were used and practical experience of real post-fire structural assessments. A refined assessment of the fire damage is obtained by combining these test methods.

Annually, several concrete structures, such as buildings, bridges, parking garages, tunnels, etc. are exposed to fires. Many fires are small, for example single car fires in tunnels. These fires do not affect the load carrying capability of the concrete structure and thus minor or no reparations are required. In modern concrete for civil engineer applications the use of Polypropylene fibres (PP-fibre) to reduce fire spalling is growing. Some studies have been carried out which indicate that the use of PP-fibres will not affect the durability of the concrete. But in case of a fairly moderate fire exposure, a fire exposure that does not lead to structural damage, the PP-fibres can potentially lead to reduced durability. During low intensity fires or at long distances downstream a large fire in a tunnel the PP-fibres melts and form channels in the concrete. After such degradation of the PP-fibres it is plausible that accelerated damage may occur when moisture, de-icing salts and carbon dioxide can more easily penetrate the concrete. In this experimental study the chloride migration and the capillary suction are studied in moderately heated concrete containing PP fibres. The chloride migration tests were conducted with heated samples with and without PP-fibres. The capillary suction tests were even conducted with different fibre contents. As a reference the results are compared with results from unheated concrete. The aim of the project is to define whether or not measures have to be taken to repair concrete structures after small fires and at long distances downstream from large fires in tunnels. If the durability is affected the costs and consequences of not repairing and refurbishing after the fire can potentially be very high especially after a fires in very long tunnel.