Influence of PFA on cracking of concrete and cement paste after exposure to high temperatures

Cracking is a visible type of damage to concrete that has significant adverse effects on the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. An experimental study on the identification and quantification of cracking in postheated concrete was conducted to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of damages to concrete after exposure to high temperatures. In addition to the quantification of the residual compressive and tensile strengths of concrete after high temperature exposure, both macroscale and microscopic cracks were observed and measured. The crack patterns in different concretes, including concrete made with different water to binder (w/b) ratios and PFA dosages, were classified. Also examined was the cracking in the corresponding hardened cement pastes (hcp's) prepared without adding aggregates. The relation of cracking with deterioration of the durability properties of concrete, with respect to the chloride diffusion test results, was discussed. Crack density, a quantitative term, which had been introduced to study the microcrack properties in concrete, was adopted for measuring the severity of cracking. Severe cracking of concrete was observed after exposure to 450 °C and higher temperatures. The presence of PFA reduced the extent of these thermal cracks.