Strength and durability recovery of fire-damaged concrete after post-fire-curing

The effect of post-fire-curing on the strength and durability recovery of fire-damaged concrete was investigated. Twenty normal- (NSC) and high-strength concrete (HSC) mixes incorporating different pozzolans were prepared and exposed to elevated temperatures till 800°C. After natural cooling, the specimens were subjected to post-fire-curing in water and in a controlled environment for a total duration of 56 days. Unstressed compressive strength, rapid chloride diffusion, and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) tests were conducted to examine the changes in the macro- and microstructure of the concrete. The test results indicated that the post-fire-curing results in substantial strength and durability recovery and its extent depend upon the types of concrete, exposure temperature, method, and duration of recurring. In one case, the recovered strength was 93% of the original unfired strength. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations indicated that the recovery was due to a number of rehydration processes that regenerate the calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H). The new rehydration products were smaller in size than the original hydration products and filled the internal cracks, honey combs, and capillaries created during the fire. The surface crack widths were also reduced during the recuring process, and in most cases, they were found within the maximum limits specified by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) building code.