Effect of Elevated Temperatures on the Mechanical Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

06/11/2026   Share :        
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Fiber-reinforced concrete is considered an advanced construction material that has gained significant attention in civil engineering due to the improvements that fibers provide to the mechanical properties of concrete, such as tensile strength, crack resistance, and ductility. However, exposure to elevated temperatures, particularly during fire incidents or under severe environmental conditions, may cause changes in its internal structure and reduce its structural performance. This study aims to evaluate the effect of elevated temperatures on the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced concrete by preparing concrete mixtures containing different types and proportions of fibers, such as steel fibers and polypropylene fibers. The concrete specimens are exposed to various temperature levels, and their results are compared with those of unexposed concrete specimens. The study focuses on determining the effects of elevated temperatures on compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength. In addition, changes in weight, density, and crack formation after thermal exposure are evaluated. The influence of exposure duration and cooling rate on the final properties of concrete can also be investigated. Elevated temperatures cause changes in the concrete constituents due to moisture loss, the decomposition of certain cement hydration products, and differences in thermal expansion between the mixture components. Steel fibers may help limit crack propagation and improve the ability of concrete to withstand loads after thermal exposure within certain temperature limits. In contrast, polypropylene fibers have a relatively low melting temperature. When exposed to high temperatures, they melt and create small channels within the concrete, which may help release internal vapor pressure and reduce the risk of explosive spalling. The expected results may reveal variations in the residual strength of concrete depending on the type and percentage of fibers, exposure temperature, and exposure duration. Increasing temperatures are generally expected to cause a gradual reduction in mechanical strength. However, the presence of fibers may contribute to improving the post-heating behavior of concrete and reducing crack development, depending on the type of fibers used. The significance of this study lies in understanding the behavior of fiber-reinforced concrete under severe thermal conditions and determining its ability to retain its mechanical properties after exposure to elevated temperatures. Furthermore, the study may contribute to developing safer and more fire-resistant construction materials and improving the design of concrete structures exposed to high-temperature hazards. In conclusion, evaluating the effect of elevated temperatures on fiber-reinforced concrete is an important step toward developing concrete materials with improved performance under extreme conditions. Identifying the appropriate type and proportion of fibers can enhance crack resistance and improve residual mechanical properties, thereby supporting the safety of concrete structures and extending their service life.